WPHS News You Choose - 1/27/23

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 01/27/2023 03:25 PM EST
School Seal
  • Important Dates
  • Wellness Day 2023 - Thank you!
  • FCPS Strategic Plan
  • PTSA News
  • School News Update
  • College and Career Center Updates 
  • SAT/ACT Prep News
  • Quick Links/Additional Resources

Important Dates

  • January 28: Mock ACT and SAT offered by Applerouth
  • January 30-February 3: Rising 12th Grade Academic Advising Continues
  • February 1: Gap Year 6:30 PM at West Springfield HS
  • February 3: Leadership Application deadline
  • February 6: ParentVue/StudentVue Gradebook returns
  • February 6: PTSA Meeting at 6:30 PM in library
  • February 6-February 17: Rising 11th Grade Academic Advising
  • February 10: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Distributed in Advisory
  • February 21-March 3: Rising 10th Grade Academic Advising
  • February 28: Mock ACT and SAT offered by Applerouth
  • March 11: Mock ACT and SAT offered by Applerouth & Applerouth SAT and ACT group class begins

Wellness Day 2023 – THANK YOU!

  • A huge thank you to all who made West Potomac’s first Wellness Day a huge success. Thank you to our volunteers, those who donated and a huge thank you to Ms. Babic, Ms. Knudson, and Ms. Mason who led the organization and planning of the event.  It was a great day! 
Wellness Day 2023

FCPS Strategic Plan - Feedback

Strategic Plan: Make Your Students’ Voice Count! Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Please encourage your students to participate in this unique opportunity to share their voices.

FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan focus group. This focus group provides an opportunity to share feedback in a small group with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. FCPS is hosting four virtual focus groups for secondary students in February and March:

  • February 9, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
  • March 16, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.

Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID, so their parents/caregivers can be identified and contacted to ask for consent to participate.

If you have any questions about the student focus groups or you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact strategicplan@fcps.edu.  

Register Now to Attend a Community Forum! 

Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.

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Plan Estratégico: ¡Haga que la voz de sus estudiantes cuente! El proceso de planificación estratégica de FCPS incorporará opiniones del personal escolar, familias, estudiantes, y socios y organizaciones de la comunidad. FCPS actualmente está buscando estudiantes de secundaria en grados 7-12 que estén interesados en participar en un grupo de enfoque del Plan Estratégico. Por favor anime a su(s) estudiante(s) a participar en esta oportunidad única de compartir sus voces.

Este grupo de enfoque provee una oportunidad de compartir opiniones en un grupo pequeño con otros estudiantes de FCPS y un facilitador entrenado. FCPS está organizando cuatro grupos de enfoque virtuales para estudiantes de secundaria en Febrero y Marzo:

  • 9 de Febrero, 3:30-5 p.m. o 5:30-7 p.m.
  • 16 de Marzo, 3:30-5 p.m. o 5:30-7 p.m.

Los estudiantes que estén interesados deben revisar su correo electrónico para obtener un formulario para inscribirse en un grupo de discusión. Se pedirá a los estudiantes que proporcionen su identificación de estudiante, para que sus padres/cuidadores puedan ser identificados y contactados para pedirles su consentimiento para participar.

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre los grupos de discusión de estudiantes o desea obtener más información sobre esta oportunidad, póngase en contacto con strategicplan@fcps.edu.  

¡Inscríbase Ahora para Asistir a un Foro Comunitario de Planificación Estratégica! 

Consulte el calendario de Foros Comunitarios para inscribirse en el que más le convenga. Los Foros Comunitarios proveerán a cada residente una oportunidad de participar e influenciar la dirección del Plan Estratégico de FCPS, antes de su finalización y adopción formal por la Junta Escolar. Aprenda más sobre nuestro proceso de planificación estratégica.

PTSA News

  • The next PTSA meeting will be on Monday, February 6th at 6:30pm in the library. In addition to updates from Dr. Millard and the PTSA, we welcome Jessica Kidwell who will speak on Neurodiversity. Jessica is the host of the podcast, Neuroversity, a space to learn about and elevate the stories of the neurodivergent community.  As the mother of an autistic daughter and a son who has ongoing issues with anxiety, she found herself looking for sources of information that could help her understand how to be a better advocate and ally for them both.  She is also the co-host of the podcast We Should Talk About That, which aims to connect people by having hard conversations about uncomfortable topics in a vulnerable and safe way.  

Amazon Smile

  • Did you know that your Amazon shopping during this holiday season benefits the PTSA as well?  Just make sure to list "West Potomac High School PTSA) as the Charity under "Charity List" and Amazon will give back 0.05% to our PTSA for all qualifying purchases!  And since Amazon shopping is a part of most of our routine (no shame😉), it's the easiest way to help the PTSA!

Please join the PTSA today if you've not already done so.  It's quick and easy -- just click here.

PTSA DIRECT DONATION: Click Here

West Potomac PTSA is looking for a 2023 – 2024 Test Prep Chair!

  • Best Volunteer Opportunity EVER!  Do you have freshman and/or younger students? Well, SAT/ACTtests are in your future. Be on the cutting edge of changes to the official tests and college admissions by chairing the PTSA’s Test Prep Program! No test prep experience is needed just strong organization and customer service skills. Contact Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com, to learn more about managing this rewarding program.

