Northwest News

Dear Northwest Students and Families,

Welcome back to school for the 2026–2027 school year! We are thrilled to welcome our freshman class and any new students to Northwest for Transition Day tomorrow and then all 2,200 Jaguars Tuesday morning. We are excited for what we know will be a fantastic year ahead! As noted in my Back-to-School newsletter, I will continue sending the Northwest News every Sunday evening. This weekly newsletter will include important dates, schedules, reminders, and information to keep our families, students, and staff connected and informed.

As we begin the first day, please remember that car-riders should be dropped off through the lower, gym lobby entrance. Car drop-offs and pick-ups are not allowed in the upper bus lot during arrival hours (7:00–7:55 a.m.) or dismissal hours (2:20–2:55 p.m.). Plan ahead! The earlier you arrive, the smoother and less congested both Richter Farm Road and our parking lots will be. Be safe, keep your eyes open for pedestrians and cyclists, and slow down—posted speed limits are in place to ensure everyone arrives safely.

The 2026-2027 bus route schedules are available to families this year in Parent Vue/Student Vue, the Northwest High School's website, the Transportation page on the Montgomery County Public School's website and linked here. Students must use their assigned bus stops for efficient routing and spacing on our buses. If there are any concerns about your student's bus route, please contact our Northwest Transportation Cluster Manager, Ms. Gail Walker, at 240-740-4731, or Northwest Assistant Principal, Ms. Tara-Dee Henry, at 240-740-7100. For our Magnet program bus riders, please contact Ms. Stacie Berman, at 240-740-7122.

IMPORTANT: On the second full day of school, Wednesday, August 26, we will be engaging in our safety day as well as beginning our student expectations lessons. Be sure read through this linked letter which outlines these lessons. Reach out to your child's administrator with any questions.

Families are now able to submit a student absence within Parent Vue. You may find written directions in multiple languages on the process here. A video with step-by-step directions can be found here.

Special Note: In order for your child to access GSuite for education, which is necessary for most classes, you must complete this linked form.

This week’s newsletter is packed with important information to help us start the year smoothly. You’ll find:

• This week’s bell schedule, including homeroom on Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26.

• Important updates regarding our Standard Response Protocol for emergency response.

• Details on the Senior Sunrise celebration (Friday, August 29).

• Updated counselor/administrator and administrative duties charts.

• Updates to both our Grading and Reporting Policy and Student Code of Conduct.

• Our new cell phone policy and new ID policy.

• A reminder about College T-Shirt Tuesdays.

• Details for parking permits.

• A way to join both the Booster Club AND PTSA.

• This week’s activities and athletic events.

• Arrival/dismissal reminders, ParentVUE information, ways for parents to get involved, and a link to purchase class spirit gear.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Northwest. We can’t wait to welcome each and every one of our students tomorrow morning and kick off another amazing year together!

Go Jags!

Do you love to take photos of you and your Jag friends?

Did you photograph summer events? School events? School friends?

Contribute to the PHOTO bank that yearbook uses to create the 2026-2027 edition of Silver Paws.

Upload your photos on the QR code. Add first and last name(s) and a brief summary of the photo.

Yearbook staff will consider featuring your photo(s) in the 2026-2027 edition of Silver Paws.

ALSO, Spring Supplements have arrived and are ready for pickup. You can find them in the media center, the attendance office or room 250 before school, during lunch or after school until 2:45. The Spring Supplement is free and features spring sports, spring events such as prom, graduation, and the spring play.

In order to maintain a safe and secure school environment, all staff and students are required to have their ID badges visible at all times while on campus.

Key Points:

• ID Visibility: Your ID must be visible at all times. We will be providing a lanyard for all students during the first week of school.

• Replacement: If you lose your ID or it becomes damaged, you can get a new ID from the Northwest security office for $5.

• School Events: Students must have their school ID in their possession to attend all school-sponsored events (either at Northwest or away).

NON-NEGOTIABLES (Law, Policy, Regulation citations)

MCPS Regulation JNA-RB, Collection of Student Financial Obligations

MCPS Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security

MCPS Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy (Spanish)

GUIDELINES

Each student is financially responsible for avoidable damage to or loss of any Chromebook, case, and/or charger. Charging families for avoidable damage is required, and not left to an individual's discretion. Charges must be assessed in alignment with the following: FY 2027 Chromebook Repair and Replacement Costs. No cost is associated for a student to borrow, possess, or use a chromebook. Obligations must be recorded and processed at the time damage or loss is identified. Families may request an appeal or waiver after the charge has been issued.

