Mosaic Newsletter

Mosaic:  Community Spotlights

AAPI Heritage Month

IS celebrates AAPI Heritage Month by having an assembly at the beginning of the month, where students from the AAPI affinity group share their AAPI backgrounds and present about the cultures of those countries. Later in the month, AAPI students worked in Conference blocks to prepare for an AAPI Culture Expo, providing an opportunity for students to further explore and learn about different aspects of AAPI history. The posters displayed in the Commons of the IS showcased various topics such as history, traditions, cuisine, art, and significant figures within the AAPI community. This kind of exposition encourages cultural awareness and can be educational for students who may not have been exposed to these cultures before. By celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, IS students have taken a proactive step in fostering an inclusive environment and promoting cultural appreciation.

Fem 'n Stem Affinity Group

Members of the IS Fem 'n Stem Affinity Group joined the MS Fem 'n Stem club to make slime! The IS students prepared an educational lesson, and then together, they made slime with some successes and some failures, sharing that missteps in the process are a part of learning and growing.

Virginia's Past, Our Present

Second graders explored their study of perspective and technology from Colonial America with an experiential day that provides hands-on exploration and critical thinking. Students worked in the herb garden, made candles, built a model of a traditional colonial home, and debated the Treaty of Middle Plantation, a primary source document still reference today by the Pamunkey. These are only a few of the many hands-on stations that students engaged with.

Asia Club Hosts Assembly for AANHPI Heritage Month

The US ASIA Club hosted an assembly to recognize AANHPI Heritage Month. In the cozy setting of the lower Crossroads, students gathered to view a short PBS film, A People's History of Asian America. The film was followed by a panel of students and faculty, Mr. Lu, Kate Choi '25, Bella Kim '25, Emma Chun '23, and Sahil Sardar '25, moderated by Michelle Ahn '23 and Christian Lam '25. The panelists shared their experiences growing up as Asian Americans, their relationships to their families and cultures, and how they hope to share their identity and culture with others. They also spoke about their Asian American role models and favorite Asian dishes. Thank you to the panelists for sharing stories and personal memories. 

Grade 7 Trip to the National Mall

Seventh graders recently visited the National Mall as part of their “What are Monuments (Memorials) For?” video project. Students have been researching monuments and memorials throughout May for their analytical documentary. While in DC, students captured photos and videos to supplement existing research. In some cases, groups had the opportunity to interview National Park Rangers. The memorials students analyzed included the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and the District of Columbia War Memorial. Additionally, all students had the opportunity to explore and analyze the architectural design of the Lincoln Memorial and learn about the many symbols that were incorporated, including why there are 87 steps and 36 columns. The weather was beautiful, students were engaged, and it was a terrific day of joyful learning! 

Chinese Culture Club Learns about Yunnan, China

On May 8, the Chinese Culture Club had the privilege of experiencing the vibrant culture of Yunnan, China. A group of talented artists came to showcase the region's rich heritage, including a workshop that featured mesmerizing traditional dance performances, live music, and ancient scripts. Professional dancers performed the symbolic Peacock dance, teaching the basic steps to the students through interactive games, while a musician delighted the audience with beautiful melodies of traditional Yunnan music.

Overall, the workshop provided a unique cultural experience that allowed students to expand their horizons and learn about the fascinating culture of Yunnan. The Chinese Culture Club is committed to hosting more educational and entertaining events that showcase the diverse cultures of China to our school community in the future.

Grade 9 Trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ninth graders visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Touring the museum in small groups, students found connections to their studies in biology, history, and English. After returning to campus, students reflected on their museum experiences through writing, art, and discussion. We were happy to return to the NMAAHC after a three-year hiatus and expect this trip to be an important touchstone for future ninth graders.

Second Annual World Music Festival

The Language Center (TLC) tutors and leadership team held a celebration with music, trivia, and food as a culminating event for a busy year that included leading drop-in tutor times, one-on-one tutor requests, lunchtime conversations, IS tutor connections, and this week’s music festival! They would like to express gratitude to each tutor and their dedication to their languages. Since it is the end of April, they say goodbye to seniors: Manuela Prieto (Chinese), Alex Zhou (French/Latin), Michelle Ahn (Latin), Charlotte Castle (Latin), Laura Taylor (Latin), Ali O'Brien (Spanish), Alex Christ (Spanish), Yabby Maelaf (Spanish), Grace Lee (Spanish), Sophia Ghafouri (French), and Alex Hekmat (French).

They especially want to thank and say goodbye to their leaders Yabby, Charlotte, and Alex C.! As next school year rolls around, they will be incorporating new members. They will continue to be led by a great team of Laith Weimer ‘24, Clay Turner ‘24, and Matt Brow ‘24.

College Counseling Event

Our College Counseling Office recently partnered with four regional independent schools and CONNECTdmv to organize a highly informative evening around college admissions. The event included a panel discussion with authors of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions, Timothy J. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, and a financial aid workshop from Keith Wilkerson of College Thoughts. We were pleased to have experts in their fields share such valuable knowledge with more than 35 school communities who attended. Topics included merit scholarships, the Student Aid Index, tips for building college lists, shifts in the admissions landscape, and personal experiences. Please enjoy the recording of this event. 

Around the World Connects Us All

The commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation that Around the World reflects is deeply ingrained at The Potomac School. Last Friday's celebration reflected the strength and vibrancy of our community.

