Skip To Main Content

Paw Prints Horizontal Navigation

October 05, 2023

paw prints

Featured News

The Ubiquitous Buildings and Grounds Team
The Ubiquitous Buildings and Grounds Team

As we settle into the first month of school, let's celebrate the team working behind the scenes to ensure our school functions seamlessly. Potomac’s Buildings and Grounds crew’s efforts to keep campus beautiful go far beyond aesthetics. They don't just maintain our campus; they make it an inviting space for learning, employment, and recreation. 

With over 110 combined years of caring for our campus, this team endeavors to create a unique sense of place that supports Potomac’s mission while instilling in our students and staff a sense of pride, belonging, and ownership. Read more...

Friday Night Lights: Come for the Show, Stay for the Lights!
Friday Night Lights: Come for the Show, Stay for the Lights!

Friday Night Lights is back and better than ever on November 3! Join the Potomac community for football under the lights. Enjoy food, games, activities, and more! 

New this year is a special performance of our fall musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory from 4:00 to 5:00 pm for our youngest Panthers (K-3) and their families. The show experience will include golden tickets, special giveaways, and an opportunity to meet the cast. More details to come; save the date!

Sandwich Day Tradition Begins Next Week

For 34 years, Sandwich Day at Potomac has supported our community partners, Martha’s Table in Washington, DC, and, more recently, Cornerstones in Northern Virginia. During the 2023-24 school year, we will continue and expand our school-wide tradition. Please take a moment to learn more about these community partners and the vital work they do in our community. Here is our Sandwich Day schedule for the coming school year. 

Things to Know

Weekend Clinic: Field Hockey

The Potomac Field Hockey program will run a free clinic for all grade 3-6 students on October 21, from 10:00 to 11:30 am on the Turf Field. All skill levels are welcome, and equipment will be provided. Come on out and see what field hockey is all about! Please email Coach Mays to RSVP or if you have any questions.

Fall Frolics: Volunteers Needed and Raffle Tickets for Sale

Volunteers are still needed for Potomac’s Fall Frolics. Your time helps us keep the carnival attractions running! A huge thank you to those who have already signed up. We still need to fill 165 volunteer spots over three shifts (2, 3, and 4) between 10:45 am and 2:45 pm. Please sign up to volunteer today!

Learn about the 2023 raffle prizes and purchase tickets. Online sales for raffle tickets will close on Monday, October 9, at 6:00 pm. Tickets will also be sold on campus next week and at the carnival.

Proceeds from Fall Frolics benefit student scholarships and faculty professional development. 

October 10 FAPS Meeting

The next Fathers Association of The Potomac School (FAPS) meeting will be Tuesday, October 10, from 8:30 to 9:30 am, in the Fisher Family Dining Room. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend. IS Head Ryan Woods is the featured speaker. 

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. 

Parents for Environmental Action Kickoff Meeting
Parents for Environmental Action Kickoff Meeting

Are you looking for more opportunities to get outside with your family? Would you like your children to learn the joy of hard work and giving back to the community? Join the Parents for Environmental Action (PEA) virtual kickoff meeting on Friday, October 13, at 9:00 am. RSVP here for the meeting link. 

Health and Wellness Speaker Series: Achievement Culture

The Parents Council of Washington is hosting a webinar presentation featuring Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It. The virtual event is on Thursday, October 26, at 7:00 pm. Please register here to receive email reminders with the zoom link. 

Pawz Corner

No School on MondayPotomac will be closed on Monday, October 9, in observance of Columbus Day (US)/Indigenous Peoples Day (VA). 

Week Ahead

October

-
Fisher Family Dining Room

Potomac Social

    Fall Frolics Flu Clinic

    Potomac will host a flu vaccination clinic for our K-12 students and their family members during Fall Frolics. Van Dorn pharmacy will be on campus Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Fisher Family Dining Room. Please bring your health insurance card and driver's license.

    PHOTO OF THE WEEK

    Students enjoying the FAPS Campout over the weekend!

    Page Anchor

    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Upcoming LS Sharing Assemblies

    Please join us tomorrow, October 6, at 11:00 am in Ramsey Auditorium for our next Sharing Assembly. We will feature Ms. Callahan’s (VCK) kindergarten class, Mr. Gustavson's (JG1) first grade class, and Ms. Passano's (AP3) third grade class.

