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November 2, 2023

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Featured News

Friday Night Lights is One Day Away
Friday Night Lights is One Day Away

Join us for tomorrow’s second annual Friday Night Lights! Enjoy food, games, activities, and more. There will be Open Gyms and Parent Socials for Middle and Intermediate School students and parents before 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! Please remember this is a smoke and alcohol-free event. Important division-specific information is also included below. (Photo: Friday Night Lights 2022)

Book Fair is Back!
Book Fair is Back!

The 2023 Book Fair will take place Monday, November 13, through Thursday, November 16. A treasured annual event, Book Fair is a huge sale of used books collected from the K-12 Potomac community. Please gather your gently used children’s and young adult books (all genres) and adult fiction to donate. We will accept an unlimited number of children’s and young adult books, but adult fiction donations are limited to 20 books per student. Donations of book boxes and reusable bags are also appreciated!

When to donate:

  • November 4, 9:00 to 11:30 am: Saturday drive-up drop-off at Flag Circle Building or bring directly to the Lower School Activities Room (LSAR).
  • November 6 through November 9: Drop off at morning carpool/students may bring their books on the bus; volunteers will be present to accept the donations.  
  • November 9 and November 10: Parents may drop off donations in LSAR on Conference days from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm.

Book Fair’s success depends on the help of many dedicated volunteers, so please consider pitching in this year to help. Please sign up for volunteer shift(s) to collect donations, sort books, and/or help with sales.

Please send in a reusable bag and up to $10 per student for purchasing books. You can view the schedule for K-6 class visits to Book Fair here. All Book Fair sales benefit Potomac’s libraries. For more information and to donate through our libraries' Amazon Wish Lists, please visit our Book Fair webpage. Please contact one of our Book Fair Chairs with questions: Cindy Malone, Kim Owen, and Jennifer Steinhoff. 

Things to Know

Nominations for the Exemplary Service Award 

The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service, introduced in 2021, is designed to recognize individuals outside the school community whose efforts align with our school’s core values and commitment to generosity of spirit. Recipients of this award will be persons who, through outstanding service and leadership, are making a positive difference in the lives of others and serve as an inspiration to the Potomac School community. Again this year, the Exemplary Service Award will be presented at Potomac’s Martin Luther King Day Assembly on Friday, January 12, 2024. The deadline for submissions is November 16.

Previous recipients include Ericc Powell, a longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and Amanda Marshall, founder of Fair Chance and co-founder of Families4Families. Learn more about The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service and nominate a deserving individual for this honor. 

Trails with Trustees
Trails with Trustees

Parents are invited to join a walk on our trails led by a Potomac Trustee (or two!). This is a great opportunity to enjoy Potomac’s natural spaces and to connect with members of the community. There are three dates available: November 7, 8, and 15. The walks begin at 8:30 am at the Pingree Bridge (leading to Spangler) and will last approximately one hour. Please reserve one of the limited spots. 

Now Accepting Donations for Coat Drive 

Our annual Coat Drive for Cornerstones runs through Monday, November 6. We are collecting new and gently used coats, as well as new hats, gloves, and mittens. Racks and bins are in the Lower School’s Michael Granger Library, the Middle School Square, and the Intermediate School Commons. Feel free to bring your coats when you drop off your books for the Book Fair. Let's keep our community warm and well read this year. Thanks for your support!

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. 

Pawz Corner

Saturday is Stewardship Day

Join fellow Potomac families this Saturday, November 4, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for an hour (or two!) outside to help keep our campus beautiful. Volunteer projects will include bridge redecking, trail rerouting, and trail maintenance. Hot apple cider and donuts will be served. Sign up here! 

Week Ahead

November

Potomac Social

    PHOTO OF THE WEEK

    Potomac's kindergarten faculty members on Halloween.

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Halloween Celebrations in the Lower School
    Halloween Celebrations in the Lower School

    The Lower School delighted in entertaining families and friends with spooky songs, stories about a strange, mysterious visitor, and more at our LS Halloween Assembly last week. Please view photos from this festive event. 

    On Tuesday, students, faculty, staff, and parents lined the campus to cheer for the aliens, football players, Barbies, superheroes, crayons, and a colorful cast of more characters as they paraded through campus during Potomac's annual Kindergarten Halloween Parade. View pictures of our youngest students in their creative costumes. See the K-12 video celebrating Halloween on Potomac’s campus.

    LS Guidance for Musical Before FNL

    Students who are attending tomorrow's showing of Willy Wonka Jr. must be escorted to Langstaff Auditorium by a parent or caregiver after the school day ends. We would like parents to meet their children in Ramsey Auditorium at dismissal and fill out a SchoolPass form indicating and clarifying the meeting location - Ramsey Auditorium. If you have RSVP'd, you will receive an envelope (with your youngest child) that has green wristbands, per the total number of tickets. Please put on the green wristbands and have the wristband visible before entering Langstaff Auditorium. We encourage you to be in your seats by 3:45 pm. Food trucks, games, and more will commence at 5:30 pm. 