Transition Day (Monday, Aug. 24) is the first full day of school for students entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and 9th grade (plus third grade at intermediate schools) and students new to MCPS. This is an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine. Learn more about Transition Day: English | Spanish Students will get a head start on navigating their new school before the official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 25. They will meet principals and teachers, tour the building, practice routines and connect with classmates.

Saturday School Registration Is Now Open: Taught by certified teachers, Saturday School provides Kindergarten through Grade 12 academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts. There are in-person and virtual options. Tutoring begins Sept. 26. Fees increase Sept. 1. Register early!

Submitted Your FARMS Application Yet?: Apply today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Submit the online FARMS application through MySchoolApps (translations are available). Only one application is needed for all students in a household. More information

Are Your Student’s Immunizations Up to Date?: Here are the latest requirements. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding immunization clinics in August and September. MCPS is also planning for immunizations at the regional Back-to-School Fairs on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Student Schedules: High school students will receive their class schedules by Wednesday, Aug. 19. They will be available in StudentVue and ParentVue.

Athletic Tryouts Underway: Good luck to all of our student-athletes who are trying out for teams this fall season! We’re cheering you on as you showcase your R.A.I.S.E. team spirit by giving your all, supporting your teammates, and showing respect and sportsmanship.

Help Shape the Future of MCPS School Facilities
MCPS is seeking community members to serve on the Facility Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 school year. Committee members will share their knowledge, experience and perspectives to help inform long-term planning for MCPS school facilities. Members of this committee will advise MCPS on a variety of topics related to the community’s vision for school facilities and planning that are outside the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) time frame, but that may require attention in the 10-15 year time frame or beyond.
If you're interested in helping shape the future of MCPS facilities, complete the application by Friday, Sept. 4.

The Game Needs You: Become an MPSSAA Official
Turn your passion for sports into an opportunity to make a real impact. Become a Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) official and help shape the experience of student-athletes in Maryland and MCPS middle and high school athletics.

Every game needs dedicated officials who ensure competition is fair, safe and competitive, while serving as leaders and role models on the field, court and track. Whether you're a lifelong sports enthusiast, former athlete, coach or simply looking for a rewarding way to stay connected to the game, officiating offers the chance to give back, stay active and be part of something bigger.

Join a respected community of officials who play an essential role in preserving the integrity of middle and high school sports, while making a lasting difference in the lives of young student-athletes. Learn more.

Stay Connected to MCPS

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

• CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845). Visit the AskMCPS website.

• READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

• FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
  x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol

• SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

• WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

More MCPS Resources

• School calendar

• Parent resource page

• News and Information page / Noticias en Español

• Latest photo galleries

• MCPS TV videos

• MCPS TV español

Connect. Explore. Plan…A Message from the College & Career Center

The College & Career Center is here to help students explore opportunities, plan their future, and find the support they need whether they’re pursuing college, a career, technical school, the military, or other postsecondary options. Throughout the school year, we’ll offer resources, workshops, events, and one-on-one support focused on:

• College Representative visits (11th & 12th Grade)
• Scholarships and financial aid, including FAFSA and Maryland State financial aid
• College applications, Common App, and Naviance
• College essays, resumes, and application support
• Career exploration, internships, employment, and career readiness
• Military opportunities
• Postsecondary planning and resources for students and families

College Visits:

College representatives will begin visiting NWHS on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The full schedule is posted in Naviance and on the NWHS College/Career Website. Students must register in Naviance for each visit (whether in person or virtual). The full schedule is posted in Naviance under “college”, then “college visits.”

• Once registered, students will receive an email in their mcpsmd.net account.
• This email should be shown to their teacher prior to the visit to request permission to leave class and to notify the teacher that they may return late.
• If no students are registered, the visit may be cancelled.

Upcoming Events:

Common Application & Scholarship Workshops

Financial Aid Assistance

Financial Aid Information Nights

Montgomery College Information Night

Save The Date:

College Fairs USA Field Trip for 11th & 12th grade- Friday, October 9, 2026

Resource Links:

Northwest HS Post Secondary Planning- College/Career Resource Handbook

NWHS College/Career Website

MCPS is taking steps to enhance transparency and ensure consistent implementation of core instructional texts. To support this, all parents and guardians will be provided with advanced notification of instructional texts used in the classroom and will be permitted to inspect any text on the notification list. Additionally, parents and guardians will be permitted to inspect texts and will have the opportunity to request that their child be excused from instruction involving material that substantially interferes with their sincerely held religious beliefs.