    The Lower School will have another Sharing Assembly on Friday, October 13, at 11:00 am, also in Ramsey Auditorium. We will feature Ms. Harper's (JHK) kindergarten class, Ms. Jackson's (JJ2) second grade class, and Ms. Smalley's (TS3) third grade class.

    Next Week’s Spirit Week

    Spirit Week will run next week from Tuesday, October 10, through Friday, October 13. Students are invited (but not required) to participate in wearing special attire. If you choose to participate, the intention is for children to build these outfits from things you already have on hand. We do not encourage buying new items. Please note that hats, wigs, masks, and "crazy hair" are not a part of this spirit celebration. Here is the LS schedule:

    • Tuesday, October 10 - represent your favorite team/activity 
    • Wednesday, October 11 - mix and match day
    • Thursday, October 12 - pajama day
    • Friday, October 13 - Potomac spirit day (blue and orange; Homecoming shirt orders will be delivered next week.)
    Kindergarten in the Wilderness
    Kindergarten in the Wilderness

    Kindergartners had a Woodland Recess last week. They went on a hike to the creek, searched for treasures, and encouraged each other through muddy and wet terrain. They also spent some time on the Upper School campus picking pumpkins from Potomac’s ‘patch.’

    First Grader Wins Prize in PBS Kids Writers Contest

    First grader Jack Maloney recently won third prize in the 2023 WETA PBS Kids Writers Contest. Jack is one of three grade-level winners from across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Jack wrote an original story titled, "Barracuda and Fish Friends," which has been published online. 

    Lower School Dates

    Page Anchor

    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Show Your Panther Spirit Next Week 

    Next week, the Middle School will join our K-8 Panthers in celebrating Homecoming and Fall Frolics with the below Spirit Week themes. MS students may choose to wear their uniform or dress up according to the following themes:

    • Tuesday, October 10 - represent your favorite team/activity 
    • Wednesday, October 11 - mix and match day
    • Thursday, October 12 - pajama day
    • Friday, October 13 - Potomac spirit day (blue and orange; Homecoming shirt orders will be delivered next week.)
    Fun at Field Day
    Fun at Field Day

    The unusually warm October weather from yesterday's MS Field Day did not lessen our students’ enthusiasm as they moved among many different stations, which included big ball volleyball, flag football, and zany relay races. Our PE teachers did an extraordinary job planning an exciting afternoon of safe, enjoyable activities for each Middle School grade. Check out the photo gallery.

    Sandwich Day Tradition Returns

    We are eager to continue 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 am 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!

    Old Time Music with Natalie Spears Alumni ’07 

    Singer and songwriter Natalie Spears '07 was back on campus to play, sing, and share stories with our Middle and Intermediate School students. Inspired by her father's English Folk heritage and talents as a Jazz pianist, Natalie carries a deep love for porch-picking music and music that swings. She draws on these roots and pulls from a quiver of instruments, including the banjo, bass, piano, and guitar.  Natalie just finished recording her first solo album, The Hymn of Wild Things. She shares, "This album feels like a true artistic expression of the last five years of my life, and I can't wait to share it with you. Think electronic soul meets folksy roots.” Learn more about Natalie's new solo album and her touring schedule. 

    Middle School Dates

    Page Anchor

    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    IS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
    IS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

    At the end of September, the IS held an assembly recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Alex Runde ‘28 wrote and gave a speech about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, his personal connections, and how communities commemorate their Hispanic heritage and Hispanic-American contributions to the country. 

    “Sweet Caroline” Furnace
    “Sweet Caroline” Furnace

    Grade 7 students, IS Faculty, and parent volunteers spent three days and two nights in the Shenandoah Valley last week. In addition to engaging in activities that tie directly to their curriculum, the focus of the trip encouraged grade-level bonding. Students and adults enjoyed activities in the woodlands, highlands, and paddling along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Both evenings were capped by campfire activities with student and faculty performances. Please enjoy the album of photos of the trip. 