    Note: This show is "sold out" and all 500 seats are reserved. There are two more performances available on Saturday (2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, pre-show activities begin at 6:30 pm). If you were unable to secure a seat for the 4:00 pm showing, please consider attending one of those Saturday performances. 

    Upcoming Sharing Assemblies

    Please join us tomorrow, 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.

    Our next Sharing Assembly will be on Friday, November 17, at 11:05 am, in Ramsey Auditorium. We will feature Ms. Callahan's and Ms. Zecher's kindergarten class, Ms. Mendoza's and Ms. Husain's kindergarten class, Ms. Berke's first grade class, and Ms. Hoffmann's second grade class.

    Parent Conference Days and Online Sign-Ups

    The Lower School will hold its Parent-Teacher Conferences during the afternoon on Thursday, November 9, and all day on Friday, November 10. Parents may now 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 on Friday. 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. 

    Family Reading and Music Event

    Following the success of these events last year, our Lower School will again offer three family learning events during the school year. These events will provide an opportunity for parents to gain an understanding of how young children learn and identify fun ways that they can support learning at home. The first event will look at the intersectionality of Reading and Music and will take place on November 17, from 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm, in Ramsey Auditorium. For planning purposes, RSVPs are required before 4:00 pm, on Friday, November 10. 

    LS Celebrates Veterans Day with 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, may attend this presentation.

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Mid-Autumn/Halloween Assembly Was Spooktacular
    Mid-Autumn/Halloween Assembly Was Spooktacular

    A coven of witches concocting a vile brew set a terrifying tone for this year's assembly. The show included original interpretations of poems by each fourth and fifth grade class – students composed an original rhythm to accompany the poem as well as movements and creative narrations. Sixth grade band, bells, strings, and choral ensembles all performed. A headless character closed the assembly along with the Service Learning club to remind all attendees to donate coats and jackets, which will go to Cornerstones, one of our community partners. View the gallery here and see the K-12 video celebrating Halloween on Potomac’s campus.

    MS Activities Before Friday Night Lights

    The sold-out afternoon showing of Willy Wonka Jr. will take place tomorrow, November 3, at 4:00 pm, in the Langstaff Auditorium. The show is at capacity; parents/caregivers who RSVP'd to this event should meet their children on the MS Playground starting at 3:15 pm. Before heading to the play, parents will pick up an envelope from Ms. Mackay with wristbands for each attendee. Middle School families who also have a Lower School student will receive all of their family's wristbands from Ms. Huang in the Ramsey Auditorium.  

    The Middle School will also 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 begins at 7:00 pm on the Turf Field. 

    Conference Sign-Ups and Mid-Semester Reports 

    Parents may now sign up for a conference time with their child's homeroom teacher via the Parent Portal section of CampusNET. Middle School will hold its Parent-Teacher Conferences during the afternoon on Thursday, November 9, and all day on Friday, November 10. Sign-ups will close on Wednesday, November 8, at 3:00 pm. Our mid-semester reports will also go live at 3:00. We encourage parents to review the report before meeting with their child's teacher. 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!

    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.

    Two Upcoming Casual Dress Days

    MS will enjoy two themed casual dress days over the next few school days. Tomorrow, November 3, we encourage MS students to get in the spirit for Friday Night Lights by dressing in Potomac Spirit wear, if possible. Next Tuesday, November 7, we will highlight the civic duty of voting by having MS students come to school dressed in red, white, and blue. Each student will also be given a "Future Voter" sticker. 

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    IS Robotics Back in Competition Mode
    IS Robotics Back in Competition Mode

    As part of Potomac’s ETC program, the IS robotics teams had their first VRC Robotics scrimmage of the year. The event was designed to allow new teams and coaches the opportunity to learn the basics of tournament play, practice driving, and compete in a low-stakes environment. Seven Intermediate School teams were joined by six other teams from the area for this spirited event, where all participants enjoyed learning the game.

    Spooktacular Cookie Contest

    During advisory on Tuesday, all IS students participated in a spooky cookie challenge as part of the IS cup. Every student was given a cookie that they had to place in the middle of their forehead and then, using only their face muscles and gravity, wiggle the cookie to their mouth! The homerooms that successfully completed the cookie challenge earned the most points toward the IS Cup. Congratulations to the orange team (Sandler-Schoff and Gayle-Stein homerooms), who successfully ate 38 cookies! 

    Sign Up 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 Noon through Wednesday, November 8, at 3:00 pm. Reports will go live immediately after. Details about interim reports and conferences were included in the recent IS newsletter, InSights. 