During the school day, classes visited the exhibits and spoke with the parents staffing the booths without the press of crowds. In the evening, things came to life as families filled Spangler to enjoy the Parade of Flags, student performances, engaging displays, and a delicious global tasting menu. A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this meaningful event to life and to our performers who proudly shared their talents and cultures with us. Special thanks go to our 2023 event co-chairs, Haneez Zattam-Amr and Janet Manu, for their incredible dedication and hard work, and seniors Bethel Girma and Keyana McLennon for emceeing the performance portion of the event. See a photo gallery from Around the World here.

IS Spring Holiday Assembly

Congratulations to Amanda Marshall, recipient of The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service, an honor designed to recognize individuals in the wider community who are making a difference through service to others. The founder of @fairchancedc and co-founder of @families4families.hq, Ms. Marshall received the award at the school's K-12 Martin Luther King Day Assembly. She was introduced by Ella A. ’23 and Will B. ’25 who are active volunteers with F4F. 

Spanish Students Bake Empanadas

Spanish 4 Honors had the opportunity to make a variety of baked Chilean empanadas. They also made pebre, a green sauce similar to chimichurri – made of parsley and cilantro – as a topping for the empanadas. Their teacher Ms. Cole was thrilled to share one of her country's traditional finger foods. The students did not hesitate to get their hands dirty by chopping onions, parsley, cilantro, sauteing the meat, and stuffing the empanadas. The cooking class culminated when the students tasted their labor of love, and truly, they couldn't get enough. 

Hispanic Student Alliance Leads Assembly

The members of the Hispanic Student Alliance led an assembly last Thursday to celebrate Hispanic culture. The students of the Upper School saw two contrasting samples of dance: Natalia Vilela's ‘24 traditional Peruvian dance "La Marinera" and Peyton Zarate’s ‘23 modern dance creation to Ricky Martin's "She Bangs." The audience was also treated to introductions and comments by Sophia Vilela ‘26, Alejandra Villafuerte ‘26, Ben Levy ‘25, N. Vilela, and Tea Picconatto ‘23 about the individual importance of their heritage, including learning some phrases in the traditional languages that their relatives speak. Another special moment was when Isabella Chumpitaz ‘24 shared pictures and the multiple emotions of her recent trip to Peru, when she got to see her full extended family for the first time. Picconatto concluded the assembly by sharing with us the joys and traumas of her family's departure from Cuba, before singing "Dos Oruguitas" from the Disney movie Encanto. ¡¡Mil Gracias!! 

IS/US Muslim Student Association Students Joint Meeting

Just before spring break, the IS Muslim Student Association welcomed US Muslim Student Association to one of their monthly meetings. The students discussed how their school years were going, some of their shared experiences at Potomac, and all of their excitement around Ramadan beginning. As a collaborative activity, the students worked together to decorate the IS for Ramadan. It was a wonderful opportunity for Muslim students across divisions to build community and connections!

Chef and Restaurateur Peter Chang Visits Potomac

Peter Chang, a renowned chef in the Chinese culinary scene – and restaurateur who owns 13 restaurants – visited the Upper School Chinese program's students on April 6. He shared his culinary expertise, demonstrated making his signature dish, kung pao chicken, and treated attendees to diverse Chinese flavors. Beyond the gastronomic delights, the event promoted cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Chinese cuisine, fostering a greater understanding of its heritage, innovation, and fusion in the American culinary landscape. It was a memorable event that enriched culinary knowledge and cultural awareness, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. 

Historian and Activist Elisabeth Griffith Joins Panther Time

Historian, educator, and activist Elisabeth Griffith spoke to the Upper School about the topic of her most recent book, Formidable: American Women and the Fight for Equality, 1920-2020. Dr. Griffith shared what women of different races faced in their quest for equal rights. The incremental changes that women have achieved over the last century can only be attributed to the cast of change agents, including but not limited to Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary Church Terrell, Alice Paul, Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin, Soledad Chávez de Chacón, Pauli Murray, Constance Baker Motley, and Patsy Takemoto Mink. Noting there is still much work to be done, Dr. Griffith encouraged students and adults alike to "continue their foremothers' fight to achieve equality for all." Dr. Griffith, former head of the Madeira School, currently teaches at Politics & Prose and lectures for the Smithsonian Associates. 

US Family Groups

On Monday, April 3, the US community came together for their second round of Family Group activities, organized by the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) members. The first round focused on two Cultural Competence Cornerstones – Identity and Connection. The focus this week was on Justice and Action. Students were challenged to examine the many systems and institutions around them and whether or not these systems promote equity for all. From the Potomac School community to the justice system, students were asked to agree or disagree with statements such as "I think Potomac amplifies diverse voices" and "I support the death penalty." The second activity included a lesson on the "5 D's" of being an active bystander: Direct, Delegate, Distract, Delay, and Document. Students were then challenged to consider how they would take action in a given situation. Many great conversations were had in various Family Groups, and we look forward to continuing these discussions in the hallways, in classes, and future Family Group meetings.

Spanish Class Visits National Gallery of Art in D.C.

Before the break, Potomac's Grade 8 Advanced Spanish class enjoyed a day at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. Students observed and discussed Spanish painters while practicing and leading discussions in Spanish. Afterwards, the group dined at Tia Pepa, an offshoot of the legendary Taberna del Alabadero restaurant  which offers traditional Spanish gastronomy.

The Real Me Club for Middle School Boys Returns

This winter we celebrated the return of a well-loved lunchtime club, “The Real Me” for grade 6 boys. The club provided a space for the boys to hear from IS and US role models who shared their experiences at Potomac. Each week a different speaker joined the students for a pizza lunch in the Arundel Library and talked about the opportunities available to them in Potomac’s upper divisions. The students also heard from faculty members who reflected on their own experience as students, teachers, or administrators. The sixth graders asked good questions, providing a fruitful discussion for all. We look forward to another installment of this club next year!

