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April 27, 2023

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Featured News

May Day Weather Update

Due to the forecasted inclement weather on Friday, our May Day festivities will move indoors to the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community. We are fortunate that we have a beautiful space large enough to hold our entire community for this beloved event. As we strive to connect our community in many ways, we are excited to be joined by groups from each division who will perform special dances and songs. Please note, student performers and presenters must wear sneakers or other flat-soled athletic shoes in order to protect the Spangler floor. The event begins at 1:45 pm. All students must return to their classrooms at the conclusion of May Day. Students will not be dismissed from the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community. Please remember to complete a School Pass form if you intend to take your child home after May Day.  

Grills and Games 2023
Grills and Games is Next Week

Join the fun on campus at our Grills and Games celebration on Friday, May 5, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. This community event will feature opportunities to cheer for our Panther athletes in six separate games across campus. There will also be grilling stations including burgers, hot dogs, water, chips, cookies, and ice cream sandwiches. Mark your calendars and plan to be part of the fun! 

Show your Panther Pride:

  • Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs Flint Hill - Turf Field - 4:15 pm
  • Varsity Softball vs St. John Paul the Great Catholic HS - Tundra Field - 4:15 pm
  • Boys Varsity Tennis vs Sidwell Friends - Tennis Courts - 4:15 pm
  • Varsity Baseball vs Sidwell Friends - Baseball Field - 4:30 pm
  • Boys Varsity Lacrosse vs Sidwell Friends - Gum Tree Field - 4:30 pm
  • Girls JV Lacrosse vs Flint Hill - Turf Field - 5:45 pm

Please note: Children younger than seventh grade must be accompanied by a parent for this event. Division heads will communicate specific instructions for this day if relevant. The late bus will depart at 6:00 pm to allow older students to enjoy the festivities. See you next Friday!

College Admissions Event
College Admissions Event

Our College Counseling Office recently partnered with four regional independent schools and CONNECTdmv to organize a highly informative evening around college admissions. The event included a panel discussion with authors of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions, Timothy J. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, and a financial aid workshop from Keith Wilkerson of College Thoughts. We were pleased to have experts in their fields share such valuable knowledge with more than 35 school communities who attended. Topics included merit scholarships, the Student Aid Index, tips for building college lists, shifts in the admissions landscape, and personal experiences. Please enjoy the recording of this event. 

Announcements

Parent Dilemmas in the Age of Smartphones

The Parents Council of Washington recently hosted noted author, speaker, and educator Ana Homayoun to discuss modern parenting dilemmas in the age of smartphones and speak about the framework of the three S’s – healthy socialization, effective self-regulation, and overall safety – from her book Social Media Wellness. Ms. Homayoun offers practical solutions for parents, educators, and students of all ages as they navigate the ever-changing issues involving social networking and healthy child and teen development. A video recording of the presentation is available until Friday, May 5. The passcode is #PCWSpring 23. 

Final Nature Walk of the Year
Final Nature Walk of the Year

Tomorrow, April 28, the Parents for Environmental Action (PEA) Committee will host its final nature walk of the year. Sign up to explore Potomac's campus. 

After-School Activities

Spring Sports Clinics: Field Hockey and Squash

Hit the court and field this spring with Coach Heba El Torky’s squash clinics and Coach Barb Mays’ field hockey clinics. Register now as space is limited. Clinics will be held on Saturdays, May 6, 13, and 20.

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May 3 Kid’s Day Off ETC Adventures!

Exchange, explore, and extrapolate as students travel to the seven wonders of the world. Learn how to apply exchange rates to currency and go on an adventurous scavenger hunt to explore the treasures found around the globe with the Currency Crusade Workshop (grades K-4). Register now as space is limited.  

Pawz Corner

No Classes on WednesdayWednesday, May 3, will be a faculty and staff professional development day, with no classes for students.  

FAPS Campout

A Starry Night for the campout!

The FAPS Campout is this Saturday starting at 5:00 pm. Register to “tent out” for the night with other families of students in grades 6 and below. FAPS is looking for volunteers to help out at the campout.

PANTHER PIT VOLUNTEERS

The Panther Pit is looking for volunteers! Shifts are every day from 2:15 – 4:00 pm.

  • May 1: 1 opening
  • May 2: 4 openings
  • May 4: 2 openings
  • May 5: 4 openings

We look forward to seeing you in the Pit! Please consider signing up. 

