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October 26, 2023

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Featured News

One Week Until Friday Night Lights
One Week Until Friday Night Lights

Just one more week until Friday Night Lights! Join the Potomac community for the second year of Friday Night Lights on November 3! Enjoy food, games, activities, and more. 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 Jr., giveaways, and more! Don't forget to RSVP!

New this year is a special Friday (November 3) performance of our fall musical Willy Wonka Jr. at 4:00 pm. Scheduled with our Lower School and their families in mind, but all are welcome. Seating is almost at capacity! You must RSVP to attend. We will close RSVPs once we reach our seating limit. We encourage you to be in your seats by 3:45 pm. If you miss the Friday show, please join us on Saturday for the 2:00 pm or 6:30 pm performances. 

Kicking off the Health and Wellness Speaker Series
Kicking off the Health and Wellness Speaker Series

Last week, Potomac welcomed parents and caregivers to campus for an interactive conversation with Dr. Catherine McCarthy, Dr. Heather Tedesco, and Jennifer Weaver, authors of Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength. The book has been described as a valuable guide for helping kids help themselves.

The authors started their day with a deep dive for faculty and staff, followed by a session with the wider Potomac community in the evening. Moderated by Josie Woods, director of student support and Upper School counselor, the audience heard about the 10 essential things that every child needs to thrive as our guests covered topics such as resilience, attention and self-control, psychological flexibility, self-motivation, compassion, and gratitude. It was an informative day filled with many takeaways. 

Thanks to PA President Jan Leu for welcoming everyone and introducing Natalie Bush, trustee and chair of the board health and wellness committee, who introduced our speakers. Watch the discussion.

JOIN TONIGHT! Also part of the Health and Wellness Speaker Series is tonight’s Parents Council of Washington (PCW) webinar presentation featuring Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It. Registration is still open for tonight’s virtual event at 7:00 pm. 

Things to Know

Stewardship Day Saturday, November 4

Join fellow Potomac families (adults and children) on Saturday, November 4, from 10:00 am to 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. 

Parent Association Fall Nomination Cycle

The Parent Association seeks the Potomac community's participation in the nomination process for the 2024-25 school year. PA leadership positions are filled each year across two nomination cycles – one in the fall and one in the spring. The fall cycle ends November 17. Please consider nominating yourself or another Potomac parent for one of the following important PA leadership roles:

  • Auction Chairs
  • Book Fair Chairs
  • Fall Frolics Chair
  • New Parent Outreach Committee Chairs
  • New Parent Outreach Upper School Division Chair
  • New Parent Outreach Middle School Division Chair

Chairing an event or committee is a great way to get to know people, share your expertise, and support the school. Contact Jen Graham or Stephanie Kapsis with any questions. Please use this link to submit your nominations or email nominations directly to PAnominations@potomacschool.org.

CONNECTdmv Empowerment Summit

The CONNECTdmv “Be You” Empowerment Summit is a robust personal development experience that inspires, connects, and affirms students of color at independent and parochial schools. Created primarily for students of color, workshops are also available for parents - who are encouraged to participate in the Summit to create a partnership with their child. Students will learn strategies for building adaptability and emotional strength, explore tips and techniques for dealing with stress and anxiety, and discover the importance of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and authenticity in their personal growth and interactions with others. The opening session on "Mental Health & Wellness" includes a panel discussion featuring Dr. Paul Singleton, grades 7 -12 counselor and DEI Coordinator. The event is Sunday, November 5, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at Georgetown Day School. Learn more. 

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!

Pawz Corner

Faculty Professional Day

Please note that tomorrow, Friday, October 27, is a Professional Day for faculty and staff. There will be no classes for students. 

Week Ahead

October

November

Friday Night Lights

Potomac Social

    PHOTO OF THE WEEK

    Potomac's varsity football team before a match up against Landon. (photo: Cooper Schirmeier '25)

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups Open Next Week

    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 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! Parents can elect to have an in-person or online conference.  If you would like to have an online conference, please email your teacher in advance of your conference day for a Zoom link. 

    Kindergarten Parent Forum November 1

    Kindergarten parents are invited to join the conversation at our annual Kindergarten Parent Forum. It will be held on Wednesday, November 1, from 8:30 to 10:15 am, in Ramsey Auditorium. Parent Forums are informal gatherings of parents in a particular grade. At these programs, parents have the opportunity to discuss topics and challenges that are most relevant to their children's developmental stage. 

