West Potomac HS Weekly News

Happy Friday West Potomac!

 

I wanted to give you a quick update on student parking passes.  We have FINALLY completed distribution of all available passes.  There are no more on campus spaces available at this time. We look forward to a much-improved parking outcomes next school year with the completion of our construction.

 

Also, I know that many of you were looking forward to our grading discussion this week.  I am sending out information regarding grading and the rescheduled date via eNotify this evening.  I want to make sure all West Potomac families receive it and eNotify is the best form of delivery to insure it is received.  Stay tuned…

 

Have a great weekend.

Ms. Millard

 

  • Important Dates
  • School News Update
  • PTSA Updates
  • College and Career Center
  • SAT/ACT Test Prep

 

Important Dates:

October 27:    Underclassmen Pictures - Make-up Day

                        (8:00 am – 12 noon)

October 29:    End of 1st Quarter (2 HR Early Release)

Nov. 1 & 2:    Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)

Nov.  8:          PTSA Membership Meeting at 6:30 PM 

                       (Zoom and Face Book live)

Nov. 11:         2 - HR Early Release – Veterans Day

Nov. 24- 26:  Thanksgiving Break

 

 

Student Activities/School News Updates:

THEATRE IS BACK IN THE FLESH! - Night of the Living Dead at Beyond the Page Theatre Company at West Potomac High School.  

Night of the Living Dead Production_.png

Based on George A. Romero's 1968 original classic masterpiece horror genre film of the same title, Night of the Living Dead pits the dead against the living in a struggle for survival. There is panic throughout the nation as the dead suddenly come back to life. The story follows a group of people who barricade themselves into an old farmhouse in an attempt to remain safe from these flesh-eating monsters. This gripping terror-filled play brings all the fright of the cult classic film to life. Its blend of thrilling horror laced with touches of black humor envelops the audience in the action and unfolds into a shocking theatrical ending.

Night of the Living Dead was previously performed by WPHS students in 2013 & 2017. It was such a hit back then that we simply had to bring it back to life, much like the real zombies themselves! The current production gives a special nod to its BTPTC predecessors yet has many updated surprises.  Assigned seating for all shows are $10 and can purchased in advance at westpotomactheatre.org.  Any remaining seats will be sold at the door.

Where:  WPHS  - Springbank Building Dates:    October 28 - 7pm,  October 30 - 1pm; 4pm; 7pm November 5 – 7pm  November 6 - 1pm; 4pm; 7pm

WPHS Underclass Pictures - Did you take your school picture?  Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors can take make-up pictures on October 27, 2021 between 8 am - 12n in the auditorium.

Message from WPHS Band Boosters: Congratulations to the Wolverine Marching Band for their fourth-place finish in their class at this past weekend's Parade of Champions band competition held at James Madison University!  The Wolverines were also voted "Fan Favorite!" This Saturday, the marching band will have its Virginia assessment performance at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, VA at 4:15 p.m.  Spectators are welcome!

Support WP Orchestra:  Our Wolverine Pride blankets are perfect for outdoor events, indoor study sessions, and make great gifts!  All proceeds benefit the orchestra.  Please see attached flyer for details

WP Orchestra. Wolverine Pride Stadium Throw 2021.pdf

 

Chorus Yard Signs for Sale

Show your support for your West Potomac choir student by displaying a WP Chorus Yard Sign.  You can purchase online by going to: http://west-potomac-high-school-choral-boosters.square.site/  If you prefer to pay cash, please contact Rhonda Brown at rhondabrown60@gmail.com.  Chorus water bottles and car magnets are also available.  All proceeds support the chorus program.

 

Christmas Wreaths! West Potomac Crew Team fundraiser.

The West Potomac Crew Team continues its tradition of selling beautiful holiday wreaths.  Please use the link below to order your items ahead of time for local pickup in Alexandria, VA, near Thanksgiving time, or purchase an item for direct delivery to a loved one.  Online orders are due by November 10. Because we do not receive funding from Fairfax County, your wreath purchase helps us cover our expenses.  In particular, costs to purchase, maintain, and store our equipment; participate in regattas (competitions), and support students and families who are unable to cover their dues. Thank you for your support, you are helping to ensure our rowers have another great year on the water! https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/wpcrew

 

Support WP Dance Team: 

Carwash!  Saturday, October, 23 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood  Road.  Proceeds support the West Potomac Nationals Dance Team.

Eat out or pick up dinner from Moe’s and help the Dance Team!  Meal kits can be pre-purchased by Tuesday, October 26 at 4:00 pm -- nacho ($32.99), taco ($37.99), or fajita ($42.99).  Dine in available on Wednesday, October 27 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.  See attached flyer for details.

 Dance Team - Moe's Fundraiser Flyer. October 27 2021.png  

 

Clean out your closets for a good cause! On Saturday, October 23 between 8:30 and 9:00 am, the West Potomac Dance Team will be collecting clean, gently used clothing and soft furnishings (bedding, pillows, etc.). These items will be donated to the Unique thrift store in Falls Church. Proceeds from that donation will go to the Dance Team based on the total weight of the items donated, so more is definitely better!  Pack items in clean trash bags and drop them off at the big blue bin outside entrance 3A of the Springbank building at West Potomac. Tax receipts will be available at drop-off. Please share this information with others! Contact Carrie Sessine at carriesessine@gmail.com.

