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May 25, 2023

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Featured News

PA Leadership
PA Thank You Gathering

The Parent Association Thank You Breakfast, held this Monday, was a terrific success. The event celebrated all of the parent volunteers who have shared their time and talents with Potomac this year. It was also an opportunity to introduce and welcome next year’s PA leadership, including Chair Jan Leu and Chair-elect Morgan Holtman. The Potomac community extends special thanks to our outgoing Parent Association chair, Malvika Paddock, and her exceptional leadership team, for their dedication, hard work, and unfailing generosity of spirit. Pictured from left to right are Paddock, Leu, and Holtman. Learn about ways to get involved and get to know the 2023-24 PA leadership team.

Potomac Wins Two Major Trophies

Potomac is the 2022-23 overall champion for both the Independent School League (ISL) and the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC). Both programs represent the best overall league records across all three seasons. Potomac's girls teams have been awarded the James W. Lewis Trophy, presented annually to the ISL overall champion. Potomac last won the Lewis Trophy over 20 years ago in 2000-01. The boys teams participating in the MAC have been awarded the MAC Directors' Cup. This is the second consecutive year that Potomac has won this Cup. These are stellar accomplishments for our programs.

Thank you to our scholar-athletes for their dedication and perseverance on and off the field and our coaches for their leadership. The culture and success of our US athletic programs are a direct result of tremendous community support. On behalf of all our athletes and coaches, thank you to the entire Potomac community for your support and belief in all of our teams. Congratulations, Potomac! 

Announcements

May 31 Spirit Day Themes

As Head of School for the Day Dylan Sheridan '33 decreed during her day of leadership, Wednesday, May 31, will be a Spirit Day. 

Lower School: pajama day
Middle School: pajama day
Intermediate School: beach day (no swimsuits)
Upper School: Potomac spirit wear

Supporting Your Family’s Well-being: Social Media

Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan take a deep dive into the upsides and downsides of social media and shed light on the algorithms that drive social media. Their podcast discusses the use of TikTok, what parents need to be aware of, and what parents should do.

The American Psychological Association provided recommendations based on the scientific evidence to date and examined the potential benefits and harmful effects of social media use on adolescents' social, educational, psychological, and neurological development. The guidance provided is aimed at helping teens engage with technology in a safe and positive way.

PCCC Hosts "College Admissions and the Supreme Court"

“College Admissions and the Supreme Court” will be the Parent Cultural Competence Committee’s final program this school year. This discussion will explore the history and potential future of race-conscious college admissions and the upcoming Supreme Court decision in the case of SFFA v. Harvard/UNC. Panelists include Roman Martinez, Esq (Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP) and Omari Scott Simmons. All parents are invited to join the virtual program tonight (May 25), at 7:00 pm. (Passcode: PCCC). Please submit questions in advance to Manny Retureta.

Pawz Corner

Four-day WeekendTomorrow, Friday, May 26, is a Head’s Holiday, with no school. Potomac will also be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. Enjoy your long weekend, and we'll see everyone back at school on Tuesday!

Week Ahead

May

Potomac Social

    After-School Activities

    Speech Squad’s Super Job!
    Speech Squad’s Super Job!

    Fourth grade ETC speech students put on their final showcase Thursday, May 18. The showcase gave parents and friends a window into speech class. Students were confident as they showed how their vocal projections improved. The final part of the showcase was a speech in which each student shared what they liked about themselves. The showcase was a celebratory end to an exciting first season of fourth grade speech. 

    Fifth grade ETC speech students also had a wonderful culminating showcase. Nine students delivered original speeches about the best advice they had ever received. They showed a range of creativity and personality in their writing and displayed the skills they’ve gained in their delivery. This was the first showcase experience for some, while others have previously participated in one or two other seasons. All of the speakers showed tremendous growth throughout the season.  

    Register for August Academics

    Potomac’s August Academics classes will be held the week of August 14-18 for Upper School and August 21-25 for Lower, Middle, and Intermediate School. View our offerings and be sure to register by Friday, July 7.  

