Student Life
Events and Traditions
When discussing medieval pilgrimages, we decided to do our own version of The Canterbury Tales. We used our beautiful campus as stations along the route to Canterbury. The students heard stories from the tales and felt a sense of what it must have been like during medieval times.Catherine Fields, Middle School Faculty
CLUBS
Middle School faculty and staff offer a variety of clubs throughout the year during the activity period held once a cycle. Past clubs have included Dance, Writing, Art, Creative Construction, Quiet Reading/Games, Robotics, Basketball, and Ultimate Frisbee. Children are encouraged to suggest new clubs to the Middle School Head for future inclusion.
UNIFORMS
A uniform is required in Potomac's Middle and Intermediate Schools. We feel this long-standing policy helps equalize the learning environment. Several of the Middle School uniform items must be purchased through the Lands' End Uniform Company. Other items, such as polo shirts and shoes, may be purchased elsewhere.
The Middle School also operates a “gently used” uniform store called the Panther Post, where parents may purchase uniform items at significantly reduced prices.
LUNCH
We partner with Meriwether-Godsey to offer an optional lunch service to Middle School families. Meriwether-Godsey provides a weekly menu of healthy, well-balanced meals for students. Hot lunch options and a salad bar are provided.
Efforts are made to be as environmentally friendly as possible: everything used in the lunchroom–all utensils (and the plastic in which they are kept), plates, cups, and soup containers– are all biodegradable and compostable. Meriwether-Godseys service is an easy, nutritious, and environmentally-friendly alternative to packing lunch each day.
LIBRARY
All Middle School classes have one or two scheduled library sessions per cycle. Students have the opportunity to check out books during scheduled classes and may also visit the library with the classroom teacher’s permission during other times.
The library loans out audiobooks, MP3 players, and DVDs as well as books. Parents are encouraged to open an account and check out materials. The library also has several Internet services that may be of interest to families. Its extensive collection of databases can be accessed at home.
Enrichment Programs
Our extended day program is offered to students who need to remain on campus after the regular school hours. For a fee, parents may use this service every day or a few days a week depending on their need. A dedicated staff plans activities and allows time for homework.
In addition to the extended day program, Potomac offers an enrichment program called ETC (Education That Continues), which includes a variety of classes such as cooking, dance, robotics, Chinese, and more. Parents may also sign up their children for instrumental or voice lessons after school.