    Second Story Halloween Party!
    Second Story Halloween Party!

    The IS hosted its 18th annual Second Story Halloween Party last week. Second Story is a long-standing community partner that 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. This year, the division hosted nearly 30 students from the Culmore and Annandale Centers. IS student volunteers created fun activities for our guests, including obstacle courses, face painting, goodie bags, and a group soccer game.

    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.

    Seventh Grade Cardboard Construction 
    Seventh Grade Cardboard Construction 

    As part of Seminar, seventh graders are finishing their cardboard construction project. The students designed and built “roller coasters” while learning about group dynamics, conflict management, and goal setting. The finished coasters feature a variety of themes and well-crafted names and logos. They will be on display in the IS Commons today and tomorrow. Students from grades one through six will visit the displays and interact with the seventh graders as they pitch their idea for a new coaster and demonstrate their ride.

    Intermediate School Dates

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    Upper School News

    Upper School

    Grade 9 Community Action Day
    Grade 9 Community Action Day

    Last week, our ninth graders participated in their Community Action Day. Students engaged in volunteer opportunities with 14 local community partner organizations for a morning of service in the broader community. In the afternoon, students continued their day of service back on campus by engaging in changemaker projects. They chose from projects including repurposing activities, sorting donations to share with local organizations, or creating graduation cards for the women of Together We Bake. It was a full day of community engagement and service– many thanks to our community partners for hosting our students and teaching about community needs. View a photo gallery from the day and check out a full list of our community partnerships. Consider following them on social media to learn about more ways to serve. 

    Read More about Grade 9 Community Action Day
    Sophomore SERC Students at MIT
    Sophomore SERC Students at MIT

    Sophomores in the Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) concentration traveled to MIT last week to meet with professors and tour labs. The purpose of the trip was to expose students to cutting-edge research in a variety of fields as they begin to explore a specific area for their SERC research projects. Students learned about research in various fields, including hydrogen fuel, nanoparticle-derived cancer treatments, and nuclear fusion. Ms. Laura Petro and Mr. Bill Peery accompanied students on the trip. 

    Read More about Sophomore SERC Students at MIT
    Interim Reports and Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups

    On Friday, November 3, interim grades and comments will be shared with students during advisory and 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 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 and Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups
    Willy Wonka Jr. This Weekend!
    Willy Wonka Jr. This Weekend!

    Come step into a world of imagination! The Potomac Theatre Department will present Willy Wonka Jr. on November 3 and November 4 in the Langstaff Auditorium. The November 3 performance is sold out, but there are two additional shows on November 4, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm (pre-show activities begin at 6:30pm). We hope to see you there.

    Read More about Willy Wonka Jr. This Weekend!
    Chinese Class Culture Exchange
    Chinese Class Culture Exchange

    The Advanced Chinese class had a virtual language and culture exchange with students from Yiwu, China. Mr. Doug McLane was joined by Mr. Shen, the Yiwu International School’s head, to present the program and underscore the profound significance of cross-culture connection. Throughout the exchange, students shared insights into their campus and daily lives, bridging geographical boundaries through the power of technology. They practiced their Chinese with native speakers, engaging in meaningful conversations and transcending linguistic barriers. The students also immersed themselves in one another's cultures, dispelling misconceptions and gaining a deeper appreciation for the beautiful tapestry of differences that make our world rich and diverse.

    Read More about Chinese Class Culture Exchange
    Halloween Costume Contest
    Halloween Costume Contest

    Championships are nice, but any Upper Schooler knows that the real prize is winning the annual US Halloween Costume Contest. Each year, all faculty and students are invited to participate in individual and group categories. This year's competition was riveting. Individual category winners included senior Jack Morgan's "Ghost of Queen Elizabeth," sophomore Jeany Zhang's Wednesday Addams, and freshman Sawyer Storm's "Just Ken." In the group category, a large group of sophomores won out as a "who's who" collection of contemporary rap and hip-hop artists. On the faculty side, James Gillespie won raucous applause when dressed as the Batman villain, the Riddler; he revealed that he was responsible for the riddles and clues that have been springing up around the Upper School for the last month. We hope everyone is already thinking about next year's costume! Check out the photo gallery and a K-12 video from Halloween.

    Read More about Halloween Costume Contest
    "Falloween" Treats by SGA

    To keep the Halloween festivities going, SGA members planned a series of fun events throughout the day on Tuesday. With fall weather's arrival, the day was a grand "Falloween" celebration including hot chocolate and cider during advisory, caramel apples and s'mores during lunch, and an all-day scavenger hunt with treats for the winning groups. It was a great day of community spirit, all thanks to our student leaders.