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Library Books Due Today

    Today is the deadline for returning books to the Lower School Library. If you still have books at home, please have your child bring them to school as soon as possible. Students can only check books out for the summer if this year’s materials have been returned. If any books are truly lost, please contact the library to learn about replacement fees and options.  

    Virginia’s Past, Our Present
    Virginia’s Past, Our Present

    Yesterday, second graders explored their study of perspective and technology from Colonial America with an experiential day that provides hands-on exploration and critical thinking. Students worked in the herb garden, made candles, built a model of a traditional colonial home, and debated the Treaty of Middle Plantation, a primary source document still referenced today by the Pamunkey. These are only a few of the many hands-on stations that students engaged with. 

    Mrs. Hoffmann's Class Trip

    On Wednesday, May 31, Mrs. Hoffmann's second grade students will head to Scott's Run Nature Preserve in connection with their persuasive letter writing unit. The preserve is relevant because more than 300 houses would have been developed on the land, but Betty Cooke and John J. Adams, local residents, persuaded the community to get involved and stop the development in the 1970s. They both made a huge difference in the development of Georgetown Pike and the preservation of Scott’s Run. Second graders will soon share the story and persuasive letters with their families. A hike on the preserve and a sweet treat will finish a wonderful year of learning and discovery. 

    June Field Day Fun

    This year's Lower School Field Day will be held Tuesday, June 6. Students will participate in wacky relays and an obstacle course. This favorite end-of-the-year event includes activities on the Turf Field and the Chester Gym. In case of rain, we will take all the fun indoors. We will need one or two parent volunteers from each homeroom to help; please use this SignUpGenius link and sign up by Noon on Tuesday, May 30, if you are interested in helping. We will hand out popsicles after lunch because Field Day would only be complete with an icy treat! Please make sure your child has a water bottle marked with their name and sunscreen (applied in the morning before school is best). A hat or visor is optional – but a good idea. Parents are invited to come and watch the fun!

    Kindergarteners Share a Bounty of Tomatoes 
    Kindergarteners Share a Bounty of Tomatoes 

    On Tuesday, 49 tomato plants planted in February by our kindergartners in partnership with US Students for Environmental Action were delivered to community partner SHARE of McLean. The tomatoes were grown in the US Greenhouse throughout the spring. The plants will be distributed this week at SHARE’s Food Pantry, helping to address local food insecurity and empowering neighbors in need to grow fresh produce at home. Thank you to the kindergartners for their service and handmade posters to display with the tomato donations, reminding us that little hands can make a big difference! 

    Fifty Nifty Send-Off Assembly Next Week

    Our Sharing Assembly on Friday, June 2, at 11:00 am in Ramsey Assembly, will serve as the Lower School’s send-off for our third graders. They have been researching the 50 states and will present their famous "Fifty Nifty" song, while wearing their incredibly creative state hats! Our Fifty Nifty Assembly will be immediately followed by a cast party for our third graders and their guests. We will provide a livestream link in next week's Paw Prints.

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Grades 5-6 Concert
    Spring Concert Hits a High Note

    Last night, the annual Grades 5 and 6 Spring Concert delighted the audience in the Langstaff Auditorium. Fifth and sixth grade students showcased their hard work in chorus, band, bells, and strings. You can watch a recording or view a photo gallery from the concert. 

    It's Time to Return Library Books

    All library books are due now! Once their accounts are cleared, students may check out new books for the summer.

    Potomac School Greek Olympics
    Greek Olympics Was a Success!

    Last Friday, fifth graders in decorated chitons performed a traditional Greek dance at the Greek Assembly and then headed to the Turf field to show their athletic abilities – leaping over poles, hoisting the shot put into the air, running like the wind, and cheering on their friends. All that fun was followed by a wonderful Greek lunch catered by Meriwether Godsey. It was a glorious day! We hope your students came home with many exciting stories to share. View the photo gallery. 

