WPHS News You Choose - 11/3/23

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 11/03/2023 05:46 PM EDT

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
School Seal

Table of Contents:

  • Important Dates
  • Principal’s Message
  • FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
  • School News
  • PTSA News 
  • Class of 2024 Information
  • School Fundraisers
  • Class of 2024 Fundraisers

Important Dates

  • November 6-7: No School for Students, School Planning Day/Teacher Workday
  • November 8, 9, and 13: The 2023 World Languages Credit Exam 
  • November 9: Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair, 6:30-8:30
  • November 9: Fall Awards Ceremony – Advisory Period
  • November 9: ESOL Family Night, 7pm Library
  • November 12: Nutcracker Tea Party, 2 – 4 p.m. Aldersgate United Methodist Church
  • November 14: PTSA Meeting, 6:30, Library
  • November 14: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Paying for College – An Overview of the Financial Aid Process Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  •  November 18: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Scholarship 101 – An Overview of the Process for Applying for Outside Scholarships
  • November 20: Fall Sports Awards Night, 6:30pm, Auditorium
  • November 22-24: No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
  • November 28: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM - Scholarship 101 – An Overview of the Process for Applying for Outside Scholarships

Principal’s Message

Wolverine Community,

We have made it to the end of the 1st Quarter!  As a reminder, there is no school for Students on Monday and Tuesday.  Over the coming days teachers will be posting first quarter grades.  As a result, ParentVue and StudentVue access to gradebook and report card went down this afternoon at 4pm and will return on 11/14 at 6am.  You can see 1st quarter grades when it becomes available on 11/14 and a paper copy will be distributed to students in advisory on Friday November 17.  Please remember that with a rolling gradebook, report cards are just a snapshot of your child’s grade as of the end of the 1st quarter.  When ParentVue/StudentVue become available, the gradebook is the best resource for your child’s current progress.

Earlier today about 500 students received an email on the fcpsschools.net account from our Interim Director of Student Services, Ms. Bowdring, inviting them to our Fall Awards Ceremony during Advisory on Thursday.  At this student celebration, we recognize those who earned their Academic Letter for 2022-23 school year (3.8 GPA or higher), 2023 AP Scholars, students who earned National Merit recognitions, those accepted to Governor’s School this past year and those who earned College Board National Recognition.  Students will learn exactly what they are recognized for via the virtual program available on Thursday.  We will share a link to the program next week.  Congratulations to those being recognized – check your student fcpsschools.net email!  

I wanted to let you know that we are finalizing a new layer of communication.  Later this month all parents and guardians will receive an emailed 1st Quarter Attendance Report Card.  This is meant to be just another layer of communication as we continue to encourage students to be at school every day. You will receive a similar update after the 2nd and 3rd Quarter.  A reminder that a student who has 18 or more excused and unexcused full day absences for the entire school year meets the definition of Chronically Absent.  Part of our West Potomac School Innovation and Improvement Plan is to reduce our chronic absenteeism rate.  

Finally, congratulations to our West Potomac Marching Band on earning a rating of "SUPERIOR" (the highest rating) this past Saturday at the 2023 VBODA State Marching Assessment.  The band receive this rating from all five judges!!  Congratulations to our Marching Band on a fantastic season!  

Wishing you a great weekend.

Take care,

Kevin McMahon

Interim Principal

Attendance

FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards - Now Accepting Nominations! We believe that our staff is truly unparalleled, and that the work we do for our students deserves celebration and recognition beyond our building. Each year, FCPS looks to honor several staff members for outstanding excellence in their roles.  We hope you will help us to celebrate the amazing work done every day at West Potomac High School by highlighting some of our amazing staff members! 

To nominate a West Potomac HS staff member, please complete the Nomination Form .  If you are interested in learning more about the overall FCPS awards process, you may visit the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Website.  Nominations are due by 3pm November 17. Contact Mike Henrich at mrhenrich@fcps.edu or 703-218-2679 with any questions.