School News

How to Talk About Alcohol Safety

  • Stores have been packed with holiday savings, credit cards have been charged, and food has been consumed. The holidays are often a time for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories with one another. The matching holiday pajamas leave a lasting impression on social media, but what impression does your relationship with alcohol leave on your child. Although difficult, conversations about alcohol safety are necessary. When consuming alcoholic beverages around young people, consider the message you would like for them to receive. Have you caught yourself saying any of the following: “I need a drink,” “a drink would help me relax,” or “wine helps me sleep better at night”. These statements could inadvertently cause your child to believe that alcohol is a suitable replacement for healthy coping strategies. 
  • It’s never too early to have age-appropriate conversations with your child about alcohol. About 10% of children say they have tried alcohol and that number increases to 50% by the time they are 15 (SAMHSA). Early and frequent conversations about alcohol and other drugs tend to be more effective than having “the talk” once. If you choose to not have the conversation with your child as a parent, they will still have the conversion with their peers. Silence communicates as loudly as a verbal conversation, so it’s up to you to decide what message is explicitly shared. 
  • For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270
  • Sources & Resources

Come support the Class of 2024 at Chipotle on February 14th from 4 – 8 PM!!!! 

Chiptole

Donations of Soft Goods and Books to Benefit the Dance Team

  • The West Potomac Dance Team is collecting (1) bags of clothes and soft household goods and (2) books to donate to a local thrift organization.  The team makes money based on the weight of the donations, so the more the better!  This time book donations are permitted and should help increase the weight of the collection.  You can drop off bags/containers of soft goods and books at the blue bin by the side Springbank entrance at West Potomac on Saturday, February 11 from 8:00 to 10:30 am.  Donation receipts will be available.  Thank you for supporting the Dance Team!
FUNDrive

WPHS Leadership Training: 

  • The focus of this course is to complete and put forth projects throughout WP and the community, to improve and expand leadership skills on an individual level. Along with planning events such as Homecoming, students will participate in collaborative class discussions and group activities, team builders, and individual exercises and much more.
  • For rising Freshman: if you are interested in taking Leadership Training, there is a mandatory application that can be found at https://tinyurl.com/WPLeadershipRising9 that is due by Friday February  3rd at 11:59 PM.  
  • For rising 10th-12th graders: if you are interested in taking Leadership, check out the all student Schoology for more information and a link to the application. The application can also be found here: https://tinyurl.com/WPLeadership2023 and is due Friday February 3rd at 11:59 PM. 
  • If you have questions please contact Nicole Borghard at nmborghard@fcps.edu or Joe Petrucelli at jrpetrucelli@fcps.edu.

FCPS High School Academy Open House

  • FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.
  • A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will have opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
  • Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service Opportunities

  • FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.

Scholastic Art Winners

College and Career Center Updates

Please visit this link to view the January CCC Newsletter and review lots of great College and Career Center updates.

Don’t forget to follow the College & Career Center on Twitter: @wphsccc & Instagram: @westpoccc

SAT/ACT Test Prep Upcoming Events 

Do You Know Your Test Preference?

  • Most students will show a strong preference for either the SAT or ACT format. This preference usually results in students naturally testing the SAT equivalent of 100 points higher on their preferred test. Sponsored by PTSA, mock tests are offered on campus to help students determine their preferred format and establish baseline test scores – not to mention the benefits of practice. Sophomores can make their junior year less hectic by determining test preference now! Juniors, get a little extra practice!

Mock (Practice) Tests:

  • Walk-In registration for mocks ($28.00) available as space allows. Checks should be payable to WPHS PTSA.
  • Mock SAT Date: 01/28/23 Saturday, 9:00am - 12:45pm, $28 – walk in available
  • Mock ACT Date: 01/28/23 Saturday, 9:15am - 1:30pm, $28 - walk in available 
  • Mock ACT Date: 02/18/23 Saturday, 9:00am - 1:15pm, $23 Sign Up
  • Mock SAT Date: 02/18/23 Saturday, 9:00am - 12:45pm, $23 Sign Up
  • Mock SAT Date: 03/11/23 Saturday, 9:00am - 12:45pm, $23 Sign Up
  • Mock ACT Date: 03/11/23 Saturday, 9:15am - 1:30pm, $23 Sign Up

Why Take a Mock SAT or ACT? 

  • Did you know that 54% of students show a natural increase the second time they take a real test? Use the mock to practice test time management skills – see if you have the ability to apply the content and strategies learned while studying when in an official test environment.  Test your mental endurance.  Earn confidence for the “real thing.”

Increase Your College Choices

  • Now is the time to find out where you are missing the most points on your SAT or ACT.  Take a mock and use the individualized score report to focus your limited study time.  Report includes suggested “homework” in popular prep books.  

Group Classes:

FREE Online Applerouth Webinars: 

Questions? Contact Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com

Scholarships!  Need-based scholarships to mocks and classes are available to WPHS students. Contact Karen Young, CCC Specialist, kbyoung@fcps.edu

Best Volunteer Opportunity EVER!  Do you have freshman and/or younger students? Well, SAT/ACT tests are in your future. Be on the cutting edge of changes to the official tests and college admissions by chairing the PTSA’s Test Prep Program! No test prep experience is needed just strong organization and customer service skills. Contact Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com, to learn more about managing this rewarding program.

FCPS News /Quick Links

Quick Links: