Northwood High School
PTSA Newsletter
919 University Blvd. W., Silver Spring, MD 20901
Main Office: 301-649-8088
PTSA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
What's YOUR grade as a Northwood parent?
The school year is passing fast, and it is time for a
quick check.
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Can you name three Northwood events coming up?
Have you attended a Northwood game, presentation, or performance in the last two months?
If your student struggles, do you know about Northwood’s tutoring resources?
If your student excels, are you learning about Advanced Placement courses?
If your student is home alone, do you know what activities Northwood offers?
Do you know your student’s favorite adult at Northwood – teacher, coach, advisor?
And if you have been staying connected to Northwood, and encouraging your student to
connect at Northwood, are you also providing support to Northwood?
Having strong academic programs and fun and safe student activities at Northwood requires an
involved parent community. PTSA membership is a great first step to staying connected, and a
PTSA office guarantees a ringside seat to the Northwood action. This newsletter lays out how you
can assist with the Online Auction, AfterProm, Scholarships, Elections, the Graduation Bus, and
the Staff Appreciation lunch. Consider taking a leadership role: model involvement for your student
by showing active support of their school. Set your sights on a parenting grade of A – sign up to
help!
Liz
Elizabeth Dunn, President
301-587-1670/[email protected]
CONTENTS:
PTSA President's Message....................................................................................................................................p. 1
Principal's Message................................................................................................................................................p. 2
Silent Auction..........................................................................................................................................................p. 4
Silent Auction Donor Form......................................................................................................................................p. 5
PTSA Sponsored Events: AfterProm, Scholarships, Staff Appreciation Day..........................................................p. 6
PTSA Elections.......................................................................................................................................................p. 8
Graduation Bus Reservation Form.........................................................................................................................p. 9
Commemorative Brickway, eScrip.........................................................................................................................p. 10
PTSA Membership Form........................................................................................................................................p. 11
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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Greetings Gladiator Families,
Second semester is well underway! As I visit classrooms, it’s clear that our newest Gladiators have
adjusted to high school and, along with the upperclassmen, are engaged in rich activities that will move
them toward college readiness.
This month we recognize 464 Honor Roll students; 65 with straight As! The names of these students are
on posters around the school. We are also celebrating 100 students who have shown significant
academic improvement. All of these scholars are invited to an ice cream social this month. It’s never too
cold for ice cream!
At the county level, recent MCPS data shows that NHS saw one of the most significant graduation rate
increases last year and showed notable gains in AP participation and performance among Hispanic
students. In other accomplishments, Northwood boasts two Posse Scholars who will receive full
scholarships, three Northwood art students who were chosen to take part in the prestigious Johns
Hopkins Art Show, five students who participated in the Minority Scholars Program, and more than 100
students who showed up to a lunch meeting about internships linking classwork with real-world careers.
Undoubtedly, there are countless other personal academic success stories. Please encourage your child
to share this information with me.
The good news doesn't end with academics. Our Gallup poll data indicate that students are more
engaged than ever before. Northwood students showed gains in all three areas measured by the survey:
hope, engagement and well-being. I am grateful to our outstanding staff for providing such a nurturing
environment for our students.
I'd like to thank all students who participated in the Town Hall Meeting on January 28. Insightful
questions caught the attention of Superintendent Dr. Starr, who complimented our students on their
poise and preparedness. The show will be available on the MCPS website soon. I will share with link with
you as soon as it becomes available.
Parents, this is a busy time of year for students. Many exciting activities compete with academics. Please
join me in encouraging all students to enjoy this unique time while continuing to do their best. As a
reminder, there is 9th grade homework club in room A212 from 2:15-4:00, every Thursday. There are
two teachers and National Honor Society members available to help with any subject. Students can ride
the activity bus home. Additional student supports include the ESOL homework club and Writing Center.
Also remember that all teachers have office hours and are available to work with students at lunch and
after school.
Academy News
In academy news, all academies have begun working with selected seniors on Capstone Projects.