    Four Fabulous Boat Trips for Grade 6
    Four Fabulous Boat Trips for Grade 6

    Last week, each of our sixth grade classes spent a day boating on the Potomac River. The weather for each excursion was delightful. This annual opportunity, which is part of the sixth grade science curriculum, allows students to explore our area's waterways with the help of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The students examined water quality with an emphasis on abiotic factors that affect the watershed and used nets to capture fish in order to learn about the various species that live here. Photos from the four class trips can be viewed here.

    On the Horizon in Middle School

    The following MS happenings will help us close out the 2022-23 school year:

    Grade 4 will host a museum walk-through event highlighting their research on ancient Egypt on Friday, June 2, from 9:15 -10:15 am, in their classrooms and courtyards. Then, on Monday, June 5, they will travel to Breezy Point for a full day of fossil hunting and fun. More information to follow.

    Grade 6 Living History Showcase will take place on Friday, June 2, from 10:00-11:00 am, in the Holly Tree Square. Students are rehearsing their medieval-era skits and characters in preparation for this annual event. Parents are welcome to meet the merchants, beggars, doctors, and nobles who will help bring history to life. After the event, the students and parents will enjoy a special end-of-year barbecue followed by a child/parent game of kickball. So that we can plan accordingly, parents are asked to RSVP for the cookout.

    The MS Farewell Assembly will be in the Langstaff Auditorium on Tuesday, June 6, starting at 8:30 am. This assembly is a milestone event where classes share a few final projects, and we say a fond farewell to our sixth graders.

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    Sustainable Chocolate
    Sustainable Chocolate

    The IS Advanced Spanish classes continued their studies on UN Sustainability Goals in Spanish by welcoming two guests! Arcay Chocolates owners Anabella and Dario Berti came to show the responsible and ethical process of making chocolate from cacao. They spoke about the different types of cacao, where they come from, and how different cultures add milk, sugar, or hazelnuts. They mostly spoke about the process from their home country Venezuela. Arcay chocolates can be found in La Cosecha, a Latin American Marketplace in DC, or soon in their new Georgetown location. 

    AAPI Heritage Month 
    AAPI Heritage Month 

    IS celebrates AAPI Heritage Month by having an assembly at the beginning of the month, where students from the AAPI affinity group share their AAPI backgrounds and present about the cultures of those countries. Later in the month, AAPI students worked in Conference blocks to prepare for an AAPI Culture Expo, providing an opportunity for students to further explore and learn about different aspects of AAPI history. The posters displayed in the Commons of the IS showcased various topics such as history, traditions, cuisine, art, and significant figures within the AAPI community. This kind of exposition encourages cultural awareness and can be educational for students who may not have been exposed to these cultures before. By celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, IS students have taken a proactive step in fostering an inclusive environment and promoting cultural appreciation.

    Class of 2027 Overnight Trip

    Last week, the IS hosted a parent meeting about the Class of 2027's June 1-2 overnight trip to Richmond, VA. A recording of the meeting is available for viewing.  

    Animal Trials Conclude
    Animal Trials Conclude

    All seventh grade English students recently presented oral arguments regarding Napoleon, a character in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and his responsibility for murder and the violation of animal rights. The students served on either the defense or prosecution teams. For two weeks, they researched “Exhibit A,” prepared written arguments, and recited them before the judges. Regardless of the final verdicts, all seventh grade “attorneys” should be congratulated for their collaboration and thorough work. Thank you to our community judges for their time and rulings!

    Fem ‘n Stem Affinity Alliance Group
    Fem ‘n Stem Affinity Alliance Group

    On Monday, members of the IS Fem ‘n Stem Affinity Alliance Group joined the MS Fem ‘n Stem Club to MAKE SLIME! The IS students prepared an educational lesson, and then together, they made slime with some successes and some failures, sharing that missteps in the process are a part of learning and growing.

    IS Band Clinches First!
    IS Band Clinches First!

