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September 28, 2023

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Get Involved in Fall Frolics
Get Involved in Fall Frolics

Get ready for a beloved Potomac tradition! Fall Frolics will take place on Saturday, October 14, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, on the US Tundra and Quad. This annual fall carnival is fun for students and parents alike. It is also a great way to support student scholarships and faculty professional development. There are many ways to get involved:

Volunteering at the Carnival: A huge thank you to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer at Fall Frolics. This event can’t happen without you! We ask that each Potomac family volunteer for at least one slot on the day of the event. 

Donations still needed: Clean out your closets this weekend and donate gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for Fabulous Finds/Nearly New; drop these items off in the MS Square or the Flag Circle Building. We are still in need of individually wrapped candy for the popular candy counter game. 

New! Fall Frolics Wristbands: We are excited to offer the option to preorder a wristband. This will give a child unlimited access to the games and inflatables for the duration of Fall Frolics. Individual tickets and sheets of tickets will still be available for purchase at the event. Please note: the wristband cannot be used for food and beverages, prizes, raffle tickets, or shopping. Preordered wristbands will be available for pickup at the ticket booth on the event day.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Potomac welcomes sponsorships of the Fall Frolics carnival attractions. If your business or family is interested in sponsoring a game, inflatable, or other activity, please contact Christine Sharkey.

Things to Know

PA Spotlight: Adaptability and Emotional Strength in Kids

Parents and caregivers are invited to join us on Wednesday, October 18, at 7:00 pm, in the Langstaff Auditorium for an interactive conversation with Dr. Catherine McCarthy, Dr. Heather Tedesco, and Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, authors of Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength. This event kicks off Potomac’s Health and Wellness Speaker Series. Learn more and register now for this Parent Association Spotlight program. 

Last Chance to Register for FAPS Campout

The weather looks perfect for this Saturday! More than 130 Lower and Middle School students and families have registered for the FAPS Campout. Register today and join the fun. 

Parents Nature Walk October 6

Join us for a parents nature walk on Friday, October 6, at 8:45 am, and let’s start the long weekend with some fresh air! Learn about Potomac's trails and the school's history during this walk led by Potomac staff and sponsored by the Parents for Environmental Action (PEA). Toss on some sturdy footwear, grab your (leashed) dog, and meet us at the Spangler Bridge. Sign up here! 

Book Fair Kick-off Meeting

Calling all Book Fair volunteers! Join us for a kick-off meeting on Tuesday, October 3, from 8:30 to 10:00 am, in the Spangler Trundle Family Team Meeting Room. Book Fair – a treasured Potomac tradition – is our annual sale of used books collected from our school community. The funds raised through this event support our campus libraries. Several volunteer opportunities will be available from November 4-16, including collecting donations, sorting and set-up, and book sales. Please contact any of our Book Fair Chairs with questions: Cindy Malone, Kim Owen, or Jennifer Steinhoff.

Supporting Your Family’s Well-being

It's not easy for a parent to know when your child may benefit from outside help to support behaviors or mental health. It's natural to wonder, "How will I know if my child needs professional help? What kinds of issues can I just keep an eye on?" This article from Child Mind Institute can guide you: When To Wait: Getting Kids Care, Or Not.

Pawz Corner


Fall Frolics Spirit StoreShop the 2023 Fall Frolics Spirit Store and check out all the great merchandise.

Week Ahead

September

October

Potomac Social

    PHOTO OF THE WEEK

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Tomorrow We Dance, Dance, Dance!

    LS families are welcome to join us for our annual Folk Dance Assembly tomorrow, Friday, September 29, in the Spangler Culp Main Court at 11:00 am. All Lower School students will share traditional dances they have been practicing with Mrs. Tara Clayburn. Please note children must wear sneakers for this assembly on the court floor. For those who are unable to join, they may enjoy the assembly via livestream.

    Grade 3 Field Trip to…Pimmit Run!
    Grade 3 Field Trip to…Pimmit Run!

    Our third graders enjoyed an onsite field trip on Tuesday! The students worked with the Watershed Education and Outreach organization from Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to conduct benthic macroinvertebrate organisms and water quality studies in Pimmit Run creek on campus. The students learned about water quality metrics that help identify the health of a stream, such as dissolved oxygen and pH. We are happy to report that by both standards, we are in the moderately healthy range. In addition, they observed various benthic macroinvertebrates, including mayflies, hellgrammites, and damselflies. It was a terrific... and wet day of learning on our beautiful campus! Relive moments from the field trip. 