Upper School Family Groups Build on Cultural Competence Cornerstones

The US community came together for Family Group activities to continue work on two of our Cultural Competence Cornerstones, Identity and Connection. In these groups, students engaged in an activity that helped them to know more about one another through various identifiers. They also worked on a connection activity, identifying commonalities that connected people in the group. These connections challenged the students to consider the elements that are most important to their own identity. For some, this was race or religion; for others, it was their family structure or a mental health diagnoses; for others, it was a particular activity or hobby. It was encouraging to see everyone in the Upper School getting to know one another better and building our empathy and sense of community. We look forward to another Family Group session in April, when we will build on the remaining two Cornerstones of Cultural Competence, Justice and Action.

CONNECTdmv Event on Campus

CONNECTdmv hosted a Career Networking Event and Reception for area students of color on Sunday, March 5, in the Langstaff Auditorium. The event included a keynote address, a panel discussion featuring professionals from a variety of fields, and a reception with giveaways. Participating students also met with the speakers in small groups. This was a great opportunity to gain career insights and make connections that could potentially lead to internships and employment in the future. 

US Learns About the Divine Nine

IS BSA Hosts Black History Month Assembly

The IS Black Student Alliance (BSA), with support from members of our Upper School Black Student Union (BSU) and the Sisters Collaborative, recently led an educational and cultural celebration of Black History Month. The program included learning about the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, which provides scholarships and awards to minorities; hearing about the origins of Black History Month; enjoying written expression and musical and dance performances; and other enlightening segments. View the gallery of pictures.

IS Fem 'n Stem Is Growing

The IS Fem ‘n Stem Affinity Group has recently grown in size and is now almost 30 girls strong! During the affinity group meetings, students collect data, run experiments, spotlight different careers, and discuss issues of inclusion and equity, especially in STEM fields. At the last Fem ‘n Stem meeting, eighth grader Maisy Bedell explored the trend of freeze-dried candy. She taught a lesson on dry ice and then gave it a try, packing an assortment of candy in dry ice. While it might not have worked out as her hypothesis proposed, the students developed theories on how to improve and potentially share this experiment with MS students when the group visits other divisions this spring to share their mission of inspiring, motivating, and empowering girls to be creative problem solvers.

Impactful Trip to the Holocaust Museum

On February 14 Potomac tenth graders visited the U.S. Holocaust Museum for the opportunity to learn about the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust through exhibits, artifacts, and other sources that highlight stories of courage and resistance. The trip was marked with solemnity as students viewed the museum’s collections, which helped them commemorate the lives lost and the unspeakable horrors that took place during the period. When they returned to campus, students broke off into smaller discussion groups to share about the experience. Beyond making connections to lessons in their Modern World History and English classes, the powerful experience helped students reflect on the consequences of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance, as well as the imperative of speaking out against injustice of any sort.

Gala Theater Field Trip

Spanish students in Mr. McLane’s and Mrs. Salamone's elective courses enjoyed a performance of Jardín Salvaje (Native Gardens) at Washington DC's GALA Theater last week. Jardín Salvaje, written by critically acclaimed playwright Karen Zacarías, and performed in Spanish with English subtitles, is a “timely and brilliant comedy” that "places...cultural and generational conflict in the context of the Latinx community, creating an experience that is equally enlightening and entertaining." A wonderful time was had by all!

Architecture for Public Good

Our sixth graders are excited to begin their architecture project, where they will design buildings with the specific goal of having a positive impact on a community. Their designs will correspond to one (or more) of The Potomac School's service learning themes: hunger, homelessness and poverty; literacy; the elderly; and the environment. Over four consecutive Tuesday assemblies, students will learn about community needs from our partner organizations. They have already heard from Saira Sufi, the manager of volunteer and community engagement at Embry Rucker Community Shelter, and more recently from Upper School art teacher Cort Morgan, who shared the value of designing with the environment in mind. Moving forward, the students will hear from Suzy Russell, the director of Washington Home Center for older adults, and Stacey Lucas, the volunteer engagement coordinator of the MLK Memorial Library in DC. Next, the students will research community needs related to their themes and design buildings that are intentional and thoughtful.

Career Lab Hosts Panel About Government and Public Service

On February 10 the Alumni Office hosted another amazing Career Lab, focused on opportunities in government and public service. Our juniors and seniors spent the morning hearing from Dana Stroul '99, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East; Candyce Phoenix '03, who recently served as the senior counsel and senior advisor to the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol; and Claire Figel '13, a staffer on the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After the Career Lab, Ms. Phoenix spoke to the BSU students and Ms. Stroul and Ms. Figel held a Q&A session with students from the GPAC program.

Thank you to our seniors on the Career and Professional Skills Committee, who manage and moderate this year-long program that enables Potomac upperclassmen to engage in discussion with alumni who are leaders in diverse fields.

Grade 5 Studies Ancient China

Our study of ancient China continues and will extend into March before we head out for Spring Break. Over the past month, students have been exploring the contributions of the first four dynasties: Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han. In addition, students in each classroom considered how the geography of China shaped these civilizations and worked collaboratively to create a physical map of the country. Over the next month, students will continue to explore ancient China in a variety of ways. For example, they will experience lessons taught through the lens of different philosophies, such as Confucianism and Daoism. Next week, each class will visit the Sackler Museum in Washington, DC to experience their impressive collection of Asian art. Ms. Westemann's and Ms. McClain's classes visited the museum on February 21, and Mr. McNeil's and Ms. Chung's classes visited on February 23.

