WPHS - News You Choose 3/24/23

School Seal

In this week’s WPHS News You Choose:

  • Important Dates
  • Part-Time Office Support
  • PTSA News
  • Class of 2023 Updates
  • School News Update
  • Student Services and College and Career Center Updates 
  • SAT/ACT Prep News
  • Quick Links/Additional Resources

Important Dates

  • March 25: FCPS Teen Job Fair 11 AM – 1 PM at Chantilly High School
  • March 25: ACT Group Class begins (sign up below)
  • March 28: ASVAB Exam
  • March 30: WP Job Fair at 3 – 4:15 PM
  • April 3 – 7: Spring Break
  • April 4: NOVA Regional College Fair at George Mason University
  • April 10: PTSA Meeting at 6:30 PM in library
  • April 11: United States Citizenship Test Preparation On-Line Classes begin!  
  • April 13: West Potomac Wellness Day & End of Third Quarter
  • April 18: College 101 presented by Amy Barnes, Admission Counselor Randolph-Macon College
  • April 19/20: NACAC National College Fair, Montgomery County, MD
  • April 22: MOCK SAT 9:00 AM
  • April 29: MOCK ACT 9:15 AM
  • May 6: Prom
  • May 13: MOCK SAT 9 AM
  • May 20: MOCK ACT 9:15 AM
  • June 1: Class of 2023 Senior Celebration
  • June 7: Graduation 9 AM

Part Time Office Support

  • West Potomac Student Services is currently looking for part-time office support in our Assessment Office. We are looking for someone who can support on an hourly basis for 15-20 hours a week through the end of the school year.  If you have availability and interest, please contact Kevin McMahon at kjmcmahon@fcps.edu.

Chorus
  • Congratulations to the following students for getting into the VA All-State Choir!  Charlotte Levine, Sophia Argueta, Ellee St. Pierre, and Brielle Kirk will all be representing WPHS.  We also have two alternates, Jeremy Lacey-Kline and Valezka Sarmiento.  Go WestPo Chorus!

PTSA News

  • Students and parents, please attend our April 10th PTSA meeting.  "Students Have Their Say - What Works and What Doesn't" PTSA meeting on Monday, April 10th at 6:30pm in the library.  Students, teachers and administrators will have a focused discussion on what is working well and areas of improvement.  West Potomac rises when we all come together!
  • 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!

  • Test Prep Chair Needed!  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. Planning for summer and next school year starts soon. Now is a great time to jump on board and learn the ropes! Perhaps co-chair for a year?

Class of 2023 Updates

  • For all things graduation, click Class of 2023 & Graduation Information
  • Senior Celebration Committee is being established, please contact Belinda Bault or Heather Condon if you would like to help.  This huge celebration will be June 1st at West Potomac with food, fun, DJ, prizes and raffles!
  • Note:  Breakfast with the Bunny was canceled. 
Senior Breakfast

Thank you to all who supported our wonderful senior breakfast this week! Keep up the great work Class of 2023!


School News

Prom

  • The West Potomac Prom Pop Up shop needs your help! Believe it or not, prom will be here before we know it and once again West Potomac is hosting a Prom Pop Up shop, offering free dresses, shoes, bags, jewelry and make up to all local high school students.  Not only does this help reduce the cost of attending the prom, but it is also a great way to reuse and recycle! Here is how you can help:
  • DONATE: We are currently accepting donations of new, unopened makeup; jewelry; and new or lightly used prom dresses, shoes and bags.  Donations can be dropped off in the West Potomac office or please text Kendra Chambers at 703-966-2973 for other drop off locations or to arrange for a pick up.  We will be accepting donations through Monday April 11….
  • VOLUNTEER: If you have the time, this really is a wonderful event and we would love to have your help!  Please see the signup genius link to help if you are able! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4FA5A829A57-west2
  • HELP SPREAD THE WORD: Maybe you set up a donation collection bin at work; maybe you send your neighbors the Memberhub link for donations; maybe you host a small gathering for friends and ask them each to bring an unopened make up item to donate; or maybe you ask your West Potomac student to help spread the word throughout the school and to their friends at other local high schools about this fantastic event so they can plan to attend. Whatever it is, however you can help us get the word out and bring in donations and students, it is greatly appreciated!
  • The dates for the shop will be Thursday April 13 (it will be a Wellness Day Session), Saturday April 15 10-2, Monday April 17 after school (3-5 pm); Tuesday April 18 during advisory (please ask your advisory teacher for a pass); Thursday April 20 after school (3-5) and Thursday April 20 during advisory (please ask your advisory teacher for a pass).  
  • We look forward to a fun and successful event and thank you for your support! If you have any questions, please text Kendra Chambers at 703-966-2973.  
Prom

Calling all who want to support the Prom on May 6!!!  We are in need of volunteers to help with set up/ clean up and donations for décor. Please sign up on the following sign up genius links. 