Week Ahead

May

Potomac Social

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Earth Day Fun in Grade 1
    Earth Day Fun in Grade 1

    The Pirnia Advisory had a splendiferous time this week visiting with Ms. Berke’s first grade class to read biodiversity-themed books with main characters ranging from a generous tree, to a garrulous mollusk, a daring shark scientist, and an affable narwhal. Thank you, Ms. McKinnney and Ms. Berke, for letting us share this joyful reading time together in celebration of Earth Day! 

    Reminder - No Sharing Assembly Tomorrow 

    There will be no Sharing Assembly tomorrow, April 28, as students will be celebrating May Day. We look forward to seeing you at our next LS Sharing Assembly on Friday, May 5, as we feature Mr. Gustavson's and Ms.McIntire's first grade classes, Mrs. Hoffmann's second grade class, and Ms. Passano's third grade class. 

    Next Week’s LS Family Math Event

    Our Lower School Family Math Event is coming soon! On Tuesday, May 2, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm, in Ramsey Assembly, families will have the opportunity to do math problems together, learn to spot mathematics in various literature, and have some friendly competition! Please RSVP by 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 27. 

    LS New Parent Orientation in May

    If you have a child who will be new to Lower School in the fall, please join us for a new parent orientation on Tuesday, May 2, at 9:00 am, in Ramsey. An invitation has been sent. Please remember that although you might have a long acquaintance with Potomac, we would love to help your incoming child transition to the Lower School. Please come meet other parents, faculty, and staff, and learn about special plans for the fall. At a later date in May, we hope you and your family will join us for the New Family Ice Cream Social. We look forward to seeing you!

    Rising Grade 4 Parent Orientation in May

    Parents of current third graders are invited to attend an informational Middle School orientation on Wednesday, May 10, at 8:30 am, in the Fisher Family Dining Room (formerly Flag Circle Dining Room). MS Head John Mathews sent a letter this week that shared more details. The Middle School looks forward to welcoming you to your new division! 

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Grade 5 Heads to DC!

    On Monday, May 8, our fifth graders will travel to the National Mall for a Greek architecture scavenger hunt and visit the National Gallery of Art. Bagged lunches will be provided for students in the lunch program. Much of the trip will be outdoors, so please send your student to school with a water bottle and apply sunscreen. 

    Sneakers Required for Indoor May Day

    Due to the forecasted inclement weather on Friday, our May Day festivities will move indoors to the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community. We are fortunate that we have a beautiful space large enough to hold our entire community for this beloved event. As we strive to connect our community in many ways, we are excited to be joined by groups from each division who will perform special dances and songs. Please note, Middle School students must wear sneakers or other flat-soled athletic shoes in order to protect the Spangler floor. The event begins at 1:45 pm. All MS students will return to their classrooms at the conclusion of May Day where they can meet-up with their parents, if going home by car. Students will not be dismissed from the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community. Please remember to complete a School Pass form if you intend to take your child home after May Day.  

    Rising Grade Meetings for MS Parents

    Please mark your calendars for two upcoming informational gatherings for parents of current students who will be moving up to another MS grade in September 2023. The meetings will take place in the Fisher Family Dining Room (formerly the Flag Circle Dining Room).

    • Rising sixth graders - Wednesday, May 17, at 8:30 am 
    • Rising fifth graders - Wednesday, May 24, at 8:30 am

    The fifth grade meeting will include information about the instrumental program, known as BBS (band, bells, and strings), which students begin in the fifth grade.  

    Mix And Mingle 

    Back by popular demand is this year's Mix and Mingle event for MS families. Middle School parents and their children are invited to hang out on campus on Friday, May 5, from 3:15 to 5:00 pm. The students will stay after school and play on the Middle School blacktop playground. Parents may arrive beginning at 3:15 pm and join their children at the blacktop playground for refreshments, conversations, and fun. An RSVP is required for this event. Please note that the annual Grills and Games event will begin at 4:00 pm on campus; at that time, families can either head over to the games or participate in a parent/child scavenger hunt around the MS areas.   

    Special May Day Lunch

    As noted earlier, all MS students are welcome to enjoy a special meal on May Day. A few weeks ago, the students voted on their favorite items, and the winning menu includes chicken and waffles, tater tots, green beans, brownies, and salad bar fixings with fresh fruit. Meriweather Godsey, our school catering company, will provide gluten and dairy-free options for students who request them at the serving counter. Students may also opt to bring lunch from home.

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    Student observes the liquid in a test tube.
    Seventh Grade Geneticists

    As part of grade 7’s genetics unit, students were able to extract enough of their own DNA to see it in a tube without using a microscope. Their cheek cells provided the DNA, which is now stored in a necklace. They will continue their studies next by exploring genetic crosses using Wisconsin Fast Plants – an ideal model organism for observing and learning about inheritance patterns.

    Grills and Games Relevant Information

    During next week’s Grills and Games, IS students are permitted to stay on campus and take the late bus home. The late bus will depart at 6:00 pm. Details regarding expectations and logistics were outlined in a permission slip distributed to students yesterday.

    IS Welcomes the Class of 2029
    IS Welcomes the Class of 2029

    Last Friday, current Potomac grade 6 students visited the IS to participate in a short orientation program. After brief remarks from IS Head Mr. Woods, the students worked in small teams to complete a scavenger hunt designed to help them learn the building layout, meet next year’s teachers, and get a sense of life in the Intermediate School.

    Eighth Grade Capstone Projects

    In eighth grade Seminar, the students are working diligently on their Capstone projects. Students are creating individual documentaries that show how a hobby, relationship, or experience forged or revealed a part of their character, values, and identity. The students will present their documentaries and a short speech to the IS community during an advisory on May 17. Please note that the date tentatively reserved on the school calendar for an evening Capstone celebration has been canceled. Instead, Capstone projects will be shared with parents through Paw Prints.

    Spring Trivia Hosted by Student Council
    Spring Trivia Hosted by Student Council

    Last week, IS students competed in a spring trivia competition in their homerooms to earn points towards the IS Cup. Student Council members from the spirit committee created a 30-question Gimkit game (similar to Kahoot!). Some questions focused on the holidays Eid al-Fitr, Passover, Easter, and Holi – and some general knowledge questions focused on the spring season. In the end, a representative from the green team took the coveted first-place prize.

    Making Music at the WISH Festival
    Making Music at the WISH Festival

    This past Monday, Potomac participated in the Washington Independent Schools Handbell Festival at Landon. Along with their handbell ensembles, the event included joint practice sessions, dinner, and concluded with a concert featuring Intermediate and Upper School ringers. Standout pieces included the IS performance of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” the US Concert Handbell Ensemble’s performance of “Grenade” by Bruno Marks, and the Honors Handbell Ensemble’s performance of Britney Spears’ classic “Toxic.” Bravi to all the students! 

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School News

    Upper School

    US Spring Concert and Art Show

    Parents are invited to campus for the Upper School's annual Spring Concert and Art Show tonight, April 27, at 7:00 pm, in the Engelhard Performing Arts Center. The art show, which takes place in the EPAC lobby, will present ceramics, drawings, paintings, photography, prints, sculpture, and woodworking by Upper School art students. This show runs through May 16.

    The concert will begin at 7:00 pm and will be split into two portions with a brief intermission, beginning with the Madrigal Singers and Handbell Ensembles. The second set will begin around 8:00, featuring the String Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. The concert will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

    Read More about US Spring Concert and Art Show
    Students pose for a group photo in front of the Capitol building.
    GPAC Students Witness Senate Hearing

    On April 19, GPAC10 and GPAC11 classes spent the morning on Capitol Hill where they were able to observe a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing. The hearing topic was "PEPFAR at 20: Achieving and Sustaining Epidemic Control.” They heard testimonies from John N. Nkengasong (U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy), Sir Elton John (Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation), and Dr. Mark Dybul (Professor of Medicine and Chief Strategy Officer at Georgetown University's Medical Center for Global Health Practice and Impact). The testimony outlined the successes of PEPFAR (U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and the continued need for the program as a tool for not only addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic but also as a tool for building infrastructure that has been utilized to address other disease outbreaks around the world such as COVID-19 and ebola. Students also heard questions from Senators Robert Menendez, James Risch, Tim Kaine, and Cory Booker, which helped them better understand how the committee gathers information. It was an inspiring day, and the GPAC program appreciates the support of Claire Figel, a Potomac alum, who works with the committee and helped organize the day!

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    Ninth Graders Visit African American History Museum
    Ninth Graders Visit African American History Museum

    Ninth graders visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Wednesday, April 19. Touring the museum in small groups, students found connections to their studies in biology, history, and English. After returning to campus, students reflected on their museum experiences through writing, art, and discussion. We were happy to return to the NMAAHC after a three-year hiatus and expect this trip to be an important touchstone for future ninth graders.

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    Red Cross Club Hosted Lunchtime Conversation

    The Red Cross Club sponsored a lunchtime conversation on April, 26 with Potomac bus driver Mr. Paris. Mr. Paris is a volunteer at the McLean Fire Department. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in emergency medical services. As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), he has dedicated his career to saving lives and providing critical care in times of crisis. He shared with us his personal experience as a first responder, and demonstrated basic First Aid and life support techniques. 

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    TLC’s 2nd Annual World Music Festival
    TLC’s 2nd Annual World Music Festival

    The Language Center (TLC) tutors and leadership team held a celebration with music, trivia, and food as a culminating event for a busy year that included leading drop-in tutor times, one-on-one tutor requests, lunchtime conversations, IS tutor connections, and this week’s music festival! They would like to express gratitude to each tutor and their dedication to their languages. Since it is the end of April, they say goodbye to seniors: Manuela Prieto (Chinese), Alex Zhou (French/Latin), Michelle Ahn (Latin), Charlotte Castle (Latin), Laura Taylor (Latin), Ali O'Brien (Spanish), Alex Christ (Spanish), Yabby Maelaf (Spanish), Grace Lee (Spanish), Sophia Ghafouri (French), and Alex Hekmat (French).

    They especially want to thank and say goodbye to their leaders Yabby, Charlotte, and Alex C.! As next school year rolls around, they will be incorporating new members. They will continue to be led by a great team of Laith Weimer ‘24, Clay Turner ‘24, and Matt Brow ‘24.

    Read More about TLC’s 2nd Annual World Music Festival
    P-R-O-M!

    Seniors and juniors are now able to purchase tickets for prom via a form shared by Mr. Westermann. The event will take place at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, VA on Saturday, April 29. Parents are invited to join their children from 5:30-6:45 pm for photographs on the patio, and all students must arrive by 6:00 pm and stay until 10:00 pm. Tickets ($110) cover a full dinner, dessert, and entertainment. Juniors and seniors are welcome to bring an outside guest or US underclassman; to do so they must fill out this form. Please direct any questions to Mr. Westermann.

    Read More about P-R-O-M!

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Two female golfers on the course before sunset.
    Golfers Take Second at ISL/WCAC Golf Championship

    Katie Lee '26 and Annabel Widdifield '26 competed in the ISL/WCAC Golf Championship this past week. Both girls fired 81's, resulting in a tie for second place among a field of 45 players. Congratulations to both players who represented Potomac so proudly. Here are some photos from the tournament! 

    Check out the golf section in this Washington Post article to read how Katie and Annabel will be sharing their accomplishment with the Potomac community.

    Varsity Girls Lacrosse Winning Record

    Halfway through their lacrosse season, the girls varsity team is 11-3 overall and 3-1 in the ISL AA division! The squad has exceptional senior leadership and a fierce drive to improve and excel. In the last two and a half weeks, they have won five of six games, including two ISL AA wins against Holy Child and Holton Arms. Over the last six games, the team has accounted for 87 goals, 41 assists, 72 draw controls, 45 caused turnovers, 66 ground balls, and 23 saves. Senior captain Kate Motley is a force and inspiration on every inch of the field, firing up her teammates to always out-hustle opponents, and play smart. There are four more games in the regular season – all against ISL AA opponents.

    JV Girls Lacrosse Playing Well

    With two weeks left in the season, the JV girls lacrosse team has a record of 4-2-1. Led by captains Hala Karim '24, Chloe Winslow '24, and Bella Kim '25, the team has worked hard and played well throughout the season. Goalie Charlotte Gabriel '25 has led the defense with strong help from Winslow, Gia Bognet '26 and Dasha Minsky '26. Goalie Kate Hedges '27 helped the JV team by stepping in against Holy Child and coming up big with 12 saves. Midfielders Haley Lucier '26 (19 goals) and Olivia Tromblay '26 (14 goals) have led the offensive effort throughout the season.

    Potomac Softball
    Varsity Softball Finds Success on the Road

    On Tuesday, the team took a five-minute ride to Langley High School and defeated the Saxons 17-15 in a nine-inning game. What started out looking like a low-scoring game turned into a slugfest. Potomac’s 23-hit attack was led by Alexis Vaughan ’25 and Sloane Escobar ’25, with four hits each. Anna Castellano ’26, Erika Castellano ’23, and Abby Rebhan ’24 had three hits each.

    The team also traveled to Fredericksburg Christian to play the number two-seeded team in the VISAA Division 2. Potomac came out strong in the first inning scoring four runs, aided by a two-run homer by Paige Schedler ’25. Potomac scored in every inning except one and concluded the scoring with a solo homer by Hayley Richardson ’24. In addition to the homers, Potomac’s attack was led by E. Castellano, Rebhan, and Richardson, with three hits each, and A. Castellano had two singles. Rebhan pitched a complete game allowing one run while striking out eight. The final score was 11-1, and Potomac remains the number two-seeded team in Division 1 of the VISAA. 

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    Athletics

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