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February 8, 2024

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Featured News

Auction Features Colorful Assortment of Experiences
Auction Features Colorful Assortment of Experiences

Potomac’s 2024 Scholarship Auction "Bloom!" is just a few weeks away. If you haven't already, please RSVP so we can accommodate your seating requests for the March 2 event.

  • Best of Live: Don't Miss Out! More than half of the tickets have already been purchased. Get your Best of Live tickets before they sell out. 

  • Donate Wine: We are still looking for donations. Please consider donating a bottle of wine from your own cellar or purchasing a bottle from our wish list at Chain Bridge Cellars. Donations may be dropped off in the Advancement Office. Thank you for your support.

Get a sneak peek at a sampling of this year’s fabulous auction items in our 2024 Scholarship Auction catalog, like last year’s Basketball Halftime Scrimmage auction winner Henry Graham '33, pictured with friends from their game against the boys varsity basketball team on February 2.

Help Keep Our Community Healthy

With cold and flu season upon us, this is an excellent time to remind each other about our collective responsibility to keep our community healthy! We encourage you to exercise simple preventative measures recommended by the CDC, including keeping your child home if they feel ill. Please notify the school if your child contracts a contagious illness such as strep throat, pink eye, RSV, chickenpox, COVID-19, or influenza. We continue to follow the CDC guidelines for isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. You can find the details of our COVID protocol on the Health Services page of CampusNET.

Things to Know

Recording Available of PA Winter Spotlight

Did you miss the Parent Association Winter Spotlight, our annual joint meeting of the Parent Association and Board of Trustees? A recording of the meeting is available through Friday, February 9. (Passcode: P1zW#e57)

Parent Association Spring Nomination Cycle

The Spring Nominations cycle is now open and will close on Thursday, March 7. The Parent Association seeks the Potomac community's participation in the nomination process for the 2024-25 school year. Please consider nominating yourself or another Potomac parent for a variety of PA leadership roles. Submit your nominations here, or email nominations directly to PAnominations@potomacschool.org.  The PA Nominations form can also be accessed via the Parent Association page. Contact Jen Graham or Stephanie Kapsis with any questions.

Tonight's Around the World Kickoff Social

Tonight’s Around the World Kick-off Social is at 7:00 pm. Join us to celebrate an exciting season of fun, diversity, and unity within the Potomac Community. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note the new venue is at Randy’s (8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182).

Are you interested in hosting a booth, showcasing your talents, volunteering, or learning about one of Potomac’s signature events? Join us for the Around the World 2024 Kick-off Meeting! Meet the co-chairs and fellow Potomac friends to discover more about Around the World and how you can participate, volunteer, and engage with this exciting event. The kick-off meeting will be held in the Intermediate School Choral Room on February 21 at 8:30 am. We anticipate your presence and enthusiasm. 

February 13 FAPS Meeting

The next Fathers Association of The Potomac School (FAPS) meeting will be Tuesday, February 13, from 8:30 to 9:30 am, in the Fisher Family Dining Room. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend. Interim Director of Athletics Maggie Vaughan is the featured speaker. 

Share Your Feedback! Survey on the Six-Day Rotation Schedule

With the launch of our new academic schedule this school year, we'd like to hear your feedback! Please take five minutes and complete this short survey on the schedule, including the six-day rotation, tumbling blocks, and intentional community time. In addition to surveys to our faculty and students, this data will guide improvements for the 2024-25 school year.

Pawz Corner

Looking Ahead to Presidents’ Day Weekend

Next Friday, February 16, will be a faculty and staff professional development day, with no classes for students. Additionally, Potomac will be closed on Monday, February 19, in observance of Presidents’ Day.  

Week Ahead

February

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Fisher Family Dining Room

Potomac Social

    PHOTO OF THE WEEK

    IS snake sighting on the way to Spangler! 

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Family Science and Tech Fun!

    We look forward to tonight's Family Science & Tech Event, led by Children's Science Center and our LS Science and Technology faculty, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, in Ramsey Auditorium.

    Parent Conference Reminder and Childcare for Tomorrow

    Lower School homeroom classroom teachers look forward to meeting with parents tomorrow, Friday, February 9, to discuss student progress and goals. There will be no classes for K-12 students. 

    For those who have registered for in-person conferences tomorrow, drop-in short-term childcare for Potomac students only will be available free of charge between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Childcare will be in the Fisher Family Dining Room. Please remember to sign your child in and out. 

    Moon Studies and Cookies!
    Moon Studies and Cookies!

    First grade students began studying the moon and the stars in science. In a recent activity, students learned about the eight phases of the moon and then replicated them using Oreos. The students were over the moon to be able to eat a couple of Oreos when they completed their work!

    Grade 2 Visits Culpepper Garden
    Grade 2 Visits Culpepper Garden

    Last Friday, Ms. Hoffmann's class visited older adults at Culpepper Garden, a local assisted living home, as part of their Service Learning curriculum learning about aging and our elders. Students had the opportunity to sit in small groups with residents and learn more about their interests and daily life through a short interview. They also worked together on a Valentine's puzzle and completed a few word games together. Following the visit, Ms. Hoffmann's class made plans for a follow-up visit to bring encouragement and joy to our elder neighbors through informed action.

    The Lost and Found Box Keeps Growing!

    When you are on campus tomorrow, please check out our lost and found bin by the Gum Tree doors near the LS Library! Please label all outerwear. Items that have names on them will make it back to their owners. Misplaced coats, sweaters, etc., can be found in the bin as well. 

    Grade 3 Science Fair Coming Soon!

    Since the beginning of January, third graders have been working hard on a science fair project of their choosing! As a way to practice the scientific method, they have been questioning, hypothesizing, researching, experimenting, and documenting their progress. We look forward to our Science Fair on Friday, February 23, in Ramsey Auditorium. Please note that there will be no Sharing Assembly that day.

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Conferences and Report Cards

    Middle School first semester report cards are now available via CampusNET. Parents are encouraged to review their child(ren)'s report cards prior to their scheduled Parent Teacher Conference. 

    We look forward to welcoming parents tomorrow (February 9) for these important conversations. Drop-in childcare will be available in the Fisher Family Dining Room during the time of your conference. Please sign your child in and out.  

    Grade 4 Visits Martha’s Table
    Grade 4 Visits Martha’s Table

    Last week, Mr. Mogle's and Ms. White's grade 4 classes visited Martha's Table as part of their Service Learning curriculum focused on homelessness, hunger, and poverty. While there, students played with preschoolers, helped prepare shopping bags for the Lobby Market, toured the facility, and saw many beautiful murals created by local artists from Ward 8. Each grade 4 class will participate in our upcoming Sandwich Days in February or March to support the work of Martha's Table with a better understanding of how our sandwiches support the work of this important community partner. 

    DM4 Presented Bedbugs…The Play

    Mr. Mogle's fourth grade class presented Bedbugs this morning, in the Langstaff Auditorium. There was a whole lot of figurative head-scratching that took place during the performance. Enjoy a recording from the performance. Photos from all grade 4 plays will be shared in next week's Paw Prints. 

    Standardized Testing Schedule

    Middle School will administer five Comprehensive Testing Program tests next week. We ask that parents try to avoid taking their child out of school for appointments during these important tests. Below is the schedule: 

    • Tuesday, February 13 – 8:30 to 9:30 am - Math, Part 1
    • Wednesday, February 14 – 1:15 to 2:25 pm - Reading Comprehension
    • Thursday, February 15 – 9:30 to 10:30 am - Math, Part 2
    • Tuesday, February 20 – 8:30 to 9:15 am - Writing Mechanics
    • Wednesday, February 21 – 8:30 to 9:45 am - Quantitative Reasoning

    Make-up tests will take place on February 22 and 23:

    • Thursday, February 22 – grade 5; 12:00 to12:50 pm
    • Thursday, February 22 – grade 6; 1:15 to 2:05 pm
    • Friday, February 23 – grade 4; 12:00 to 12:50 pm and 1:15 to 2:05 pm
    • Friday, February 23 –grade 5; 9:35 to 10:25 am
    • Friday, February 23 – grade 6; 10:35 to 11:25 am

    We will be unable to provide makeups after February 23.

    Grade 5 Field Trip - February 20 

    As part of their social studies unit on ancient China, the entire fifth grade will travel to the National Museum of Asian Art on Tuesday, February 20. Buses will depart campus at 9:30 am. This is after a long weekend, so mark this on your calendar and set those alarm clocks for Tuesday morning. 

    Vision Screening Approaches

    All fifth grade students and new-to-Potomac fourth and sixth graders will have their vision tested at school on Friday, February 23. Students who wear glasses or contacts are encouraged to bring their corrective lenses with them to school on this day. Please note this is a date change from the date previously listed in the most recent MidStream publication. 

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    Parent-Advisor Conferences Tomorrow

    We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, February 9, for your parent conference with your child’s advisor. Please note there are no classes on this day. If you have a conflict, please ensure that you communicate directly with your child’s advisor. 

    Planning the Freshman Year: Join Us on Tuesday

    Eighth grade parents and students are invited to “Planning the Freshman Year” at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 13, in EPAC. US Director of Curriculum and Academics Tory Virchow, Grade 9 Dean Andrew McGrath, and US Head Doug McLane will share academic and student life information to help students and parents plan their ninth grade year. 

    There is only one athletic contest on February 13, providing time for most students to head home immediately after school before returning to campus for the program. If it is a hardship for your child to go home before returning to Potomac, please let us know via SchoolPass and an email to Joleen Hyde by Monday, February 12. We will hold a study hall for students who need to stay on campus.

    Lion King Jr. Was a Success
    Lion King Jr. Was a Success

    On February 2 and 3, IS musical students, under the direction of Blake Green, presented Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. Dressed in brightly-colored costumes, our talented actors, dancers, and singers transformed themselves into hyenas, lions, meerkats, and warthogs to bring Disney’s famous animated musical to life. They performed “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Hakuna Matata” to large and appreciative audiences. View the stunning photo gallery. Congratulations to this superb cast!

    IS Students at All-District Band
    IS Students at All-District Band

    This January, Intermediate School Band students auditioned for the VBODA District 12 Honor Band, competing against 300 of the top middle school band students across Fairfax County. Savanna Storm ‘29 represented Potomac for the junior band last weekend. The students from all the participating schools came together and rehearsed for three days under the direction of renowned educator Lou Bean, then performed a concert at Oakton High School. Congratulations to Savanna!

    Biome Exploration in Seventh Grade

    This month, our seventh grade scientists will present their research findings on biomes. The presentations will include information about each biome’s distinctive flora and fauna, as well as environmental issues and climate conditions. Parents, please encourage your child to share their presentation with you at home. Students will present their projects to classmates in the IS Commons. 

    Standardized Testing in February

    For advanced planning purposes, Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) testing will take place during the morning on February 13, 14, and 15. If you know your child will miss school during the testing days, please contact Alex Helwink.

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School News

    Upper School

    United States Service Academy Program 

    We invite interested students and families to join us on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 pm as we host representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy. They will give an overview of their programs, the application process, and answer questions. If you are interested in learning more about attending a service academy, please RSVP here. We look forward to seeing you there.

