2023 Fall ETC

Course Description: In this class, students will explore Spanish language  and culture through participation in conversation, games, and songs. They will learn through storytelling, creative movement, the arts and more. This immersive experience will allow them to begin to develop an “ear” for the spoken language, including tones, accents, and rhythms. The objective is to make the student’s initial exposure to Spanish a relaxed, enjoyable, and enriching experience.

Course Description: Come enjoy an hour of creative fun led by ETC Art Teacher, Oksana Ehle. Over this progressive course, students will be introduced and instructed in several art techniques and various mediums to create artistic and decorative pieces. Skills taught will range from learning perspective and drawing 3D, to free-flowing and expressive watercolor painting and vibrant oil pastel sketches. No art experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. 

As an educator and artist, I am always enthusiastic about teaching creativity and expression through art to my students. I work with children of pre-K age at a Great Falls preschool, and this summer I had the pleasure of leading Camp Crafts & Art at The Potomac School, where my campers of grades 2-6 enjoyed making beautiful and unexpected pieces of 3-D art such as the Gift Tissue Paper Van Gogh Starry Night, Pop Art Baseballs and Donuts in style of Andy Warhol. In life Other-than-teaching, my patience, skills, and artistic side are also my allies in the specialty cake decorating business.

Course Description: Sharpen your mind with the greatest game of the millennium - Chess! For almost 2000 years the goals of attack and defense, culminating in checkmate, have inspired chess players all over the world. Develop concentration, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity while playing friendly games with an emphasis on learning the strategies of the game. All levels are welcome.

Sam Schenk is a nationally ranked chess player holding the title of United States Chess Federation Expert. Sam has competed in tournaments since 2011 and has been teaching chess in schools since 2016. Sam’s notable chess accomplishments include winning the 2019 Arlington County K-12 Chess Championship and winning the 2022 Cherry Blossom Classic U2300 section. Sam is currently ranked #35 in the state of Virginia for ranked chess players. Sam is a rising Junior at University of Maryland, College Park and enjoys playing basketball and watching movies when he is not playing chess.

Course Description:  For the fall season, have fun making sports themed snacks for the whole family to enjoy. At game time get ready to indulge in  “Snacks for Sacs” as your favorite pint-sized chef shares their favorite snacks from class with you. The teacher will provide step-by-step guidance and encourage creativity in the kitchen. This class is perfect for children who love to cook or who are looking to learn to develop culinary skills in a fun and supportive environment.  No experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided.

Course Description: Come enjoy an hour of creative fun led by ETC Art Teacher, Oksana Ehle. Over this progressive course, students will be introduced and instructed in several art techniques and various mediums to create artistic and decorative pieces. Skills taught will range from learning perspective and drawing 3D, to free-flowing and expressive watercolor painting and vibrant oil pastel sketches. No art experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. 

As an educator and artist, I am always enthusiastic about teaching creativity and expression through art to my students. I work with children of pre-K age at a Great Falls preschool, and this summer I had the pleasure of leading Camp Crafts & Art at The Potomac School, where my campers of grades 2-6 enjoyed making beautiful and unexpected pieces of 3-D art such as the Gift Tissue Paper Van Gogh Starry Night, Pop Art Baseballs and Donuts in style of Andy Warhol. In life Other-than-teaching, my patience, skills, and artistic side are also my allies in the specialty cake decorating business.

Course Description: Sharpen your mind with the greatest game of the millennium - Chess! For almost 2000 years the goals of attack and defense, culminating in checkmate, have inspired chess players all over the world. Develop concentration, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity while playing friendly games with an emphasis on learning the strategies of the game. All levels are welcome.

Sam Schenk is a nationally ranked chess player holding the title of United States Chess Federation Expert. Sam has competed in tournaments since 2011 and has been teaching chess in schools since 2016. Sam’s notable chess accomplishments include winning the 2019 Arlington County K-12 Chess Championship and winning the 2022 Cherry Blossom Classic U2300 section. Sam is currently ranked #35 in the state of Virginia for ranked chess players. Sam is a rising Junior at University of Maryland, College Park and enjoys playing basketball and watching movies when he is not playing chess.

Class is full

Course Description: Students will learn and explore at their own pace and build a strong foundation in Robotics. The fall season will conclude with an exciting in-house tournament on Tuesday, December 12, save the date, as it will be a day of celebration and accomplishments. 

Course Description:  Potomac’s Intermediate School robotics team is excited to announce that we are moving to the VRC (metal bot) platform for both seventh and eighth graders. Students will work in teams, following the engineering design process, to conceive, design, build, test, and improve a robot that will compete in the 2023-2024 VEX Robotics competition season. Click on the link to learn more about this year’s VEX VRC challenge: Over Under.

The team is open to both beginner and experienced engineers who are looking to have fun while developing their collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students will compete in 2-3 VRC events during the season.  Please note that these competitions are day-long events, and they are generally on Saturdays.  The class fee includes tournament entry fees and the robotics team hoodie.