BSU Assembly Celebrates Black History Month

During Panther Time, Upper School students gathered to celebrate Black History Month and welcomed journalist and former president of the National Press Club Jeff Ballou. Students from Potomac’s Black Student Union hosted an incredible program, honoring Black History through original spoken word, musical performances, Black art presentations, and commentary on Black media messages within our community. Students were attentive and reflective through these moments of storytelling and celebration. We would like to thank the Parents of Black Students for hosting a delicious community lunch in the Crossroads following the assembly. The jambalaya and other creole specialties were enjoyed by all. View photos and videos from the assembly.

Trip to the National Gallery

On Tuesday, February 7, Honors Art History and Visual Art Concentration students made a trip to the National Gallery to see a landmark exhibit titled Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South. This show, which represents a major series of new acquisitions, is part of a continuing effort by the gallery to extend its representation of American art and artists. Our students also looked at more widely-exhibited Modernist art from Europe and America and considered deep, universal questions about the human creative instinct. 

Third GPAC Student to be Published

The Global Perspectives and Citizenship (GPAC) concentration program is a space for student-driven research. GPAC senior Grace McMiller was recently notified that her article "One State, Two Entities, Three Constituent Peoples: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Failed Attempt at Interethnic Peace" has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Student Research. Grace joins fellow GPAC students Arya Kumar ‘23 and Ali O’Brien ‘23, whose research work was published in November. Like her peers, Grace thrived in the self-directed process, meeting frequently with faculty to discuss her findings and formulate her arguments. She reflects, "GPAC 11 took me through the entire process of developing a strong, argumentative, and pointed research question and seeing it through: funneling through sources, writing, revising, and finally editing a long paper. The process encouraged me to think beyond the headlines and dig deeply into global issues."

Grace examined Bosnia and Herzegovina's attempt to foster state unity following the genocide in 1995. Beginning with a close analysis of the Dayton Accords, Grace explored the operational unity constructed by the unique democratic design, which includes nontraditional elements, such as a three-person consociational presidency. The bulk of Grace's argument focused on exposing how regime design and supporting institutions have failed to promote true democratic traditions as ethnopolitical divisiveness and inequality continue to erode unity within the country. Her study of this complex regime afforded Grace the opportunity to reflect on how institutional design shapes a nation's democratic character.

Congratulations to Grace and her fellow GPAC scholars! Learn more about the GPAC program.

Trip to Discovery Theater

On Wednesday, February 8, our second grade students will attend Discovery Theater's production of "How Old Is a Hero?" This play, infused with archival music of the Civil Rights era, celebrates three young people who helped change the nation by their heroic actions – Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, Claudette Colvin, and Ruby Bridges. Their stories provide inspiring examples of perseverance, courage, social change, civil rights, and activism.

Model UN goes to Philly

At the end of January, 9 members of Potomac’s Model United Nations team attended the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After traveling on Thursday afternoon, our students competed with and amongst roughly 1,000 others from around the country until Sunday afternoon. Our students successfully contributed to the following committees: Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Issues; The United Nations Development Plan; Special Political and Decolonization; a Special Summit on Climate Change in 2032; and a Mexican Multinational Crisis Committee. The conference was quite busy. Students were practicing diplomacy in their committees from roughly 8:00 am until close to midnight each day. The students were respectful and enjoyed their time immensely. We are very thankful to Upper School French teacher Ms. Searchinger for helping to chaperone the trip, and are already looking forward to attending next year!

Model UN Team: Jackson Mackney '23, Alex Hekmat '23, Anna O’Sullivan '24, Tenley Overdeck '24, Kasim Khapra '25, Alexander Bauer '25, Laith Weimer '24, Nat Estes '24, and Fifi Loza '24

Potomac Celebrates Lunar New Year

Happy Lunar New Year! Our students have been celebrating this event with assemblies, classroom and community activities, and Potomac’s annual Middle School dragon parade. Here's wishing everyone a year of longevity, peace, and prosperity. Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Students in the Lower School were treated to a beautiful Lunar New Year table display that includes Mandarin oranges – symbolizing luck, prosperity, and a long life. This resource page shares more information about how the Lunar New Year is celebrated across different Asian countries. Also called Chinese New Year, this traditional festival is the most important holiday in China. It is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population.

Middle School celebrated the Lunar New Year in a few different ways. Grade 5 brought their musical and colorful dragon parade around campus, leading into a Sharing Assembly where students performed songs, skits, dances, and more. In Ms. Chung’s grade 5 class, Yimo He ‘30 shared some of her family’s traditions and also explained how the lunar calendar came about, what rituals people follow, and the types of food they enjoy around this time of the year. YC5ers also learned how to count in Chinese and listened to the origin story about the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. View photos from the parade.

Intermediate School AAPI and Chinese students gave a fabulous presentation on the Lunar New Year. It included a video about the Chinese Zodiac, pre-recorded student interviews, and challenges for the audience. It was a great student-generated program, sponsored by Chinese teacher Shuping Zhang. Ech IS student was also given a Hong Bao (red envelope).

Upper School introduced a variety of performances, games, and opportunities for students to learn about and celebrate the Lunar New Year. From a professional Chinese opera performance to student-led performances arranged by US Chinese teacher Carol Jia, the assembly showcased some of the ways people around the world ring in the Lunar New Year. Afterward, the Crossroads was abuzz, with a calligraphy station, a chopstick competition, and a masterclass in making (and eating) dumplings, thanks to a crew of parent volunteers. Appreciation and applause to the students who modeled tremendous courage in getting up on stage and performing in a non-native tongue.

