 Dear West Potomac Community—
As we round out our third week of school, it is clear that our students and educators are both hitting their stride. On Friday, as students exited their buses for the fall bus evacuation drill, administrators greeted them with foam Wolverine paws—similar to how our teachers greet them at classroom doors every Friday with a welcoming high five. This is one such way we raise school spirit as part of our Renaissance program. I am grateful to the 50 student leaders who traveled to the regional Renaissance Back to School Tour this week. Afterwards, we had a fantastic opportunity to brainstorm ways our students can continue leading school culture improvement.
Among this week’s other special events, we welcomed 30 students from a Korean boarding school for a cultural exchange. It was amazing to see how teenagers from across the world could so easily connect. Aside from the assigned student government tour guides, students across campus showed genuine interest and made our visitors feel comfortable as they went to American classes. Our visitors then put on a fan dance, taekwondo, and k-pop performance and reflected on differences between our two education systems. We closed the week showcasing our governor’s health sciences and arts academies to Region 3 Assistant Superintendent Terry Dade.
Heading deeper into the first quarter, and knowing course grades are viewable in real-time, we recommend parents take a “trust but verify” style of monitoring progress. Our preference is actually that students monitor grades closest as that will focus their attention on trends and patterns in performance. However, beginning on October 17, 2016, Weekly Progress Reports will be generated by the Student Information System (SIS) and e-mailed to parents. Please know that located in each parent account is the “my account” tab. There, you have the option to choose which day of the week you receive progress report emails, opt out of the service, or designate a notification threshold (e.g. you require an email when a grade drops below a certain percent).
It is important that the first conversations about grades be with your child. We caution parents about their responses to email grade reports. When parents put pressure on students about their grades without context and dialogue, it reinforces good grades as a goal and takes away focus from learning. Should your child receive grades below expectations, help him/her use the moment as an opportunity for problem-solving. Ask what can you change in your effort and preparation that will allow you to better show what you know and can do? Ask what did you know in advance about what was expected…did you understand the objectives covered? Were you given a rubric for the project? How did you use this information to prepare? With clear answers to these questions, we can ensure students view grades as a reflection of performance and focus most on effort and preparation.
There are many opportunities at school to help students master their material. We have student-choice movement during Wolverine Time intervention periods Tuesday through Friday. Teachers are also available for extra help after school, especially on Mondays and Thursdays, when we have late buses. We cannot wait to see what our students will accomplish this year!
It is a great time to be a West Potomac Wolverine!
Sincerely,
Alexander B. Case
Principal
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School News
Art Dept. ISO Guitars
Do you have any guitars collecting dust? The art department is looking for old guitars to paint for an art auction. They do not have to be in working condition as they will be transformed into works of art. Please deliver or contact Kristina Nosal in Springbank room 501 by September 30. Thank you!
Wolverine Marching Band Competitions
Marching band competition season is upon us! The West Potomac Marching Wolverines will be performing at six events this fall. Come on out and watch! It’s fun to see a bunch of different bands, and tickets are usually in the $12-$15 range. The schedule is as follows, and more info is at www.wolverineband.com:
Sept. 24 — Herndon
Oct. 1 — Loudoun & Oakton
Oct. 15 — Westminster, MD
Oct. 29 — Charlottesville (2 events)
STEM & NVRC Host Auction Fundraiser at WPHS Sat., Oct. 15
The Northern Virginia Radio Control Club & West Potomac High School STEM Program are hosting an auction Saturday, October 15, in the Main Gym at West Potomac High School (use Door #13 for entrance). The day begins with setup and viewing from 8 to 10 a.m. and the auction starts at 10 a.m. Auction items include:
• R/C Airplanes
• Helicopters
• Cars
• Boats
• Supplies
Just click here for full details.
College & Career Center (CCC) News
WPHS College and Career Center Updates
Juniors and seniors are invited to have lunch in the College and Career Center during lunch blocks. This is a great opportunity to explore and discuss your options for after high school graduation. Also “Lunch and Learn” sessions will begin in October and will be held every Thursday in the College and Career Center during lunch blocks.
College Visits Week of September 26-30
1. Miami University, Oxford; Monday, September 26
2. University of Mary Washington; Monday, September 26
3. Old Dominion University; Monday, September 26
4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Monday, September 26
5. College of William & Mary; Tuesday, September 27
6. Appalachian State University; Tuesday, September 27
7. Spelman College; Wednesday, September 28
8. Juniata College; Wednesday, September 28
9. Franklin & Marshall College; Wednesday, September 28
10. Johns Hopkins University; Thursday, September 29
11. Princeton University; Thursday, September 29
12. American University; Friday, September 30
13. University of Virginia; Friday, September 30
Register to attend college visits through Family Connection or come to the College and Career Center for more information.
Upcoming Events
• September 26-29: Senior Individual Meetings with Counselor
• September 29: Fall Academic Awards Ceremony 6:30p.m. SpringBank Auditorium
• October 6: Financial Aid Information Night (FAFSA/CSS Profile) 6:30 p.m. in Springbank Auditorium
Scholarship Information
Scholarship opportunities are available to FCPS students to review and apply for through Family Connection. Students can review and apply for scholarships by logging into Blackboard, Family Connection, Colleges Tab, then Scholarship List at the bottom of the page. This site is updated weekly and students are ENCOURAGED to review it on a regular basis as deadline dates are critical. Here is the list of scholarships updated this week:
• Wendy’s High School Heisman Award – deadline Oct. 3
• Alpha Phi Alpha, Theta Rho Lambda Chapter Scholarship – deadline Oct. 15
• Haz La U, Colgate Palmolive – deadline Oct. 15
• Horatio Alger Association Scholarship –deadline Oct. 25
• National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) – deadline Oct. 27
• Coca-Cola Scholars Program – deadline Oct. 31
• NESA Academic Scholarship – deadline Oct. 31
• NESA Merit Scholarship – deadline Oct. 31
• THEDREAM.US Scholarship – deadline March 8, 2017
• Bull Run Civil War Round Table (BRCWRT) Scholarship – deadline April 1, 2017
SAT/ACT Information
SAT/ACT Prep Classes and Mock Test schedule now available for fall 2017. Come to the College and Career Center for more information. For more information on the ACT and to register: www.actstudent.org. For more information on the SAT and to register: www.collegeboard.org.
Scroll down to the PTSA section for details on college test prep classes and mock tests.
Activities News
WABC Student Passes Provide Savings To
Students
Have a student who enjoys attending West Potomac football,
basketball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, wrestling, baseball
and/or softball games? Did you know that our students are charged $5 every
time they attend a home athletic event? Our Student Passes allow the named
student to attend all of our regular season home athletic events at no
additional cost for the entire school year. At $50 per pass, your student
need only attend 11 games during the year, and you've saved $5.
To purchase your student passes, go to www.westpotomacsports.org and either
click on WABC Online Registration, then the provided link, and register
online OR click on the Boosters tab at the top of the page, then
files, and 2016-17 Booster Membership Information. Download that form,
complete it and mail it along with your payment to Bonnie Nicholson, 1805 Old
Stage Road, Alexandria, VA 22308.
Our Silver Patron passes are still on sale for $175. This
pass entitles your immediate family (including grandparents under the age of
65) to attend all regular season home games for the entire 2016-17 school year
at no additional cost. Follow the above directions to purchase your
passes. Questions? Contact Bonnie Nicholson at cwnicholson@gmail.com.
West Potomac Crew Welcomes Potential New Rowers
Plan to attend our Student Interest Meeting on Monday,
September 26, immediately after school in the Multi-purpose Room (Library 303).
Parent Interest Meeting takes place October 20. Details to follow.