    Grades 2 and 3 Parent Information Session 

    Our Grades 2 and 3 Parent Information Session will take place on Wednesday, October 4, at 8:30 am, in Ramsey Auditorium. Parents will hear LS Head Dr. Donnette Echols and LS Dean Ms. Michelle O'Hara speak about developmental milestones and goals. Ms. Michelle Michlik (grade 2) and Ms. Lindsey Holm (grade 3) will talk about our grade-level language arts program, and Ms. Nadia Pardesi (grades 2 and 3) will speak about the second and third grade math curricula. 

    Grade 3 ERB Milestone Assessment

    As previewed during Back to School Night, our initial grade 3 milestone testing will be Tuesday, October 3, from 9:50 to 11:40 am (two 40-minute tests with a break in between). With this in mind, please refrain from scheduling morning appointments and be sure your child gets a good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast. Parents will hear more about how we use these assessments, the results, and more, at the Parent Information Session on Wednesday, October 4.

    Hearing Screening

    Our LS Hearing Screening will take place on Thursday, October 5, in the morning, starting at 9:00 am. The George Washington Speech and Hearing Center will perform the screenings for all Kindergarten, all grade 1, new grade 2, and all grade 3. The Health Services Team will notify you if your child does not pass the screening.

    Next Sharing Assembly

    Please join us on Friday, October 6, for our next LS Sharing Assembly at 11:05 am in Ramsey Auditorium. The following homeroom classes will share what they have been learning in class: Mrs. Victoria Callahan (K), Mr. Jack Gustavson (grade 1), and Ms. Alex Passano (grade 3). For those who are unable to attend, a livestream link will be shared in next week's Paw Prints.

    Label Away!

    Please remember to label lunchboxes, water bottles, and jackets so that we can help misplaced items find their owners! If a lost item is not labeled, it will be placed in the lost-and-found bin by the fish tank. Please also send an extra set of clothes in a labeled Ziploc bag to be kept in your child(ren)’s cubby.

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Back to School Night Tonight!

    We look forward to seeing parents tonight for MS Back to School Night. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with an opportunity for parents to visit special subject teachers in their teaching spaces between 6:30 and 7:10 pm. At 7:15, MS Head John Mathews will begin his remarks in the Langstaff Auditorium, and at 7:40, parents will make their way to their child's homeroom classroom to hear from their teacher. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening in the MS Square. Be sure to review the letter from John Mathews detailing the evening, including an interactive map with overviews of the specials teachers' curricula, which was sent yesterday to parents.

    MS Welcome & Friendship Assembly
    MS Welcome & Friendship Assembly

    Parents joined us in song and spirit as we celebrated the theme of friendship at last Friday's Welcome and Friendship Assembly. One particular moment Potomac's core values were on display was when Ms. Armstrong’s grade 4 class showed courage by taking the stage to fearlessly share the poignant poem 'You Should Know' by Abby Heard in front of their peers, teachers, and parents! It was a heartwarming and memorable moment – their first middle school performance.

    Field Day Next Week

    Parents are welcome to come and watch our MS Field Day activities on October 4, beginning at 12:30 pm, on the Turf Field. The PE teachers are planning an exciting afternoon of safe, enjoyable activities for each Middle School grade. If it rains, Field Day will be moved to October 11, at 12:30 pm. Students may come to school dressed casually on Wednesday, incorporating their PE team color of red or blue in their athletic wear. 

    Day 1 and the New Clubs/Activities Block

    Each Day 1, MS students will engage in a club period, with some club offerings lasting for the full 50-minute period and others lasting for 25 minutes, allowing students to move between two different clubs during the block. For our first clubs period this past Monday, the students completed a sign-up form for their preferred clubs and then, with great excitement, visited their first and second choices. View the fall club offerings.

    Sandwich Day Tradition Begins

    We are eager to begin the Sandwich Day tradition on Wednesday, October 11. Mrs. Furr's and Ms. Coffeen's sixth grade classes will make sandwiches in the Fisher Family Dining Room from 8:20 to 8:40 am. The sandwiches will then be delivered to Martha's Table in Washington, DC. Thank you to the parents of students in these two classes for donating the necessary supplies for this first MS Sandwich Day of the year!

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    Grand Opening of Panther Post IS Annex

    The IS now has its own Panther Post Annex, serving the needs of grades 7 and 8 families. The annex has IS specific, gently used donated uniform items. This is a valuable resource for our families that reduces waste, supporting the school's commitment to environmental stewardship.