    Old Time Music with Natalie Spears Alumni ’07 
    Old Time Music with Natalie Spears Alumni ’07 

    Singer and songwriter Natalie Spears '07 was back on campus to play, sing, and share stories with our Middle and Intermediate School students. Inspired by her father's English Folk heritage and talents as a Jazz pianist, Natalie carries a deep love for porch-picking music and music that swings. She draws on these roots and pulls from a quiver of instruments, including the banjo, bass, piano, and guitar.  Natalie just finished recording her first solo album, The Hymn of Wild Things. She shares, "This album feels like a true artistic expression of the last five years of my life, and I can't wait to share it with you. Think electronic soul meets folksy roots.” Learn more about Natalie's new solo album and her touring schedule. 

    Back to School Night is Tonight!

    The IS team looks forward to meeting you at Back to School night tonight. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm in the Langstaff Auditorium, where IS Head Ryan Woods will make remarks. At 6:50 pm, parents will report to their child's homeroom to receive their schedule of classes for the evening and hear from their child's advisor. Light refreshments will be served in the IS Commons while parents view the IS clay project display (hint: don’t confuse the display with the refreshments!). Parents may park in the IS or EPAC parking lots. 

    IS Starts Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    During Tuesday’s Community Time assembly, Gillian Young ’28 introduced Breast Cancer Awareness Month to the IS students and teachers. Throughout October, IS students are allowed to wear pink polo shirts to show their support. Students can also pick up a pink ribbon from the deans’ office to further spread awareness. 

    Show Your Spirit Next Week 

    Next week, the Intermediate School will join our K-8 Panthers in celebrating Homecoming and Fall Frolics with the below Spirit Week themes. IS students may choose to wear their uniform or dress up according to the following themes:

    • Tuesday, October 10 - represent your favorite team/activity 
    • Wednesday, October 11 - mix and match day
    • Thursday, October 12 - pajama day
    • Friday, October 13 - Potomac spirit day (blue and orange; Homecoming shirt orders will be delivered next week.)

    Intermediate School Dates

    Page Anchor

    Upper School News

    Upper School

    A Part of the Club
    A Part of the Club

    Last Friday, the Upper School held its annual Clubs, Affinity Groups, and Alliance Groups Fair. A wide variety was represented, and it felt like there was something for everyone! During the fair, students engaged with club leaders, explored new interests, learned about new opportunities, and signed up! Empowering Women of Color, UAV (Drone) Enthusiast Club, High School Law Review at Potomac, Music Between Classes Club, South Asian Student Association (SAS), and Families4Families, were just a few of the offerings available. Thank you to our student leaders who put great thought into the 81 clubs and affinity/alliance groups this year.

    Read More about A Part of the Club
    Spirit Week, Homecoming Bonfire and Dance

    Preparations are underway for an exciting Bonfire and Homecoming Dance on Friday and Saturday (October 13-14). Students have received additional information and a link to purchase their tickets. We encourage you to remind your kids to RSVP! But first, Upper School Spirit Week themes:

    • Tuesday, October 10: jerseys 
    • Wednesday, October 11: holiday spirit (grade 9: Valentine's Day; grade 10: St. Patrick's Day; grade 11: winter holidays; grade 12 - July 4th)
    • Thursday, October 12: Barbie vs. Oppenheimer
    • Friday, October 13: grade colors (grade 9: orange; grade 10: blue; grade 11: black; grade 12: white)
    Read More about Spirit Week, Homecoming Bonfire and Dance
    Pawpaw Plant Studies
    Pawpaw Plant Studies

    Students in Ms. Lisa McLane's Sustainability and Climate Change class have been exploring the many ways that trees help maintain healthy ecosystems. After learning all about pawpaw ecology, cultural and historical significance, and nutritional value, students had the opportunity to sample North America’s largest native fruit. They collected the seeds and prepared them to overwinter for spring planting.

    Read More about Pawpaw Plant Studies
    Welcome to New Faculty 

    Last week, Upper Schoolers gathered to officially welcome our new faculty cohort to the division. Each faculty member had a moment to introduce themselves in the ways they wanted to: some told a meaningful story, some were interviewed by one of our student emcees, and one gave an inspirational speech about ways we can be kind to others. We are so lucky to have such an energetic, personable group of new faculty at the Upper School this year. While they've already been getting to know students in their classes, it was great to have a moment to get to know them as an Upper School community.

