NORTHWESTHIGH

SCHOOL

Hello Northwest High School Juniors.

Today we will be reviewing the Course Registration Process for the 2020‐2021 school year and getting ready for Grade 12!  Students please look at the registration card in front of you to make sure you received the correct card with your name listed. 

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Objectives Review the Northwest HS counselor caseloads.

Review graduation requirements and course suggestions for your specific grade level.

Review elective options.

Plan for completing registration on paper and online.

We will review Northwest High School’s Counseling Department caseloads, review high school graduation requirements and course suggestions based on your specific grade level. We will review some elective options and plan for completing the registration process. 

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Northwest CounselorsA-Ber Mr. FlachBes-Deb Ms. McCarthy-ReddDec-Go Ms. KravitzGp-Kak Ms. BlancoKal-Map Ms. CoisMaq-N Mr. Freeman O-Ros Ms. BuckRot-Thn Ms. KimTho-Z Mr. StewartMC2 Grade 9 Ms. BuntingMC2 Grade 10-12 Ms. Edmunds

There are 11 counselors at Northwest High School assigned to students by last name. Your counselors are here to help you with course registration and can provide information about course offerings and what courses may be the best fit for your interests and long term goals.

Please write your counselor’s name on the upper left hand corner of your registration card. 

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Honors English 12 A Honors English 12 B

Calc w/App A Calc w/App B

Registration Card

Use the back of the card as a reference for courses you may select.

Recommendations are pre-printed for you.

Digital Art A/BAP Psychology A/BJournalism A/BAll seniors will need to

register for 7 classes.

If you are participating in a special program (ex. internship, dual enrollment), please *** star the classes you wish to drop once you are accepted.

Please take a look at your registration card front and back. Northwest High School has many different course offerings to choose from. On the front of the card there are some preprinted course recommendations. These course recommendations were made by your current teachers, but you are not limited to those recommendations! If you would like to try a more rigorous course or level, you are encouraged to seek more information on that course and discuss your thoughts with your current teacher and counselor. I will share the process for registering for a different course than the recommendation in the following slides. If you have blanks or more than one course recommended for a particular subject, please talk with your teacher and/or counselor to determine the best fit for you if you need help selecting a course. 

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12th GradeRecommended Course Offerings

On the back of your registration card you will see a list of recommended course offerings available for Grade 12. If you would like to learn more about a course, you can find course descriptions listed in the online High School Course Bulletin. Look for the link to the MCPS High School Course Bulletin on the Northwest website.  You can search by course name or number. Each listing will give a description of the course, it will tell you if the course gives weighted credit, and if there are any prerequisites for taking that course. Your teachers are also a good source to ask questions about course content and typical workload.

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Course recommendations and selections

• These are recommendations: if you would like to take something other then a recommended course:

1. To move up to a higher level course, cross off therecommended course and write in the newcourse. Parent/guardian signature must be on the card.

2. To move down, complete form and secure change of level signatures.

On your registration card, your first semester teachers have offered course recommendations.

If you would like to choose a different course than is recommended, please follow these steps:

To move up to a higher level course, cross off the recommended course and write in the new course. Parent/guardian signature is needed on your registration card.

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Course Change Form

If you would like to move down in a course level, please obtain this form from the counseling office and complete each step in order.

To move down, complete the “Change of Level” form and secure appropriate signatures. After getting your teacher, parent, and resource teacher’s signature, turn in the completed form to your Administrator in the main office no later than June 1st. 

It is important to speak to your teachers and/or counselor to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding recommendations. 

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Graduation Requirements

22 Credits

75 Student Service Learning Hours

State Testing Requirements (English, Algebra 1, Gov’t and Science)

When determining what courses to take, you should first consider fulfilling your specific graduation requirements. Most students have room in their schedules to pick up a few electives credits every school year. 

In order to earn your high school diploma, students must earn 22 credits, complete 75 students service learning hours, and complete the requirements for state testing in English, Algebra, Government, and Science. 

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Specific Credit Requirements4 credits of English3 credits of NGSS Science (1 Physical and 1 Biology) 4 credits of Math (1 Algebra and 1 Geometry)

**MSDE requires math every year of high school**3 credits of Social Studies (USH, NSL, MWH)1 credit of Fine Art1 credit of Physical Education1 credit of Basic Technology.5 credit of Health2.5 credits of ElectivesProgram Completer Requirement:

2 credits of World LanguageOR

2 credits of Advanced TechnologyOR

4-9 credits of a Career Development Program

Now let’s review the 22 credits needed for graduation and how to meet them in specific classes or subject areas. We will review each subject area and discuss suggestions for courses to take in Grade 12. Please make notes on your registration card as we go through each subject area.