We are accepting nominations in the following categories:

  • Outstanding New Teacher
    • Has 1-3 years of teaching experience in any school/district.
  • Outstanding Teacher
    • Has 4 or more years of teaching experience in any school/district. Librarians are included in this category.
  • Outstanding Professional Employee
    • Has worked at least one year in a non-instructional position that supports school leadership. School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialists, System of Support Advisor, On Time Graduation Coordinator, Dean of Students, Dean of Instruction, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologists, Social Workers, School Counselors, and the Safety and Security Specialist are included in this category.
  • Outstanding Operational Employee
    • Has at least 1 year of experience in their current position. This category includes Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistants, Custodians, Food Service Staff, IAs, PHAs, PHTAs, and Parent Liaisons.
  • Outstanding Leader 
    • Has worked at least one year in an administrative position other than principal.

Nomination Form

School News

ESOL Family Night - November 9, 7pm Library

  • The ESOL Department is hosting an information night for families of English Learners on November 9th at 7pm in the library.  Please join us to learn about our school community and ESOL programming.

Attention Class of 2026 Parents (current sophomores)! Please join the WEST POTOMAC HS CLASS OF 2026 PARENTS AND FAMILIES Facebook page!

  • This page will serve as a virtual community where parents or guardians of WPHS Class of 2026 can come together to share news, information, and comments about some of the great things happening at WP in a safe, positive, fun, engaging, and unbiased space. Please note, this is NOT a site for WP students.

Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA)

  • West Potomac process for nomination info link> WestPo Student Guide to Governor Academy for World Languages
  • Interest Meeting November 9th at 3pm in Room 454
  • Who can apply?
    • Interest and emotional maturity, stability, stamina and self-discipline
    • 11th graders or mature 10th graders
    • Nominated by school & recommended by 2 teachers (must fill out our interest form by November 16th to be considered)
    • Apply to 1 Governor’s summer residential program or GWLA and may attend one in their HS career
    • Ambassador to their school & FCPS
  • Full-Immersion> French, German, Spanish: 3+ years of language, not a native/near-native speaker, good proficiency, use target language for all social and academic interactions 
    • Latin: 2+ years of Latin
    • Partial-Immersion> Japanese: 2+ years of ANY world language, not a fluent or proficient speaker of Japanese

PSAT / SAT October Follow Up Information

  • SAT School Day Scores Are Available for Families on November 8 - Students who participated in the School Day SAT on October 11, 2023 will be able to access scores via their College Board accounts beginning August 8. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 will have access to scores on November 16. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. Families can reach out to their student’s school SAT coordinator if they have questions regarding SAT School Day score reporting.
  • Digital PSAT Score Release and National Merit Scholarship Information November 6 - Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on October 11, 2023 will be able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts beginning November 6. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website. Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families can reach out to their student’s school PSAT coordinator (Ms. Rebecca Watt) if they have questions regarding Digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.  
Carrie

Last Chance to See Carrie: The Musical - Tonight and Tomorrow!

Stephen King’s classic tale comes to life on stage at West Potomac High School.

Just in time for Halloween, Beyond the Page Theatre Company at West Potomac High School presents Carrie: The Musical, running October 26 - November 5. 

Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it.

Adapted from Stephen King’s debut novel, Carrie: The Musical presents a fresh take on a horror classic. Featuring a book by original screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen and score by Academy Award winners Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose), Carrie premiered on Broadway in 1988. Long after its notoriously short run, bootlegs of the production gained a cult following online, and the musical was revamped in 2012 with an updated script and new songs. The revival received multiple award nominations and was named Best Off-Broadway Musical. 

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.

Disclaimer: This musical contains strong language and adult situations. For mature audiences only.

Where:

Kogelman Theater

West Potomac High School

6500 Quander Road

Alexandria, VA 22307

Remaining Shows:

November 3rd, and 4th @ 7pm

November 4th @ 1pm

Band

Congratulations to our Band Program on a great Fall Concert last night!

AVID Tutors

  • Looking for a flexible and part-time position at West Potomac High School? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2023-2024 school year.  AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $18.97 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please email your resume to Lisa Shields at lbshields@fcps.edu or AVID@fcps.edu

College & Career Center

FCPS Virtual Event Recordings:

In October 2023, FCPS students and families had the opportunity to attend 12 virtual sessions related to postsecondary success during our Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event. If you were unable to attend, please see the flyer with recordings for each session.