Amanda Marshall Receives Award for Exemplary Service

Congratulations to Amanda Marshall, recipient of The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service, an honor designed to recognize individuals in the wider community who are making a difference through service to others. The founder of @fairchancedc and co-founder of @families4families.hq, Ms. Marshall received the award at the school's K-12 Martin Luther King Day Assembly. She was introduced by Ella A. ’23 and Will B. ’25 who are active volunteers with F4F. 

Steve Goldberg Shares Story of Holocaust Survivor Abe Piasek

The Upper School was privileged to welcome former Potomac history teacher Steve Goldberg back to campus to share the story of his friend, and now-deceased Holocaust survivor, Abe Piasek. Splicing together photographs, historical context, and clips of Abe speaking and being interviewed, Mr. Goldberg shared a captivating tale of resilience amid devastating inhumanity. He followed up his assembly presentation with a lunchtime conversation where a smaller group of students and teachers were able to ask questions about Abe's life and the work Mr. Goldberg is doing to continue telling his story.

Ice Skating with Second Story Returns

12 members of the US Game Changers program hosted 14 guests from Second Story at the Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink for an evening of skating, fun, and pizza. Students from both Second Story and Potomac celebrated the return of this long-standing event, a first time in three years. And for many of the students from Second Story, this was their first time ice skating. Thanks to Game Changers leaders Sally Bedell ‘23 and Sophia Smith ‘23 for helping to organize the meaningful event! Game Changers is a weekly mentoring program, hosted virtually and in person, each Wednesday evening during the Winter Sports season.

Eighth Grade "Face Hunger" Simulation

On Wednesday, January 25, eighth graders participated in “Face Hunger,” a simulation led by the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB). Megan Curran, a CAFB partnership engagement manager, discussed food insecurity in our local community. Then, students broke into three groups to complete a role play activity designed to help them better understand the challenges that 1-in-10 DC-area residents face each day. This learning activity was part of the eighth grade community action program focused on food insecurity.

Fifth Graders Read to Preschoolers at Higher Horizons

In January, all fifth grade students visited Potomac community partner Higher Horizons, a Head Start program in Bailey's Crossroads. Our students shared their love of reading with the preschool students by reading picture books in the classroom and community spaces. While onsite, the fifth graders heard from Leon Sims, site supervisor, about the importance of listening to older students read as part of a preschooler’s literacy development. Fifth graders also selected children's books from November’s Book Fair to provide gift book donations during the winter holidays, as part of this grade-level service learning initiative.

Fourth Grade Visits Museum for "Beyond King Tut" Exhibit

Grade 4 students traveled from McLean to ancient Egypt this week! The @beyondkingtut exhibit at the @natgeomuseum in Washington, DC was a truly immersive experience! The exhibit coincides with the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.

The museum notes that "Beyond King Tut" is not an artifact exhibition, allowing the treasures from Tut's tomb to remain in their country of origin. Beyond King Tut goes BEYOND a traditional artifact display and uses the power of photography and multimedia to create a time traveling adventure of discovery!

Potomac Honors Martin Luther King Jr. at Assembly

The second annual K-12 Martin Luther King Day Assembly was an inspiring program that included musical performances, remarks by student speakers, and the presentation of The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service. 

Third graders Ben Jordan, Reya Mathur, and Case Pittman and sixth graders Sofia Elrefai, John Griffith, and Riley Singleton shared reflections on selected Dr. King quotes. Third, Sixth, IS, and US Choruses sang If I Can Help Somebody (1945, Alma Androzzo) before remarks from eighth grader Cecelia Russell and senior Grace McMiller. Additional musical performances included the Potomac Jazz band and guest artist Everyday Everybody who played Sweeter (Leon Bridges) and their original song In the Name of Everyone.

Another highlight of the assembly was the presentation of The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service, an honor designed to recognize members of the wider community who are making a difference through service to others. The award was presented to Amanda Marshall, founder of Fair Chance and co-founder of Families4Families, who has devoted her career to partnering with individuals and organizations to address societal needs, with a particular focus on supporting children and families. Ms. Marshall shared, “I believe that each person, regardless of how old you are, how much money you have, or where you live, can make a positive impact on the lives of others. Let me repeat that: I truly believe that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find a meaningful way to help others.”

Director of community engagement James Hightower III closed the event by reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy and encouraging the members of the Potomac community to take action through service. Watch a recording of the assembly, learn more about The Potomac School Award for Exemplary Service, and enjoy photos from the event.

Taylor Burris '24 Wins Two Swords in Speech and Debate

​​The Potomac speech and debate team brought 35 students to compete in the Durham Academy Cavellier tournament over MLK weekend, advancing a phenomenal 20 students into the elimination rounds. The team came in second place overall. Students from 14 states competed in this year's event. A cavalier sword serves as the first-place trophy.

Taylor Burris ’24 received a special standing ovation at the awards for winning two swords – one for the championships of extemporaneous speaking and another for impromptu speaking. Olivia Eads '23, Natalie Roots-Nowakowski '23, and Hannah de Souza '25 just missed winning a sword with second-place finishes.

Cary Academy (NC) earned the team championship and Bronx Science (NY) took third. Full results of late December and January debate events can be found at this link.

Taylor was also recognized as one of America's top extemp students during a competition in Nashville earlier this month.