    Our Intermediate School Band achieved an extraordinary triumph last Friday at the annual Music in the Parks Festival held in Hershey, PA. Competing in the Middle School 1A division, we proudly clinched first place, surpassing all other participants with a remarkable superior rating. The accolades didn't end there, as we were also awarded the prestigious title of the overall Middle School Band of the Day. Our band's exceptional performance of a challenging concert piece captivated the judges and showcased our dedication and talent. Following the competition, we enjoyed an afternoon at Hersheypark. Congratulations are in order for our directors, Michael DiCuirci and Henry Heidtmann, as well as each and every member of our band, who contributed to this resounding success.

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School News

    Upper School

    VPAC Showcase Dazzles
    VPAC Showcase Dazzles

    The VPAC music students recently showcased their talent and hard work during a Pather Time recital, marking the culmination of their dedication this year. The audience was treated to a wonderful display of skill and passion as each performer took the stage. Ben Schirmeier ’23, a percussionist, astounded us with his renditions of "New-than" by Bob Becker and "Rondino On a Theme of Beethoven" by Fritz Kreisler. Aidan Muhat ‘25, a pianist, mesmerized the crowd with his captivating performances of "Passacaille in Barcelona" by Taro Umebayashi and "Someday My Prince Will Come," arranged by Yoko Kanno. Jack Morgan ‘24, another percussionist, showcased his immense talent with a riveting rendition of "Concert Piece for Percussion and Piano" by Malcolm Arnold. Cliff Kanner-Bitetti ‘25, a trombonist, enchanted us with his rendition of the "Trombone Concerto" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Sydney Rushing ‘24, a flutist, transported us with her heartfelt performance of "Adagio Religioso" by W.A. Mozart. Alex Davis ‘25, a percussionist, amazed the audience with virtuosic interpretations of "Prism" by Keiko Abe and "Hot Tubs" by Brian S. Mason. Emma Chun ‘23, an alto, captivated us with her rendition of "Mandoline" by Gabriel Fauré and "Fly Me To The Moon" as performed by Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Lastly, Hugh Kanner-Bitetti ‘25, a pianist, concluded the program with his innovative rendition of "Moonlight Sonata Remix" by Lionel Yu. The recital was a true testament to the dedication and artistry of these exceptional musicians. Congratulations to the VPAC music students on this impressive program. 

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    Preparing for Culminating Academic Experiences

    As Upper School students and faculty prepare for the final weeks of the year, their focus is turning to the upcoming Culminating Academic Experiences, which will begin next week. Freshmen and sophomores have heard presentations from their grade deans and the director of learning support, who shared strategies for organizing their studying. With a mind towards fostering an environment where all students have the opportunity to capitalize on their conference time daily, students in grades 9-11 are now with their advisors during conference blocks so that they have a quiet environment in which to work.

    If you have any questions about the Culminating Academic Experiences, please reach out to your child's grade dean or Tory Virchow, upper school director of curriculum and academics.

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    Math Students Head to Nationals Park
    Math Students Head to Nationals Park

    After completing a project that required the use of integration to calculate the playable area of various Major League Baseball stadiums, students in calculus and advanced calculus 1 were treated to a tour of Nationals Park on Monday. The guide shared the history of baseball in Washington and provided fun facts about the team and some of the players. The students were led into the FIS Champions Club, where they saw the World Series trophy. They also toured the field and dugout and had the chance to warm up in the bullpen. What a fun way to cap off a year of calculus! 

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    Spring Festival Spreads Joy 

    Last Friday marked the inauguration of a new Upper School student life event: the Spring Festival. Devised by the Student Government Association, "Spring Fest" included a special scavenger hunt throughout the school day, visits from Captain Cookie and Kona Ice to accompany a pizza dinner, flag football, musical performances on the Quad, and a dodgeball tournament. Students enjoyed spending some downtime with their peers on a beautiful spring afternoon. 