Late buses are available on Mondays for after-school activities. For additional
information, contact Jeff Brodie at secretary@wpcrew.org
WPHS Sporting Events: Week of September 23-30
Cross Country: Tuesday,
Sept. 27 – Quad Meet @ Franconia (ANN); 5pm
Field Hockey: Tuesday,
Sept. 27 – Lake Braddock HS @ LB; 6:15pm (JV) and 7:30pm (V); Thursday, Sept. 29 – Annandale HS @ Home; 6:15pm (JV)
and 7:30pm (V)
Football: Thursday,
Sept. 29 – WT Woodson HS @ WTW; 5:30pm (FR) and 7:15pm (JV), Friday, Sept. 30 – WT Woodson HS @ Home; 7pm (V)
Golf: Wed./Thu.,
Sept. 28/29 – Patriot Conference @ Twin Lakes; 4pm Tee Time
Volleyball: Wednesday, Sept. 28 – TC Williams @ Home;
5pm (FR), 6pm (JV), 7:15pm (V)
For the most current news in West Potomac athletics, please check
the athletics website.
Fundraising Information
Buy Your Tickets for Oktoberfest, Sat., Oct. 15
Support the development of the Wolverine Green and enjoy a festive evening of food, fun and beer at the home of the Mitchells. The cost is $75 per person, with proceeds going to support the Wolverine Green. Please click here for full details and to buy your tickets. Some volunteers are needed to get the party started. Join the team and get ready to have some fun planning and running this festive event – open spots include set up, clean up and donations of water, beverages, etc. Just click here to sign up.
Wolverine Green Update
Construction begins on the Wolverine Green this fall:
•75 cubic yards of concrete (10 truckloads) and some 6,000 bricks for the wall seating and walkways will be laid.
•Tree removal, excavation, and grading are underway to create our outdoor classroom.
•The 5 elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Metal, and Wood will be highlighted throughout the island space.
•We will have blue benches surrounding the brick patio along with a sundial in the center.
•An international street sign built by WPHS senior Stephen Winkleman for an Eagle Scout project will be placed around one of our native trees, along with octagonal seating.
•Five arrays of bricks engraved with the elements will be set near the wall seating, which is equivalent to (30) 6 ft. benches.
Our goal is to have the hardscape completed before winter break. The Wolverine Green needs community support. Check out our updated video (thank you, Nancy Mantelli and Kim Gallagher!), and catch the spirit and enthusiasm for this long-awaited endeavor. Then, click here to make your WG donation today. Thank you!
Bricks are on sale now: Pick the size, either 4x8" for $50 or 8x8" for $100. Symbols are an additional $5 each. We even have the West Potomac logo available as one of the symbol choices. For more information and to order a brick, please click here for the order form.
WPHS Dance Team Fundraising Events
Birthday Party Coming Up for Preschool/Elementary Girl? Let the West Po Dance Team Do the Entertainment for You! You tell us the theme, and members of the West Po Dance Team will do the entertaining. Packages are for 1 hour or 2 hours and can be built around dance themes – including the Nutcracker, Around the World in Dance, Ballerina's Special Day – or a theme of your choosing. For more information and pricing please contact Kris Moran. Weekend dates fill up quickly so don't wait until the last minute to book!
Life is Too Short to Rake Your Own Leaves: Let members of the West Potomac Dance Team do it for you. For $40, you get four dancers for one hour ($10 per dancer per hour; crews consist of 4 dancers and 1 parent supervisor) to gather and bag your leaves. Time slots are for one to four hours so we can handle almost any sized yard. To reserve your rakers, click here to fill out the form called 2016 Leaf Raking and submit it as indicated on the form. Hurry! The schedule will fill up quickly!
Huge Yard Sale, Multi-Family, Saturday Oct. 1, 8 am - 1 pm, 8504 Fort Hunt Road!! Bake sale too! Clothing, toys, furniture, books, etc. Proceeds will be used to cover the Varsity Dance Team's expenses associated with participation in the UDA National Dance Team Championship at Disney World in Orlando, FL in February. Clean out those closets and donate your unwanted items to the yard sale. Contact lrulapaugh@perkinscoie.com for where and how to donate. Gently used and clean items only. Then COME SHOP Oct. 1 and take home new treasures!
Want to be part of the WestPo Dance Team but not yet in high school? Here's your chance! K - 6th graders can sign up now for the Fall Junior West Potomac Dance Team being formed for a two-day dance workshop Oct. 11 and 12, 4:30 - 6:00, held in the WestPo dance studio, then a performance the third day, Oct. 13, at the freshman football game, 5:00 arrival time. $40 fee includes workshop, T-shirt and admission to game. To reserve a spot, please contact Coach Gen at glisenby@verizon.net.
Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Update
PTSA Meeting Monday, October 3: Spotlight on Student Services and the College & Career Center
Join us for our October meeting on Monday, October 3 at 6:30 pm in the library. Kevin McMahon's team in Student Services will provide an overview of their operations, and Liz Carter will highlight her informative College & Career Center.
FCPS School Board News
As you know, Dr. Karen Garza announced her upcoming resignation this past week as FCPS Division Superintendent. The Fairfax County School Board has begun the process of selecting the interim superintendent to replace Dr. Garza. Dr. Garza plans to stay until after the November election (promoting the meals tax) to ensure that FCPS and schools are in the best possible position to move forward and ensure our students are college- and career-ready.
Meals Tax
Please click here for more information on The Meals Tax that will be on the ballot this November. In the Nov. 8 General Election, Fairfax County voters will be asked to vote YES or NO on a meals tax question. The Board of Supervisors does not have the authority to implement a meals tax unless approved by voters. The question asks voters to allow the Board of Supervisors to impose a 4 percent meals tax on certain prepared foods, which will be paid by residents, commuters and tourists. If the majority of voters approve the meals tax, the Board of Supervisors will dedicate the revenues to two purposes, which are specified in the ballot question:
•70 percent of the net revenues would be dedicated to Fairfax County Public Schools
•30 percent of the net revenues would be dedicated to county services, capital improvements and property tax relief
If approved by voters, the meals tax is estimated to generate approximately $99 million in the first year, with 28 percent of that amount coming from non-county residents.
2016-17 WPHS Directory • Ads on Sale Now
We have over 31 businesses returning with ads for our 2016-2017 school directory. If you have a business or service you would like to advertise to this busy community of over 2,000 families, please contact Marilyn Aboff.
Upcoming College Test Prep Opportunities
TO BE RESCHEDULED! Understanding Your Test Scores – Rescheduled date TBD. Test results are available in your Applerouth account 10 days after a mock test.
Test Prep Strategies - Thursday, October 6, 3:15-4:15, Room 507. Register HERE. The college admissions process should be a time of opportunity and new beginnings, but increases in competition and costs cause more anxiety than excitement. Gathering expert information and planning ahead can smooth out the ride to securing a spot at a college where your student will thrive. Applerouth will arm you with information and timelines, dispel unhelpful myths, and discuss optimizing test scores and grades for admissions. Join us and be prepared to navigate the college admissions process with confidence.
SAT & ACT Changes, College Fit, and More – Wednesday, October 19, 6:30pm, Library. Speaker Jed Applerouth will give a dynamic presentation covering timely topics for college testing and applications.
Fall 2016 Mock Tests
WPHS, Gunston Building, Rooms 153/154. Check-in opens at 8:30am; see below for mock test start times. Cost is $23. Walk-in registration ($28) as space allows. Bring registration, photo ID, pencils, calculator, snack/water. Note: Scholarships (need-based) for mocks and classes are available through the WPHS College and Career Center Specialist, Liz Carter (eecarter@fcps.edu). Dates with Applerouth codes at right are hotlinked to the registration page for easy click-to-register access.
Test Offered Date Time Event code
Mock SAT Sat, Oct 8 9:00am - 1:30pm M219265
Mock ACT Sat, Oct 22 9:00am - 1:15pm M219287
Mock SAT Sat, Nov 5 9:00am - 1:30pm M219266
Mock ACT Sat, Nov 12 9:00am - 1:15pm M219288
PTSA Program Manager – Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com
Liz Carter, WPHS College & Career Center, eecarter@fcps.edu
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