Coming up:

10/18 Schools Closed for Teachers and Students (MSEA Convention)

10/31 First Marking Period Ends – All Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students

11/1 Systemwide Professional Development Day – Schools Closed for Students

11/5 Election Day- Schools Closed

11/19 & 11/20 Picture Day

Just a friendly reminder that early dismissal ends at 2:30pm.

Hello Northwest Academy families,

We are in hopes of your continued support in helping students navigate social media and rumors in middle school. Over the past few weeks, we have noticed a significant increase in social media activity posing alleged rumors and false narratives. As students receive and share this information with peers, it is inciting some disruptions to the learning environment.

Please take some time to review what content your student may be viewing and what conversations may be occurring via social media platforms and group chats. Please encourage students to report any concerns to the administration directly rather than perpetuating them online. We are here to help and happy to do so, but we are hoping to eliminate the distractions being caused by rumors and false information.

A friendly reminder that students are required to follow uniform expectations at all times while in the building. As the weather changes and temperatures drop, students may wear a plain crew neck, cardigan, or fleece jacket that corresponds to their uniform color. They may also wear a long sleeve shirt under their uniform polo. No hooded sweatshirts or jackets are permitted.

Please take some time this weekend to ensure your student has something that aligns to their uniform colors and is permitted for cooler weather days.

Grade 6- Red or Gray

Grade 7- Light Blue or Black

Grade 8- Burgundy or Gold

Thank you for your support and adherence to this expectation.

If you are unable to provide proper cooler weather items for your child, please email Jmiranda@bcps.org

The Focus SIS System Now Has a Mobile APP

BCPS’ Focus Student Information System now has an accompanying app that can be used from mobile devices. The application can be used by Staff, Parents/Guardian’s, and Students.

Google Play Store: Team BCPS - Focus - Apps on Google Play

Apple App Store: Team BCPS- Focus- Apple App Store

More information from BCPS about Focus App For Parents can be found here!
Directions on using the Focus App and logging in can be found here!
Directions on Creating a Parent Account can be found here!

Hello!

My name is Jessica Miranda and I am Northwest Academy's CARE Liaison! Please take a look at the resources and links provided below.

My email address is Jmiranda@bcps.org

Please let me know if I can help in any way. I have access to many resources available in our community so please don't hesitate to reach out if you or your child needs anything.

My Northwest Academy's family involvement goals are:

• To educate parents on the important role they play in assisting in their child’s education.

• To encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education at school.

• To communicate with parents as full partners in their child’s education.

• To provide parents with opportunities, skills and tools to help them engage in meaningful parent-child learning activities.

Local Resources:
Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214
Crisis text line: Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support
Maryland Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

Baltimore County DSS: 410-887-TIME

Maryland Food Bank: 410-737-8282

211 Maryland: 211, https://211md.org/ or text 898-211

Additional resources: Baltimore County Resource Guide * BCPS Meal Sites * BCPS Social Emotional Support Page * MD Crisis Hotline * MD Food Bank * Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214 * Crisis Text Line (Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support)

If you are interested in being a chaperone on a field trip or volunteering this year at NAHS please follow the directions in the link below. You will need to complete the application, watch the training video and get the certificate.

When completed please email the application and certificate to me at Jmiranda@bcps.org or turn it into the main office.

BCPS Volunteers - Baltimore County Public Schools

Each October, Common Sense Education leads Digital Citizenship Week, an annual campaign to promote a healthy, balanced, and positive approach to media and tech use among young people. Digital Citizenship Week will take place from October 14-18, 2024. BCPS has been a Common Sense Media School District since 2016, as a result of the efforts of library media specialists who teach and lead the teaching of digital citizenship lessons inspired by Common Sense Education for grades PreK-12. Check out Common Sense Education's digital citizenship family resources!

Families needing assistance with paying for or obtaining internet access for their children while at home should be directed to the Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit (MEBB) service. The State of Maryland has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides eligible families access to free or reduced internet access for their homes. This internet access can be used for virtual learning, and access to online resources such as job postings, health resources, and other benefits for adult family members and children.

Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit can be accessed through the MEBB website by going to a Baltimore County Public Library and using the available internet access.

Baltimore County Public Libraries also has a ‘Long Term Device Lending Program’ where patrons of the library can sign out either a ChromeBook and/or a cellular hotspot for up to six months. More information is available on the Baltimore County Public Library website (https://www.bcpl.info/services/longterm-lending.html ).

An alternative method is to contact the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program directly by calling (877) 384-2575. Services are available in multiple languages. Families must qualify for the service. A family can also contact one of the internet access/broadband providers on the attached listing directly to find out more about the application process.

Links to these resources are available on the BCPS Office of Network Support Services webpage. BCPS will not be providing cellular hotspots to students for virtual learning days. Only students who are verified as being in need, as defined by the Title I office, will be eligible to receive BCPS-provided hotspots. The MEBB, ACP, and BCPL lending programs are administered outside of Baltimore County Public Schools. All questions should be directed to either the Federal Communications Commission, the State of Maryland, or the Baltimore County Public Libraries as it relates to the appropriate program.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): Greg Vukov, Director 443-809-9888

If your student has a medical problem and requires the use of as needed medication such as an Inhaler, a medical form signed by your child’s doctor is needed to keep the medication in the health suite for use or for the student to self-carry the medication.

