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In this week’s WPHS News You Choose:
- Important Dates
- Science Fair 2023
- Volunteers needed to support AP Testing
- PTSA News
- 5th Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo
- Class of 2023 Updates
- School News Update
- College and Career Center Updates
- SAT/ACT Prep News
- Quick Links/Additional Resources
Wishing the Wolverine Community a wonderful Spring Break!
Important Dates
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April 3 – 7: Spring Break
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April 4: NOVA Regional College Fair at George Mason University
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April 10: PTSA Meeting at 6:30 PM in library
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April 11: United States Citizenship Test Preparation On-Line Classes begin!
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April 13: West Potomac Wellness Day & End of Third Quarter
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April 19/20: NACAC National College Fair, Montgomery County, MD
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April 22: MOCK SAT 9:00 AM
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April 29: MOCK ACT 9:15 AM
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May 6: Prom
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May 10: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon
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May 13: MOCK SAT 9 AM
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May 20: MOCK ACT 9:15 AM
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May/June End of Year Testing Calendar
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June 1: Class of 2023 Senior Celebration
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June 7: Graduation 9 AM
Science Fair 2023
- From March 17-19, 34 West Potomac science scholars, representing 19 project teams, participated in the Regional Science Fair at Robinson Secondary School. To qualify for the regional fair, students had to earn a first or second place designation in the West Potomac Science Fair held February 4 on campus.
- Fifteen of the projects earned placements in their respective categories, including honorable mention (seven projects), third place (five), second place (two). Additionally, six teams received special awards from groups related to their scientific disciplines, including the American Water Works Association, the Northern Virginia Dental Society, and the Society of Women Engineers, among others.
- West Potomac students Olivia Hamilton and Lucy Marshall won first place in the Microbiology division with their project entitled “The Effect of Gluten-Free Bread Type and Moisture Content on Mold Growth.” This recognition comes with the opportunity to participate in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, held on April 14-15 at Old Dominion University in Norfolk.
- Links to pictures from the fair can be found here (Judging), here (award ceremony), or here (slideshow). Congratulations to our West Potomac scientists!
AP Testing 2023 – Volunteer Proctors Needed
- With AP Testing around the corner we are in need of AP Testing Monitors! This is an easy way to help our West Potomac community if you able! AP Testing Monitors are adults who do just that; sit and monitor AP Testing, in order to help West Potomac meet the proctor requirement for each test. Volunteers would be be in the testing space with two lead proctors (who are WPHS counselors) and would just need to follow their directions. Any volunteers we can provide helps minimize the number of counselors/teachers who need to be pulled from their primary duties to meet proctor requirements.
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Please note: a volunteer cannot be a teacher of the course and must not be a parent of a student who is taking the exam.
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You can sign up to volunteer at this link. Volunteers for the morning sessions are asked to arrive at 730am and afternoon volunteers should arrive at 1230pm. You will receive a parking pass the week before and will park in the Kiss and Ride lot behind the academy. All testing will take place in the main gym.
- THANK YOU for your assistance. Please contact Kevin McMahon at kjmcmahon@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
 Congratulations to our Band students on a wonderful March Madness Concert!
PTSA News
WP Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
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Teacher and staff appreciation luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10th. Please look out for a volunteer spot coming out shortly. We welcome everyone’s efforts to make our teachers and staff feel appreciated!
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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!
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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!
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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?
5th Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo
- Come out to Fort Hunt Park on Saturday, April 22 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for the 5th Annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo. This FREE family-friendly festival will feature loads of activities and exhibitors sharing information about climate action, environmental challenges we face and solutions we can participate in to make Fairfax County, and the world at large, a healthier, more sustainable place.
- Attendees will be treated to workshops, live music, live reptile and owl demonstrations, nature walks, giveaways, solar cooking, CCTV Robot Camera, touch-a-truck and more. Learn more online and mark your calendar for this fantastic event!
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!
 Thank you to the 20 local businesses & organizations that participated in our annual job fair!
School News
Substance Abuse Prevention
Stay Safe for Spring Break-Don’t Binge Drink!
What is binge drinking?
- Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol quickly. It’s a practice that increases blood alcohol levels quickly. For adult men, binge drinking is typically five or more drinks in two hours. Women reach a blood alcohol level of .08 or more with four drinks in two hours or less.
Why is binge drinking risky?
- Teenagers who binge drink even once increase their risk for alcohol poisoning, harm to themselves or others, and accidents.
What can you do to help prevent young people from binge drinking?
Stop Teenage Drinking: 10 ways to keep your kid safe
- Talk to your kids, not at them.
- Education is key.
- Help teens understand the risk
- Get involved
- Be a positive influence
- Eliminate Temptation
- Be aware of the warning signs
- Establish clear rules
- Teach refusal skills
- Create and commit to a family pledge.
