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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
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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
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November 12: Nutcracker Tea Party, 2 – 4 p.m. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Alexandria
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November 14: Gradebook becomes available again in StudentVue/ParentVue
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November 14: Orchestra Booster Restaurant Night Fundraiser – Five Guys (Quander Road & Hybla Valley Locations), 4-8pm
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November 14: PTSA Meeting, 6:30, Library (date may change)
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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
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November 18: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Scholarship 101 – An Overview of the Process for Applying for Outside Scholarships
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November 20: Fall Sports Awards Night, 6:30pm, Auditorium
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November 22-24: No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
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November 28: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM - Scholarship 101 – An Overview of the Process for Applying for Outside Scholarships
Save the date:
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January 9, 2024: Curriculum Night/Rising 9th Grade Family Night/Electives Open House
Principal’s Message
Happy Friday Wolverine Community,
While it was a short week, it was a busy one and we were excited to welcome back our Wolverines to start the 2nd Quarter. I want to start by thanking all the Veterans in our West Potomac Community for their service today and every day. Thank you to all those who participated in our Veterans Day celebration this morning on campus!
Yesterday we held our annual Fall Academic Awards Ceremony during Advisory. Congratulations to over 500 Wolverines who were recognized for their academic accomplishments during the 2022-23 school year. You can view a few photos below. In addition, the program for the event is here. Congratulations again to our students - We are proud of you!
Yesterday our community also received exciting news as Ms. Jessica Statz was introduced as the next principal of West Potomac High School! Ms. Statz, a former assistant principal at West Potomac, will return to West Potomac as principal on November 20th. I know we look forward to welcoming her back to the Wolverine Community!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Take care,
Kevin McMahon
Interim Principal
Congratulations to all those recognized at the 2023 Fall Academic Awards!
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
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
- 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
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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
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Latin: 2+ years of Latin
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Partial-Immersion> Japanese: 2+ years of ANY world language, not a fluent or proficient speaker of Japanese
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.
- Below is a list of upcoming virtual workshops for students and parents.
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Paying for College – An Overview of the Financial Aid Process
- Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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Scholarship 101 – An Overview of the Process for Applying for Outside Scholarships
- Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
 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
- Additional dates for Senior Photos coming up on November 15, 16 and 17, 3:30-8:30 in the Cafeteria.
- Seniors can access the scheduling site either through the customized link provided or by visiting the Legacy Studios website and searching by school.
- Both the school customized link and a link to the Legacy Studios website are provided here: https://seniors.legacystudios.com/
- https://seniors.legacystudios.com/west-potomac-hs-alexandria-va-2/
- Below is the contact information for customer care service in case you require any assistance.
Chat: https://seniors.legacystudios.com
School Fundraisers
WPHS Orchestra
Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Tuesday, 14 November, 4-8 pm. Support the orchestra program by grabbing a burger, dog, milkshake, or other freshly made entree at the Quander Road (6210 Quander Road) or Hybla Valley (7622 Richmond Highway) location.
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
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
Senior Grab and Go Breakfast Date: 11/30/23
Where: WPHS Cafeteria
When: During Advisory Period
Seniors, be sure to pop in during your advisory period for a quick grab and go breakfast.
Senior Parents: Please check out & join the WPHS Class of 2024 Facebook group. It’s a great way to keep updated on all the upcoming events, information & opportunities that pertain to this year. We will also be looking for volunteers to sign-up for Senior events throughout the school year. If you are available, we still need several volunteers for our upcoming 11/30 Senior breakfast.
Our Direct Donations link is also up and running for the Class of 2024. All donations will be used to offset the costs of the events planned throughout the school year for the Class of 2024. No donation is too big or too small! Thank you for supporting the Class of 2024! Please scan the below QR code.
Please also consider supporting our Wolverine Seniors by purchasing a WPHS Class of 2024 Christmas ornament. Your purchase directly benefits the Class of 2024 events.
 
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
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