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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:
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Important Dates
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Principal’s Message
- End of Year Exam/Testing Calendar and Laptop Collection
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School News
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PTSA News
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School Fundraisers
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Class of 2024 Info & Fundraisers
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Class of 2025 – Prom Information
Important Dates
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Now thru June 10: Class of 2024 Flamingo Fundraiser
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April 5 – April 19: Prom ticket lunch sales
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April 9: PTSA Meeting, 6:30 – 800, WPHS Library
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April 11: Pupusas Express Restaurant Night – WP Guitar Fundraiser
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April 12: Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast
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April 16: WPHS 9th & 10th Grade College Night 101
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April 17: Panera Restaurant Night – Choral Boosters
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April 18: WPHS Annual Job Fair
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April 19: Honeygrow Restaurant Night – PTSA Fundraiser
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April 20: PROM, Torpedo Factory, 8:00-11:00 pm (tickets on sale
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May 30: Senior Trip – Kings Dominion
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June 3: Class of 2024 Senior Bash - WPHS Auxiliary Field. Rain date is June 6th
Principal’s Message
Dear Wolverine Community,
I hope everyone is rested after Spring Break. Testing season is approaching and before we know it, graduation will be upon us. I am very excited to have my first graduation as the principal at West Potomac High School.
Please remember, attendance each day is crucial.
I am thrilled to announce our own, Ms. Symone Jenkins has been selected as Region 3, New Teacher of the Year. Ms. Jenkins is a dynamic English teacher that is truly invested in the West Potomac School community. We are proud of her and will be cheering for her as she competes at the county level next.
Ms. Jenkins, Region 3 New Teacher of the Year with our Principal, Jessica Statz, Region 3 Assistant Superintendent, Ray Lonnett and Executive Principal Ingrid Bynum
Today! Our West Potomac Academy 9-1-1 Dispatch, EMT and Criminal Justice classes in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications, Fairfax Fire & Rescue and Fairfax Police Department will be participating in an emergency simulation exercise on this morning at West Potomac High School from 8am-12pm. This notice is to inform the community this learning exercise will include emergency responders and emergency apparatus such as fire engines, ambulances and police cars.
The Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award: Nominations are open for the 2024 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
- This award recognizes staff or community members who have demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
- Any FCPS employee, student, or community member can nominate an individual or group for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The winner will be recognized at the FCPS Equity Symposium.
- Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award website Deadline Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 pm and end around 4:32 pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 pm. Because the timing overlaps with some school dismissals, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage schools and families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information.
Lastly, I was able to get into a handful of classes this week. It was wonderful to see such engaging instruction across our building.
 Clockwise starting top left: Ms Weech’s class, Ms. Greer’s class, Ms. Tripp’s class and finally Mr. Johnson and Ms. Loza’s class.
Register Today for the FCPS Family Summit: Registration is open for the FCPS Family Summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 am-1 pm, at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan. Spanish: Pending and Korean: Pending
👗 Prom Dress Shop Opens with Hundreds of Dresses: The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, April 5, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.
Fondly,
Jessica Statz, Principal
End of Year Exam/Testing Calendar and Laptop Collection
- On our website you can now find our end of year calendar to include testing dates, early dismissals and alternate bell schedules. In the coming days you and your child will receive an individual email with details on any SOL Tests they may be scheduled for this Spring.
- We have also published our laptop collection dates:
- Senior Laptop Collection (Room 311) - May 20-24
- Note: If a senior needs to keep their laptop later to finish class requirements they can do so and return it to our tech team prior to Graduation
- Underclass Laptop Collection (Room 311) - June 6-7
- Underclass Laptop Collection (Cafeteria) - June 10-11
SCHOOL NEWS
Military Families:
West Potomac High School’s Purple Star Club is hosting a Purple Up Pot Luck on April 17th starting at 6:30PM in the cafeteria at West Potomac High School. April 17th, 2024 is also designated as “Purple Up! For Military Kids Day” by VDOE.
Parents/Guardians: Please use this link to RSVP and to sign up for an item to bring and share at this event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FABAB22A0FEC70-48853726-purple
RSVP by Wednesday, April 10th.
- Please email kmoconnor@fcps.edu if you would like to volunteer to support some of the logistical needs of this event on April 17th.
- Please email kmoconnor@fcps.edu if you have a cooler that we can borrow for this event.
COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER:
Northern Virginia Regional College Fair – 4/10:
The Office of Admissions at George Mason University invites students attend the 37th annual Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (NVRCF)! Students will have the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from nearly 200 colleges and universities.
The fair will be held on Wednesday, 4/10/24 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and parking is available, free of charge in Parking Lots A and L directly across from Eaglebank Arena. Students are strongly encouraged to pre-register for a barcode at https://app.strivescan.com/registration.
WPHS 9th & 10th Grade College 101 Night – 4/16:
Students and parents/guardians are invited to join us for our College 101 workshop with college representatives and our Student Services Team. The event will be held on 4/16/24 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the WPHS cafeteria. Registration is not required to attend.
WPHS Annual Job Fair - 4/18:
The West Potomac HS Annual Job Fair will be held on Thursday, 4/18/24 from 3 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. in the WPHS cafeteria. Local employers will be onsite to hire students for summer and post high school jobs. All students are welcome to attend; however, most job opportunities will be for students 16+ years old. Registration is not required to attend.
