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October 19, 2023

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Featured News

A Weekend Filled with Potomac Spirit

Last weekend was filled with excitement here at Potomac. Fall Frolics, the Homecoming Pep Rally, athletic games, Upper School bonfire, the alumni reception on the Spangler patio - it was a spirited weekend indeed. Despite the rain on Saturday, Fall Frolics was festive and well attended, as was the varsity football game. On Saturday night, our ninth and tenth graders enjoyed class dinners together and then the entire Upper School was together for our annual Homecoming Dance in the US Crossroads. It was great to see our connected community in full force showing their Panther Pride.

Fall Frolics Special Thanks

We extend special appreciation to Fall Frolics co-chairs Elizabeth Sutphin and Bethany Ritchey for their leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm. Our team of parent, staff, faculty, and student volunteers successfully pulled off the first indoor Fall Frolics in 14 years. Thanks also go to the individual committee chairs who helped pivot and organize various aspects of moving the carnival indoors. This was a complex event to organize, and we are grateful to everyone who shared their time and talents. Enjoy photos from Fall Frolics

Friday Night Lights Excitement

Join the Potomac community for the second year of Friday Night Lights on November 3! Enjoy food, games, activities, and more. New this year is a special Friday (November 3) performance of our fall musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at 4:00 pm. Scheduled with our Lower School and their families in mind, but all are welcome! 

There will be Open Gyms and Parent Socials for Middle and Intermediate School students and parents prior to the 7:00 pm football kickoff vs. North Cross. That is not all! Don't miss the Potomac drumline, dance team, special national anthem performance, "tug of fun," appearances by the Potomac Panther, the cast of Willy Wonka, giveaways, and more! Don't forget to RSVP!

Things to Know

Annual Coat Drive

Our annual Coat Drive for Cornerstones is approaching. Cornerstones is holding their Winter Coat Closet drive one month earlier this year. To support their mission, Potomac will collect new and gently used coats, as well as new hats, gloves, or mittens from October 30 through November 6. Racks will be set up in the Lower School's Michael Granger Library, the Middle School Square, and the Intermediate School Commons. Let's keep our community warm this year, and thanks for your support!

Stewardship Day on November 4

Save the date for Fall Stewardship Day! Join fellow Potomac families (adults and children) on November 4, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, for an hour (or two!) outside, to help keep our campus beautiful. Experience the joy of giving back, learning new skills, and bonding with others. Volunteer projects will include bridge redecking, trail rerouting, and trail maintenance. Hot apple cider and donuts will be served. Sign up here! For any questions, please reach out to Lauren Flanagan or Andrea Franklin.

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.

Pawz Corner

Semi-annual Blood Drive

The INOVA Bloodmobile will be on campus for Potomac's semi-annual Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 15, from 11:00 am-4:00 pm. More info to follow!

Week Ahead

November

Potomac Social

    PHOTO OF THE WEEK

    Grade 3 selfie with Ms. Passano!

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    Lower School

    No Sharing Assembly October 20

    Please note that due to our Halloween Assembly practice, there will be no LS Sharing Assembly tomorrow, Friday, October 20. 

    Please join us Friday, November 3, at 11:05 am in Ramsey Auditorium, for our next Sharing Assembly. We will feature Mr. Gustavson's (KG1) first grade class, Ms. Morrissey's (CM2) second grade class, and Mr. McEwen's (RM3) and Ms. Passano's (AP3) third grade classes.

    You’re Invited to a Very Spooktacular Assembly

    The Langstaff Auditorium will be transformed for Halloween on Thursday, October 26, at 11:00 am. LS students will present spooky songs at our annual Halloween Assembly. Check your child’s Bloomz page soon for special instructions about clothing for that day. For those who are unable to join us in-person, there will be a livestream link of the assembly and the recording.

    Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Ups Open November 1

    The Lower School will hold its Parent-Teacher Conferences during the afternoon on Thursday, November 9, and all day on Friday, November 10. Beginning at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 1, parents can sign up for a conference time with their child's homeroom teacher via the Parent Portal section of CampusNET. Sign-ups will close on Wednesday, November 8, at 3:00 pm. Please note that LS students will have a full day of school on Thursday, November 9 with buses, ETC, and Extended Day running as usual. There will be no classes on Friday, November 10. Complimentary drop-in childcare will be available during the time of your conference. Our teachers look forward to sharing your child's progress and goals for the year! 

    LS Picture Make-up Day

    On November 2, Freed Photography will take individual photos of LS students who were absent on our scheduled picture day, or who would like their photo retaken. If you would like a retake for your child, please email both your homeroom teacher and Joanna Huang.

    Veterans Day Assembly

    The Lower School students invite family members who are currently serving, or who have served our country, to a short presentation in honor of Veterans Day on Thursday, November 9, at 11:20 am, in Ramsey Auditorium. Guests are welcome to come in uniform for the students to see. We will ask all Veterans to stand so our division may recognize their service. There will be coffee and refreshments following the presentation for our guests. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School

    Be our Ghost! 

    We gourd-ially invite families to attend the annual Mid-Autumn/Halloween Assembly on Thursday, October 26, starting at 1:45 pm, in the Langstaff Auditorium. The program will include poetry readings, a performance by MacBeth's witches, and grade-level songs and skits. The sixth grade chorus, handbells, strings, and band will also perform. Please note that there will be a full divisional assembly rehearsal on Tuesday, October 24, starting at 1:30 pm. If possible, please do not arrange outside appointments during this time.

    Students will come to school in their regular uniform for the day and should bring with them the following items to change into for the performance:

    Top: plain long-sleeved shirt, all black or dark navy; please, no logos, text, or other decoration
    Bottom: solid black or navy long pants (uniform navy pants are fine), leggings, or skirt with solid dark tights; no shorts
    Footwear: dark socks (uniform navy socks are fine) or dark tights

    Bet your autumn dollar it will be an a-maizing event! If you are unable to join us in person, please enjoy a livestream of this assembly. 

    Conference Sign-ups Open Soon

    The Middle School will hold its Parent-Teacher Conferences during the afternoon on Thursday, November 9, and all day on Friday, November 10. Beginning at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 1, parents can sign up for a conference time with their child's homeroom teacher via the Parent Portal section of CampusNET. Sign-ups will close on Wednesday, November 8, at 3:00 pm. Please note that MS students will have a full day of school on Thursday, November 9 with buses, ETC, and Extended Day running as usual. There will be no classes on Friday, November 10. Complimentary drop-in childcare will be available during the time of your conference. Our teachers look forward to sharing your child's progress and goals for the year! 

    MS Activities at Friday Night Lights

    As part of Friday Night Lights, the Middle School will host an open gym for MS students in Chester Gym. An informal parent reception will take place in the IS Crossroads. Both events begin at 5:30 pm. MS students are expected to ride their normal bus home at the end of the school day before heading back to campus with a parent/caregiver for Friday Night Lights. Although seating is limited for the special afternoon showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at 4:00 pm, MS students who would like to attend, must be accompanied by an adult.

    Grade 6 Explores World Religions

    Did you know that in medieval Europe the pope was often more powerful than the king? Sixth graders are diving into their unit on world religions, which will start with an exploration of several faiths. They will explore the origins and basic beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism to understand how religions are influential in shaping societies. Throughout the unit, they will focus on the geography of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and practice nonfiction reading, note-taking, and study skills.

    MS Photo Make-up Day

    On November 2, Freed Photography will take individual photos of MS students who were absent on our scheduled picture day, or who would like their photo retaken. If you want a retake for your child, please email Kim Mackay in the MS office.

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School

    Pep Rally Fun!

