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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
- West Potomac Pyramid Art Show
- School News
- PTSA News
- School Fundraisers
- Class of 2024 Info & Fundraisers
Important Dates
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Now thru June 10: Class of 2024 Flamingo Fundraiser
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March 9: SAT & ACT Spring Group Class start
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March 12: PTSA Meeting, WPHS Library 6:30 - 8:30 pm
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March 12: PTSA Chipotle Night, 4:00 – 8:00 pm (Richmond Hwy)
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March 13: Class of 2025 College Planning Night, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
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March 16: WABC Mulch Sale Pick Up/Delivery Date, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm (Sandburg MS)
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March 16: Financial Literacy Workshop 12:00 - 2:00 pm (Gum Springs Community Center)
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March 19: NOVA Spanish Information Session, 4:30 pm
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March 20: FCPS Virtual Military Night, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
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March 25-29: Spring Break
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April 12: Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast
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April 17: NOVA Vision 2024 (opportunities for students with disabilities),4:00 – 6:00 pm, Northern Virginia Community College-Annandale Campus
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April 20: PROM, Torpedo Factory, 8:00-11:00 pm (tickets on sale via MySchoolBucks)
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June 3: Class of 2024 Senior Bash - WPHS Auxiliary Field. Rain date is June 6th
Principal’s Message
Happy Weekend Wolverines,
On Monday, March 18, West Potomac’s parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
As we navigate this exciting academic year, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of consistent daily attendance for all our students. While unforeseen circumstances may occasionally arise, making school a priority is crucial for maximizing success.
In addition, student absenteeism is an accreditation measure with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Like so many schools in the region, state, and nationally, West Potomac has seen increasing rates of student absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. Students’ presence in school is important for their future and the future of the school.
Why Daily Attendance Matters for Students: Regular attendance is not just about being present in the classroom, it's about:
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Building a Strong Foundation: Each day in class is a building block towards academic achievement. Missing even a few days can create gaps in understanding that can be difficult to bridge later.
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Staying Engaged: Active participation in class discussions, labs, and group projects fosters deeper learning and a sense of belonging within the school community.
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Developing Habits for the Future: Consistent attendance is a valuable life skill. It builds responsibility, time management, and a strong work ethic – all essential qualities for future success in college and careers.
Working Together for Success
We understand that life happens, and there will be times when students need to miss school due to illness or emergencies. However, open communication between parents, students, and teachers is key. Please notify the school promptly of any absences and work with your child's teachers to catch up on missed work.
Additional Resources: We have resources available to help support consistent attendance, including:
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Attendance Website: Our school website provides detailed information on attendance policies, reporting procedures, and resources for excused absences. In addition, I sent attendance procedures home via News You Choose last week.
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Teacher Communication: Teachers are happy to work with students who have missed class to ensure they stay on track.
By working together, we can create a culture that values daily attendance and empowers all students to reach their full potential.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.
Sincerely,
Jessica Statz
Principal, West Potomac High School
SCHOOL NEWS
Student Services - Academic Advising
- A reminder that Monday, March 11 is the last day to request initial changes to 24-25 Course Requests. We will then have a freeze as we hold our staffing meetings for 24-25. A reminder of this timeline and the upcoming window to make requests on a space available basis is below.
- A reminder that 24-25 course requests are viewable on ParentVue and StudentVue under course requests
 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
CLASS OF 2025 COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT:
Student Services will host our Class of 2025 College Planning Night program on March 13th from 6 – 8 PM. Admissions representatives from 2- & 4-year colleges will provide information on all aspects of the college admissions and financial aid application process. We look forward to hosting students and families at this informative event!
2024 VIRTUAL MILITARY NIGHT:
FCPS School Counseling Services is hosting a Virtual Military Night! This event is designed for high school students and their families who are interested in learning more about the military pathways and opportunities. Enlistment, service academies and ROTC pathways will be represented. This virtual event will be on March 20th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. See the flyer for details.