    LS Information for Willy Wonka Jr. Show Before FNL
    LS Information for Willy Wonka Jr. Show Before FNL

    Students who are attending the November 3 showing of Willy Wonka Jr. must be escorted by a parent or caregiver to Langstaff Auditorium after the school day ends. We would like for parents to meet their children in Ramsey Auditorium at dismissal and fill out a SchoolPass form indicating and clarifying the meeting location - Ramsey Auditorium or in the carpool line at dismissal – and which adult will be at pick-up.  Seating is almost at capacity! You must RSVP to attend. We will close RSVPs once we reach our seating limit. We encourage you to be in your seats by 3:45 pm. Food trucks, games, and more will commence at 5:30 pm and the Friday Night Lights varsity football game begins at 7:00 pm.

    Upcoming Art Field Trips

    On Monday, October 30, our first graders will embark on an exciting field trip to the National Gallery of Art East Wing. This trip will further their studies in art class this semester. This unforgettable experience will surely influence their' budding passion for contemporary art.

    On Thursday, November 2, our third graders will go on an art class adventure to the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. Amidst docent-led tours in small groups, students will immerse themselves in the captivating artworks of legendary American artists. 

    KG Halloween Parade on Tuesday

    The Kindergarten Halloween Parade will begin in the K-1 hallway at 8:30 am on Tuesday, October 31. Head of School John Kowalik and Head of Lower School Donnette Echols will lead the procession of characters through the halls. The best photo opportunities will be on the LS playground and in front of the US Tundra Building. We ask students to come to school dressed in costumes, ideally over their regular school clothes. After the parade, our costumed kids will transform back into kindergarteners (a.k.a. change back into their regular clothes) and resume their school day. 

    LS Picture Make-Up Day November 2

    Lower School picture make-up day is on Thursday, November 2, for those students who were absent on Picture Day. If you want your child's picture retaken, please email both your homeroom teacher and Joanna Huang.

    Next Sharing Assembly November 3

    Please join us on Friday, November 3, at 11:05 am, in Ramsey Auditorium. We will feature Mr. Gustavson's first grade class, Ms. Morrissey's second grade class, and Mr. McEwen's and Ms. Smalley's third grade classes. For those who are unable to attend, you will be able to watch a recording through this link, which will be available after the assembly.

    LS Veterans Day Assembly

    The Lower School students invite family members who are currently serving or 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. All parents, regardless of military service, can attend this presentation.

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Conference Sign-Ups Open Next Week 

    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 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. If you prefer your conference to be held virtually, sign-up through CampusNet as usual, then reach out to the classroom teacher directly to indicate this preference. Our teachers look forward to sharing your child's progress and goals for the year! 

    Field Trips on Halloween

    After cheering on our kindergarteners at the Kindergarten Parade, fourth and fifth grade classes will head off campus on Tuesday, October 31. Grade 4 will visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History as they embark on their study of early humans. Grade 5 will travel to the Maryland Corn Maze in Gambrills, MD, for a wonder-fall adventure! Students on the hot lunch plan will receive a bagged lunch. 

    Casual Dress Day Next Friday 

    To get in the spirit for Friday Night Lights, MS students will have a casual dress day on Friday, November 3. Although it is not required, we encourage all students to wear their finest Potomac spirit wear!

    MS Activities at Friday Night Lights

    There is a special afternoon showing of Willy Wonka Jr. in the Langstaff Auditorium on Friday, November 3, at 4:00 pm. MS families who would like to attend the performance must RSVP (seating is almost at capacity), and students must be accompanied by an adult.  We will close RSVPs once we reach our seating limit. We encourage you to be in your seats by 3:45 pm. Those accompanying students to the play may pick up their children starting at 3:15 pm on the MS playground. All other students not attending the play 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. 

    The Middle School will host an open gym for MS students in Chester Gym. An informal parent reception will take place in the US Crossroads. Both of these events begin at 5:30 pm. The varsity football game against North Cross School begins at 7:00 pm on the Turf Field. Please RSVP separately for those events if you’d like to attend.

    MS Photo Make-Up Day November 2

    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. The photographers will be in the Pingree Garden, weather permitting, or the IS Commons. 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 News

    Intermediate School

    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.

    IS Speech and Debate 

    Eighth graders Anika Agrawal and Anya Sachdeva had high-placing performances in speech and debate tournaments over the weekend. Anika collected a rare high school double bid in speech events to the WACFL Metro Finals, placing in extemp and impromptu speaking. Anya won the debate in the DC Urban Debate League (DCUDL) Middle School tournament over the weekend. 

    Financial Literacy Experts Visit IS Math Class

    On Wednesday and Thursday, the eighth grade math classes each enjoyed a visit from Potomac parents, past and present, along with alumni, to discuss financial literacy. The eighth grade students are currently exploring long term growth of monetary investments and exponential growth in their curriculum, and the speakers, who are all experts in finance and financial literacy, helped the students dig deeper into this important topic. 