The Academy of Politics, Advocacy, and Law students will be busy this semester preparing for their
visit to the State House in Annapolis, participating in a Speech Contest and competing in Mock Trial
contests. Congratulations to Mrs. Bisset and her team for kicking off the semester with a successful and
energetic Academy Kick-off for students.
The Academy of Environmental Science will be participating in the Sustainability S.W.O.T. Analysis of
Wheaton 2014. In partnership with University of Maryland professor Dr. Alex Chen, students will analyze
the environmental Strength (S), Weakness (W), Opportunity (O) and/or Threat (T) of Wheaton using
computer mapping technologies as they relate to the practice of community planning.
The Academy of Technology will now feature computer programming and the Code.org programs.
These computer science programs develop students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills by
showing them how to create, not simply use, new technologies. This fundamental knowledge is needed
to prepare students for the 21st century, regardless of their ultimate field of study or occupation. Also,
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Senior Academy students will be entering their capstone projects into a National Robotics Competition at
the end of the semester.
The Academy of Musical Theatre students and faculty are busy at work preparing for upcoming
performances this Spring. The Theatre Department will be presenting Shakespeare’s Macbeth March 6,
7 and 8. Auditions for the April 3, 4 and 5 Billboard Magic-Jukebox took place in late January. You will
not want to miss either of these performances!!!
The Humanities Academy has developed a comprehensive pathway for implementation in the 20142015 school year. Students will have the opportunity to explore the many facets of media and art in
addition to supporting Northwood through involvement with the yearbook, newspaper and promotional
activities for the school.
The Montgomery Middle College at Northwood (MC)2@N steering committee is in the process of
recruiting students to participate in the first Middle College program in MCPS. There will be an upcoming
interest meeting for incoming 9th graders and qualified Northwood students. Invitations will be mailed to
prospective students.
Important Dates for Juniors
SAT test dates
Registration deadline
ACT test dates
March 8
February 7
February 8
past
May 3
April 4
April 12
March 7
June 7
May 9
June 14
May 9
www.collegeboard.com
Registration deadline
www.act.org
All 11th grade students who wish to apply to a 4-year university should test this spring. Students should
prepare extensively before taking college admission tests. If you are not enrolled in College Test Prep at
Northwood, see your counselor if you would like information about area prep courses.
If you are eligible for a fee waiver, please see Ms. Blitz.
Important Senior News
 Cap and gown measurements will be done in March.
 Senior dues should be paid as soon as possible.
 Students needing SSL hours should contact Ms. Saunders-Endicter to find opportunities to fulfill
their hours.
 Senior Parent Breakfast, May 10, 9-11 am
 Prom: May 17, 8-12 pm, Bethesda Doubletree
 AfterProm: May 18, 12:30-5 am, White Flint Dave & Busters
 Graduation, June 2, 2:30 pm, DAR Constitution Hall. It will be here before you know it!
Athletics
Good Luck to the Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls Basketball, Swim & Dive, Indoor Track, Bocce and
Wrestling teams as they enter post-season competition. Upcoming events:
 Spring sports season is just around the corner! The season starts March 1st. Students wanting to
participate in a spring sport should turn in their current physical, medical card, and parent
permission slip to Mr. Fuggitti during lunch the week of Feb. 24th- Feb. 28th.
Check out all the Spring Sports on our athletic website: JV & V Baseball, JV & V Boys & Girls
Lacrosse, JV & V Softball, Coed Allied Softball, Boys Tennis, Track & Field, and Boys & Coed
Volleyball.
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Winter Sports Award Night will be on March 12th from 7– 9 pm in the auditorium. Look for more
details in weeks to come.
Spring Sports Picture Day will be on March 18th.
As you can see, there are many exciting events and accomplishments going on at Northwood. Stay on
top of the news by following me on Twitter @NorthwoodPrin. You don't have to use the account, but sign
up so that you can receive information and be among the 400+ who get the news about Gladiator
achievement first!
