WPHS News You Choose - 3/2/24

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website. Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

Table of Contents:

• Important Dates
• Principal’s Message
• West Potomac Scholastic Artists
• Winter Formal Reminders
• School News
• PTSA News 
• School Fundraisers

Important Dates

• February 26 – June 10:  Class of 2024 Flamingo Fundraiser
• March 1: Order Deadline for Wolverine Athletic Booster Club Mulch Sale
• March 5: Student Holiday
• March 4: Choral Boosters Panera Restaurant Night, 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Richmond Highway
• March 9: SAT & ACT Spring Group Class start
• March 12: PTSA Meeting, WPHS Library 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• March 13: Class of 2025 College Planning Night, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• March 16: WABC Mulch Sale Pick Up/Delivery Date, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm (Sandburg MS)
• March 16: Financial Literacy Workshop 12:00 - 2:00 pm (Gum Springs Community Center)
• March 19: NOVA Spanish Information Session, 4:30 pm
• March 20: FCPS Virtual Military Night, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• March 25-29: Spring Break
• April 12: Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast
• April 17: NOVA Vision 2024 (opportunities for students with disabilities),4:00 – 6:00 pm, Northern Virginia Community College-Annandale Campus
• April 20: PROM, Torpedo Factory, 8:00-11:00 pm (tickets on sale via MySchoolBucks)
• June 3: Class of 2024 Senior Bash - WPHS Auxiliary Field. Rain date is June 6^th.

Principal’s Message

Happy Friday Wolverines,

This has been an exciting week at West Potomac High School.  We have made some adjustments to our halls to help students arrive to class on time.  Please encourage your students to get to class as quickly as possible.  I would like to reiterate another reminder of the importance of attendance each day in every class.  Please work hard to get your students in school each day.  I truly want ALL Wolverines to be successful in school and once they move on after graduation. 

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools students. This information may be found at eating disorders. 

I want to congratulate Mr. Antonucci and the West Potomac Band for their performances in the VBODA All-State Band event.   We are excited to share four students from West Potomac who placed in an All-State ensemble!

All- Virginia Wind Symphony:          

Abby Lafleur (3rd in state)

Nic Ries (2nd in state)

All- Virginia Concert Band:

Molly Mead (19th in State)

First Alternate:

Stephanie Kulinski (Piano) (4th in state)

We have another celebration for performing arts.  Two choir students placed in the All-Virginia choirs as well! Congratulations to Chorus and Ms. Solares

Sophia Argueta (SSAA choir)

Annalise Grindstaff (SATB choir)

We also had two alternates:

Jeremy Lacey-Kline (first alternate)

James Schwartzman (second alternate)

Please come out and support the West Potomac Pyramid Art Show March 6-14.

FCPS Cares:

Katherine Lodge

Katherine is an outstanding person to work with. She shows compassion and care for all of her students. All around just a genuine person.

Mike Henrich

Mike is an outstanding leader. He is someone that is truly here for the students and know how to put teachers in the right places at the right times to be successful. It is always a pleasure to work with Mr. Henrich and I appreciate everything he does.

Morgan Ball

Driving to school the other morning I witnessed a homeless lady with a sign asking for food or help while at the stop light across from Five Guys. Upon sitting there, I witnessed Morgan Ball get out of her car and bring this woman a bag of supplies. You could see the woman's face light up and I could tell she was appreciative. I know a lot of people pass this woman on their way to school (including myself) but Morgan decided to do something about it and I know she cares.

Shanette Yao

I wanted to recognize Shanette Yao, as a vital support in my first year as a teacher. Her dedicated work, responsibility, patience, and advocacy has allowed me to navigate this year with peace, good leaning process and maximized my professional journey in FCPS. Thank you!

This information is posted on the February 2024 FCPS CARES webpage, accessible at https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-cares-february-2024 .  Thank you for your excellent service to FCPS and best wishes for continued success.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend. 