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English

Honors English 12

AP Language & Composition

AP Literature & Composition

First, we will look at your English class options. All students will need 4 credits of English in order to graduate. To meet English requirements, students should sign up to take either Honors English 12, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition or the appropriate level ESOL class. Please see your registration card for the recommended level course. 

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Math

Next, 4 math credits are required for graduation and must include one credit in algebra and one credit in geometry. It is also a state requirement to be enrolled in a math course every semester while in high school. All seniors must register for a math course senior year even if you have already completed 4 credits.

There are many different pathways in math to best meet your specific needs. Please look at your registration card to see your teacher’s recommendation for your next math course. 

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Science

Next, all students will need 3 credits of NGSS science in order to graduate. Students in Grade 12 often take a science elective course.

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Social Studies

Students are required to take 3 specific social studies courses in order to fulfill their high school graduation requirements. Please confirm you have already completed US History, NSL gov’t, and Modern World History. Grade 12 students often take a social studies elective. 

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Other Requirements:

Required for graduation:

1 credit in Art1 credit in Physical Education1 credit in Technology .5 Health

Program Completer 2 Credits of World Language 

Or

2 Credits of Advanced Technology

Or 

4 Credits in a Career Development Program

Next, please make sure to sign up for any requirements you may have not yet completed. All students will need to earn 1 credit in Art, 1 credit in Physical Education, 1 credit in Technology, .5 credit in Health and have a Program Completer. Program Completers can be done by earning 2 credits in world language, earning 2 credits in advanced technology, or earning 4 credits in a career development program.

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Completer Programs of Study

Students have the ability to complete career development programs at Northwest High School and at off campus locations, such as Seneca Valley HS, Gaithersburg High School, or the Fire Science Academy.

At Northwest we offer career development completer programs including the Academy of Finance, Biotechnology, Business Management, Computer Science, College Career Research and Development and Early Child Development. If you are interested in these programs, please speak with your counselor about the specific courses required for these pathways.

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Off‐Site Programs

There are a variety of off site courses and programs students may participate in. Most of these programs are designed to be completed over 2 years, however, some programs may allow for seniors to participate as an elective option. Students who participate in these programs typically have 3‐4 classes at Northwest High School and spend the rest of the day at the partnering school. Please speak with your counselor to learn more about application procedures if you are interested in these options.

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Small Learning Communities

Academy of FinanceACES Ms. Vick

Ms. Johannessen-Kluk

World Language ScholarMs. Ahearn

Academy of Biotechnology Academy of Fine Art Mr. Silber Ms. Siewert

After registering for your graduation requirements, it is likely you will have space to pick up one or more elective courses that meet your individual interests. Please consider picking electives that align with your future career interests and/or what classes will best help prepare you for college. We encourage you to have conversations with your parents, teachers, and counselor to explore a variety of course options. 

One big decision you may consider as a junior is if you would like to be part of one of Northwest High School’s Smaller Learning Communities. Northwest High School offers a few different academies that offer a specific course program in a specialized area. Students who have a strong interest in science may consider the ACES program or the Academy of Biotechnology. Students who have interest and talent in art should consider the Academy of Fine Arts. Students who are interested in business and finance should consider the Academy of Finance. Student who are taking higher level world language classes should consider earning the World Language Scholar distinction. Details about the specific requirements and course sequences can be found on the Northwest website under academies. 

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New Course Offerings

• Foundations of Engineering and Technology • Engineering Design

• Advanced Business Management• NAF Applied Finance• NAF Entrepreneurship

• American History through Film

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Half-Day Internship/Work OptionsInternship:Interns work during the school day in a mentored paid or unpaid position and participate in a bi-weekly seminar. Students work approximately 4 hours a week for every credit of internship on their high school schedule.

See Mr. Ostry in Room 306 if you missed the internship information meeting at lunch on Dec. 10 & 12th. Turn in your completed application to Mr. Ostry asap to ensure your space in the internship program.