Sincerely,
Mildred Charley-Greene
SILENT AUCTION
PTSA SOLICITING DONATIONS FOR SILENT AUCTION
Silent Auction Supports Safe AfterProm
Help us keep Northwood kids safe again this year! Northwood High School's AfterProm
Silent Auction opens for bids March 23rd. Please donate an item to sell, a service, a unique
gift, time in a vacation home, or a talent that you are willing to share or teach. Your
donations (and later, your bids!) will help us to provide a fun, supervised, alcohol-free
AfterProm party so that our kids can have a blast and return home safely.
We need to raise $15,000 to offset the cost of AfterProm events and help ensure that all of
our high school seniors can afford to attend, regardless of their financial situation. Your
donation is fully tax-deductible (Northwood PTSA’s Tax ID [EIN] is 02852405) and we will
send you a donation letter for your records after the auction is over.
Support our young adults and make it easy for them to make the right decision for a safe,
fun prom night. You can send your donation (along with the attached donation info sheet) to
Northwood or we will happily arrange for pick up. Please provide your donation by
February 28th so we can fully list it on our on-line auction site.
And also remember to bid! The auction will be on-line from March 23rd to April 6th at
http://biddingforgood.com/NHSAfterPromAuction
DONATE NOW, BID LATER
ENSURE A SAFE, AFFORDABLE AFTERPROM
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Melissa and Richard Goemann
301-270-2473
[email protected]
Northwood High School PTSA Silent Auction Co-Chairs
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Northwood High School PTSA
919 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring Maryland, 20901
NHS AFTERPROM SILENT AUCTION DONOR GIFT CERTIFICATE
PLEASE LEGIBLY PROVIDE DONOR INFORMATION (As it will appear in auction catalog):
Donor/Organization Name
Contact Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Web
address
Email
address
Item Name:__________________________________________________________________________
Description:__________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please identify/clarify any restrictions, if any (e.g., “For 6 people”, or “Tues. through Thurs. only”, “Does not include
tax or tip”, expiration date, etc….). Use the reverse side if additional space is needed.
Gift Certificate accompanies this form: _______
Value of Donation:$______________
This form can be used as Official Certificate:________
Signature:___________________________________
Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Northwood PTSA’s Tax ID# is 202852405
THANK YOU for your contribution to Northwood High School Silent Auction to benefit AfterProm!
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PTSA SPONSORED EVENTS
2014 AfterProm at Dave and
Busters
The AfterProm immediately follows the May
17th NHS Prom, starting at midnight to five
am on May 18th, keeping our students
entertained in a safe environment. It is open
to all Juniors and Seniors, even if the student
chooses not to go to Prom. After last year's
very successful AfterProm, we will return to
Dave and Busters in White Flint Mall. The
NHS Administration and Security as well as
the Montgomery County Police Department
ensure that this venue "fits the bill" as the
safe environment we want for our students.
www.facebook.com/northwoodhsPTSA
Scholarships
Let the Northwood community
help pay for college
The ticket price includes a dinner buffet bar,
a breakfast buffet bar, unlimited use of all
electronic games and drinks, a "Power Card"
filled with money to play all other games,
and access to D&B prizes using tickets won!
$10 of the Senior dues goes to the price of
the AfterProm ticket. The ticket price is not
set until the PTSA Silent Auction is
completed and is calculated based on the
proceeds generated from this and other
2013-2014 PTSA fundraisers. Tickets will be
sold during lunch at the same time Prom
tickets are sold.
A Northwood education prepares students for
lifelong learning. Once again, the PTSA will
celebrate the achievements, talents, and
ambitions of our students by awarding $500
scholarships to four students in Northwood’s
2014 graduating class.
To be considered for a Northwood PTSA
Scholarship, a student must:
 Be a senior who will graduate from
Northwood High School in 2014 and who
will enter an accredited college as a
freshman in the fall of 2014
 Have a financial need – FARMS Eligibility
at any time of student’s MCPS
attendance
 Be a resident of Montgomery County,
Maryland
Please
contact
Deb
Frew
at
[email protected] if you would
like to donate gift cards for prizes, or
volunteer to chaperone that night.
Right now, one of the biggest contributions
you can make to the After Prom is to donate
to and shop the Silent Auction!
Please encourage your student to be a part
of the fun. It's going to be blast!