    The leaders of the IS Student Council community and spirit committee, Imani Nzekwe ’28 and Anya Sachdeva ’28, took the lead in creating a new divisional cheer. With the help of a team of cheer captains, they taught IS students the new cheer, which helped them bring the energy at the K-12 pep rally. Thank you to our cheer captains, banner holders, and the whole division for bringing the spirit!

    Second Story IS Halloween Party

    The IS will host the Second Story Halloween Party on Thursday, October 26, from 3:15 - 5:30 pm. This will be the 18th year the IS has engaged with Potomac’s long-standing community partner Second Story. Second Story engages youth from grades 1-6 in afterschool programs in Culmore, Springfield, and Annandale, supporting their mission to provide safe havens and opportunities for children to grow and thrive. Participating IS students will host students from Second Story’s Culmore Family Resource Center for an afternoon of fun Halloween activities. The activities will take place at our newest outdoor pavilion. All IS students are welcome to participate but must sign up first. View the permission form for more information. 

    Friday Night Lights IS Activities

    As part of Friday Night Lights, the Intermediate School will host an Open Gym for IS students at the Spangler Culp Main Court. An informal parent reception will take place in the Spangler Team Meeting Room. Both events begin at 5:30 pm. IS students are expected to ride their normal bus home at the end of the school day before heading back to campus with a parent/caregiver for Friday Night Lights. Although seating is limited for the special afternoon showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at 4:00 pm, IS students who would like to attend, must be accompanied by an adult.

    Save The Date for Zoofari

    Attention seventh grade parents and students, the Zoofari parent and student social is coming! On Thursday, November 16, from 6:00 - 7:45 pm, we will gather for dinner in the Leonsis Dining Hall before heading to Chester Gym for an energetic ZOO-MBA session. This year we welcome back Ms. Kearsha with a fun zoo-fari theme. It's a great community bonding event and all seventh grade students are expected to attend with an adult. 

    Warm Clothes Weather

    IS students love to be outside! Except for cases of heavy rain or severe weather, they will go outside for break and lunch. Students should be sure to have appropriate attire for outdoor weather. In addition, windows and doors are often left open to increase air circulation, so students should have a dress-code appropriate sweatshirt to wear indoors.

    Sign-ups for Parent-Advisor Conferences

    The IS will hold its Parent-Advisor Conferences on Friday, November 10. There will be no classes on this day. Parents can sign up for a conference time through the Parent Portal on CampusNET beginning on Wednesday, November 1, at 12:00 noon through Wednesday, November 8, at 3:00 pm. Reports will go live immediately after. Details about interim reports and conferences will be available in InSights, the IS Newsletter, during the week of October 30.

    IS Photo Make-Up Day

    On November 2, Freed Photography will take individual photos of IS students who were absent on our scheduled picture day, or who would like their photo retaken. If you want a retake for your child, please email Joleen Hyde in the IS office.

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School

    US Photo Make-Up Day

    On November 2, Freed Photography will take individual photos of US students who were absent on our scheduled picture day, or who would like their photo retaken. If you want a retake for your child, please email Helen Butler in the US office.

    Read More about US Photo Make-Up Day
    Amended Schedule Next Week

    The Upper School will have an amended schedule on Tuesday, October 24, with special programming both on and off campus. Here's what each grade will be doing that day: 

    • Grade 9: Community Action Day - students will travel to engage in service projects with community partners, then participate in changemaker projects on campus. The day will begin and end at normal times. 
    • Grades 10-11: Students will take the PSAT in the morning. Then after lunch, students will have some low-key time on campus to play games, watch movies, and relax. Quiet study and homework space will also be available. 
      • Juniors driving to school must still park in the Trinity lot. Shuttles to and from the Trinity lot will run as usual. 
      • Students may depart school when they finish the PSAT. However, if students leave campus, they may not return for after school activities. 
    • Grade 12: Open day to work on college applications - students do not need to come to campus. 

    An important note: athletics and co-curricular activities will run normally that afternoon. Students are expected to attend their regularly-scheduled afternoon programs.

    Read More about Amended Schedule Next Week
    Interim Reports and Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups

    On Friday, November 3, interim grades and comments will be shared with students during advisory and made available in the Parent Portal section of CampusNET at 3:00 pm.  

    On Saturday, November 4, at 9:00 am, sign-ups for parent-teacher conferences will open, also through the Parent Portal. Conference sign ups will close on Wednesday, November 8, at 3:00 pm. 

    The conferences will be held in 10-minute blocks of time on Thursday, November 9, (6:00 - 8:00 pm) and Friday, November 10 (8:30 am - 3:00 pm). We ask that each family sign up for no more than three parent-teacher conferences, and we encourage you to think about these conferences as opportunities to learn more about how your child is experiencing their classes. To determine which teachers to select for conferences, parents can review the interim report, speak with their child, and touch base with the student’s advisor if needed.

    Read More about Interim Reports and Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups
    Homecoming Dance and Grade Dinners

    After a spirited week of theme dress, including the very timely "Barbie vs. Oppenheimer" Day, we officially kicked off Homecoming Weekend with a rousing pep rally in the Spangler Center for Athletics and Community. Following Friday afternoon's athletic contests, the Upper School gathered outside the Panther Pit for our traditional bonfire. Thank you to the Fathers Association of The Potomac School (FAPS), Sean Conroy, and Albert Pingree ’00 for helping to build the bonfire and keeping everyone safe.

    On Saturday evening, following Fall Frolics and the Homecoming football game, ninth and tenth graders met for class dinners. The former gathered on campus for a Meriwether Godsey favorite – chicken tenders and french fries – while the latter met at the Greenhouse Bistro in Tysons Corner. The Upper School then came together once again for the Homecoming Dance in the Kettler Crossroads. 

    Read More about Homecoming Dance and Grade Dinners
    Consent Programming Workshops

    Last week, Upper School students had an opportunity to choose from 18 different workshops that focused on consent and healthy relationships. This program educated students about consent and fostering healthy relationships as a critical component of their overall development. There was an emphasis on decision-making, self-care, reducing risk, and community care. We encourage you to engage in conversations with your child about this topic and what they learned from attending their session. Here are resources and hotlines you may utilize for further information.

    Read More about Consent Programming Workshops
    Alums Share Insights About Careers in Athletics

    On Friday, October 13, Potomac alums and brothers Kyle '08 and Ross '03 Condon met with Upper School students and coaches to discuss their respective careers in athletics. Ross recently concluded a 10 year chapter as a men's basketball coach at Penn State University and now works for Teamworks, a company that provides software and services to sports programs around the world. Kyle currently serves as a men's assistant basketball coach at Southern Methodist University and began his career as a four year manager for the men's basketball team at The University of Tennessee. Ross and Kyle shared insights about how college coaches evaluate high school athletes and possible entry paths for pursuing a career in athletics.  

    Read More about Alums Share Insights About Careers in Athletics
    Final Mini-fair of the Season

    The College Counseling Office hosted its third and final college mini-fair of the season. More than 100 US students dropped by the Engelhard Library to learn about the participating institutions and chat with admission representatives. It was an informative and energetic event. The following colleges and universities were represented: Franklin & Marshall College, Xavier University, American University, University of Navarra, Macalester College, University of Mary Washington, Colorado College, University of South Carolina, High Point University, Washington & Jefferson College, George Mason University, Howard University, and Virginia Military Institute.

    Read More about Final Mini-fair of the Season
    PSAT/NMSQT Goes Digital 

    Sophomores and juniors will take the new digital PSAT/NMSQT in school on Tuesday, October 24, at 8:15 am. Students met with their advisors last week to go through a Digital Readiness Check with the Bluebook App on their computers. Through Bluebook, students have access to a full-length practice test so they may get used to the new format. Students will also meet with our college counselors this month for an overview of what to expect and reminders of what to bring to the testing room. Juniors will take the test in the Engelhard Library, and sophomores will be assigned to classrooms in the East Building. Students with extended time will also be assigned to classrooms. Students should bring their fully charged computer with the installed Bluebook App, a pencil or pen, an approved calculator (although there is also one embedded in the digital test), and their computer power cord. They should not bring cell phones or smartwatches into the testing room. 