- For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
- For further Information & support: Elizabeth Knudson, MA, LPC, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, eaknudson@fcps.edu
SHOUT
- Students Helping Others United Together (SHOUT) is an optional end of the service learning based activity for seniors. SHOUT was created by some seniors in the early 2010s who wanted to have an opportunity to give back to the community at the end of their senior year.
- After being on COVID pause, SHOUT is back again. Seniors have the opportunity to complete 20 hours of community service from May 30-June 2. In order to participate in the program, students are required to complete an application. Part one of the application is a signature page. For the signature page, the first signature that they must get is from their parent/guardian. After getting parent and teacher signatures, the students give them to their counselor and then administrator for review. The completed signature page is then turned into the library. Part two is an online application which indicates where they are completing their work. Both parts of the application are due by April 19th.
- All students heard about this opportunity during their Government class during the week of March 20th. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Landon (jllandon@fcps.edu)
Choir Music Workshop for Elementary students on April 14 from 10am-12pm
- WPHS Choir is holding a Music Workshop! High School choir students will work with participants to teach them some music, do some arts & crafts, and have fun.
- When: Friday, April 14, 2023 from 10am to Noon (Teacher Workday
- Where: Heritage Presbyterian Church (8503 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308).
- Who: Ages: 3rd to 6th grade
- Cost: $30 (cash or check)
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Participation limited to the 35 registrations. Reserve your spot here: https://www.wphschoir.org/choir-music-workshop
- Payment and registration must be received no later than April 10. Please feel free to email wphschoirboosters@gmail.comif you have any questions. Hope to see you there!
West Potomac Band
- Our Winter Guard will finish their competition season this Saturday when they compete at the AIA Championships, Hampton Coliseum, Hampton Roads, VA. All the best to these students!
- Our Indoor Drumline completed their competition season last weekend at the South County HS competition with a stellar performance. Congrats to these students for all their hard work!
Prom Updates
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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:
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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 Friday April 14...
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OR if you prefer, you may visit https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/839442 to make a monetary donation. Funds collected will be used to purchase new makeup for the event!
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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
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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 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.
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.
- Prom set up/ clean up link
- Décor request link
- If anyone has any questions, please contact Jean – Marie Simpson: jsimpson1@fcps.edu
College and Career Center Updates
Volunteers Needed!
- Interested in a volunteering during Spring Break? Arcadia's Hilltop Farm is hosting a volunteer event for high school students. On April 6th and 7th from 1pm-3pm high school students looking to complete community service hours or simply to give back to their community can register and participate.
- With the warmer weather and Spring's arrival there is plenty to do at Hilltop Farm! Tasks will vary from weeding and watering in raised beds to planting seeds and mulching between rows. Whether you are a well-seasoned gardener or it's your first-time planting, Arcadia would love to have you join them!
- Arcadia’s Hilltop Farm is located at 9000 Richmond Highway in Alexandria. Registration for the event is on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-break-community-service-opportunity-at-arcadias-hilltop-farm-tickets-602578477447
Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF) (HS)
- The Office of Admissions at George Mason University invites students to the 36th annual Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF)! Students will have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities.
Northern Virginia Regional College Fair
- Tuesday, April 4, 2023
- 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
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EagleBank Arena
- George Mason University – Fairfax Campus
- Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Parking is available, free of charge, in Parking Lots A and L, directly across from EagleBank Arena. Students are encouraged to pre-register for a barcode at www.StriveFair.com.
2023 National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Eco Careers Summit Series (HS)
- The NWF EcoCareers Summit Series prepares students and young professionals for wildlife and sustainability careers by providing information on the latest EcoCareer trends from leading analysts and employers. On various dates and times between April 10-20, 2023, high school students and school staff are invited to participate in the NWF EcoCareers Summit Series. This virtual opportunity is free and requires parent/guardian permission for students under 18 years of age.
Current agenda:
April 10, 2023; 6 pm EDT: Keynote by Dr. Kamal Kapadia (terra.do)
April 11, 2023, 6 pm EDT: Climate Equity Careers Panel and Workshop
April 12, 2023; 4 pm EDT: Sustainable Transportation Careers Panel and Workshop
April 17, 2023, 6 pm EDT: Keynote by Asim Hussain (Green Software Foundation, Intel)
April 19, 2023; 4 pm EDT: Information Technology Careers Panel and Workshop
April 20, 2023, 6 pm EDT: Habitat and Wildlife Careers Panel and Workshop
More dates and times to be added soon!
For more information, visit the Eco Careers Summit Series webpage. Online registration is available through the Registration Portal.
SAT/ACT Test Prep Upcoming Events
Group ACT Class Registration Extended to 4/11/23!
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ACT Group Class First Mock Test: 03/11/23, Sessions: 4/15-6/3, 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.
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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.”
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
FCPS News /Quick Links
Quick Links:
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