Military Academy Day – 4/20:
Interested in attending a U.S. Military Academy? Senator Mark R. Warner invites high school and middle school students along with their parents or guardians to Academy Day 2024 on Saturday, 4/20/24. The event will be held on the campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Families can register at https://senwarner.ticketbud.com/acadday24
PTSA NEWS
April 9: PTSA Meeting 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Please join us this Tuesday for a special meeting with a group of our Class of ’24 Seniors who will share some of their reflections and part some advice. The high school experience is unique for every student, but before you know it, four years have passed. We encourage parents/guardians to attend this special encore event with their student(s) Questions are encouraged!
HoneyGrow Restaurant Night: April 19th - Come out and support WPHS PTSA Event runs from 10:30 AM-10:00 PM. 20% of your purchase goes directly back to the PTSA. Funds raised will be used for academic enrichment programs, grants, and more.
Use promo code GIVE149 on the honeygrow app, at honeygrow.com, or in-store, located at Mount Vernon Plaza (near Moe’s) at the kiosk before checking out. If ordering in person, please mention West Potomac High School PTSA.in order for PTSA to earn funds.
PTSA Board Openings - 2024- 25:
PTSA Board and Committee openings for its 2024-’25 School YR Board. The open board positions include President and President Elect. PTSA Treasurer and some committee chair positions. Love to help keep people organize and fancy taking notes, please consider to PTSA Corresponding Secretary position, which is also open? Please e-mail Liz Ver Hage at lizvh248@gmail.com or ptsa.westpotomac@gmail.com to learn more about open board positions and to add your name to the Election Slate .
As the academic booster club for WPHS, the role of the PTSA is integral part of our school. The PTSA board supports teachers grants, students recognition events, teacher appreciation events and more. WE need YOU !
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:
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FREE multiple-choice section grading (regularly priced $20)
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Optional detailed FRQ feedback for $50 per test
Contact us at (866)-789-PREP (7737), or visit here to get started.
Need Flexibility? We have an online class option! Try Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course - Animated video lessons and comprehensive practice for every section of the Digital SAT or ACT. Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’s MemberHubStore. More details about content for SAT course available here. More about the ACT course here.
Test optional does not mean test blind! Many students still provide test scores with their college applications. Test scores are used for admissions, scholarships, and class placement. Take a mock test to see if you’re in the scholarship range or just a prep class away from that range. Test optional means YOU CHOOSE whether or not to send your scores. A good test score can only strengthen your application.
Read this recent news about Darthmouth’s reasons for reinstating the SAT/ACT score submission requirement - ABC News Dartmouth
SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS
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:
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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)
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Herb plants (started at home from seed is fine, sage, parsley, cilantro, dill. We do not need rosemary or basil at this time)
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Potting soil (any size, partial or full bags)
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Gift card donations to Home Depot or Lowes to purchase supplies
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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!
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:
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. Purchase your tickets now for $30 before prices go up to $35 in late May. Please follow the link below.
Our Flocking Fundraiser is in Full Swing! Flock your student to celebrate a birthday, a milestone, a promposal 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 flocking’s will take place in the cover of darkness so be forewarned!
Click this link to pick your date!
The countdown has begun! Not to freak anyone out, but we are officially in the last 10 weeks before our seniors graduate!
Parents, please check out our Sign-Up Genius below. We still have plenty of opportunities for you to volunteer or contribute to the remaining Class of 2024 events.
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, graduation information & opportunities that pertain to this year. We still have several volunteer opportunities for the remaining two Senior events & activities this school year. We want this to be the BEST year for our 2024 seniors!!
westpo24_seniorcelebrations
Senior trip to Kings Dominion is on May 30th !!! Cost is $75 that includes transportation by motorcoach and ticket. Payment can be made via MySchoolBucks … search senior trip to Kings Dominion or in 718 and 605. It closes May 2nd . Questions? Contact Ms. Simpson at jsimpson1@fcps.edu or Ms. Hackshaw at chackshaw@fcps.edu
CLASS OF 2025
The Class of 2025 is hosting JUNIOR & SENIOR WPHS PROM 2024!!
Please join us for an Enchanting Evening
WHEN: Saturday, April 20th
WHERE: Torpedo Factory (Old Town, Alexandria)
-Go to MySchoolBucks Ticket Price $70 CATCH THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ON SALE NOW!!! (preferred method) Once paid, you can pick up your ticket in the Cafeteria beginning April 5th.
-Ticket LUNCH SALES will begin on Friday, April 5th until Friday, April 19th Cash/Check sales will be $75 (please bring exact change, checks made payable to WPHS)
-Ticket prices will go up to $80 the week before Prom! Buy yours early!!
NOTE: If you are bringing a guest from outside of WPHS, you MUST fill out a guest form. Pick one up in Rm 311 (Tech Office)
The front of the Torpedo Factory will be cleared for Bus, Uber, Lyft, Taxi Parent drop off. PLEASE CONSIDER CARPOOLING/DROP OFF/UBER since we are so close to home!
There are many parking garages near the Torpedo Factory where students can park. Prices range from $5 - $14 as the weekend rate. (students have a link with detailed garage information)
ParkMobile App can be used to pay/refill metered parking spots
-PARENTS! PROM is fast approaching!
Please consider helping with your time. We need help with tickets sales before the Prom. On the day of Prom we will need help setting up, chaperoning and cleaning up.
We are also looking for donations for decorations and snacks for our chaperones. Donations can be made via MySchoolBucks
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