To request medication administration at school, please note: § This form must be completed and signed by you and your child’s health care provider. § A new form is needed for all changes in medication, dose, or time. § Use of the medication or dietary supplement must be permitted by both federal and Maryland law. § The medication should be brought to school by a parent/guardian or responsible adult. § Prescription medications must be in a container that is labeled by the pharmacy with the student’s name, prescriber’s name, name of medication, dosage, route, conditions for storage, prescription date, and expiration date. § Over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements must be in a container that is commercially labeled and includes the name of the drug or supplement, its strength, conditions for storage, and expiration date. § Unless otherwise specified, medication order is valid for the entire school year. § Expired and discontinued medication not picked up by the last day of school will be destroyed.

The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is to get a flu vaccine. You can get a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. Find your flu vaccine. The injectable quadravalent vaccine will be available, which is not the high-dose vaccine recommended for people 65 and over. See your healthcare provider to obtain the high-dose vaccine. In addition, many local pharmacies offer free flu shots in your community. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most up-to-date information on seasonal flu. If you are unable to attend a clinic, find a location offering vaccinations near you. https://www.vaccinefinder.org/

REMEMBER THE FLU FACTS Residents are encouraged to remember the flu FACTS in order to prevent the spread of contagious viruses, including seasonal flu: • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. • Always get an annual flu shot. • Cover coughs and sneezes.

Parent University offers resources, videos, workshops, and system updates to support the needs of your family. Our program goals align with the BCPS Compass: Our Pathway to Excellence - Focus Area 4 - Community Engagement and Partnerships.

Registration for all sports is open at this time. This includes fall, winter, and spring sports.

https://bcpscloud-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/cpriddee_bcps_org/EdTvWxdqUkBAiCPCSBZXTpIBWemFTDtW9a8s4aU5oXp0pw

NAHS athletes will be participating in three athletic events on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024.

Cross Country's two-mile run will start at 9 am at Loch Raven High School.

Allied Soccer's game and Badminton's match will both start at 9 am at New Town High School.

Please come out to support our scholar athletes!

Hello Math Families,

All NAHS math students recently completed a Math Advisory Series that focused on building a positive math identity. The three-lesson series included a self-assessment, a summary of the brain research that supports math learning, as well as the importance of having math experiences that allows for mistakes and problem solving. In addition, students learned about the value of having grit and a growth mindset. Check out the links below to gain insight into the Math Advisory Series. Please reach out if you would like additional resources to foster your student’s positive math identity at home.

The Power of Belief: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc

Four Key Messages to Learn Math: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUHs_xR7l9M

Grit: The Importance of Perserverance https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?subtitle=en

Together we can!

Yvonne Holcomb

NAHS Math Department Chair

Greeting NAHS community!

We have transitioned from summertime to the routines of being back to school. We are excited about teaching and encourage student learning and creative thinking. Please see below the engaging instruction students will be experiencing during quarter 1. Please be sure to ask your child about what they are learning.

Grade 6 - Unit 1: Growing Up

Unit Essential Question: What are some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up?

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will investigate some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up, considering the possibilities that lie ahead of them. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group learning, they will read and analyze selections about growing up and the sometimes-difficult process of becoming an adult. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on personal narrative writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Grade 7 - Unit 1: Crossing Generations

Unit Essential Question: What can one generation learn from another?

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will investigate what one generation can learn from another, considering how knowledge flows between age groups. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group learning, they will read and analyze selections about how different generations learn from and interact with one another. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on personal narrative writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Grade 8 - Unit 1: Rites of Passage

Unit Essential Question: What are some milestones on the path to growing up?

Unit Overview: In this unit, students will investigate milestones on the path to growing up, considering how singular experiences can change a life. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group learning, they will read and analyze selections about the obstacles and triumphs that lie between childhood and adulthood. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on personal narrative writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Sincerely,

Reading and English Language Arts Department

Greetings Northwest Academy families! We are a little over halfway through the 1st Marking Period. The 1st Marking Period ends on October 31st and report cards will be distributed on November 14th.

We would like to welcome Ms. Helen Tracey to the Northwest Academy School Counseling Team! She will be working with our 7th Grade students and families. Ms. Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, and we are grateful to have her join the NAHS Family.

Northwest Academy have a partnership with GIFTS Mental Health Clinic. GIFTS provides counseling services for students during the school day or in their office and is a great source of support for students requiring assistance with concerns such as:

· Anxiety, panic, or stress

· Intense sadness

· Conduct and behavior

· Impulse control issues

· Emotional regulation difficulties

· Difficulty getting along with others

· Grief and loss

· Traumatic experiences

· Feelings of loneliness and worthlessness

· Difficulty sleeping

If you are interested in their services, please reach out to Ms. M. Jones.

8th Grade: The BCPS Magnet Application is live! The deadline to apply is November 1st at 1:00pm. For application and program details, please click here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

To schedule an appointment with your grade level counselor please click here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/NorthwestAcademyofHealthSciencesCounselingOffice@bcpscloud.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/

Tonya Linton, 6th Grade School Counselor tlinton@bcps.org

Helen Tracey, 7th Grade School Counselor htracey2@bcps.org

Monica Jones, 8th Grade School Counselor and Department Chair mjones25@bcps.org

Deborah Carroll, Registrar dcarroll2@bcps.org