The PTSA is proud and excited to offer an extra
boost to college-bound seniors with a vision of
their future. Past awardees include students
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who were the first in their family to attend
college and students who were continuing a
long tradition of higher education in their
families, students heading to schools nearby in
Maryland and students enrolling in schools
hundreds or even thousands of miles away,
students with a clear career path in mind and
students looking forward to exploring the many
learning opportunities that college provides.
Join the Northwood Community Listserve
Community news, events and meetings are
sent over the Listserve to keep the
community informed.
To join, simply send an email to:
[email protected]
Scholarships will be awarded by the PTSA
Scholarship Committee based on the criteria
above as well on a student’s record of
achievement
at
Northwood
(academic,
community
service,
and
extracurricular
activities).
Staff Appreciation Day
The two-page application form is available from
the PTSA page on the Northwood website, can
be picked up from the Counseling Department,
and will also be distributed though
Naviance/Family
Connections.
Interested
students should ask their counselors and
teachers for advice and support! Completed
applications must be submitted to Ms. Tamara
Wolfson at Northwood’s Career Center by
Friday, March 7 2014.
What is it:
A lunch provided to the entire NHS staff
(~175 great folks) at the end of the school
year to say THANK YOU for all their efforts
throughout the year.
How can you help:
Lots of simple options. You can volunteer
on the day of the event (help with setup and
serving). You can donate a dessert or drinks
(lunch is purchased). You can donate a gift
card – we draw names of the staff to receive
small additional items as part of their sendoff to the summer.
For more information, contact Ms. Wolfson or
Ms. Blitz, or PTSA VP Brad Sperber at
[email protected].
Where and when is it:
Approximately 11:30 on Thursday, June 12
in the NHS cafeteria
Who to contact?
Questions? Want to volunteer to set up,
serve food and/or clean up? Donate drinks,
gift cards, baked goods and desserts, money,
time?
Contact Danielle Gillon at
[email protected] or Jim Burke at
[email protected].
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PTSA ELECTIONS
PTSA MYTHS BUSTED
(ELECTIONS ON MAY 20TH)
 PTSA is for parents who don’t work.
By high school, with college expenses around the corner, pretty much all Northwood parents
work. We meet by phone, we check email at lunch, we miss as few meetings as we can, but we
work and support our kids through the PTSA, and you can too.
 PTSA is exclusive.
This is a leftover from elementary school, when anxious parents were overly-critical of other
volunteers. It is time to get over that. Your Northwood student needs you, and Northwood
parent volunteers love seeing their number increase.
 PTSA is unnecessary.
When things are quiet, communication is good, and cash is plentiful, maybe. But when things go
wrong, messages get mixed, and money is tight, the PTSA makes sure families have a voice in
their school, that they get important information, that they support the school’s mission with the
Staff Appreciation events and the PTSA Scholarship program, and that all students get a chance
to enjoy events that might otherwise be restricted to the wealthy – like the AfterProm.
 PTSA is just fundraising.
See above. In addition, we regularly provide info through our monthly meetings, list serv,
Facebook page, and presence at school events. In addition, Northwood is a not-rich school, and
money is a concern. Our county ensures a strong academic base, but can’t ensure parity in all
things. PTSA funds soften life for students who have it hard, and makes sure high school has
some fun.
The good news is that we have an experienced Vice President, Treasurer, Newsletter Chair, and
Communications Chair who will stay on the PTSA Executive Board, providing continuity for the
2014-2015 school year. But we will have many empty slots! Contact the present members to learn
about their job –do it for your student, your school, and yourself.
DEPARTING PTSA EXCUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
President Liz Dunn
[email protected]
Melissa and Rich Goemann, Silent Auction
[email protected]
Vice President Brad Sperber
[email protected]
Deb Frew, AfterProm
[email protected]
Secretary Susan Luck
[email protected]
Jim Burke, Fundraising
[email protected]
Sandra Gonzales, Hispanic Outreach
Sue Lubeck, Membership
[email protected]
PTSA ELECTIONS ARE MAY 20TH !