Jessica Statz, Principal

Congratulations West Potomac Scholastic Artists!

Faren Sachs, Aria Flora, Sophia Fowler, Annalise Grindstaff, Hannah Hogan, Rhiannon Hughes, Emma Kapiotis, Chris Lee, Citlaly Maldonado, Hawah Nasseri, Emma Parker, Carlos Ramirez Ortega, Jonathan Sorli, Chloe Stuart, Hanlin Zhang, Monica Palacios

You are invited to view the Gold & Silver Key Artworks on display at the Scholastic Art Exhibition at the Ernst Cultural Center, NVCC, Annandale Campus February 28 - March 14th. Gold & Silver Key winners will be honored at the Awards Ceremony on March 6 at 7:30pm, doors open at 6:30pm. 

https://westpotomachs.fcps.edu/features/2024-scholastic-artists

Winter Formal Reminders

WINTER FORMAL INFORMATION

SATURDAY MARCH 2ND@ 8PM-10PM

Our SGA/Class of 2026 is planning a beautiful dance this evening.  The dance will take place in the Main Gym between the hours of 8:00pm and 10:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many Wolverines as possible.   To make it a positive experience for all who are in attendance, we have outlined a few guidelines that everybody must adhere to in order to participate.

• Doors will open at 7:50pm. There will no admittance to the building before that time unless specifically permitted by a school official.
• Entrance to the dance will be through Door 27 only. When leaving the dance, you must exit through Door 27.
• There will be no admission to the dance after 9:00pm. Doors will be locked.
• The dance will end promptly at 10:00pm. The building will close right away, please make arrangements for transportation off campus at that time.
• No tickets will be sold at the door.
• Student ID must be presented at the gate for admission.
• No bags or purses will be permitted into the dance.
• small bags the size of a clutch (5-by-9-by-2 inches) are PERMITTED.
• No personal items of any kind will be allowed to be brought in unless specifically permitted by school officials.
• No outside food/drinks will be allowed.
• We ask that all attendees behave themselves in an appropriate manner. Please treat all other guests with respect.  School officials do reserve the right to remove anybody for inappropriate or unruly behavior. 
• All tickets sales are final. No refunds

If all attendees follow these guidelines, the dance will be a success.  We are looking forward to a fun and exciting Winter Formal dance!

Thank you,

Matt MacDonald

Director of Student Activities

West Potomac High School

SCHOOL NEWS

We are looking to hire a few high impact tutors to support our students who will be preparing for and remediating for reading exams this spring.

More information, including pay rate can be found here:

https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/tutoring-options-fcps/fcps-person-high-impact-tutoring

This may be a great fit for you if you…

• Have completed 30 college credits OR if you are enrolled in a teacher preparatory program.
• Are able to pass an FCPS background check.
• Are able to work 3 days a week for approximately 4 hours a day- up to 29 hours a week.   

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please email Janet Babic who can provide more information about how to apply for this opportunity.

Thank you!

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER

Save the Date - Class of 2025 College Planning Night:

Student Services will host our Class of 2025 College Planning Night program on March 13^th from 6 – 8 PM.  Admissions representatives from 2- & 4-year colleges will provide information on the college application process, the college admissions review process as well as information about scholarships and the financial aid process.  We look forward to hosting our students and families at this informative event. 

Northern Virginia Community College Sessions:

RESCHEDULED:  NOVA Spanish Information Session to March 19th

Due to unforeseen circumstances, NOVA canceled the Spanish Information Session on 2/20. The session has been rescheduled to March 19 at 4:30 PM which is also the date of the next Information Session in English. Sessions will run concurrently. All interested attendees should register here:  https://tinyurl.com/March-19-2024

NOVA Vision 2024

FCPS and NOVA are offering an opportunity for students with disabilities interested in attending NOVA to learn about available options. The orientation will include presentations from Accommodations and Accessibility Services and Counseling Services, a mock NOVA classroom experience for students, and a NOVA student panel with Q&A session.