    Read More about "Falloween" Treats by SGA
    Independent Schools Vocal Ensembles Night

    On October 25, the Upper School Madrigal Singers joined ensembles from Bullis, GDS, Holton-Arms, Landon, Maret, National Cathedral, Saint Albans, and Sidwell Friends to present the 25th annual Vocal Ensembles Night. Potomac sang the madrigal Tell Me Where Is Fancy Bred? and a world-premiere arrangement of the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby. 

    Read More about Independent Schools Vocal Ensembles Night
    College Counseling to Host Rep from UC System

    On Tuesday, November 7, at 7:00 pm, an admissions representative from the University of California system is offering a webinar for our seniors. They will give an overview of the UC application process and answer questions. The College Counseling office has sent the link for the webinar to the senior class. 

    Read More about College Counseling to Host Rep from UC System

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

    Athletics

    Athletics Personnel News

    Last March, Maggie Vaughan generously agreed to serve as Potomac's interim director of athletics for the remainder of the spring season and the full 2023-24 school year. With a tireless work ethic and a deep understanding of athletics, Maggie has provided incredible leadership in Potomac's athletic department. At the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year, Maggie will step down from her role as Potomac's interim director of athletics and resume coaching several Potomac teams and taking on other school responsibilities in the 2024-25 school year. In the coming weeks, Potomac will begin the search process for a new athletics director. 

    Victories for Cross Country
    Victories for Cross Country

    At the MAC/ISL championship meet on over the weekend, the girls varsity cross country team finished in third place in the ISL, while the boys varsity team repeated as MAC champions. 

    Audrey Rentzepis ‘24, Emmy Holland ‘24, and Kate Tuttle ‘24 earned All-ISL honors by placing in the top 21. In the MAC championship race, Potomac’s Sasha Minsky ‘24 was the overall champion and four other Potomac runners – Luke Carter ‘26, Trip Moser ‘26, Alex Mathews ‘24, and Eli Levine ‘26 — also placed in the top 10 earning all MAC honors. Potomac also had several high placers in the varsity B races including the MAC varsity B winner Noah Altschuler ‘25.

    Cross country finishes its season on Thursday, November 9, at the VISAA State Championship meet at Woodberry Forest School. Enjoy photos from the meet.

    Boys Varsity Soccer Heads into MAC Finals
    Boys Varsity Soccer Heads into MAC Finals

    This week, the Potomac School boys varsity soccer team defeated Maret 3-0 in the MAC semifinal. Lawson Watt ’27, recorded his first goal of the season, assisted by captain Patrick Ritter ’25. In the second half, Ben Scharf ’26 scored his eighth goal, assisted by Marshall Lloyd ’25, and Henry Stein ’24 put away his first goal of the season, assisted by captain Eli Butler ’24. Goalkeeper Walker Lyall ’24, recorded his sixth shutout of the season. The MAC tournament finals are set for today at 3:00 pm, on the Gum Tree Field against Sidwell Friends. Let’s go Panthers! (Photo by Cooper Schirmeier '25)

    JV Boys Soccer Finishes Second in the MAC
    JV Boys Soccer Finishes Second in the MAC

    The JV boys soccer team finished second in the MAC, earning an 8-3-2 overall record and going undefeated at home recently, winning 4-1 against Saint James and 3-1 over Flint Hill. Congratulations on a great season.

    Season Over for JV Field Hockey 

    JV Field Hockey had an amazing season. With a 7-2-3 record, the team played with confidence throughout the fall and continued to improve and grow each week. Congratulations to all!  

    JV Volleyball Ends Season

    In a thrilling finale to their season, the JV volleyball team showcased unwavering determination and skill as they clinched victory in their last game against Holy Child this past Thursday! The JV coaches are proud of every player and the team’s commitment to end the season on a resounding high note.

    Boys LAX Clinic
    Boys LAX Clinic

    The Potomac boys lacrosse program is hosting a free clinic on Saturday, December 9, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, on the Turf Field (Spangler in case of inclement weather). Open to all boys in grades 4 through 8 interested in lacrosse. This free clinic is a great way to have fun on a Saturday afternoon. No previous playing experience is required, but all players must bring their own mouthguard. We will have equipment to loan, but please bring your own if you already have it! Register here.

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    Athletics

    After-School Activities

    Registration for Winter Offerings is Open

    Exciting news! Winter ETC Workshops, Sports Clinics, and Private Music registration have officially opened. Get ready for a fantastic lineup of activities. Our workshops will ignite your creativity with fun-filled holiday crafts and cardmaking sessions. If you're a sports enthusiast, our clinics for basketball and girls lacrosse will take your skills to the next level.

    But wait, there's more! Space is limited, so make sure to secure your spot quickly. Registration works on a first-come, first-served basis, so take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Access our fantastic offerings and register today. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable winter filled with learning, growth, and excitement!  

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    After School Activities