    Visit: Families and students will be able to purchase items starting on October 3. Students may stop by to see Mrs. Hyde during their break. The Panther Post will be open to parents on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 pm. Upon arrival, check in with Mrs. Hyde to access the IS Panther Post. Purchases will be billed through student accounts.

    Volunteer: We are looking for volunteers to help sort and fold donations as they come in! Please consider signing up. Questions? Please email Heather Pearce. 

    IS Clubs and Affinity Groups Kickoff Assembly
    IS Clubs and Affinity Groups Kickoff Assembly

    During Wednesday’s Community Time, the IS community learned about student organizations and offerings for the 2023-24 school year. Pitches from eighth grade student leaders and faculty included colorful slides, meaningful reflections, and enthusiasm for affinity/alliance groups and clubs. 

    The IS’s affinity and alliance groups are opt-in and will meet at least once per month. They are inclusive and welcoming spaces designed to affirm identity, build community, and cultivate leadership. We can look forward to these groups getting together and leading assemblies.

    Every IS student participates in a club. Clubs run for a cycle that resembles an athletics season. The Cycle 1 clubs include community organizing clubs related to leadership and environmental stewardship and community belonging clubs geared towards fun hobbies and interests. Overall, IS students have many ways to get involved in the IS and contribute to its culture! 

    Exploring Pimmit Run
    Exploring Pimmit Run

    In preparation for our trip to Caroline Furnace, seventh grade science classes learned about measuring the water quality of Pimmit Run. They were able to catch several macroinvertebrates and test for nitrates, phosphates, and pH levels. They will compare this data from Pimmit Run to their data from Passage Creek at Caroline Furnace and share their data through the Save Our Streams program. Be sure to ask your child about the health of the streams they studied.

    IS Back to School Night Details

    IS Back to School Night is Thursday, October 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Upon arrival on campus, parents should report directly to Langstaff Auditorium to hear remarks from IS Head Ryan Woods. At 6:45, parents will make their way to their child's homeroom, where they will hear from their child’s advisor, make a nametag, receive a school directory, and get a copy of the schedule for the evening. Parents will visit each of their child’s classes from 7:05 to 8:30. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening in the IS Commons. Parents who arrive after 6:45 should go to the IS front office for directions.

    Eighth Grade Bonding Day
    Eighth Grade Bonding Day

    Our eighth graders had a wonderful time last Friday during Fall Bonding Day! Each homeroom went off campus in the morning to enjoy the natural world on a local hike, including adventures at Great Falls (Maryland and Virginia), Huntley Meadows, the National Mall, and Rock Creek Park. In the afternoon, everyone returned to campus for the IS Cup Games, which included inter-homeroom bingo, scooter soccer, and many more activities. In the end, the green team won the most games and demonstrated a strong sense of sportsmanship – taking home the winning title. Enjoy pictures from the day. 

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School News

    Upper School

    Grade 11 Parent Information Session

    Mark your calendars for the Grade 11 information session on October 3, at 8:30 am, in the Engelhard Library. Grade-level parent information sessions, formerly known as US parent/admin coffees, are opportunities for parents to learn about the academic and student life programming for the year.  Please join members of the US Admin Team to learn more about the year ahead and participate in a Q&A.  

    Read More about Grade 11 Parent Information Session
    Students Attend 52nd Congressional Black Caucus
    Students Attend 52nd Congressional Black Caucus

    Potomac students recently attended the 52nd Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, held under the inspiring theme "Securing Our Democracy. Protecting Our Freedoms. Uplifting Our Culture." This conference brought together visionaries, activists, and leaders shaping the future of African Americans and the global Black community. Throughout their time at the CBC, Potomac students immersed themselves in thought-provoking sessions, interactive forums, and invaluable networking opportunities. They engaged in discussions spanning policy, social justice, economic empowerment, healthcare, education, and more – making this event an empowering and enriching experience that can profoundly influence their academic, personal, and civic journeys.

    Read More about Students Attend 52nd Congressional Black Caucus
    Rehearsals Have Begun for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
    Rehearsals Have Begun for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

    Congratulations to the cast and crew of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – auditions were a huge success and rehearsals are underway! The Potomac Theatre Department will present Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory November 3-4, in the Langstaff Auditorium. The November 3 performance will be at 4:00 pm, as a special engagement show in conjunction with Friday Night Lights! Come for our show and stay for the lights!

    The Potomac School Theatre spirit wear is now available. Please contact Mia Fisher-Phillips to purchase and support our amazing Potomac Theatre students.