    Read More about PSAT/NMSQT Goes Digital 

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Varsity Golf Brings the MAC Banner Back to Potomac

    The Potomac golf team won the 2023 MAC Championship. The team had four key returners with varsity experience: Katie Lee '26, Annabel Widdifield ‘26, Jack Smith ‘26, and Jackson Wiley ‘24. The addition of Michael Dillow ‘27 and the welcome return of Connor Wood ‘25 back to Potomac, set the stage for a strong season. The team finished the regular season undefeated (9-0). The MAC Championship came down to the last few holes with Potomac finishing strong and winning by two strokes over St. Andrews (325-327). Wiley, Lee, and Smith were named to the All-MAC Team. Widdifield fell just outside of the top 10 but her 85 was critical to the team sealing the win. With the banner back at Potomac, the team has set its sights on keeping it again for next year. Congratulations to this year's MAC Golf Champions.

    Boys XC Wins MileStat Invitational

    Returning to the MileStat meet as the reigning champions of the Small Schools division, the boys varsity cross country competed in the more competitive Emerging Elite division, winning in a tie-break, stunning state powerhouse Blacksburg H.S. Noah Altschuler '25 was the hero of the day, having finished five places ahead of Blacksburg’s sixth runner, and securing the win for Potomac. 

    Varsity Volleyball on a Roll

    In a stunning display of skill and determination, the Potomac Panthers dominated their homecoming game, securing a victory in three straight sets against the Madeira Snails on Friday, October 13. The first set showcased a stellar performance by Skylar Giuliani ‘25, who used her speed and power to secure six kills, catapulting the Panthers to a 25-7 win. The momentum carried through to the second set, with freshman Lara Senyuz taking the spotlight. Her remarkable display of skill and precision resulted in an astounding 10 consecutive service points, propelling the Panthers to a 25-8 triumph in set two. Zora Burrell ‘25 connected well with setter Adelena Rodgers ‘25 to clinch the third set. Burrell contributed over half of the Panthers' points with a remarkable combination of nine service points in addition to her powerful kills. The team's exceptional performance led the Panthers to a dominating 25-11 victory, securing the win. Post-homecoming, the team started the week by picking up where they left off, sweeping Maret and Holton-Arms. The team plays Bishop O'Connell on Saturday, October 21. 

    Boys Varsity Soccer Updates

    Last week the Panthers, ranked number four in the state, lost to number one ranked Collegiate 1-0 on a penalty kick in the second half. The following week, the Panthers defeated MAC rival GDS 1-0. The lone goal was scored by junior Marshall Lloyd, assisted by fellow junior Colin Cordell. Senior goalkeeper and captain, Walker Lyall, recorded his fourth “clean sheet” this season. Last Friday for Homecoming, the Panthers beat King Abdullah Academy 6-1. Senior
    striker, Chase Edwards, netted the first two goals with assists from Patrick Ritter ’25 and Milad Yaqouby ‘24 – notching his first assist this season. Freshman Ege Kirgis finished off the first half with his first goal of the season, assisted by Clay Chapman ‘25. In the second half, sophomore Ben Scharf put away two more, with assists from Ritter and Cordell. Ritter scored the final goal of the game, assisted by Zach London ’24.

    The team celebrated Senior Day last Friday and the coaches would like to send out a special thank you to all the seniors and their families: Finn Avis, Will Avon, Eli Butler, Chase Edwards, Zach London, Walker Lyall, Daniel Overdeck, Henry Stein, Mac Wilson, and Milad Yaqouby.