    IS Wellness Assembly

    During last Friday’s advisory, the IS gathered for an assembly focused on Potomac’s definition of health and wellness. The interactive presentation exposed the students to the six interconnected dimensions of wellness prioritized by Potomac (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, environmental, and social) and helped them understand that support from friends, family, and community members is required to lead a balanced and healthy life.

    Transition to Upper School Events 

    Eighth grade families are invited to join the Upper School administration for an introduction to the Upper School on Wednesday, November 15, at 6:00 pm, in the Kettler Crossroads (an invitation will be sent to all families in early November). If you would like to tour the US before November 15, our Admission team will offer tours of the US on October 23, November 2, and November 9 at 8:30 am. They will be followed by a Q&A with Grade 9 Dean Andrew McGrath. If you are a grade 8 family and would like to RSVP for a tour, please contact the Admission Office at 703-749-6313 or admission@potomacschool.org. 

    Grade 8 Community Action Day
    Grade 8 Community Action Day

    Last week, the Class of 2028 participated in their fall Community Action Day, volunteering with seven partner organizations addressing food insecurity across the DC Metro area, including Cornerstones, Martha’s Table, and Capital Area Food Bank. Advisory groups worked on sustainable farms, delivered meals, organized food donations, and created grab-and-go bags of healthy food in their service to our local community. In the afternoon, students reflected on their experience and participated in the first IS Sandwich Day of the year. The whole grade gathered in the Commons and made over 300 sandwiches for Cornerstones. View pictures here.

    Friday Night Lights IS Activities
    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. Please RSVP for both events, which 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. If you RSVP'd for the now sold-out afternoon showing of Willy Wonka Jr., you should escort your student(s) to Langstaff Auditorium. We encourage you to be in your seats by 3:45 pm.

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School News

    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
    Interim Reports/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 to 8:00 pm) and Friday, November 10 (8:30 am to 3:00 pm). We ask that each family sign up for no more than three parent-teacher conferences, and we encourage you to consider 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/Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups
    Speech and Debate Team Ranking and Tournament Updates

    For the second year in a row, the Potomac speech and debate team finished in the top 100 of speech and debate programs in the U.S., according to the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). The association has approximately 3,500-member high schools, making this a top 2% finish. Not losing a step, the program currently remains ranked at number 78.

    The speech and debate team performed well in a pair of local tournaments this past weekend. The Potomac team was led by Adrian Atwater '24, Elizabeth Forster '24, and Hannah de Souza '25. Additionally, siblings Thomas Shanmugam '26 and William Shanmugam '27 beat a debate team from Atlanta to win the DC Urban Debate League (DCUDL) event this past week.  

    The team competes at the University of Florida this weekend and at St. Joseph's University in November. 

    Read More about Speech and Debate Team Ranking and Tournament Updates
    Mental Health and College Admissions

    Many high school students face immense pressure during the college admission process, which has become intertwined with their self-worth. School and college counselors have observed a concerning shift in students' emotional responses to this experience over the years. The fear of failure, coupled with the pressure to meet high expectations, often leads to anxiety and depression, overshadowing what should be a time of joy and opportunity. Potomac’s counselors encourage families to read the Forbes article Mental Health And Climate Change In College Admission to glean valuable strategies and tips. Understanding these insights can greatly assist in supporting our students through the emotional challenges of the college admission process. 

    Read More about Mental Health and College Admissions
    Grade 9 Parent Forum

    Grade 9 parents are invited to join the conversation during our annual Grade 9 Parent Forum. It will be on Thursday, November 2, from 8:30 to 10:15 am, in Ramsey Auditorium. Parent Forums are informal gatherings of parents in a particular grade. At these programs, parents have the opportunity to discuss topics and challenges that are most relevant to their children's developmental stage.

    Read More about Grade 9 Parent Forum
    Lunchtime Conversation on Climate Change
    Lunchtime Conversation on Climate Change

    As part of the final project in their climate change unit, students in Dr. Cohen’s Science, Technology, and Society class hosted a poster session and presented their research and experimental designs to their fellow students. The presentations took place in the US Tiered Classroom, where their research posters were on display. The students (grades 10-12) presented a topic of interest within the context of climate change and designed their experiments. Their interests focused on very current topics such as the power generated from wind energy, the consequences of sea level rise and increased seawater temperature, as well as plant regrowth following forest fires or contamination of groundwater with fertilizers or toxins. The students enjoyed this project, which allowed them to learn about one of the world’s most pressing issues. 