SDLC Juniors Meet with Acting Head of School

Eager to hear about their experience at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), Acting Head of School Tim Jaeger invited the six juniors who participated to join him for a working lunch. The students had the opportunity to share about the impact that SDLC had on them personally, the skills they gained at the conference, and ideas they have for continuing DEI work at Potomac. Discussion topics included the importance of affinity groups and spaces, the need to engage students in DEI work across all grades, and gender disparity within the realm of DEI work. Mr. Jaeger and the students are excited to continue working together throughout the spring!

Lunchtime Conversation with Tom Dillon '98

Tom Dillon '98, founder of the Literacy Lab, a nonprofit that works to close the literacy gap among low-income children from age 3 through grade 3, will return to Potomac to discuss his new project, Otto Learning. The social venture seeks to address the literacy crisis through custom AI-powered voice recognition technology that empowers emerging readers to practice foundational reading skills out loud. On January 5, Mr. Dillion will lead a Lunchtime Conversation with US students. His remarks about his career, new venture, and the volunteer support needed should be of special interest to students involved with service learning, computer science, and the EFEB concentration. 

Leading at CONNECTdmv's Empowerment Summit 

CONNECTdmv hosted the "Be You" 2022 Empowerment Summit at Georgetown Day School on Sunday, December 11, 2022. US English teacher Steve Wicker was in attendance to promote CONNECTdmv's Male Athletes of Color Affinity Group that he helped found. Please reach out to him if you are interested in learning more about this affinity space. Juna McDaid, assistant head of school for academics, joined panelists from GDS, St. Pat's, and SSFS. And Nuna Endale '24 co-led the workshop "The Sister Collaborative: Finding Your Peace" with a student from Maret. Their workshop centered on teaching fellow peers how to combat isolation and find emotional support through connections with girls of color at PWIs. This was the only workshop led by students with the rest led by professional adults. We are proud of you, Nuna!

Thank you to Patricia Potts, co-founder of CONNECTdmv, current Potomac board member, and parent of an alum, for your dedication and support of families of color in DMV area independent schools. 

IS BSA Enjoys a South African Treat

IS Black Student Alliance students learned about one of Mrs. Hyde’s South African family favorites – banana fritters. She shared that one of the ways she expresses her appreciation for her family is by sharing her culture through food. The theme of the meeting was to reflect on what we are grateful for and to brainstorm ways we can give back in the spirit of kindness and appreciation during the holiday season.

K Field Trip to the Discovery Theater

On Monday, December 5, all kindergarten students attended Seasons of Light at the Smithsonian's Discovery Theater. The show celebrates the history and customs of Diwali (Devali), Chanukah (Hanukkah), Las Posadas, Sankta Lucia Day, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the traditions of the Winter Solstice. Excited and engaged, the children marveled at the show. The performance addressed the origins of various holiday traditions, including singing songs, displaying colored lights, and enjoying special activities with family and friends.

PCCC Panel: Michael Davis and James Hightower III

The Parent Cultural Competence Committee (PCCC) hosted its first virtual panel discussion on Monday, December 5, for a wide-ranging and interactive discussion with Michael Davis, a Potomac trustee who leads the board's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and James Hightower III, Potomac’s director of community engagement. The evening was filled with data that shows the progress Potomac has been making with recruiting and retaining community members to diversify our community and all of the ways James Hightower has been using his new position to increase community connections and a sense of belonging. 

Potomac Travels to the People of Color Conference in San Antonio

On November 30, 2022, 18 Potomac educators and six students traveled to San Antonio for the People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference for four days of learning and community building. This conference is unique in that it centers educators and students of color, so not only is it a time for learning, but it is also a time for being in spaces where identity affirmations are uplifting. The time was filled with listening to featured speakers, attending workshops, and communing in affinity groups. Potomac enjoyed a team dinner and many other social moments as well. 

Six Juniors Attend Student Diversity Leadership Conference in San Antonio

Leila Bodner, Daelyn Dimps, Auden Easter, Selma Elrefai, Sasha Karpova, and Natalia Vilela represented Potomac. Read about their experiences here. 

Spanish Students Visit Museum of American History

Last week, seniors in Mr. McLane’s and Mrs. Salamone's Spanish elective courses visited the Museum of American History to see ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States, the first exhibit of the future Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. The students were treated to a guided tour of the exhibit space and even met a visitor from New York City, who was the subject of a photo on display taken almost 50 years ago. Afterwards, the group enjoyed lunch at La Cosecha. Read More

Zahra Arabzada Visits Potomac

On December 2, the US assembly speaker was the impressive Zahra Arabzada, an activist for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Ms. Arabzada shared her story of traveling to the United States to receive her education at St. George's School in Newport, RI, and then attending Hobart & William Smith Colleges. She now lives and works in Washington, DC, and during the withdrawal of American troops last summer, she helped secure the safe passage of her family from Afghanistan to Canada. Read More

Role Models Visit The Real Me Club

The fall session of the The Real Me club for sixth grade girls finished strong. Cate Dannahey ’23, Grace Lee ’23, and Tenley Overdeck ’24 joined counselors Josie Woods and Weezie Parry and former Potomac counselor Jamie Tolson to meet with the participants over lunch. Cate emphasized the ways she takes care of her mental health and led the students in a breathing exercise. Grace and Tenley shared their love of STEM and handed homemade craft bags to each participant so they could make an anti-gravity galaxy in a bottle! Ms. Tolson described how important it is to listen to your gut to guide you as you make decisions. We are grateful to these individuals and the other female role models who spent time with our club members this fall, and we look forward to the spring session! 

IS BSA/US BSU Watch 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'

Potomac IS and US students from the IS Black Student Alliance and US Black Student Union had the opportunity to watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The latest Marvel film pays tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played the title character in the previous installment. The movie also celebrates Black culture while portraying an ideal picture of a world in which diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging provide a deep foundation for a thriving community. We hope that viewing this film will inspire Black and Brown Potomac students to come together and work for growth and change in our community. Now, that's true power! 

Students Attend GDS's Sexual Assault Summit

Seniors Pippa Westland, Jackson Mackney, Caroline Norton, and Sienna Staver and US Director of Student Support Josie Woods attended the 7th Annual Summit on Sexual Assault and Consent at Georgetown Day School on November 19. The summit brought students, faculty, administrators, and parents together to examine current laws, policies, and programs established to prevent assault, support survivors, and advocate for victims’ rights. The Potomac team will apply the knowledge they gained to our own community by leading the design of initiatives and programming.

IS Students Attend Diversity Conference

On November 11, five eighth graders represented Potomac’s Intermediate School at the St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School Middle School Diversity Conference. The event was attended by more than 120 students from all over the Mid-Atlantic region. The participants attended workshops about being a change agent and an ally, learned how to make their middle school voices heard, and explored what it means to go from well-meaning to well-doing. In the near future, the students who participated will share what they learned with their peers. 

LS Students Learn about the Angklung, Indonesian Culture

Lower School students participated in an educational program with visiting musicians, arranged by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, DC, to learn about the angklung, an Indonesian musical instrument made from bamboo, which symbolizes unity and community. The students learned how and where the instruments are made, the significance of using bamboo, and the geographical layout of Indonesia and its more than 17,000 islands.Each angklung instrument produces a single note or chord, so several players must collaborate in order to play melodies. Besides being rooted firmly in tradition, angklung music promotes the values of teamwork and social harmony. “Angklung represents what it means to come together, as a community, to make a beautiful melody. The instrument, on its own, cannot make a melody; thus, you need togetherness – which is why it is important that we share this lesson with others,” said Aryati Peach, angklung conductor and teacher, who taught the lesson to students in Potomac’s Lower School.

GPAC Student Research to be Published

The Global Perspectives and Citizenship (GPAC) concentration program is a space for student-driven research. Seniors Arya Kumar and Ali O’Brien, like many of their peers, were eager for an opportunity to investigate a global problem and design a project that reflected the complexities of political systems, economic exchange, and national identity. Ali and Arya thrived in the self-directed process, meeting frequently with faculty to discuss their findings and begin to formulate arguments. Ali’s research is titled, "The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: The West's Response to China in the Indo-Pacific" and Arya’s research is titled, “Democracy or Autocracy: Singapore’s Increasing Rejection of Democratic Values.” 

Over the course of the writing process, they each amassed incredibly impressive bibliographies that indicated that they had worked with over one-hundred and twenty-five sources each in designing their arguments. It is because of their commitment to the process and their relentless pursuit of a true understanding of their topics, that Ali and Arya were able to craft thoughtful and insightful research papers that will now enter formal academic discussions once they are published in Journal of Student Research. The GPAC program is incredibly proud of their accomplishments. They are well-deserved and serve as models for future GPAC students!

Arya reflects, “It feels good to know that all of the hard work I put in over the summer, and throughout my time in GPAC, was being recognized. It’s inspiring to know that Ali and I – and everyone in GPAC – were able to engage in a college level research process as high schoolers and all produce really interesting papers about complex topics.”

Ali shares, “GPAC has changed my worldview simply by emphasizing how to think critically about the nuance of international issues. All of the research conducted in GPAC underlined the necessity of understanding the historical context of a situation to discuss it accurately in the present."

Learn more about GPAC research from the 2021-22 school year.

Making Pupusas at the Morton Fire Deck

Seniors in the Spanish elective course Food, Culture, and Society in Latin America recently finished studying the history of corn in the Americas. From its indigenous roots in the mesoamerican diet, to the role it plays today in the gastronomy of many central and northern Latin American countries, the class focused on the Mexican tortilla, the Colombian and Venezuelan arepa, and the Salvadoran pupusa. Earlier this week students made pupusas by mixing the masa by hand, forming the dough, and cooking them over the fire at the Morton Fire Deck. ¡Estaban deliciosas!

US Visits Polling Station on Election Day

The advanced U.S. government and politics students spent their class time at the Langley High School polling station on Election Day. Students came to observe democracy in action, preparing questions in advance to ask voters, poll workers, and campaign volunteers in brief interviews. In addition to the beautiful sunny weather outside, students were allowed to enter the polling area inside the main entrance. As an added bonus, they spoke with several Potomac parents who were either poll workers or voters themselves.

MS Assembly on Voting

Middle School students enjoyed a powerful assembly on Election Day. After welcome remarks from Head of Middle School John Mathews, librarian Brian Parry read the engaging story, Everyone Gets a Say, about a group of animals who figure out the best way to pick someone to be in charge. Then, several community members shared personal stories about their first voting experience or reflected on why voting is important to them. Senior Kate Motley joined the group and spoke about how she prepared to vote this year. Students were all given a "Future Voter" sticker to serve as a reminder of this soon-to-come civic duty and privilege. 

US Media and Literature Elective and Media Bias

Tory Virchow, English teacher and US director of curriculum and academics, has begun a unit on media bias in her English elective, Media and Literature. This course is about learning to be a discerning consumer of media, which means first knowing oneself. The media bias unit started with a focus on personal identity before moving to looking at the way various identities, like race, socio-economic, geographic, and gender identity impact how students view media and where they see bias in the media.