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    Sophomore Planning Junior Year Abroad
    Sophomore Planning Junior Year Abroad

    Potomac sophomore Carter Donald will spend his junior year in Zaragoza, Spain, through Potomac’s partnership with School Year Abroad. SYA places American high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in one of four independently operated schools in Italy, France, or Spain for a full academic year. Participating students live with a carefully selected host family and are immersed in the language of their country. SYA Spain is located in Zaragoza, mid-way between Barcelona and Madrid. Students typically take six classes; all but English and math are taught in Spanish. Students must have studied through the second year of a rigorous high school Spanish curriculum to be considered for admission to this program. Ample extracurriculars, including artistic, athletic, or service opportunities, are available to best meet student interests.  We wish him buena suerte as he embarks on his adventure next year! 

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    Student Earns Teen Character Award

    Sophomore Kasim Khapra earned a Teen Character Award from the McLean Citizens Association for his contributions to the community. Khapra was one of four area students honored during McLean Day this past Saturday.

    Khapra was recognized for founding MyPy Coding, which seeks to remove barriers to accessing computer science education. He started it during the COVID-19 pandemic when a family friend asked him to tutor her fourth grader on coding through Zoom. He expanded his tutoring to multiple students and recruited friends who could tutor. Now, the nonprofit provides free online one-on-one coding lessons to students in second to eighth grades. Students who were taught in the program pay it forward by becoming tutors to teach younger students. According to the citizens association, the nonprofit is geared toward underprivileged students in Northern Virginia, DC, and beyond and has a curriculum seeking to make coding approachable and fun.

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    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Girls Track Wins State
    Girls Track Wins State

    The girls track and field team won the VISAA State Championship in a closely contested match with returning champs St. Catherine's. The two teams were tied going into the final event: the 4x400 relay. Tenley Overdeck '24, Mackenzie Fulgham '24, Kate Tuttle '24, and Reagan Exley '24 won the relay to seal the team title. Some marquee events included the mile which Exley, Tuttle, and Genevieve Harris '23 swept. Exley and Tuttle also went 1-2 in the 800m. Maya Davis '23 won the 100m dash, the long jump (setting a school record in the process), and placed third in the 200m. Fulgham won the 400m (56.87) and took second in the 200m. Arielle Kouyoumdjian ‘25 earned Honorable Mention All-State by placing third in the 3200m. On the boys side, Charlie Ortmans '23, Max Zeldes '24, Alex Mathews '24, Eli Levine '26, and Cole Griswold '24 also earned All-State honors. Several athletes will continue onto Nationals held June 17 in Philadelphia. 

    College Signing Day
    College Signing Day Celebrates 21 Athletes

    At a ceremony yesterday, 21 scholar-athletes from the Class of 2023 announced their plans to play sports at the college level. Students, their families, coaches, and faculty gathered in the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community to celebrate their accomplishments. Nationwide, a little over 6% of high school athletes (about one in 13) play a varsity sport in college, and less than 2% of high school athletes (one in 57) play at NCAA Division I schools. These 21 college-bound athletes comprise 18% of Potomac’s graduating class. Enjoy photos from the ceremony.

    Michelle Ahn – Archery (Columbia University)
    Marcus Burrell – Baseball (Williams College)
    Kelly Crittenberger – Baseball (Northwestern University)
    Carter Lawrence – Basketball (Franklin & Marshall College)
    Tyler Lawrence – Basketball (Dickinson College)
    Caelan McCormack – Basketball (St. Lawrence University)
    Ella Adamec – Field Hockey (Kenyon College)
    Kylie McKinley – Field Hockey (Dartmouth College)
    Elizabeth Rossotti – Field Hockey (Georgetown University)
    Devin Dunn – Football (Missouri University of Science & Technology)
    Marcel Gaskins – Football (United States Naval Academy)
    David Hyde – Football (Williams College)
    Drew Turner – Football (United States Naval Academy)
    Patrick Wolff – Football (Pomona College)
    Drew Ambrose – Lacrosse (Wesleyan University)
    Sam Cristinzio – Lacrosse (Swarthmore College)
    Cate Dannahey – Lacrosse (Denison University)
    Kate Motley – Lacrosse (Middlebury College)
    Max Revis – Lacrosse (Oberlin College)
    Maya Davis – Track (Washington University in St. Louis)
    Charles Ortmans – Track (Harvard University)

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    Athletics

    Athletics Dates