News You Choose - Friday, April 26, 2019

 

  • Important Dates
  • Principal’s Message
  • Student Services News
  • School Information
  • PTSA Update
  • Senior Class Update
  • SAT/ACT Test Prep
  • College and Career Center
  • National Honor Society Update
  • Beyond The Page Theatre Update
  • FCPS Cares

Important Dates:

  • April 11 - 26: Senior Art Show (Library)
  • April 26 - May 4: Spring Musical ‘Cinderella’
  • May 6: May PTSA meeting 6:30 pm
  • May 8: Spring Guitar Concert 7:00 pm
  • May 11: ANGC Car Show 9:00 - 1:00
  • May 11: Prom 8:00 pm

Dear West Potomac Family,

 

This has been a very difficult week as I am sure can imagine, but we have come together as a community.  I just want to take a moment to recognize and thank our staff and students.  I am so proud of the relationships that our staff has developed with our students as I saw, time and again throughout this week, students and staff taking care of one another and providing safe spaces to talk about their feelings.  We will continue to pull together and strive to be a community where everyone feels valued and we take care of one another.  Our prayers, thoughts and support continue to be with Clint, Rachel and William Robinson and their extended family.

We would like to remind you of community services that are available to you and our students.

The National Association of School Psychologists has a website with excellent resources: https://www.nasponline.org/  

Local emergency resources:

  • Dominion Hospital Emergency: 703-536-2000
  • Merrifield Center Emergency: 703-573-5679
  • Inova Emergency: 703-289-7560
  • CrisisLink Regional Hotline: 703-527-4077
  • CrisisText: Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Tips:

Thank you for your continuous support,

Ms. Millard

___________________________________________________________________

Dear Parent/Guardian,

As you know, the Fairfax County School Board has directed Superintendent Brabrand to incorporate necessary funding in his FY 2020 Proposed Budget for FCPSOn’s expansion to all high schools. FCPSOn is a digital transformation initiative that provides students with access to one device to use for learning.  FCPSOn was launched during the 2016-2017 school year to all schools in the Chantilly HS Pyramid, as well as five high schools that receive funds as part of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) e-Learning Backpack Grant

Our faculty has been preparing for this extraordinary opportunity that provides equitable access to technology and instructional practices that support their development of Portrait of a Graduate attributes including communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Employers will expect these skills, along with tech fluency and innovation, from tomorrow's workforce. FCPSOn helps prepare students to meet those demands.

I recognize the incredible responsibility that comes with a digital transformation and I recognize that some questions have developed as we prepare for this learning transformation. I would like to invite you to attend an FCPSOn information session on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30pm in the library.  You will have the opportunity to hear more about the initiative from members of our technology support team and learn about the logistics and support plans in place to encourage more purposeful and collaborative learning experiences in the coming school years. 

If you are unable to attend the information session, you will find information about the initiative at the FCPSOn webpage.  Information specific to the West Potomac distribution schedule will be emailed throughout the summer.  Feel free to contact me or School Based Technology Specialist Janet Babic with questions.

Sincerely,

 

Ms. Millard

Principal

West Potomac High school

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Student Services News

Senior Convocation

Attention SENIORS - Class of 2019 Convocation Ceremony June 5, 9:00-11:00 AM, Springbank Auditorium. Convocation is our Senior Honors and Department Awards ceremony where seniors are recognized for their academic accomplishments and scholarship received. PLEASE turn in copies of scholarship awards you will be using to attend college Fall 2019 to Mrs. Carter in the College and Career Center (Rm 332) by May 22nd. I must have documentation of scholarship awards in order to include in awards program. Questions contact Mrs. Carter. Thank you!

The College Experience and Substance Safety Series

Where: Career Center Room 332 Time: During all lunch periods

A reminder of our 2nd and 3rd Session dates:

Session 2: April 30—Bring your lunch and come discuss how alcohol and other chemicals impact our bodies, brains, and college success. Session 3: May 28—Accepted: Now What? - Bring your lunch and come discuss “the college experience” and how to make it a safe and successful college experience that YOU determine.

Questions? Contact our West Potomac Pyramid Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Elizabeth Knudson


School Information and News

AP Testing Volunteers

AP Testing is quickly approaching. In addition to the counselors, who act as lead proctors, the Student Services department needs PARENT VOLUNTEERS to serve as proctors for the duration of each AP test. Your support is essential to our test security and ability to implement a successful program. 

Please review the AP Testing Schedule and consider signing-up via the PTSA volunteer web-page. Except for Comparative Government, all exams will be held in the Main Gym. Please note: You may not proctor your own child during an exam. Please feel free to contact Adriana Meeks, the AP Testing Coordinator with any comments, questions or concerns. Thank you for your continuous support.

AP Pre-arranged Absence Form

AP students who wish to leave immediately after a morning AP exam, or come-in late for an afternoon AP exam, must submit an AP pre-arranged absence form to their Alpha-Administrator, no later than April 26. Pre-arranged students will be able to leave campus immediately after the exam, instead of going to the attendance office to “check-out”. Students who test in the afternoon, will be able to go directly to their test site as opposed to having to “check-in” at attendance. See your Alpha-Administrator or the West Potomac Home Page for more detail.

Forms are available in Student Services, and on the West Potomac Home Page under Announcements: AP Exam Schedule and Pre-Arranged Absence Form. Or see this flyer

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 


PTSA Update

Please join us for the next PTSA Meeting on Monday, May 6 at 6:30 pm in the library. Ms. Koszelak, our school psychologist, will discuss and answer questions about student health and wellness and present the results of the Student Youth Survey.

We will also vote for the incoming 2019-2020 PTSA Board. We are still seeking nominees for the corresponding secretary position. If you enjoy staying on top of the current happenings and have an interest in serving, please contact Tanya Stamos. Duties of the corresponding secretary include: gather information for the weekly News You Choose, send out announcements, calendar events via PTBoard communication, and handle incoming and outgoing correspondence.

The slate is as follows:

President: Sue Capper

President Elect: Sally Murphy

Vice President: Kendra Chambers

Vice President: Kathy Penkiunas

Vice President: Julia MacDonald

Treasurer: Frida Hopper

Recording Secretary: Jen Price

Corresponding Secretary: OPEN

Volunteer Opportunities

WP Teacher & Staff Appreciation BBQ

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and we could use your help to thank our amazing teachers and staff. PTSA is providing a catered BBQ for all staff on Friday, May 10th. Please volunteer to help with providing fruit trays or dessert, set up or clean up, help with serving lunch. Sign up here.

3rd Quarter Honor Roll Chips & Queso Bar

We would like to recognize all of our Honor Roll students (those who made straight A's or all A's and B's) with a Honor Roll Chips and Queso Bar on Friday, May 3, in the College and Career Center. We need volunteers to help set up and serve chips & queso to the students.

Donations of $5 gift cards to recognize students who made 2nd Quarter Honor Roll. We will Raffle off these gift cards during all lunches on Friday, May 3rd. Sign up here.

West Potomac Senior Lunch Celebration - May 2nd.

The West Potomac Class of 2019 is planning a Senior Lunch Celebration. This will take place Thursday, May 2, during lunch time. The Senior Class is asking for desserts. Drop off at main office between May 1st and 10am on May 2nd. Please attach note, attn: Senior Class Officers. Sign up here.

Junior Parent Volunteer Needed for Baccalaureate, June 2.

 

We need the parent of a current Junior student to help with organizing the Baccalaureate Ceremony, June 2. The Junior parent is mainly in charge of setting up and collecting food for the reception at 2:00, June 2. The PTSA sends out a volunteer request for reception food.

The Baccalaureate is a one-hour interdenominational service honoring the graduating Senior class. We rely on parent involvement to continue this tradition. Please reply to Julia MacDonald.  

FCPS Parents: Do You Want Healthy School Food?

Real Food for Kids unites parents and local leaders to improve school meals. We change school menus AND build a lasting commitment from administrators and elected officials to put our kids’ health first when making decisions around school food.

Now, we are launching a Parent Action Team in your community! Come learn more about Real Food for Kids and what is happening to improve food in YOUR schools.

Monday, May 13; 7:00 – 8:30 PM, Sherwood Hall Regional Library Thursday, May 30; 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Herndon Fortnightly Library

Bring your questions, concerns, and ideas about school meals. Together, we can improve the health and wellbeing of every kid today and for years to come! Questions: contact@realfoodforkids.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Class of 2019 Countdown 

Graduation is in 40 days!

HAVE YOU...

  • Bought a ticket?
  • Entered to reserve a seat?
  • Volunteered? We NEED every family to help out!

Tickets sold in school on April 30, May 1, May 8, May 9, May 10 or NOW online

ALL info, tickets, reserved seat lottery and volunteer signups are on our website  WWW.ANGCWESTPOTOMAC.COM

 

We live in such a great community!  Hats off to our recent sponsors -

Woodlawn Auto, Costco, Family Air, Famous Dave's, Cold Stone Creamery, Mamma's Kitchen.

DO YOU REALIZE.... more than 50 businesses have given to support the WPHS Class of 2019 All Night Grad event? 

 

Even if your child does not recognize the importance of this fun and safe send-off and congratulatory event, recognize it for them. Don't miss out - buy a ticket. See our full list of amazing sponsors on our website.  

 

Reminder: CAR WASH April 27 at St Luke's 8am-1pm

Volunteer on our website for fun or to earn hours - Bring your pollen covered autos to get washed.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SAT/ACT Test Prep-Upcoming Mocks, Classes and Events

 

Online Applerouth College Night, May 2 at 8:00 PM

Register and use event code: M343816

Get the inside scoop on admissions testing, college essays, financing college, and the admissions process from an expert in each field. Our founder Dr. Jed Applerouth, college essay expert Ethan Sawyer, Financial Planning Specialist Stuart Canzeri, and former Duke Senior Admissions Office Ginger Fay will share advice and answer your application-related questions! 

 

 

Summer test prep classes WILL be offered. Register here. The registration and schedule should be posted this week. Classes start with benchmark mock on July 27.

 

Last Chance to take a mock test this school year!!

SAT Mock Test offered May 4.

ACT Mock Tests offered May 11.

 

PTSA Program Manager – Marilyn Aboff

Test Prep Scholarships: WPHS student need-based scholarships for mocks and classes are available through the College and Career Center Specialist, Liz Carter.

 

 

 

 


College and Career Center

For the latest information including the College and Career Center newsletter, click here!


National Honor Society Update

If you need help with a subject, National Honor Society tutors are here to help! For more information and to sign up.  


Beyond the Page Theatre Update

THE SLIPPERS ARE BACK!

Beyond the Page Theatre Company at West Potomac HS is once again opening the curtain on their annual spring musical.

Cinderella  -  April 26th and runs on select days through May 4th. Tickets are available here.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside a hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane, as well as some new characters and surprising twists.

Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA was twice re-made, first in 1965 for Lesley Ann Warren and then again in 1997 featuring Brandy and Whitney Houston. The original Broadway production opened in 2013 and starred Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Victoria Clark and Harriet Harris.

Running Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes, including one intermission.


FCPS Cares

Do you know a West Potomac HS or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share