Information
Frequently Asked Questions | Graduation Requirements | Student Service Learning Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regular school hours?
The regular school day runs from 7:25 AM - 2:10 PM.
When are students dismissed on an early release day?
Students are dismissed at 11:40 AM.
What is high school choice?
High school choice is the process used by Montgomery County Public Schools to assign grade 8 students who reside in the attendance areas for the Northeast Consortium and the Downcounty Consortium to a high school. Northwood is part of the Downcounty Consortium. Read more about the school assignment process.
What is the Downcounty Consortium (DCC)?
The Downcounty Consortium is an area that consists of five high schools - Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton - and their feeder elementary and middle schools.
When does the choice process occur?
The choice process begins as early as September with high school options fairs and open houses. The dates of these events vary by school. Students receive choice forms by mail in October. The choice process consists of two rounds. The first round is open to grade 8 students who live in the DCC area. The second round is open to students who did not receive their first choice in Round 1, new students to the DCC, and students on transfer into a DCC middle school. View the school choice timeline.
What is a block schedule?
A block schedule is an academic schedule that features fewer classes per day that students attend for an extensive period of time. At Northwood students attend four classes per day and alternate between A and B days.
What are academies?
The academies are small learning communities designed to enhance the educational experience of each student who attends Northwood High School. Every student will have the opportunity to choose an academy that offers coursework in his/her field of interest. Learn more about the academies.
Where is Northwood located?
Northwood is located at 919 University Boulevard West in Silver Spring. Coming from Carter Educational Services Center in Rockville, turn right on Mannakee Street, turn right on Route 355, turn left on Veirs Mill Road, and turn left on University Boulevard. The school is located on the left-hand side.
Who is my child's counselor?
Counselor are assigned by grade level and last name. Click here to see the counseling assignments.
Who is my child's grade level administrator?
Each administrator is responsible for one grade. View the administrative assignments.
How do I contact my child's teacher?
You can contact your child's teacher by telephone (please leave a return number, your name, the name of your child, and a brief explanation for your call) or by email. View the staff directory for email addresses and telephone listings.
How do I make an appointment with my child's teacher?
Appointments can be set up directly with the teacher. If you would like to include your child's counselor in the conference, please make sure to contact the counseling office as well. It should be noted that most teachers are in class three periods out of the four period block day and frequently have meetings and/or office hours after school so flexibility is appreciated.
What does my child need for school in terms of supplies?
School supplies may vary depending on the class, but all students need pencils, paper, pens (black or blue) and a three-ring binder for storing assignments
Graduation Requirements
| Subject Area |
Specific Credit Requirements |
| English |
4 credits |
| Fine Arts |
1 credit (Selected courses in art, dance, drama/theater, and music that satisfy the fine arts requirement are marked FA.) |
| Health Education |
0.5 credit |
| Mathematics |
4 credits** (1 credit algebra, 1 credit geometry.) Students who successfully complete a calculus course may be exempted from this 4-credit requirement. |
| Physical Education |
1 credit |
| Science |
3 credits (1 biology creidt and 1 physical science credit music be included) |
| Social Studies |
3 credits (1 US History credit, 1 World History credit, and 1 National, State, and Local Government credit) |
| Technology Education |
1 credit |
The additional credits required for graduation may be fulfilled by one of the following options:
Electives |
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
Option 4 |
| |
2 credits in a foreign language and 2.5 credits in elective courses |
2 credits in advanced technology education and 2.5 credits in elective courses |
2 credits in an American Sign Language and 2.5 credits in elective courses |
4 credits in a state-approved career and technology program and 0.5 credit in elective courses |
Student Service Learning (SSL)
Students must meet established service-learning requirements.
Graduating Classes of 2009 and Later
Students must pass the Maryland High School Assessments for English, algebra/data analysis and biology. For the most recent information on the requirements visit the website: http://www.mcpshsa.org.
Student Service Learning Hours
All students working toward Maryland State Department of Education diplomas must complete service learning hours in addition to the graduation requirements of enrollment, credit, courses, and competencies.
There are three deadlines with SSL:
September 30, 2011 for all summer hours
January 6, 2012 for September-December hours
June 3, 2012 for January –May hours
Put these on your calendar!
Questions? Contact Mr. Marco Fuggitti at 301-649-8229 or email Marco_G_Fuggitti@mcpsmd.org.
Student Service Learning Hours
(Questions & Answers)
Q: How many Student Service Learning Hours do I need to graduate high school?
A: Students graduating 2011 and beyond will need 75 SSL Hours.
Q: Does it matter where I serve the hours?
A: Yes, Student Service Learning Hours must be performed at an MCPS approved organization. If the organization is not on the approved list, a special activity form must be filled out and approved BEFORE the student performs the service.
For a complete list of approved organizations, please visit www.mcpsssl.org
SSL hours must be performed at non profit organizations.
Q: When should I turn in my SSL hours?
A: SSL hours should be turned in BEFORE the end of each marking period in order for them to show up on your report card throughout the year.
All SSL hours earned during the school year 2010-11, must be turned in BEFORE the last day of school in June.
Q: What about hours earned during the summer?
A: SSL hours earned during the summer should be turned in by September 24, 2010.
Q: Should I strive to get more than 75 hours?
A: Yes! The more community service you perform the better your chances for various scholarships. Also, MCPS awards a certificate to all students with 260 SSL hours upon graduation. Helping your community and those in need is a great thing to do! So, get out there and earn those hours!
MCPS Student Service Learning Hours Information--All your questions answered!
Montgomery County and MCPS Student Service Learning Hours Information |
