WPHS - News You Choose - 4/23/22

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 04/23/2022 02:32 PM EDT

In this week’s WPHS News You Choose:

  • Important Dates
  • Student Equity Ambassador Leader Selection 22-23
  • PTSA News
  • School News Update
  • Senior News/Class of ’22 Updates
  • College and Career Center Updates 
  • SAT/ACT Test Prep
  • Quick Links/Additional Resources

Important Dates

April 25:    Chick Fil A Fundraiser to benefit WP Orchestra, 3:30-6:30, Springbank Entrance

April 26:    Pupusas Express Fundraiser to benefit WP Guitar, All Day Sales

April 30:   Junior and Senior Prom- Renaissance Hotel in Crystal City (Details below)

April 30:    Drug Take-Back Day, drop off locations listed below

May 2:       PTSA Meeting

May 2 -6:   Teacher Appreciation Week.

May 5:       Five Guys Fundraiser to Benefit Class of ’22. 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM

May 18:     Guitar Concert, WPHS at 7:30 PM

May 26:     Seniors- Class of ’22 (End of Year Celebration/Party – more details to follow)        

May 30:     Holiday (Memorial Day)

June 2:     Senior Awards, 9:00 AM, Springbank Auditorium followed by graduation practice, and Senior picnic

June 3:     Class of ’22 Graduation - WPHS Stadium – NO school for ALL students

June 10:    Final Day of School

WPHS Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL) Student Selection 22-23 School Year

  • Student Equity Ambassador Leaders (SEAL) is a leadership program that amplifies student voice and provides an increased understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion through leadership development, projects, and relevant experiences of high school students. It is time to select student representatives for the upcoming school year.  West Potomac needs YOU!  We are seeking 2 new SEALs for next school year. We will be accepting interest from any rising 10th-12th graders from now until May 6th.  Students can learn more information on the role of a SEAL by watching the video on the WPHS SEAL Interest Form.  Students – be sure to access link using your fcpsschools.net email.

PTSA Updates

MOE'S CHIP AND QUESO BAR IS BACK!!!  

  • The 3rd Quarter celebration will be on FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH during all four lunches. We will be setting up outside on the patio and need volunteers to help with set up, serving, and cleaning up. No experience is necessary and it is a great way to meet other parents and see the kids in school again.
  • Sign-up here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094FABAE2FA46-wphs4
  • We also like to hold a raffle for $5 gift cards (Trop Smoothie, Dunkin, Starbucks are very popular but any will do!) -at each lunch too. If you would like to donate $5 gift cards you can drop them off at my house (8438 Porter Lane Alexandria VA) or at the school office in an envelope marked "PTSA RAFFLE". If you prefer to make a cash donation you can use this link and we will purchase the gift cards for the raffle:  https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store 
  • Thank you. If you have any questions, please email me at spbodner@yahoo.com.

 

Five Guys Fundraiser- May 5 to benefit the Class of ’22.

  • Keep your kitchen clean and bring home a dinner that will please them all!  Five Guys is showing their support for the Class of 2022!
  • Visit either the Quander Road or Hybla Valley location on May 5 between 3:30 and 7:30 PM.
  • 20% of all sales benefit our Senior Class  Fund – Event Flyer.

 

Need Graduation Announcements? – look no further - Minted

  • "It's time to order Senior Graduation Announcements!  Minted.com has some beautiful announcements and by ordering through them, you will be supporting our fabulous PTSA.  Please make sure to use the code FUNDRAISEPOTOMAC and WPHS families will receive a 20% discount along with a 15% donation back to the PTSA! WPHS families receive 20% off holiday cards and gifts - 15% will be donated back!"

School News

Senior Art Show:

  • Our Senior art show is on display in the library from Thursday April 21- Thursday April 28th, with our reception Thursday April 28th from 5-7pm in the library.  Please join us! 

End of Year Laptop Collection

Testing Calendar

  • A reminder Testing Season is upon us. The full testing calendar is posted here on our West Potomac Website.  More details will be send to families in an e-notify message on Monday.

FCPS and Fairfax County Government Partnering to Provide Substance Abuse Webinars on April 26, 28:

  • Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District (which is consistent with national and state trends), Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Fairfax County Government to provide educational webinars on youth substance use trends and supports. The free webinars are scheduled for April 26, and April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Each of the webinars provides the same information.
  • The topics to be covered include:
    • Most commonly used substances.
    • In-depth opioid information.
    • Reasons why youth use substances.
    • Ways parents can support their children.
    • Available FCPS and Fairfax County Resources.
    • Ways students, parents, and community members can connect with support providers.
    • Registration for the webinars is available online.

Drug Take-Back Day - April 30, 2022, 10-2 PM:

  • Drug take-back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs and are organized and closely monitored by government agencies. Safe Disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug abuse and misuse, accidental poisoning, and protects the environment. Drug Take-Back Day will take place at the 8 district police stations including Mt Vernon District, Franconia District, and West Springfield District.  Event Flyer.
  • https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/news/2022/drug-take-back-day
  • Please reach out to Elizabeth Knudson, if you have any questions at eaknudson@fcps.eduor 703.718.2749. 