 COLLEGE FAIRS:
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Colleges That Change Lives Information Session and College Fairwill be held at the Westin in Washington D.C. Downtown on Monday, 3/11th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The program begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. with a 30-minute information session. The college fair follows immediately afterwards, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. The fair provides students & families an opportunity to connect directly with admission officers from the CTCL member schools. To register go to https://ctcl.org/info-sessions/ .
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The NACAC National College Fair will be held on Tuesday, March 19th from 6:30 – 8:00pm in Boyds, MD. This is a great opportunity for students to connect face-to-face with representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities. Admissions representatives from across the United States will be in attendance. For additional information and to register for this event, go to https://www.nacacattend.org/24MontgomeryCounty. Questions? Please contact collegefairs@nacacnet.org.
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The Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF)will be held on April 10th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University. The fair is designed for current high school students. Registered students will have an opportunity to visit with over 200 colleges and universities. For more information regarding this college fair, visit the NVRCF landing page.
SAVE THE DATE!
- FCPS and Northern Virginia Community College (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. It will be held at NOVA’s Annandale Campus on Wednesday, April 17th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Register at: https://forms.gle/APmHVBU7bBko6Fvs8 . See flyer for additional information.
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Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options is an event designed to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school. Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs will host information tables. It will be held in the Annandale High School Cafeteria on April 25th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register at: https://forms.gle/bN367QWBHpVMUuNq7
Institute for the Arts
Students in all FCPS secondary schools can enroll in the Institute for the Arts. IFTA is a two- or three-week summer Arts enrichment program for students in rising 7th through 12th grades. Students create their own schedules in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance from nearly 60 courses offered. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Institute for the Arts website for more information or email ifta@fcps.edu.
PTSA NEWS
March 12: PTSA Meeting, WPHS Library 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Eat at Chipotle and help support the West Potomac PTSA on March 12th! Chipotle will give back 33% of all sales but you must show the fundraiser flyer (hard copy or on your phone) or tell the cashier at checkout that you are there for a fundraiser before you pay! If you would like to place an online order be sure to use promo code X3QZP88. Fundraisers like these are an important way to raise money for West Potomac HS to help provide school improvements, teacher grants, and more. Take the night off from cooking and support your PTSA!
When: March 12th from 4:00 -8:00 PM
Where: Chipotle - 6700 Richmond Highway
 With less than 100 school days remaining - Let’s Spring into Action.
As the Academic Booster Club for West Potomac High School, our guiding principle is to directly fund educational resources and programs that enrich the educational experience for our children. Our success hinges on the support of our Wolverine families. Please help us finish the year strong and help make the following possible:
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon in May. (A favorite for all)
PTSA Scholarship - Rising Stars: The PTSA is excited to announce that this year, 2 - $500.00 scholarships will be awarded to 2 Class of '24 Seniors and we would love to increase the award amount to $750.00 each.
Teacher Grant's: Grant requests have increased - The school has very limited local funding, an integral part of the PTSA mission is to be a bridge to provide a financial resource to help teachers purchase classroom items, subsidize field trips, attend professional workshops, etc. More funding is needed to continue to support.
Student Appreciation Events.
Every dollar received is invested into West Potomac. Please donate today at https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/996440
Thank you for your support of your students WPHS Education
 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.
SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS
Saturday, keep a lookout for West Potomac Crew Team in your neighborhood. They will be delivering tags and collecting donations for their annual TAG DAY fundraiser. To donate, please follow the QR code on the flyer below or click the ‘donate button’ at wpcrew.org
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.
 Our Flocking Fundraiser has officially begun! Flock your student to celebrate a birthday, a milestone, or just for fun! Flock your friends, your neighbors, or anyone who needs a laugh. All proceeds will go directly to the Senior Celebration events held in April and June.
All flockings will take place in the cover of darkness so be forewarned!
Click this link to pick your date!
https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/983635
 Last chance to order your Class of 2024 Yard Signs! We are placing our last order with our vendor so order yours by March 15th at this link for delivery by the end of March. We will not be purchasing extras; this is a preorder event only. Don’t miss out! Click the link to get yours today! All proceeds go towards our senior celebration events!
https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/882682
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
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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