    Read More about Rehearsals Have Begun for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
    Parent Dinners

    The Grade 9 Parent Dinner is on Tuesday, October 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, in the Leonsis Dining Commons. Please RSVP by Friday if you plan to attend. Save the date for the Grade 10 Parent Dinner on Wednesday, October 25. 

    Read More about Parent Dinners
    Honor Council Assembly
    Honor Council Assembly

    Last week, the Upper School gathered for our annual Honor Council Assembly. This student-led program introduced students to the importance of our Potomac Honor Pledge and the value of our hard work and integrity. Honor Council faculty sponsor Mr. Ritt was joined by Mr. Kowalik and Mrs. Petro, who spoke to the importance of honor in their own work. Honor Council Co-chairs Kate Tuttle '24 and Madeline Magielnicki '24 spoke about their leadership role in this vital student organization. Then, members of all elected student leadership groups signed the Honor Pledge. All Upper School students will eventually sign the pledge in their advisory groups over the next few weeks.

    Read More about Honor Council Assembly

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Girls Soccer Highlighted in Washington Post
    Girls Soccer Highlighted in Washington Post

    Check out this article about Potomac's girls varsity soccer program in the Washington Post. The story highlights the great chemistry between Chloe Lee '25 and Reagan Exley '24.

    Boys and Girls Cross Country at Oatlands Invitational

    Undaunted by neither the rainy and windy conditions nor the challenging course, the cross country team headed to Leesburg on Saturday for their third meet of the season at the Oatlands Invitational – continuing to add to their string of top-10 finishes. Girls varsity set the tempo with a fifth place finish out of 31 teams. In all, nine athletes between the varsity and junior varsity races saw improvements from the Monroe Parker Invitational, which underscores the resilience and potential of this team. 

    Boys varsity also ran a strong race, securing a top-ten finish coming in seventh place out of forty teams. In a show of the parity and depth of the Panther pack, our second through fifth place finishers were within 30 seconds of each other. Potomac Cross Country will be back in action at the Mark Ferris Invitational at Landon School on Saturday, September 30. 

    Varsity Volleyball Updates
    Varsity Volleyball Updates

    The Potomac Panthers varsity volleyball team is on an impressive three-game winning streak, recently clinching clean sweeps against St. Johns and Stone Ridge. Their impeccable teamwork and strategic finesse have been key in these victories. Looking to extend their streak, they face National Cathedral School this Friday.

    'Pink Out' for Cancer Awareness Month

    The field hockey and volleyball teams will dedicate a few of their home games to cancer awareness month. Please support the teams and their efforts by showing up in pink.

    - Volleyball: Thursday, October 5, at 5:30 pm
    - Field hockey: Tuesday, October 3 (4:15 pm), and Thursday, October 19, at 4:15 pm

    Comeback for JV Volleyball 

    Coming back from a tough loss against St. John’s last week (1-2), the JV volleyball team won their game against Stone Ridge (2-0) on Tuesday. Standout players included freshman Cait Toop and junior Karrington Hayes, as their serves kept the scoreboard running.

    JV Boys Soccer Improves Record

    The Potomac Boys JV soccer team improved to 2-2 on the season with a convincing 9-1 win on Wednesday against St. James School. Mateo Nicols '27 scored Potomac's first goal to start a run of eight unanswered goals by Potomac. Luke Swigart '27 contributed four goals and two assists, while Nichols finished with two goals and an assist. Tate Butler '27, Nahom Flagot '25, and Emre Kirgiz '28 tallied one goal apiece, and Ethan Maher '25 and Elijah Nkojo '27 each recorded one assist. The team earned a 1-0 victory against Georgetown Day School on September 12, Nichols '27 netted the game's only goal off a cross from Kaiden Staver '26 (captain). With a hard strike from outside the box, Staver scored a goal in a loss to St. Andrew's Episcopal on September 21. Throughout the season, Tyler Langman '26 (captain) has provided critical defensive pressure to protect the Potomac net.

    The team's next matchup will be on Friday, September 29, at 4:30 pm, at Sidwell Friends.

    Samia
    Sports News from LS and MS

    Samia Al Otaiba ’31 (pictured on left) and her pony, Fox Ridge Medley, were reserve champions in the Children’s Pony Hunter category at the Middleburg Classic over the weekend. 

    Grade 4 student Ella Yi (pictured on right) earned a national championship title at the 2023 National Solo Dance Finals, placing first with her partner in the preliminary shadow dance. Ella represents the Washington Figure Skating Club. 

    Congratulations on these athletic achievements! 

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    Athletics