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Reservation
Deadline:
May 16, 2014
Bus Reservation for Northwood High School Graduation
June 2, 2014
Return to:
Northwood
Main Office
WHAT:
Northwood PTSA’s bus for the Northwood HS Graduation Ceremony at DAR Hall
WHERE:
From Northwood HS (outside Media Center) to DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, DC
and/or from DAR Constitution back to Northwood HS.
WHEN:
Loading begins at noon, departure at 12:30 on Monday, June 2, 2014
COST:
$15.00 Round trip or $ 8.00 One Way in advance (no check means no reservation)
WHY:
SO YOU DON’T MISS THE GRADUATION CEREMONY!
Security will not allow latecomers into graduation. Entry is barred shortly before the graduation
ceremony begins. For this reason, the school transports all seniors to the graduation ceremony.
The air-conditioned 55 passenger bus leaves Northwood at the same time as the buses with the
graduating seniors, ensuring a timely arrival.
DAR Constitution Hall is located at 17th and D NW, has no separate parking, and the nearest Red
Line subway stop, Farragut North, is a 15 minute walk.
Don’t be outside looking for an open parking meter during springtime in downtown DC when you
should be inside smiling for your graduate!
The graduating seniors are not transported back to Northwood High School from DAR
Constitution Hall. If you plan to return to Northwood after the ceremony, please reserve a one-way seat
back to Northwood for your graduate too.
Questions? Elizabeth Dunn, NHS PTSA President at 301-587-1670 or [email protected]
The deadline to reserve seats is Friday, May 16, 2014
Complete the form below and submit with payment to the NHS Main Office (marked PTSA)
Please make check payable to Northwood High School PTSA
********************************************************************************
PRINTED CONTACT INFO ENSURES WE CAN NOTIFY YOU OF ANY CHANGES
Printed Name of Parent
L
Printed Name of Graduate
L
EAVE A ASTING
________________________________________________________________________________________
Printed Parent’s email address
Telephone Number
LEGACY
AT
Number of Round Trip Seats
______ @ $ 15.00 = $__________
orthwood
Number of One Way Seats Going
______ @
8.00 = $__________
Number of One Way Seats Returning
______ @
8.00 = $__________
Total amount of enclosed check to Northwood HS PTSA
$__________
Purchase a Commemorative Brick
Congratulations, NHS Class of 2014!
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LEAVE A LASTING
LEGACY AT
orthwood
Purchase a Commemorative Brick
The Northwood High School Commemorative Brickway is newly installed in the school's central
courtyard. Personalized, engraved bricks surround the Northwood seal in a professionally
installed centerpiece.
All proceeds above and
beyond the cost of the
brick and the installation
will be used by the
Northwood HS PTSA to
support the Northwood
community.
4x4 and 4x8 bricks available. Activity
icons available. Visit
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/
schools/northwoodhs/parents/ptsa.aspx
for the order form.
EARN MONEY FOR NORTHWOOD PTSA WHILE SHOPPING ONLINE
Help the PTSA earn funds to support our programs
through the eScrip Online Mall.
When you shop online, remember to first go to the Northwood website and click on the eScrip Online Mall where
you will have access to thousands of stores. Simply click on the eScrip Online Mall icon that can be found on the
NHS website
or type https://secure.escrip.com/jsp/group/onlinemall/groupmallredir.jsp?gid=500003142 into your browser.
By using the Online Mall, we earn up to 16% of your purchases from over 1,000 name brand merchants. Here are
just a few of the merchants and the % you can earn for Northwood:
1-800-Flowers 12%
Dell Home 3.6%
Nordstrom 5.7%
Amazon 2.4%
Home Depot 2.4%
REI 3%
Apple Store 1.2%
Macy’s 3%
Target 2.4%
You shop from the same websites you know and trust and pay exactly the same price. The specific items you buy
are not recorded in any way, just the total you spent from each merchant so you can earn contributions.
Be sure to visit the Online Mall first whenever you shop so we can earn everytime.
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Show your $$ support for Northwood in 3 ways / Demuestre su apoyo hacia
Northwood en 3 maneras:
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Join the PTSA! $10 of the $15 fee goes directly to the Northwood PTSA. / ¡Hágase socio de
la PTSA! $10 de los $15 cuota va directamente a la PTSA de Northwood.
