Principal 's Paw Prints

Wildcat Families,

As we move through the middle of the first quarter, this is an important time to remain connected, informed, and attentive to our students’ progress. Please take time to review your student’s grades and attendance regularly and communicate with teachers and school staff early when questions or concerns arise. Attendance matters every day and in every class, and consistent participation is essential to student success.

We especially ask families to pay close attention to 3rd period attendance, as this period also includes lunch. Students are expected to report to class and follow their assigned lunch schedule so that instructional time is protected and attendance records remain accurate.

Our work is a partnership. Families, students, teachers, support staff, and administrators all play an important role in ensuring that Northwestern remains a place where teaching and learning can thrive. Maintaining a safe, orderly, and respectful Den is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate your continued support in reinforcing expectations around attendance, punctuality, behavior, and academic progress.

As we continue through the first quarter, I encourage every family to stay engaged, communicate early, and help us ensure that every Wildcat is present, prepared, and positioned for success.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Northwestern High School.

One Den. One Purpose. Forward Together. 🐾

~Principal Barker

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Familias Wildcats:

Al encontrarnos a mitad del primer trimestre, este es un momento importante para mantenernos conectados, informados y atentos al progreso de nuestros estudiantes.Por favor, tómense el tiempo para revisar regularmente las calificaciones y la asistencia de sus estudiantes y comunicarse con los maestros y el personal escolar desde temprano cuando tengan preguntas o inquietudes. La asistencia importa todos los días y en cada clase, y la participación constante es esencial para el éxito académico.

También pedimos a las familias que presten especial atención a la asistencia durante el tercer período, ya que este período también incluye el almuerzo. Los estudiantes deben presentarse a clase y seguir el horario de almuerzo asignado para proteger el tiempo de instrucción y mantener registros de asistencia precisos.

Nuestro trabajo es una alianza. Las familias, los estudiantes, los maestros, el personal de apoyo y los administradores desempeñan un papel importante para asegurar que Northwestern continúe siendo un lugar donde la enseñanza y el aprendizaje puedan prosperar. Mantener nuestro Den seguro, ordenado y respetuoso es una responsabilidad compartida, y agradecemos su apoyo continuo al reforzar las expectativas relacionadas con la asistencia, la puntualidad, la conducta y el progreso académico.

A medida que continuamos el primer trimestre, animo a todas las familias a mantenerse involucradas, comunicarse con nosotros desde temprano y ayudarnos a asegurar que cada Wildcat esté presente, preparado y encaminado hacia el éxito.

Gracias por su continua colaboración y compromiso con Northwestern High School.

Una comunidad. Un propósito. Avanzamos juntos 🐾

~Directora Barker

Our Latin Excelencia Hispanic Heritage Celebration brought together the Arts, ELD, World Languages, families, and community partners for a vibrant celebration of culture, diversity, and community in The Den.

Through music, performances, language, traditions, and shared experiences, our students and families had the opportunity to celebrate the richness of Hispanic heritage while strengthening the connections that make Northwestern such a diverse and dynamic school community.

A special thank you to the Jim Henson Academy of Visual & Performing Arts at Northwestern High School for coordinating and hosting this meaningful celebration, and to all of our staff, students, families, and community partners who helped bring the event to life.

This is what community looks like in The Den!

Week of October 5, 2026

NHS Athletics

Monday, October 5, 2026

Volleyball at Eleanor Roosevelt - JV plays at 5:30 pm; Varsity plays at 6:30 pm - VPA dismissal 3:30 pm

Soccer vs. Parkdale

• Girls home - varsity plays at 3:30 pm; JV plays at 5:00 pm - dismissal 2:30 pm

• Boys away - varsity plays at 3:30 pm; JV plays at 5:00 pm - dismissal at 2:00 pm

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Flag Football at DuVal at 5:00 pm - VPA dismissal at 3:45 pm

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Cross Country at Patuxent State Park - dismissal at 11:45 am

Girls’ Soccer at Bladensburg - Varsity Only - game at 4:30 pm

Volleyball at DuVal -

• Junior Varsity plays at 5:30 pm

• Varsity plays at 6:30 pm - VPA dismissal at 3:45 pm

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Boys’ Soccer vs. Bladensburg

• JV at 4:00 pm

• Varsity at 5:30 pm

Friday, October 9, 2026

Flag Football at CH Flowers at 4:00 pm - VPA dismissal at 3:00 pm

Football vs. Potomac at 7:00 pm

Please come out with your ROARING school spirit in support of our Wildcats!

Mrs. Cox — Last Names A–K (patricia.cox@pgcps.org)

Mr. Hawkes — Last Names L–Z (dewayne.hawkes@pgcps.org)

Ms. A. Brown — 9th Grade Coordinator (abiegay.brown@pgcps.org)

Ms. Polley — (cordelia.polley@pgcps.org)

Ms. Bass — Last Names A–K (donalyn.bass@pgcps.org)

Dr. Mendevil — Last Names L–Z (darwin.mendevil@pgcps.org)

Ms. Muschett — Last Names A–K (secoya.muschett@pgcps.org)

Ms. Welch — Last Names L–Z (monica.welch@pgcps.org)