School Experiences Beyond Potomac's Campus

Representatives from School Year Abroad (France, Italy, and Spain) and several semester schools will speak with sophomores tomorrow to share information about opportunities available during their junior year. After the presentation, interested students are 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 (Colorado), The Island School (The Bahamas), and The Oxbow School (California). Additionally, a representative from Maine Coast Semester will be available during lunch on Wednesday, November 9, to share information about their program. 

Chinese Pen Pals Share Culture

Carol Jia’s Upper School Chinese program students recently had an exciting virtual language and culture exchange with high schoolers in China. Our students were excited to share information about their school life, living in the national capital area, and Halloween traditions – in Chinese. They also shared their favorite songs and sports stars and discussed cultural differences between the two countries. Students are always excited to practice their foreign language skills by chatting with native speakers in a real-life setting! 

"Core" Characters in IS: The Story of Richie Parker

During Community Time on Tuesday afternoon, the students learned about NASCAR engineer Richie Parker as part of their “Core” Characters yearlong theme. Over the course of the school year, the students will hear about individuals who, in one epic moment or throughout their lives, have exhibited one or more of Potomac's core values. Mr. Parker’s story is one of incredible perseverance. Born with no arms, Mr. Parker went on to graduate from college and currently lives by himself and works as a car engineer for one of NASCAR’s most successful racing teams. During the assembly the students watched this video and then identified strategies Mr. Parker and others often employ to push through challenges and meet goals. 

LS Learns about Día de los Muertos

If you happen to walk through the Lower School hallway, you will see the Día de los Muertos ofrenda that LS teachers Diana MacKenzie and Gladys Alfaro Moisa built with their grade 3 students. Día de los Muertos is a multi-day holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and parts of Latin America that is a joyful remembrance of loved ones and family. 

Reflecting on Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day

The Upper School took time to reflect on both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day during an informative and effectively delivered assembly led by two of our resident historians, Precious Singson and Robert von Glahn. Modeling the sort of historical thinking skills we aim to teach, Ms. Singson and Mr. von Glahn discussed Columbus as a historical figure, the implications of his voyages on the development of the modern world, and some of the different perspectives on his legacy. Additionally, Ms. Singson offered a powerful indigenous land acknowledgment. 

HSA Hosts Silvia Thornton Freeman

To mark the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Upper School's Hispanic Student Alliance hosted a lunchtime conversation featuring Silvia Thornton Freeman, director of education and arts engagement at DC's GALA Hispanic Theatre. In a conversation facilitated by club leader Tea Picconatto '22, Ms. Thornton Freeman spoke about the history of GALA and her role there. A Bolivian-American arts manager who has worked in the nonprofit arts sector for 15 years. Ms. Thornton Freeman came to GALA in 2009 as an intern and was later hired to facilitate student matinees. In this role, she solidified GALA’s Education Department by creating winning marketing strategies, building strong relationships with schools, and more. Mr. McLane treated the luncheon attendees to sopapillas, a sweet treat, at the conclusion of the conversation. 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

LS Math Specialist Gladys Alfaro Moisa has been hard at work creating a Hispanic Heritage Month display in the Lower School hallway, and she has also created this page as a resource for faculty, staff, parents, and anyone interested in learning more about Hispanic Heritage. While her site is geared towards our youngest learners, there is much to explore, learn, and enjoy. 

US Discussion about Iran and Women's Rights

Two newly minted clubs, the Middle Eastern - North African Student Alliance and Virginia Teen Democrats, joined forces to host a robust lunchtime conversation about current events in Iran. Their meeting began with a brief overview of the death of Mahsa Amini, followed by a review of the global media coverage surrounding the protests. The discussion touched on the topic of women's rights in Iran and the required wearing of the hijab.

Remembering 9/11

In Lower School, we commemorated the 21^st anniversary of September 11 by celebrating Patriot's Day. It is an opportunity for our students to show their gratitude to our local community helpers (police officers, firefighters, and health care workers). We passed around a jumbo card for all our students to write either their names or a thank you message for the McLean Firehouse.

Middle School homeroom teachers had the option to hold space for age-appropriate conversations during Morning Meeting to commemorate 9/11. John Mathews, MS division head, prepared teachers ahead of time with resources and conversation starters that are appropriate for the various age levels. 

During homeroom on September 9, advisors engaged IS students in a discussion about 9/11. The students watched a short video highlighting Tribute in Light, a commemorative public art installation. The installation was first presented six months after the terrorist attacks and then every subsequent year, from dusk to dawn, on the night of September 11. A moment of silence was held at the end of homeroom to pay tribute to those who lost their lives as a result of 9/11.

On September 12, the US observed a moment of silence in recognition of the 21st anniversary of September 11, 2001. In a message to the community, Mr. McLane asked students and teachers to reflect on the heroism, selflessness, and generosity of spirit displayed that day and, in the weeks, and months that followed. 

Welcome Back Cookout Brings Community Together

Hundreds of students and family members came to campus to celebrate the start of the new school year at last week’s Welcome Back Cookout, hosted by the Fathers Association of The Potomac School (FAPS). It was a great opportunity to reunite with old friends and meet new ones while cheering for the Panthers, as the boys varsity soccer and football teams took the field. Read the game recaps in the Athletics section below. A huge thank you to all the FAPS members who volunteered their time and grilling skills, helping to make this year’s event a huge success. 

An additional thank you to the girls varsity soccer and volleyball teams and their coaches for providing an amazing time for our K-6 students at the sports clinics before the cookout. What a great show of Panther spirit! Enjoy the photos.