    Read More about United States Service Academy Program 
    Impactful Visit to the Holocaust Museum

    Sophomores recently had an opportunity for a meaningful visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Students were invited to learn about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust but also to bear witness to resilience and resistance despite the unspeakable horrors of World War 2. Our students engaged with artifacts with the utmost respect, and some even had the chance to speak with survivors after a tour of the exhibits. Beyond the connections to lessons in their history and English classes, our sophomores had the opportunity to reflect on human suffering along with a persistent spirit of hope. After returning from the trip, students joined small groups to share what they learned and experienced in the museum, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate and inform our understanding of history and humanity. 

    Read More about Impactful Visit to the Holocaust Museum
    Academic Showcase Highlights First-Semester Successes
    Academic Showcase Highlights First-Semester Successes

    Earlier this week, Upper Schoolers enjoyed our second annual Academic Showcase Assembly, where students from various classes had the chance to show off their work from the first semester. Highlights included Photography I students sharing selections from their recent portfolios, Advanced Research Seminar students showing off complex, content-rich infographics, an Anatomy & Physiology lesson plan for teaching Lower Schoolers about food allergies, and an original rap reflecting on content from our US History class. The assembly was a great way to celebrate amazing work from the first half of the 2023-24 school year! 

    Read More about Academic Showcase Highlights First-Semester Successes
    Career Lab Highlights Variety of Professions
    Career Lab Highlights Variety of Professions

    Last week, the Career and Professional Skills Committee and the Alumni Office hosted Jack Moore ’11, producer at Bethesda Game Studios; Bria Peace ’16, assistant vice president at Bank of America Wealth Management on the Hedge Fund Origination team; and Naki Franklin ’17, YouTube channel operations coordinator for Nickelodeon as panelists for this year's second Career Lab for juniors and seniors. They shared their insights and advice on their journey after Potomac, their jobs, and their perspectives on work and the future of work. 

    Read More about Career Lab Highlights Variety of Professions
    ASIA Club Hosts NBC4 News Anchor
    ASIA Club Hosts NBC4 News Anchor

    Last week, the US ASIA (Asian Students In America) Club hosted its annual assembly and invited guest speaker Ms. Eun Yang to Potomac. Ms. Yang is the primetime news anchor at NBC4 Washington. She shared about her childhood growing up as an immigrant in PG County, her experiences in college that led her to broadcasting, and some of the challenges she has faced throughout her career, including the time that she was fired! Ms. Yang encouraged students to work hard and believe they are more than their grades and transcript. We thank Ms. Yang for coming to Potomac. 

    Read More about ASIA Club Hosts NBC4 News Anchor
    US Band Students Recognized with Honors
    US Band Students Recognized with Honors

    Last month, 25 Upper School band students auditioned for the VBODA District 12 Honor Band, competing against 500 of the top high school band students across Fairfax County. Alex Davis ‘25 (percussion), Brandon Mayrhofer ‘27 (euphonium), and Vivienne Evans ‘27 (oboe) earned spots in the Honors Symphonic Band. The All-District Band event was held this past weekend, where all the students came together and rehearsed for three days under the direction of Dr. Scott Jones of The Ohio State University, then performed a concert at Oakton High School. Congratulations to our band students for their incredible performance.

    Four Potomac band students were also selected by director recommendations to participate in the Virginia Tech Honors Band earlier in January. Jack Morgan ‘24 (percussion), Davis, Cliff Kanner-Bitetti ‘25, and Mayrhofer represented Potomac at the event. Once students were on campus, they auditioned for band placement, and all Potomac students made the top ensemble under the direction of Dr. Derek Shapiro. 

    Read More about US Band Students Recognized with Honors
    David McCullough Essay Contest Opens

    The Gilder Lehrman Institute is now accepting submissions for the 2024 David McCullough Essay Prizes. The essay contest—fully revised and revamped for 2024—will now recognize 14 outstanding high school student research and interpretive essays with cash prizes of up to $5,000. This contest is named in memory of David McCullough (1933–2022)—a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and Gilder Lehrman Life Trustee—and honors his career telling America’s stories and examining its histories. Learn more about his life and legacy here. Learn more. 