 

Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair:

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) for the annual Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair!  This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS.  It will be held on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Annandale High School (Cafeteria), 4700 Medford Dr., Annandale, VA 22003.  Students and families can learn about supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more!  Register online: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4bwec

 

ASBC 21st Annual HBCU College Festival:

The ASBC 21st Annual Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Festival is a hybrid event being held November 17-18, 2023. This event is open to all high school students and will be held at The St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs, and scholarship opportunities. Approximately 80 colleges and universities will be represented during the two-day event.  Students and their families are encouraged to register at https://hbcufest.alfredstreet.org/e/hbcu-fest

College Access Fairfax (CAF) is a community organization & free resource for FCPS students and families.  They partner with Fairfax County Public Schools to provide invaluable resources on financial literacy regarding paying for college to students & families. Please visit CAF’s website https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/  to see a full description and details of all the services they offer, including videos of previous workshop presentations and scholarships available to FCPS students.

 

WPHS Ornaments

PTSA News 

Get into the Holiday Spirit with West Potomac High School Ornaments

  • The PTSA is thrilled to announce that this holiday season, we are bringing you a special way to show your school spirit and add a festive touch to your decorations. Introducing the West Potomac HS Ornaments!
  • Ornament Details:
    • Price: $15 per ornament
    • Ornament Style: 3-inch full-color round ceramic
    • Comes with a silver cord for easy hanging.
  • Ornaments will be available for pick up in mid-November, just in time to kick off the holiday season with a touch of WP spirit. 
  • Don't miss this opportunity to adorn your home with West Potomac pride. These ornaments are in limited supply, so be sure to order yours soon!
  • To place your order, please click here. Pick-up details will be sent after purchase. 

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. 

WEST POTOMAC HIGH SCHOOL PTSA MEMBERSHIP – EASY TO JOIN 

  • Your membership dues are used to directly benefit our Wolverine teachers and students.
  • At the site, you can purchase memberships, make tax-deductible donations, and purchase WPHS car magnets (new design). If you want to learn more or join our PTSA this year, please visit this link 

Class of 2024

Senior Photos Update

School Fundraisers 

Wreath

CHRISTMAS PLANNING IN NOVEMBER

  • Why not get a jump on the season ... AND help West Po Crew with critical fundraising to support our coaches, equipment, and regatta fees!
  • We are selling fresh holiday evergreens handcrafted from the boughs of trees grown high in the Cascade Mountains. They’re full, fragrant, and rich in color—perfect for your front door or above the mantel. They also make great gifts! Your support makes a big difference. Click the link below to place your order! https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/wpcrew
  • Remember the ONLINE sale closes October 29! Why so early? This gives our vendor, Sherwood Forest, enough time to send the items by Thanksgiving.
  • For LOCALS:  You've got options!
    • You can shop our BOOTH SALES, which will run on Saturdays and Sundays from November 25th through December 17th (earlier if we sell out) at Hollin Hills Pool. We'll sell two sizes of wreaths, plus garland.
    • Want even more products to choose from? Order ONLINE!
    • Note: If you order online AND the items you want are available for “Local Delivery”, please choose this option! This means your order comes to the team, and we'll bring it to you. Why does it matter? For some reason, we make more money this way!

Class of 2024 Fundraisers

football

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

We appreciate your interest in attending this event. The game will be held on January 7th, 2023. The cost of the ticket for seniors is $69.00. Please keep in mind the following items when deciding to attend the game:

  • Tickets are only for students in the Class of 2024
  • West Potomac High School is not providing any transportation to and from the game. You must get to the game on your own.
  • Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Seniors can only purchase one ticket.
  • Tickets will be sold through myschoolbucks and in room 718.
  • Cash, check, and credit card are acceptable forms of payment.
  • Tickets are final sale.
  • The time of the game has not been determined. Therefore, the game can be at 1pm, 4pm, or 8pm.
  • Seniors must pay for their tickets by Friday, November 1st, 2023. After November 1st, tickets will be made available to parents and teachers.

If you decide to return your ticket, you must return it to Ms. Simpson or Ms. Hackshaw. You cannot sell the ticket to anyone else. This is a senior event and can only be transferred to a West Potomac senior.

Cost of the tickets : $69.00

End Zone Sections:   411, 412, 413, 416 & 417

Email:chackshaw@fcps.edu & jsimpson1@fcps.edu

Drop Off: UBER AREA near the red zone lot

Meeting Time:  TBD

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Hacksaw and Ms. Simpson. We are located in room 718( Hackshaw) & Simpson ( 605)

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Carinne Hackshaw