Include a tax-exempt donation to our Direct Donation Campaign. / Incluye una a donación de
exento de impuestos para la Campaña Directa.
Try Painless Fundraising! / Trate de hacer Fundraise Painless!
Your greatest contribution? ¡Volunteer your time!
¿Cuál es su mayor contribución? Ofrezca su tiempo!
Membership and Direct Donation Campaign / Socio y la Campaña Donación Directa
$15 Individual membership dues / Afiliación Individual
$
Direct Donation Campaign (tax-exempt, whatever amount your family is comfortable with; all of this
will go directly to the Northwood PTSA) / Donación de Campaña Directa (exento de impuestos, sin
importar los miembros familiares; todo esto ira directamente a la PTSA de Northwood)
$
15
TOTAL (including the $15 individual membership / incluyendo los $15 de afiliación individual)
Checks should be made out to NHS PTSA / Cheques pueden ser escritos a NHS PTSA
$ _____________
PTSA Membership / Volunteer Form - 2013-2014 School Year
Afiliación a la Asociación de Padres de Familia (PTSA) / Formulario Voluntaria – Año Escolar 2013-2014
Name / Nombre_________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian / Padre / Tutor
Staff / Personal
Student / Estudiante
Address / Dirección ____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number / Número Telefónico _____________________________ Email / Correo Electrónico __________________________
Student's name and grade / Nombre y grado del estudiante:______________________________________________________
Yes! I want to volunteer! There are LOTS of ways to help. What are your special talents (for example, fundraising, social events,
bake/donate food and drinks for staff events, PTSA newsletter, student directory, translating/interpreting in another language)? Tell us below
what you want to do. Use the back of this page if needed. / Si! Quiero ser voluntario! Hay muchas maneras de ayudar. ¿Cuáles son sus
talentos (Por ejemplo, eventos sociales, hornera/donar comida y bebidas para eventos escolares, PTSA newsletter, directorio estudiantil,
traducción/interpretación en algún otro idioma? Deje saber en que puede usted ayudar Use la pagina de atrás si necesita más espacio.
Painless Fundraising
Painless Fundraising is an easy way to support Northwood. Give us your grocery card numbers and save your Snider’s receipts
to earn money for Northwood while doing your regular shopping. It costs you nothing! We need to sign you up EVERY year to
keep earning rebates for our school. / Painless Fundraising es una manera fácil para apoyar a Northwood. Denos su número de
tarjeta de compras y guarde sus recibos de Snider’s para recaudar dinero para Northwood mientras usted hace sus compras
regulares. No le cuesta nada a usted! Necesitamos registrarnos TODOS los anos para poder recaudar fondos monetarios para
la escuela.
Please register my Giant Bonus Bucks Card for Northwood High School
Giant Bonus Bucks Card 12-Digit Number ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
(Don’t know your Giant Number, call 1-877-366-2668)
First 3 letters of your last name _____ ____ ____
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please register my Safeway Club Card for Northwood High School
Safeway Club Card 11-Digit Number ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
(Don’t know your Safeway number, call 1-877-Safeway)
MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO: NHS PTSA, NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, 919 UNIVERSITY BLVD., WEST, SILVER SPRING, MD 20901
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Non-Profit Org.
FROM: Montgomery County Public Schools
Northwood HS PTSA
919 University Blvd., W.
Silver Spring, MD 20901
U.S. Postage Paid
Rockville, MD
Permit No. 201
Get ready to bid!!!
March 23rd to April 6th, visit
http://biddingforgood.com/NHSAfterPromAuction
to bid on an array of fabulous items
gift certificates to your favorite restaurant, theater and cinema tickets, doggie daycare
package, cultural events, and much more!
(Do you have an item -- professional services, a weekend at your vacation home, a gift certificate solicited from your
favorite businesses -- to donate? See p. 5 for the auction donation form.)
Contact Richard or Melissa Goemann at 301-270-2473 or [email protected]
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