Career Seminar and Site-Based Work Experience: Must register for Career Seminar Must find and maintain employment Must work at least 8 hours a week

After scheduling your graduation requirements, you may find that you have room in your schedule to participate in a special half‐day option such as internship, working part‐time, or taking college classes. 

Students who would like to get real world experience in a future career can apply to participate in NWHS’s Internship Program. Internships give students exposure to a professional work environment of an area of interest. 

Students who plan to work a part time job during their senior year and would like a half day schedule, may be eligible through the College Career Development Program. Students must plan to take a Career Seminar and Site Based Work Experience courses in order to participate. 

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Earning college credit while in high school with Montgomery College

For a successful MC experience, rising high school seniors should:• Have a minimum 2.75 GPA (unweighted)

junior year • Qualifying test scores or AGPA

Things to consider:• Have you taken advantage of the rigorous

curriculum offered at Northwest? Colleges place a great deal of importance on the course content taken at the high school level.

• Do you have a transportation plan for getting to campus? Transportation is the responsibility of the student.

• Cost? Montgomery County students may be eligible for a reduction in cost but cost and payment may still be a deciding factor.

Interested? Ask for the interest form when you meet with your counselor

during the week of February 3rd.

Another option open to rising seniors is taking coursework at Montgomery College through the dual enrollment program. Students who have a minimum 2.75 GPA at the end of junior year and have qualifying test scores or meet criteria through AGPA may be able to choose from a variety of college classes on the MC campus. This is a great opportunity for students to start earning college credit at a reduced rate. If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the dual enrollment interest form when you turn in your registration materials to your counselor. 

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Aiding as a Senior

Applications are available in the counseling office and should be turned in when you hand in your registration card the week of February 3rd.

Requirements: 2.75 cumulative GPA at the end of first semester of your junior year No attendance issues No behavioral issues

Differences: Student Aides will be placed in offices (counseling office, main

office, attendance office, health room). Students earn SSL hours. Instructional Aides will work directly with students in a classroom

and will earn .5 elective credit or SSL hours.

Interested rising seniors must complete an application to be either a student aide or instructional aide.

Students who are interested in being an aide for one period of their day can apply to be a student aide or instructional aide. Student aides are placed in the counseling office, main office, attendance office and health room and earn SSL hours. Instructional Aides will work directly with students in a classroom and will earn .5 elective credit or SSL hours. Applications will be available during individual meetings with your counselor when you turn in your registration card the week of February 3rd.  

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Please spend time carefully considering your course options and completing your registration card.  All students should complete the paper registration card and also enter their course selections online. For the paper registration card, circle recommended classes to confirm you wish to register for that class or follow the procedures for moving up or down a level. Fill in the blank boxes with course names and numbers of other classes so that you have selected 7 classes 1st and 2nd semester. Finally, don’t forget to write down alternate electives in the bottom section. These are your back up choices in case we run into a scheduling conflict.  

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Register for classes onlineLog into myMCPS Portal & enter courses online

Paper instructions Video instruction posted on NWHS website

After completely filling out your registration card, please have a parent or guardian sign the card. To finalize your course selections, please enter your classes online through the same process you have done in the past. You have been given an instruction sheet that outlines the steps to enter your course selections online. If you need additional instruction, there is a video posted on the Northwest website that reviews the process.

Registration is only complete when you have entered your courses online and have turned in your registration card to your counselor on the designated day for your social studies class. 

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Important Deadlines Registration window for current Grade 11 students: December 12th – February 2nd

Fill out registration card completelyEnter courses online

Students will visit the Counseling office via their social studies class the week of February 3rd to turn in their registration cards and confirm their online selections.

Registration windows and deadlines. The registration window for current grade 11 students is December 12th – February 2nd. Students must fill out their registration form, with parent signatures and enter courses online no later than February 2nd.  Students will be visiting the Counseling office via social studies classes to turn in registration cards. Counselors will briefly review selections with students individually. If you have detailed questions about registration or what courses may be best for you, please schedule a time to meet with your counselor PRIOR to February 2nd.

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Important Deadlines Continued

In May we will ask you to review your course selections in the Portal.

You must notify the counseling office at Northwest by June 1st if you want to make any changes to your schedule for the 2020-2021 school year.

In May, we will ask that you review your course selections in the Portal. If you need to make any changes, please notify your counselor no later than June 1st. If you have any additional questions about registration, please email or stop by to see your counselor.

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