    Read More about Welcome to New Faculty 
    Students Consider Digital Citizenship

    This week, the Upper School spent time learning about digital citizenship, the idea that how we treat each other online is equally important as how we treat each other in person. A small committee of faculty has been exploring ways to address the issue with students since the summer, and we were excited to launch our first all-school program devoted to the subject this week. At the program, senior leaders introduced students to a case study—a made-up situation based on events that could have been real—and then students had the opportunity to reflect on the case study in their advisory groups, thinking through how different characters in the story might have felt and what should happen next in order to make things right. Advisory conversations were robust and thoughtful, and we look forward to returning to this subject periodically throughout the year.

    Read More about Students Consider Digital Citizenship
    US Students Represent Potomac at MPAartfest
    US Students Represent Potomac at MPAartfest

    On October 1, Potomac students from the Upper School's robotics team and the Fem n' STEM club enthusiastically volunteered at the McLean Project for the Arts' MPAartfest. The vibrant outdoor event draws thousands of local residents annually and features a dedicated STEM tent managed by Potomac students. Throughout the six-hour event, attendees had the opportunity to explore two engaging activities. The first station showcased remote-controlled robots and robotic building materials, while the second table invited participants to create their lava lamps using water, vegetable oil, food coloring, glitter, and Alka-Seltzer tablets. The Potomac tent became a hub of activity, drawing in dozens of local youth and their families who actively engaged with Potomac students and faculty. For more than ten years, the Potomac Robotics program has been an integral part of this Northern Virginia event, inspiring interest in science and technology and promoting STEM education within the community. The Fem n' STEM club, in its seventh year, currently has over 40 US members who collaborate with female students in the lower divisions, fostering and kindling an interest in STEM.

    Read More about US Students Represent Potomac at MPAartfest
    Take the Lead with Sasha DiGiulian '11

    In front of a packed room in Upper School, Sasha DiGiulian ’11, a world-class rock climber and author of the newly released book Take the Lead, shared her story – from coming of age under the scrutiny of social media, navigating a male-dominated sport, and tackling her most heart-stopping climbs. She toured the campus and reflected, "A full circle highlight of my book tour came with this visit to Potomac School during my stop in DC. I went to Potomac K-12, and I credit so much of my early trajectory within sport, business, and writing with having the privilege of such a wonderful early education.” 

    Read More about Take the Lead with Sasha DiGiulian '11
    Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in US
    Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in US

    Students in the Upper School Chinese program enthusiastically celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, by immersing themselves in cultural activities. They explored the festival's significance, legends, and moon-inspired poetry. The students savored different flavors in Chinese moon cakes and tried different teas, enhancing their understanding of the festival's customs. Through these engaging activities, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in the Upper School embodies the spirit of unity, cultural appreciation, and the joy of gathering. 

    Read More about Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in US

    Upper School Dates

    -
    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Potomac Varsity Cross Country Sweep at Mark Ferris Invitational
    Potomac Varsity Cross Country Sweep at Mark Ferris Invitational

    Showcasing strong running and savvy racing on a technically challenging course at the Landon School, the girls varsity team won a nail biter by three points over Maryvale Prep. The boys team dominated the field, taking seven of the top nine spots. Running in his first cross country race of the season, Ve Lee '24 was the top finisher in the boys varsity B race. View the photo gallery.  

    Senior Golfers Celebrated
    Senior Golfers Celebrated

    The varsity golf team continued their winning ways with a 153-158 victory over St. Andrews. Connor Wood ‘25 shot the low round of the day (36), followed by Michael Dillow ‘27 (37). Katie Lee ‘26, Jackson Wiley ‘24, and Annabel Widdifield ‘26 scored 39, 41, and 41, respectively. The team celebrated with their three seniors (David Boehm, Jackson Wiley, and Will Mellis) afterward and acknowledged their contributions to the program. The team will look to finish the regular season undefeated next week when they play their last match against Flint Hill.

    Potomac’s Varsity Field Hockey Team Loses a Heartbreaker to Episcopal in Overtime

    Read the recap from Monday’s varsity field hockey game against Episcopal, written by Trevor Nelson ’27 of The Potomac Current. 