If anyone has any questions, please contact Jean-Marie Simpson: jsimpson1@fcps.edu

Citizenship Test Preparation

  • Lord of Life Lutheran Church is once again offering United States Citizenship Test Preparation On-Line Classes!  
  • These FREE classes are for permanent residents who are eligible for U.S. citizenship.  We have found that students who have at least a high beginner level of English benefit the most from this class.
  • On-Line Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:45pm, April 13 - May 25, 2023.
  • We will use ZOOM software for classes.
  • In-person Orientation on Tuesday, April 11at 7:00pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032.  
  • We will distribute the free textbook at Orientation, and encourage all students to attend if possible.   Alternate arrangements can be made to deliver the textbook to any student who cannot attend orientation.
  • A link for on-line classes will be sent to registered students the second week of March.
  • Class size limited to 12 students.
  • Sponsored by Lord of Life Lutheran Church with Congregation Olam Tikvah and Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church
  • Point of contact for questions:  Alma Edgerly at ESL1@lordoflifeva.org
  • Registration link is posted on Lord of Life's ESL webpage at https://www.lordoflifeva.org/esl
CitizenWellness

Feedback Needed – Richmond Highway Bus Stations

Dance Team

  • Three Weeks of Dance Team Summer Camp this July — Spaces Filling up Fast!
  • Sign up your youngster for one or more weeks of summer fun with dancers and coaches from the West Potomac Dance Team.  Camps are open to rising Kindergarten through 8th Grade students and include dance, crafts and lots of time with friendly, talented high school dancers.  Themed weeks include U.S. states, Christmas in July, and Hollywood.  See details below.
Dance

Student Services and College and Career Center Updates

Does your Child need Private Counseling?

  • FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to begin offering virtual mental health services to high school students via live video sessions. Starting Monday, April 10, parents/caregivers who have been struggling to find a therapist for their child or who notice changes in their child’s behavior will be able to connect them virtually with a licensed therapist. The first step for parents is to provide information through an opt-in form. Visit FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for details.

The March 2023 College & Career Center Newsletter  is full of information for students and families.  Make sure to read for details on upcoming events!

College 101 for 9th and 10th Grade Students and Families

  • 9th and 10th grade students and families are invited to join us for College 101 presented by Amy Barnes, Admission Counselor at Randolph Macon College on Wednesday April 18 at 6:30pm in Kogelman Theatre.
College 101

WPHS Job Fair:

  • Are you a Wolverine looking for a job?  The WPHS Job Fair will be held for current WPHS students on Thursday, March 30thfrom 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Local employers will be in the cafeteria looking to hire students for part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions.  Most opportunities at the fair will be geared toward students age 16+, but some opportunities for younger students may be available with parental consent.  There will also be fulltime opportunities for seniors graduating in June.  Registration is not required. 

NOVA Jump Start

  • NOVA is pleased bring back JumpStart2NOVA for summer 2023!  Qualified seniors graduating this spring who are considering coming to NOVA after high school and in good academic standing at the college may take one course and our 1-credit College Success Skills course, SDV 100, at no tuition! 
  • All classes will be offered through NOVA Online and run May 30st through August 9th, 2023.  Students are required to pay for textbooks or other course materials.  The application opens March 27 and will close at 5PM on April 28th, 2023. 
  • Attend the virtual JumpStart2NOVA Info Session next Tuesday, March 28 at 6:00 PM to learn more! Register here in advance for this webinar

SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAMS

  • FREE 2-week summer bridge programs for current juniors and seniors who have little or no experience with Information Technology, Computer Science, or Engineering Technology career pathways. Students will be introduced to NOVA’s IET programs, tour regional employers, and meet NOVA faculty, students, and staff. Bridge students also have the opportunity to receive college credit! Program available at Manassas/Loudoun and Annandale/Woodbridge campuses. Apply by March 31st!
  • More information and application available at: https://www.nvcc.edu/systemic/bridge.html.
  • Don’t forget to follow the College & Career Center on Twitter: @wphsccc& Instagram: @westpoccc

SAT/ACT Test Prep Upcoming Events 

  • Test Prep Chair Needed!
    • 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. Planning for summer and next school year starts soon. Now is a great time to jump on board and learn the ropes! Perhaps co-chair for a year?
  • Sophomores - 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 before the real thing!

Mock (Practice) Tests – This is it for the school year!

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.”

Group ACT Class Registration Extended to 4/11/23!

  • ACT Group Class First Mock Test: 03/11/23, Sessions: 03/25/23  - 05/27/23, Meets: Sat (Full Schedule), Max Class Size: 15, $425.00 Sign Up You can take an online mock to make up the 3/11/23 benchmark mock test. Class tutoring sessions and class mocks run Saturday mornings 4/15-6/3.

FREE Online Applerouth Webinars: 

Recording of the webinar sent to all registrants so no worries if you can’t attend!

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


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