 

Operation Warm

Every year West Potomac High School receives a generous donation of coats from Operation Warm.  Please consider donating to support the fantastic cause. 

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/operation-warm-inc/join-firefighter-friends-to-the-rescue-and-fairfax-county-fire-rescue-department-to-give-coats-to-kids-in-need

 

2022 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS)

 

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) offers the opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to apply to attend summer residential Governor’s schools in academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). Students who are accepted into one of the programs will live in residence halls in one of the state colleges in VA for four weeks in the June - late July timeframe. To learn more about SRGS opportunities and the application process, visit the VDOE website and view the promotional video

 

To be considered for an academic or VPA Governor’s school, students must complete the steps below.

 

  1. Complete the interest form linked below for either Academics or VPA. The form is a required part of the application process and is due November 9th. No late entries will be accepted. When completing the form, enter a personal email address and do NOT use an fcpsschools.net email address. VDOE cannot send communications to the fcpsschools.net domain.

 

  1. Attend our school interest meeting which will take place during all lunch blocks on Wednesday, November 3rd and Friday, November 5th. Attendance at the meeting is optional but strongly encouraged.

 

  1. Complete the application for the specific program you wish to apply to and return to Mr. Shapiro or Ms. Bluestein in Student Services (students may only apply to one program).
  • Academic applications are due to the school on December 7, 2021
  • VPA applications are due to the school on January 28, 2022.

     

  1. Any questions related to Governor’s school please contact:

Michael Shapiro                                                Stephanie Bluestein       

mrshapiro@fcps.edu                                     smbluestein@fcps.edu

703-718-2555                                                     703-718-2554

 

 

 

PTSA UPDATES:

Next PTSA meeting: November 8 (Virtual Only): Topics: Mental Health, Meet the Counselors, Academic Support, PTSA news.  https://westpotomachs.fcps.edu/resources/ptsa                                               

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Minted Fundraiser:  https://www.minted.com.   Shop senior portrait cards, holiday photo cards, wedding stationery, fine art, personalized gifts, and more designed by independent artists. Use PTSA's promo code is: FUNDRAISEPOTOMAC. 

WPHS families receive 20% off holiday cards and gifts15% will be donated back!

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Amazon Smile - Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your Amazon Smile purchases to the PTSA!  Log into smile.amazon.com and designate “West Potomac High School PTSA” as the charity you would like to support. Works on your Phone App as well!

 

PTSA Direct Donation Campaign:  The PTSA’s Direct Donation campaign is in full swing!  Gifts to PTSA campaign will impact every student and enhance many areas of the school experience including academics, arts, extra-curricular activities, technology, and student life. 100% of your donation is tax deductible!         PTSA Direct Donation Flyer.Final.jpg  

 https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store

 

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER:

The first months of school have been busy in the College & Career Center.  Check out the October newsletter

CCC October 2021.pdf 

for the latest updates, upcoming events and more.

 

SENIORS:  Do you need help completing FAFSA?  Remember College Access Fairfax offers one-on-one help to families who need assistance in completing their financial aid forms.  Appointments can be requested with Financial Aid Champions by sending an email to appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org or by contacting our WPHS Financial Aid Champion Ms. Rowsey at khrowsey@fcps.edu.

College Access Fairfax also offers scholarships.  Click here 2021-22 CAF Scholarships.pdf to see the list of scholarships available to FCPS students.  Don’t forget to visit https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/  to learn more about College Access Fairfax and all of the resources available to FCPS families.

Want to stay up to date on important information from the WPHS Career Center?  The CCC is on Twitter!!!  Follow @wphsccc

SENIORS & JUNIORS:  Seniors & juniors should continue to pre-register for college visits and come prepared to ask questions.  College representatives are still scheduling visits so please encourage students to check Naviance for the most up-to-date list of colleges coming to visit WPHS.  

To sign up for a college visit, log into Naviance: fcps.edu/Naviance    

Select: Colleges>College Visits> View Details>Register.

CCC Hours: Monday – Friday from 8 am – 4 pm. Mrs. Karen Young, WPHS College & Career Center Specialist, is available to meet with students and parents virtually or by phone. To schedule, please send an email to Mrs. Young at kbyoung1@fcps.edu or she can be reached via phone at 703-718-2548.

 

SAT/ACT TEST PREP:

 

 SAT and ACT Test Prep  

 

Test Prep Classes and Mock Tests - View full schedule and Register Here.  

Next mocks -   Mock SAT 10/23             Mock ACT 10/30

 

More Resources available on the Test Prep Program Web Page

Questions? Contact Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com.

Scholarships - WPHS student need-based scholarships for mocks and classes are available through the WPHS College and Career Center Specialist, Karen B. Young, kbyoung1@fcps.edu

 

Need Flexibility? Try Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course - Animated video lessons and comprehensive practice for every section of the SAT or ACT. Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’s MemberHubStore.

Applerouth’s Guide to Academic Success ($10.00) available now on PTSA’s MemberHubStore. Build a foundation for better study skills! This 88-page guide teaches students how to take control of their learning and understand why some habits are better than others.