The session will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Northern Virginia Community College-Annandale Campus.

All interested attendees should register here: https://forms.gle/APmHVBU7bBko6Fvs8

2024 FCPS Virtual Military Night

Fairfax County Public Schools students and families are invited to virtually attend FCPS Military Night on Wednesday, March 20th from 6 - 8 PM.  Students and families will have the opportunity to learn about the various military pathways available to high school graduates.  All presentations will be virtual.  Registration is not required.  See the flyer for additional details.

Questions?  Please email mkim13@fcps.edu

PTSA NEWS

• March 12: PTSA Meeting, WPHS Library 6:30 - 8:30 pm

PTSA MEMBERSHIP – JOIN TODAY!

• The PTSA is an integral part of West Potomac including parents, educators and students. The PTSA helps support our academic enrichment programs and is an important way to be an active member of the Wolverine community. It is not too late to join! Go to: Givebacks (memberhub.com) and select the membership that best suits you. Working together, we can help our school community feel supported and appreciated. 

FREE AP Test Prep

Applerouth is offering free graded practice AP tests in a wide range of popular subjects this spring. These tests are an excellent tool to help students gauge their progress, focus their efforts, and achieve success on the official AP exams in May. West Po. students can use promo code APMC20 to gain access to:

• FREE multiple-choice section grading (regularly priced $20)
• Optional detailed FRQ feedback for $50 per test

Contact us at (866)-789-PREP (7737), or visit here to get started.

SAT and ACT Test Prep

SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS

We are excited to announce the WABC Annual Mulch Sale, our fundraiser for school athletic programs! Supporting our student athletes has never been easier or more important than now.

By purchasing your mulch from West Potomac High School, you are directly contributing to the success of our Wolverines. Your support enables us to provide essential resources and opportunities for our student athletes.

ORDER DEADLINE: Friday, March 1

Distribution Date: March 16, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: Carl Sandburg MS

Order Online: www.SupportWestPotomac.com 

Price: Each bag of mulch is only $6

Free Delivery: Orders over 25 bags will receive free delivery.

CLASS OF 2024 

Important Dates:

April 12: Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast

June 3rd: Class of 2024 Senior Bash to be held on the West Potomac Aux field. Rain date is June 6th. 

We’ve launched our Class of 2024 Flamingo Flocking Fundraiser! Please scan the QR code on the attached flyer or simply click the link below. 

https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/983635

The countdown has begun! We are officially in the last 100 days before our seniors graduate!

Parents please check out our Sign-Up Genius below for ways that you can volunteer or contribute to the remaining Class of 2024 events.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EACA82CAAFBC52-47711568-class 

Class of 2024 Yard Signs are sold out but more are on the way! Preorder yours at this link for delivery in a couple of weeks. 

https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/882682

Senior Parents: Please check out & join the WPHS Class of 2024 Facebook & Instagram group. It’s a great way to keep updated on all the upcoming events, information & opportunities that pertain to this year. We will have several volunteer opportunities throughout the school year for our Senior events & activities. We want to make this the BEST year for our 2024 seniors!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/iTgiFSSv1zgKUvjd/?mibextid=K35XfP

westpo24_seniorcelebrations

https://instagram.com/westpo24_seniorcelebrations?igshid=M2RkZGJiMzhjOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

CLASS OF 2025

Juniors & Seniors are invited to PROM on 4/20/24 at the Torpedo Factory from 8pm-11pm! Tickets are on sale via MySchoolBucks. If you are bringing an outside guest to Prom, come to Rm 311 (Tech Office) for the mandatory guest permission form. More information coming soon!

JOIN our Instagram page! “WestPo2025SGA”https://www.instagram.com/westpo2025sga/

JOIN our Facebook page! “West Potomac HS-Class of 2025” https://www.facebook.com/groups/1097261814782770/?mibextid=uJjRxr This is a private group for parents and students.

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