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. 

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! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.