    Read More about Lunchtime Conversation on Climate Change
    WE CARE Assembly

    As part of our Upper School health and wellness curriculum, on October 19, the division held a ninth grade assembly featuring WE CARE Collaborative's speakers Madeleine Moore and Sarah Wilson, health and wellness experts who work with adolescent and emerging adult populations in high school and college settings. Moore's expertise is in substance use prevention and harm reduction, and Wilson has extensive experience in health promotion and mental health. The interactive and engaging assembly focused on substance use and trends in mental health among high school-age students, an introduction to harm reduction and how it shows up in our lives already, and how to use active bystander skills to help a friend. 

    Read More about WE CARE Assembly
    Willy Wonka Jr. Runs November 3-4
    Willy Wonka Jr. Runs November 3-4
    Come step into a world of imagination! The Potomac Theatre Department will present Willy Wonka Jr. on 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! On November 4, the shows will be at 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm.
     
    Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences. We hope to see you there.
    Read More about Willy Wonka Jr. Runs November 3-4
    National Flags and Cultural Identity
    National Flags and Cultural Identity

    Ms. Christina Salamone’s and Ms. Tracy Jaeger’s Spanish 3 classes enjoyed a recent visit to the Lower School for some exploration and inspiration for their Hispanic Heritage Month project. After delving into questions about identity terms such as Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine, students viewed the flags of all 21 Spanish-speaking countries and perused the many materials and visuals posted in the LS hallway. Each student selected a particular flag and country of interest to research. The final product was a series of oral presentations and conversations about the diverse cultural identities and culture depicted on many of the Hispanic flags studied. Thank you to our LS colleagues for sharing your space and display with us.

    Read More about National Flags and Cultural Identity
    Program Representatives Visit Potomac

    Representatives from School Year Abroad (France, Italy, and Spain) and several semester schools spoke with sophomores on Monday and shared information about opportunities available during their junior year. After the presentation, interested students were invited to stay and learn more from the representatives from School Year Abroad or any of the visiting semester schools: Alzar School (Chile and Idaho), High Mountain Institute (Leadville, Colorado), Maine Coast Semester (Wiscasset, Maine), The Island School (Eleuthera, The Bahamas), and The Oxbow School (Napa, California). If you have any questions about these programs, please email Tory Virchow (semester schools) or Diana Page (School Year Abroad). 

    Read More about Program Representatives Visit Potomac

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Boys Soccer MAC Title
    Boys Varsity Soccer Clinches MAC Regular Season Title

    Last week the Panthers traveled to St. James and came away with a 2-1 victory. Captain Patrick Ritter '25, put away his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Captain Mac Wilson '24, and midfielder, Colin Cordell '25, recorded his first goal of the season. The following day, the Panthers drew with Bishop Ireton 1-1. The lone goal was scored by Senior Finn Avis, his first goal of the season, assisted by JP Sosnitsky '25.

    The Potomac School Boys Varsity soccer clinched the MAC title this week with a 2-0 victory over Sidwell! Senior Zach London put away his third goal of the season, assisted by Ritter; Ben Scharf '26 finished the scoring with an unassisted goal, registering his seventh goal of the season. With a record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, the number one seeded Panthers earned a bye for the quarterfinals and will begin their MAC tournament in the semifinal round on Tuesday, October 31, at 3:00 pm.

    Varsity Field Hockey Celebrates Seniors
    Varsity Field Hockey Celebrates Seniors

    Potomac field hockey celebrated seniors Adrian Atwater and Katharine Kanner-Bitetti (pictured with parents and Coach Mays) with a 6-2 victory over John Paul The Great last week. Leading the way for Potomac were Bella Kim ’25 with two goals, Dasha Minsky ’26 with one, and scoring a hat trick was Tara Bansal ‘26. Kim also had two assists, while Minsky, India Cairncross ‘25 and Ava Moazzez ‘25 each contributed one.

    JV Volleyball

    Despite recently facing two hard losses against Bishop O'Connell and Flint Hill, the JV volleyball team remains resilient and determined as they approach the final game of the season today, October 26, against Holy Child.

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    Athletics

    After-School Activities

    No ETC on Halloween

    There are no ETC classes scheduled for Tuesday, October 31. Have a happy Halloween from your ETC program office.

    ETC Gameday Favs!
    ETC Gameday Favs!

    Cookout catch of the day! Mr. Kowalik was on the receiving end of a tasty tailgate treat from our Tiny Chefs. Golden crispy loaded tater tots for the win! Make these Tailgate Tater Tots with your family for this week’s sideline shenanigans. Thanks to our awesome team of Extended Day students for the creative gameday language (Lola Burrell, ’29, John Bauer, ’29, and Quinn Kelly, ’30).

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    After School Activities