    Girls Varsity Tennis
    Varsity Girls Tennis Ranked #3

    The Potomac girls varsity tennis team improved their record to 3-2 with wins against Elizabeth Seton and St. Stephen's & St. Agnes. Their two losses came against Sidwell Friends and Collegiate, two of the top teams in the region. Their performance has earned them an impressive #3 ranking in the Division 1 VISAA State poll. 

    The team beat a talented Elizabeth Seton team 5-2 after dominating the #3 (Hope Dennis '24) and #4 (Anaahita Kaashyap '25) singles lines and all three doubles courts (Daelyn Dimps '24 and Sonali Sachdeva '25, Gigi Giebel '24 and Maren McLucas '25, Deja Dimps '25 and Maria Lerner '26). The team defeated St. Stephen's & St. Agnes 4-3 in an extremely competitive match. They won convincingly on the #1 (Riley Williams '26) and #2 (Riece Grimes-Thomas '26) singles lines and on the #2 doubles court (Gigi Giebel '24 and Maren McLucas '25). The match was tied 3-3 and came down to the #3 doubles court (Deja Dimps '25 and Maria Lerner '26). The girls showed mental toughness and pulled out a gritty match with a final score of 10-8 to clinch the victory. Potomac's captains note that their team is “close knit and continues to get better after each victory and defeat.” (Photo credit: Becky Cullinan)

    Varsity Boys Soccer Mid-Season Recap

    The Potomac School boys varsity soccer team recently fell to St. Andrew’s 2-1. Co-captain Patrick Ritter ‘25 provided the lone goal for the Panthers, assisted by Luke Brittin ‘25. The following week, the Panthers beat Maret 2-0 with goals from Ritter and Chase Edwards ‘24. Goalkeeper and co-captain Walker Lyall ‘24 recorded his third shutout of the season. The Panthers earned a win over St. James by a score of 3-1. Senior Zach London and sophomore Ben Scharf added to the goal count, receiving assists from Colin Cordell ‘25. Last Friday, after a hard-fought match, the team tied 2-2 against Sidwell. Scharf recorded his third goal of the season, assisted by Lawson Watt ‘27, and Luke Brittin ‘25 recorded his first goal of the season after finishing a penalty kick. This week, the Panthers beat Flint Hill 6-1. 

    Their next game will be at home on Friday, October 6, at 4:15 pm, against Collegiate, currently ranked number one in the state. On Friday, October 13, we will celebrate Senior Day prior to the game at 3:45 pm. Please come out and support our seniors and their families!

    JV Boys Soccer Splits a Pair of Games

    The Potomac Boys JV soccer team defeated Sidwell Friends on September 29 but fell in a heartbreaker to Flint Hill on October 3. At Flint Hill, the team raced to a 3-1 lead at the half. Luke Swigart '27 recorded his third hat trick, scoring off assists from Tate Butler '27, Emre Kirgiz '28, and co-captain Tyler Langman '26. However, Flint Hill outlasted the Panthers in the second half, netting a game-winning goal near the end of regulation to earn a 4-3 win.

    Against Sidwell Friends, Potomac dominated the first portion of the matchup, ending the half with a 6-2 advantage. In the second half, a Sidwell comeback was repeatedly thwarted by goalie Adam Bhatti '25, who stood tall in the net with the help of defensive wings Pierce Stephenson '27 and Aiden Yuan '27. With William Finch '26 and Griffin Westland '28 contributing speed and pressure on the wings, the team stopped Sidwell to secure a 6-3 victory. The team returns to action on Thursday, October 5, at 4:00 pm, when they host Trinity School at Meadow View on Gum Tree Field 1.

    JV Field Hockey

    JV field hockey is having a great run. With a 6-1 record heading into the second half of the season, the team is playing with confidence and continues to improve and grow each week. Each player is contributing and exhibiting positive energy and enthusiasm on and off the field.

    JV Volleyball Update

    Last Friday, JV volleyball played National Cathedral School. NCS presented a challenge, but Potomac held their own to finish the game strong, winning in three sets. The team traveled to Georgetown Day School on Tuesday night to play three sets. While Potomac came out strong at the beginning to win the first set, GDS took the last two sets, and Potomac lost 1-2. JV’s next game is on Thursday, October 5, against Paul VI. 

    Page Anchor

    Athletics

    After-School Activities

    Extended Day and Private Music Lessons

    Page Anchor

    After School Activities