    Read More about David McCullough Essay Contest Opens

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Squashing the Competition
    Squashing the Competition

    Last week both girls varsity and coed JV had decisive wins against Stone Ridge, sweeping both matches at 9-0 including several individual shutouts. Both girls and boys varsity were back in action on Tuesday, February 6, and celebrated senior day with two more dominating wins of 9-0 against Episcopal. Well done squash squad!

    Indoor Track and Field in Action
    Indoor Track and Field in Action

    Indoor track and field returned to action last week. On February 2, part of the team competed at Episcopal for an annual favorite event, the Maroon & Black Relays, and on Saturday, others went to the Private Schools Invitational meet at Georgetown Prep. Across all event groups and both meets, the team earned more than 30 personal and season records, including five relay teams that met the qualification standard to compete at the VISAA Indoor Championships on Saturday, February 17. Additional athletes will compete in the Nike Indoor Nationals at the Armory track in New York this March. 

    Of particular note, new hurdlers Charlotte Everhart ‘25 and Charlotte Parry ‘27, who competed for the first time in the 55-meter hurdle event, both qualified for the VISAA Championships along with experienced hurdler Natalia Vilela ‘24. Everhart also made her debut in the long jump, qualifying her for the VISAA Championships in that event. Under the direction of first-year throwing events coach Angel Nkwonta, track and field and shot put newcomer Garrett Hicks ‘25, who had never touched a shot prior to this season, also hit a huge personal record to exceed the VISAA qualification standard by nearly two feet. Another highlight was the stellar jumping of Michele Horton ‘26, who PRd in both the long and triple jump events, qualifying for the VISAA Championships in both. Riley Walters ‘26 also qualified for States in the 300m event. Indoor Track and Field is back in action this weekend to conclude the regular season at Georgetown Prep on Friday evening and at Episcopal on Saturday afternoon. 

    Wrestlers Grapple Their Way to Second Place
    Wrestlers Grapple Their Way to Second Place

    The Potomac wrestling squad notched two second place finishes in each of the MAC conference events. First, at the MAC individual tournament, the team hauled in a bunch of medals. Adar Weinman '25, Robbie Pence '27, Richard Perry '25, and Jason Seeber '25 all earned first place and All-MAC honors. Evan McNamara '27, JD Bulford '27, and Jeremy DeLaVille '24 all earned second place finishes. DeLaVille was also named as an at-large All-MAC honoree. Laith Weimer '24 took 3rd, while Anthony Cipriani '25 took 5th, and Lucas Boulter '25 tied for 5th.

    In the team dual event, Potomac outpaced GDS 51-24, wrestled near flawlessly against St. Andrews 72-6, and notched a strong win against Sidwell 48-33, but came up short against St. James 48-31. Kaj Horowitz '27, McNamara, Bulford, Weinman, DeLaVille, Aoife Cullinan '27, Pence, Will DeCamp '24, Perry, Cipriani, Deven Tuladhar '26, Boulter, Seeber, Weimer, and Bryce Hall '24 all notched at least one win on the evening.

    Next up, Potomac hosts the VISAA State Wrestling Championship Tournament February 16-17. Come out and support your grappling Panthers. Onward for Potomac!

    Girls Varsity Basketball to Celebrate Seniors

    Girls varsity basketball had a dominant 63-50 win at home against Georgetown Visitation on Tuesday, February 6. The team will celebrate senior night on the Spangler Culp Main Court on Friday, February 9, at 5:00 pm against Holy Child. 

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    Athletics

    After-School Activities

    Great Debaters in the Making!
    Great Debaters in the Making!

    The Winter ETC debate class is flexing its skills in preparation for the winter tournament. With help from Upper School debate students Armaan Sethi '26 and Ayanna Nayar '24, our grade 6 debate students are on their way to a productive season. Be sure to look out for the spring ETC registration opening next week!

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    After School Activities