    Varsity Tennis Improves Record

    The girls varsity tennis team improved their record to 7-3 after a dominating run against ISL foes. Potomac defeated Georgetown Visitation, Episcopal, Bullis, and Holy Child, winning 25 courts while dropping only 5 courts. Potomac is led by its three senior captains, Daelyn Dimps, Hope Dennis, and Gigi Giebel. Potomac looks to finish the season strong in the ISL League and will end their season with the Division 1 Virginia State Tournament in November.

    Girls Varsity XC Takes Fifth

    Led by Audrey Rentzepis '24 who finished ninth in the Emerging Elite race, the girls cross country team had an extremely successful day at the MileStat Invitational. All our athletes ran season PRs, including four lifetime PRs. Most notably, Emmy Holland '24 dipped under the 21-minute barrier for the first time and Vivienne Evans '27, who ran a personal record by over two minutes, was a first-time scorer on the varsity team.

    Girls Varsity Soccer Continues to Win

    The girls varsity soccer team continued its winning ways over the last three weeks, compiling a 3-0-2 record over that span. The Panthers battled a tough PVI team on the road to a 3-3 tie, then took care of GDS with a 4-1 victory on Gum Tree. Last week, the girls traveled to Maret to face a strong team, with important league implications. After a scoreless first half, the Panthers notched three goals in 20 minutes to take the lead and never looked back, winning  3-1. Reagan Exley ‘24, Chloe Lee ‘25, and Megan Rowe ‘24 all tallied for the Panthers. Then, during their Homecoming game, the girls routed Bishop Ireton 5-0 to cap off a perfect week. On Tuesday, the girls battled an athletic Jackson-Reed team to a 2-2 draw, and had goals from sophomores Alden Marin and Ally Griswold. Currently, the girls varsity soccer team has a 6-1-4 record and looks to finish the season as the top seed in the ISL. The team has two big home games next week vs. Stone Ridge and Sidwell Friends.

    JV Volleyball

    Building on a strong win against Madeira last week, JV volleyball kept up the momentum and won their game this past Tuesday against Holton-Arms in two sets. Standout players included sophomores Gia Bognet and Julia Jackson. They hope to keep it up this weekend with a game against Bishop O’Connell on Saturday.

    JV Girls Soccer

    The Potomac School JV girls soccer team is having a fantastic season, led by juniors Caroline Cowley, Harper Kelly, and Polina Helinski. The team has a strong record, with quality wins over Holton-Arms, Holy Child, Georgetown Visitation, Sidwell Friends, and Georgetown Day. The Panthers have upcoming games against Jackson-Reed and St. Stephen-St. Agnes.

    JV Boys Soccer Recap

    The JV boys soccer team improved to 6-3-1, earning wins over St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Trinity at Meadow View, and Episcopal. Their contest vs. Georgetown Day School ended in a 1-1 draw. Goalies Adam Bhatti ‘25 and Tommy Cowley ‘27 now have four shutouts as the Panthers outscored their opponents 17-1. Several players notched both goals and assists: Luke Swigart ‘27 (seven goals, three assists), Mateo Nichols ‘27 (three goals, two assists), Grey Chamberlain ‘26 (two goals, one assist), Tate Butler ‘27 (one goal, two assists), and co-captain Kaiden Staver ’26 (one goal, one assist). Emre Kirgiz ‘28 had two goals and Griffin Westland ‘28 recorded one. Freshman Elijah Nkojo contributed two assists, while Chamberlain, Charlie Cillizza ‘27, William Finch ‘26, and Lawson Watt ‘27 each added one. Sophomore co-captains Tyler Langman and Staver, along with freshmen Santi Cangahuala and Pierce Stephenson, made critical plays throughout the four matchups. 

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    After-School Activities

    ETC Robotics Begins

    ETC Robotics enrichment courses are off to a great start. While grade 4 is building a foundation for success, grades 5 and 6 are getting ready for tournament season. They are also learning how to strategize for a winning season! 

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