WPHS Orchestra News – Chick Fil A fundraiser night on Monday, April 25th, 3:30-6:30:

  • Quit beefing, come to Chick Fil A night Monday, April 25th!   The Orchestra boosters will be selling Chick Fil A sandwiches and meals at Springbank building, Entrance 2A, 3:30-6:30 or while they last!  Don't miss out, pre-order using the link on our flyer!

Support WP Guitar at Pupusas Express this Tuesday, April 26th, ALL DAY! 

  • Dine-In or Carryout.  Show the flyer on your smartphone, or tell them you’re supporting the WP Guitar Program to ensure your order counts for our WP Guitar fundraiser! Event Flyer. 
  • Location:   7770 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA ---next to Results Fitness Phone: 703-780-4800     Website &  menu:    https://www.pupusasexpress.com/ 
  • Live music by West Potomac Guitar Students during the dinner hours!

 

WPHS - ROARING 20'S PROM - Saturday, April 30 2022 from 8-11 PM

 

West Potomac Prom Pop Up (previously known as Princess for a Night) is back! 

  • A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated to and volunteered for the Prom Pop Up!  It was a wonderful success, with many girls from our community finding that perfect dress, shoes, jewelry and make up to make their special night even more special.  We will be doing it again next year, so be on the lookout early next spring for more donation and volunteer opportunities!

 Would you like to make a difference?  Please help AP Testing go smoothly? Sign up to help proctor! 

  • Use this link to sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040e44aaac23a57-approctoring 

WPHS Beyond the Page Theatre Company News:

Beyond the Page Theatre Company’s Spring Musical - BE MORE CHILL, the Musical

  • Performance Dates and Additional Info: @ WPHS - Kogelman Theatre.
    • Assigned seating for all shows is $10 for students and $15 for adults, available online at www.westpotomactheatre.org. Any remaining seats will be available at the door one hour before performances. 
    • April 26th, 27th, & 28th @ 6:00pm,
    • April 23rd & 29th @ 7:00pm

WPHS Dance Fundraisers:

  • Eat Out/Order Out -- Foster's Grille

On Monday, April 25 between 4:00 and 9:00 pm, treat your family to food from Foster's Grille, located at 2004 Eisenhower Avenue, and help raise funds for the West Potomac Dance Team.  When submitting your order, write "dance team" at the top of the order form.

 

Spring Clean and Help the West Potomac Dance Team!

  • Clean out your closets for a good cause! On Saturday, April 30 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. 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.  If you have bags ready earlier next the week, come by the bin to drop off between 5:00 and 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 27. Tax receipts will be available at drop-off.  Please share this information with others! Questions? Contact Carrie Sessine at carriesessine@gmail.com.

 

Senior News/Class of 22 Updates:

Decision Day- May 1

  • We are looking forward to celebrating your Seniors "Decision Day" with you on Monday, May 2!  Please plan to wear your college/ military/ career shirt. If you post photos during the day on social media, don't forget to tag West Potomac @theWPboard as well as the Career Center @wphsccc.

June 3rd – Graduation Day – there is no school for all students

  • Each student will receive 6 graduation tickets. We do not have any extra tickets
  • Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed
  • Seniors will the following exam/culminating activity
    • May 24 – 2 & 4 periods
    • May 25 - 1 & 5 periods
    • May 26 – 6 & 8 periods
    • May 27 – 7 period – this will be seniors last day
    • Seniors do not have to attend school on May 31, June 1 but cap and gowns will be distributed from 3:30 – 6:00 by alpha. The schedule will be posted on Tuesday.
    • June 2 – 9:00 – Convocation, graduation practice and Senior Picnic

Senior Awards

  • Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 9:00 am in Springbank Auditorium
  • All Students and Parents/Guardians are welcome to attend but not required
  • Honor Grads, students who earn a cumulative final GPA of 4.0 or higher, will receive their Honor Grad Medal.  Honors Grads are not determined until after seniors' grades go final and if they haven’t already received an invitation, would be notified the day before that they’ll be recognized. 
  • A reminder we are only able to recognize Scholarships being earned and used that we know about – students should turn in award letters/forward award emails to Mrs. Young in the College and Career Center. 

Join the Class of '22 Facebook page: 

  • Looking to Connect with other Senior Parents as we navigate these final days of High School 
  • Created as an additional platform by a Senior parent to assist other Senior parents to get connected to ask a question, provide an answer,  https://www.facebook.com/groups/wposeniors22/

May 26 - End of Year Party for Class of ’22, - the Stadium Field

    • Sign up Spots and Tickets will be released this week.. Music, Food, Amazing raffles. Mechanical Bulls, Four Way Basketball Shootout, 3 -Lane Bungee Run are just a few of the fun things being planned. A ticket will need to be purchased to attend this event. 