This process requires the following steps:

• Lists of the instructional material to be used in the core areas of instruction will be made available for your review no later than the first week of each quarter. To review that list, click here.

• You will have the opportunity to review these lists and ask questions of your school about the content of the texts. You may also make an appointment with your school to view the texts in person.

• To the extent that any text on the list of instructional materials, sincerely interferes with your families’ sincerely held religious belief, you may request that your child be excused from instruction by completing and submitting a request form. That form will be made available to you on our school webpage.

• If your request is granted, your child will be excused from instruction when his/her teacher is using the text you identified as objectionable and may be afforded the opportunity for other academic work during the period of time in which the student would otherwise be participating in the instruction the student is excused from.

• We will release more specific information about this process soon with links to and instructions for completing the request form.

Parking permits for the full year only will be sold beginning August 25, 2026. Parking permits for the second semester will be sold beginning January 26, 2027. Applications and payment will be accepted by the Business Office (Room 322) before school (7:25 – 7:40 a.m.), during student lunch, and after school (2:30 – 2:45 p.m.). Students must have no outstanding financial obligations to the school and must be academically eligible (2.0 cumulative GPA with no more than one E) in order to be eligible for a parking permit. The fee for a full year permit is $78.00, which includes the processing fee. Starting this school year, payments will be made strictly through SchoolCash Online.

A payment link will be sent to the students school email address once applications are received, reviewed, and approved. During the first three weeks of school (August 25 - September 11), students may use any parking space in the lower parking lot. When students receive their parking permits, they will be assigned a parking space. Parking permit applications are available in the "Back-to-School Resource Bank” in the "News" section of the Northwest website. Beginning Monday, September 14, all cars driven by students must display a valid 2026-2027 parking permit and be parked in the student’s assigned space. Cars that are parked in the incorrect space or that do not have a valid parking permit may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

If students are arriving by car, they must be dropped off at the lower gym lobby entrance until 7:45am. After 7:45 am, car riders must be dropped off at the upper main entrance. Students who walk to school may arrive at the main entrance or the gym lobby. All buses will drop students off at the upper main entrance. Please note that these procedures are the same for dismissal in the afternoon.

Some additional things to note:

• If parents are going to pick their children up for early dismissal, they must come before 2:10 p.m. Parents should either send a written note or an email with the student's full name, I.D. number, and the full name of their parent or guardian in order for them to get a pass to leave their class. When the parent or guardian arrives to the school to pick up their child, they must present a form of identification to the attendance office. If parents do not send an email or provide a written note, they should be aware that it will take up to 10 to 15 minutes for the student to be pulled from class.
• To have an excused absence, the student must also bring a note or email from their parent or guardian including the student's full name, I.D. number, and the full name of their parent or guardian.
• If a student will be absent for more than three days due to traveling purposes, the parents must present a supporting letter in advance stating the days that the student will be absent and the reason why the student will be missing school.

Families, please remember to adhere to the speed limit on Richter Farm Road. Additionally, please do not let students out of your vehicles on Richter Farm Road. We want everyone to arrive to school safely.

It's a long-standing tradition at Northwest for each grade to wear their assigned CLASS COLOR on Pep Rally days! Each class sits in a designated section at the rallies so make an impact for YOUR CLASS by wearing your grade level color and make your presence known! Although participation with wearing class colors is optional, we hope you will join in the FUN!

The grade level colors are as follows:

Freshmen (Grade 9): YELLOW

Sophomores (Grade 10): GREEN

Juniors (Grade 11): RED

Seniors (Grade 12): BLUE

You can wear any clothing and/or accessories in your assigned color as long as you adhere to the school dress code. You can opt to wear clothing that you already own in your grade level color, you can purchase a shirt from the PTSA/Booster Club website for $8: http://www.nwhsptsa.org/shop (available sizes and quantities are limited), or you can purchase a T-shirt in your color at Michael's or Joanne's (the cost is usually around $5) and personalize with fabric markers or paint pens! The possibilities are endless to show your #JagPride!

Email: Scott_E_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://northwestjags.org
Location: 13501 Richter Farm Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-7100
Twitter: @NorthwestJags