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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 News
- Family Engagement Survey Reminder
- School News
- PTSA News
- 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 19: NACAC National College Fair, 4:00 – 8:00, Boyd, MD
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March 20: FCPS Virtual Military Night, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
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March 21: March Madness Concert, 7:00 pm, Springbank Auditorium (fundraiser - the Christopher J. Cutting Memorial Scholarship Fund)
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March 21: WP Choir & Guitar Coffeehouse, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Cafeteria
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March 25-29: Spring Break
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March 26: Class of 2024 Five Guys Restaurant Night, 4:00 – 8:00 pm (Quander Rd. & Hybla Valley Locations)
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April 9: PTSA Meeting, 6:30 – 8:30, WPHS Library
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April 12: Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast
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April 19: Donation deadline for Mother’s Day Fundraiser (potted plant and herb sale)
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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 Friday 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!
Parents and Guardians-Please see the message below about an event on Monday March 18. As a parent in FCPS, I will be attending this event. I think we ALL should attend and bring our children!
As we are winding down to Spring Break, please help remind students about being in school, not leaving the grounds, and making good choices.
On Thursday night, I attended the Pyramid Art Show. We had a packed house. It was amazing to see all the wonderful art produced from students here at WPHS and all our feeder schools!
Recently, we have had an influx of parents/guardians parking in Staff and Student parking in the morning to wait to drop off students. Please do not park in spots marked as Staff or Student Parking.
This was a great week because I was able to get into many classes. Below are just a few highlights from my visits:
Master Sergeant Hernandez JROTC Class
Mr. Baldwin’s mock Supreme Court
Ms. Lara’s Medical Asst. class
Mr. Cooper and students in the garden
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Jessica Statz, Principal
 FCPS News
Join a Community Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Please enter through Door #14.
All attendees will receive a free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services currently available within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed is suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Together, as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and sometimes fatal substances.
Language interpretation services are available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. Learn more about the event and register online.
Below is more information from FCPS:
Measles Is Preventable
- Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
- The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
- To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
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Thursday, March 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Joseph Willard Health Center. Walk-ins are accepted until 7 p.m.
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
Inclusion Award - Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion
- The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
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Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
The Annual Family Engagement Survey is in full progress, and we need your support! If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete this important survey: https://bit.ly/FCPS2024FESurvey The survey closes Friday March 22.
Thank you!
 DECA VA State Championships
Four West Po Students recently went to Virginia Beach to compete against 4000+ students in the DECA Virginia state championships. Tristan Schnieder, Jack Sutton, Isabella Martin, and Sabrina Fseisi were tasked with various business problems centered around the Hospitality sector. Isabella and Sabrina medaled as they solved a business problem around driving traffic to a new hotel application. They were quick on their feet, illustrated the app, promoted it with a major artist, and informed the hotel manager to stop doing business with OTA’s (Online Travel Agents). They were one of 10 chosen out of 106 competitors for their business presentation and got to walk on stage in front of 4000 students with a medal around their neck! AMAZING JOB Wolverine!!
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SCHOOL NEWS
The West Potomac High School band will perform the annual March Madness Concert on Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 pm in West Potomac’s Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria, VA.
This concert is unique: it serves as a fundraiser to support the Christopher J. Cutting Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund was established in 1976 in loving memory of a Fort Hunt High School drum major, Christopher Cutting, by his parents who wished to leave a legacy of financial support for music students at West Potomac.
The entire community is invited to the March Madness Concert to enjoy a selection of energetic, toe-tapping marches performed by West Potomac Band students and local professional and retired musicians under the direction of West Potomac Band Director, Joseph Antonucci and special guests. As part of the fundraiser, a live auction and raffle will be held, the winners of which will be invited to conduct the band as they play a selection of tunes.
Join us on March 21 for the WPHS March Madness Concert!
 West Potomac Choir & Guitar are teaming up to host a Coffeehouse this Thursday, March 21st from 6-8 PM in the Cafeteria.
Bring cash for a “pay what you like” donation admission at the door & bake sale. We hope you'll stop by as you can that evening for some great music & a hot drink!
The Low Incidence Program (Cat B) and various West Potomac environmental/gardening clubs are excited about potting herbs and other plants to sell for a Mother's Day fundraiser. We need your help to make this possible. We are asking for donations of:
- Gently used flowerpots (terracotta, sturdy plastic, or any planter you are no longer using. All sizes accepted, though 3-10 inch diameter would be best)
- Herb plants (started at home from seed is fine, sage, parsley, cilantro, dill. We do not need rosemary or basil at this time)
- Potting soil (any size, partial or full bags)
- Gift card donations to Home Depot or Lowes to purchase supplies
- Donation needed by April 19, 2024.
Please reach out to Danielle Tapsoba at DJTapsoba@fcps.edu to schedule drop off for the pots, gift cards or if you have further questions. You may also drop off soil and flowerpot donations on the porch of 7913 Candlewood Dr. Thank you!
TUTORS NEEDED:
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
NACAC National College Fair
The NACAC National College Fair will be held on Tuesday, March 19th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.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.
2024 FCPS VIRTUAL MILITARY NIGHT!
FCPS School Counseling Services is hosting a Virtual Military Night. This virtual event will be on March 20th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. It 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. See the flyer for details.
 EXPLORE THE SKILLED TRADES:
Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Carpentry, Welding…the skilled trades are in high demand. There are upcoming opportunities for students who are interested in exploring the skilled trades.
- Holder RISE High School Internship Program
The Holder RISE High School Internship Program is for students ages 16-17 years old and focuses on opportunities in construction. See flyer for more info!
 
- FCPS Trades 4 Tomorrow Youth Registered Apprenticeships:
Applications are now open for FCPS Trades 4 Tomorrow Youth Registered Apprenticeships. Paid positions include HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Cabinetry, Welding & Sheet Metal, Outdoor Equipment Repair & Carpentry/Flooring. Students must be 16 years or older. (Current seniors are not eligible to apply.) See the flyer for additional details.
- Class of 2025: Google STAR Program for Construction Career Paths
The Google STAR program is a 5-week intensive training course for those 18+ who are looking to jump start their careers in construction. STAR program graduates have the opportunity to begin their careers with a full-time job in the construction trades on a Google jobsite in Manassas, VA. See the flyer for more information.
- Class of 2025: ACE Apprenticeship 101
Apprenticeship 101 is a program that students for apprenticeship classes in Electrical, HVAC & plumbing. Students can earn 80 hours of apprenticeship related instruction & industry recognized credentials. The flyer includes additional information and pricing.
PTSA NEWS
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.
CLASS OF 2024
Important Dates:
March 26: Five Guys Restaurant Night
 April 12: Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast with burritos from Anita’s. This will be our last school day event for the Class of 2024. This event is costly and we appreciate any donations to offset the costs. If you are able to contribute, please follow this link:
https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/998627
 June 3rd: Class of 2024 Senior Bash from 6:30-10:30 pm on the WPHS practice turf fields. All Members of the WPHS Class of 2024 are invited!
(Rain date is June 6th.) We are now pre-selling tickets to the Senior Bash. Please follow the link below.
https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/998651
Our Flocking Fundraiser is in Full Swing! 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
 The countdown has begun! We are officially in the last 3 months 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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