 WP Class of 2022 Signs – Celebrate your Senior

Class of ’22 Senior School Dues: 

  • Senior dues are $50 - these funds will cover the Cap and Gown,    Diploma Covers, and Senior Shirts and Activities. Payments can be made now through your students’,  myschoolbucks.com acct. 

College and Career Center Updates:

Virtual College and Career Fair for Military Children and Youth:

  • Each year, April is set aside as military child appreciation month, officially known as Month of the Military Child.  Child and Youth Services is sponsoring a CYS Virtual College & Career Fair for military families and military-connected students on April 28th. For more information and to register for the event, families can go to: www.ArmyMWR.com/MOMC .

FCPS Senior Survey:

  • SENIOR WOLVERINES:  At the beginning of the week of 4/25, members of the Student Services team will come into English classes to assist seniors in completing the FCPS Senior Survey. This is a mandatory survey for FCPS and the Commonwealth of Virginia that must be completed by all graduating seniors. Please check your fcpsschools.net email for an important message from Mrs. Young in the Career Center.  The message includes important graduation related information and outlines the specific information seniors will need to have in order to complete the survey. Please take some time over the weekend to gather this data in preparation for the survey. 

Flash Forward - Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (HS)

  • This in-person seminar will provide students with IEP’s and their parents an introduction to options after high school. From 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs will host information tables. Followed by two concurrent breakout sessions from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Concurrent breakout sessions include:  

  • College and Education Options: For students planning to continue their education at a 2- or 4- year college.
  • Alternatives to College after High School: For students interested in employment and workforce development – Highlights include military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment
    • Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (HS)
    • Time:  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    • Location: W.T. Woodson HS, Fairfax, VA
    • Register Online Now: https://bit.ly/3tqFfBv

SAT and ACT Test Prep

Additional seats added for the 5/14 mock SAT!

View full schedule and Register Here.  

 

Next ACT Mocks:

9:15AM start

4/23, 5/14

Walk-in registration ($28) as space allows.

Next SAT Mocks:

9:00AM start

4/23, 5/14

Walk-in registration ($28) as space allows.

Summer Classes

 

Schedule coming soon! Tentative start date 7/23 prepping for 8/27 SAT and 9/10 ACT.

 

All on-campus classes and mock tests are in Gunston, Room 190 pod. Park in Academy lot, enter door 10/Academy.

Applerouth’s Test Drive Weekend – Free Mock Tests!

Join Applerouth April 23 & 24 to take a proctored SAT or ACT practice test. Students will also gain access to online strategy sessions, a detailed score breakdown, and a custom study plan. Save your seat at www.applerouth.com/testdrive. The in-person mocks are in Reston and Tenleytown (quite a drive) but online mock tests are offered both days at 9am and 2:30pm.

Applerouth Free Webinars

SAT v. ACT: The differences, the timelines, and expectations of colleges

05/03/22

8:00pm EDT / 5:00pm PDT Duration: 1h 00m

Sign Up

College Admissions Testing in 2022

05/09/22

8:00pm EDT / 5:00pm PDT Duration: 1h 00m

Sign Up

Understanding Test-Optional Admissions - Many more colleges have gone test-optional as a temporary response to COVID and are treating this as a “pilot program” before determining whether to make it a permanent policy. Check college admissions pages for policy changes as this plays out.

Test-optional does not mean test-blind! Test-blind schools do not accept or consider test scores at all. Test-optional means that SAT/ACT scores are not required to submit an application. This does not mean that the scores are not a factor in the admissions decision.

Do students really need to take an official SAT or ACT? For many, the answer is yes. Without the test, you may be eliminating an important asset in your college application. Strong scores can help show that you’re academically competitive or help earn merit aid (even at test-optional schools). Test-optional means you can choose whether you submit the scores as part of your application.

General Testing Action Plan in a Nutshell

  • Students are ready to test when they have taken Algebra2. Studies show no benefit to waiting.
  • Determine which test is your strength and focus your prep on that test.
  • Check national test dates and set your target tests (plan to test 3 times). Register early!!
  • Plan your test prep to be completed in the 10-12 weeks before your first test attempt. Initial prep will be 50-70 hours (class, homework, mocks). You’ll need to review again before subsequent test attempts. Many school superscore both SAT and ACT so multiple testing can only help you and registering for multiple test dates lowers the impact of a cancelled test.

More Resources:

FCPS News /Quick Links

FCPS Holding Instructional Job Fair on April 30

FCPS wants you to be a part of our team! We are searching for educators with a strong academic background and a passion to make a difference. To meet hiring needs in instructional areas, we are hosting a job fair on Saturday, April 30, during which networking and interviewing opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools will be available. This job fair is open to external candidates, internal transfers, and recruitment hires. It will be held both in-person (9am to 2 p.m.) and virtually (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). 

More information is available online.

Quick Links: