WPHS News You Choose - 4/19/24

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 
  • End of Year Exam/Testing Calendar and Laptop Collection
  • Prom Reminders
  • School News 
  • PTSA News 
  • School Fundraisers 
  • Class of 2024 Info & Fundraisers 
  • Class of 2025

Important Dates

  • April 18: WPHS Annual Job Fair – Cafeteria
  • April 19: Honeygrow Restaurant Night – PTSA Fundraiser 
  • April 20: PROM, Torpedo Factory, 8:00 - 11:00 pm
  • April 22: Purple Star Club El Fresco Restaurant Night 
  • April 24: Five Guys Restaurant Night – Class of 2024
  • April 25 – May 4: Kinky Boots (Spring Musical)
  • April 28: Band Car Wash, starts at 1:00 p.m., Aldersgate Church
  • May 14: PTSA Meeting,6:30 – 8:00, Library
  • May 30: Senior Trip – Kings Dominion 
  • June 3: Class of 2024 Senior Bash - WPHS Auxiliary Field. Rain date is June 6
  • June 10: End Date for Class of 2024 Flamingo Fundraiser

Principal’s Message

Wolverine Community,

This year is flying.  We only have 36 more school days till graduation!  I think we are all getting excited for summer now that the temperatures are starting to warm up a bit. 

Please remember that every day in school is important and we truly want your students here, in class, as much as possible.  As we approach exam days, FCPS requires classes to have some type of culminating activity.  That being said, students should be coming those days as well.  We are day-to-day with chronic absenteeism, and we will have to keep up our positive momentum.

On Thursday, Supervisor Lusk made a visit to our school.  He walked around and met staff and students.  We were able to talk with Mr. Cooper’s class and learn about all the cool projects the students were working on in school. 

Supervisor

FCPS CARES submission:

Congrats Chau Kin Poon!

Mr. Poon genuinely cares about the students and staff at West Potomac. On Friday afternoon, I started to leave work and noticed that I had a flat tire. I backed my car up so that I was safely out of the way. While pulling the spare tire and jack out of my car, I noticed someone else backing up. Mr. Poon was ready and willing to assist me on a Friday afternoon. He immediately pulled an air pump out of his car and got to work on filling up my tire. Because of Mr. Poon I was able to make it safely to the repair shop.

 This information is posted on the FCPS CARES webpage, accessible at https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-cares-april-2024.

Prom is this weekend at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town hosted by the Junior Class.  We are excited to celebrate with many juniors and seniors.  I absolutely love prom and seeing our students dressed to the 9’s.  As a partnership, let’s try to keep all your students safe, and spread the word to make good decisions when coming to a school sponsored event.  I am looking forward to all the culminating activities leading up to graduation and summer break.

Parking Lots- Parents and guardians, please remember to not park in assigned spaces in the morning while you wait to drop off your student.  The student lots are reserved and paid for by families.  The faculty lots need to remain open so I can get my faculty and staff in to run our school.   There has been an uptick recently in complaints about folks parking in assigned spots.  Thank you for helping me with this issue. 

I hope everyone has a restful weekend. 

Fondly,

Jessica Statz, Principal

Attendance

End of Year Exam/Testing Calendar and Laptop Collection

  • On our website you can now find our

    end of year testing to include testing dates, early dismissals and alternate bell schedules. This week your child should have received an email with details on any SOL Tests they may be scheduled for this Spring. If they did not or have questions, please have them speak with their teacher. 

  • We have also published our laptop collection dates:
    • 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
    • Senior Laptop Collection (Room 311) - May 20-24
    • Underclass Laptop Collection (Room 311) - June 6-7
    • Underclass Laptop Collection (Cafeteria) - June 10-11

Prom

We are ready for an Enchanting Evening!

  • WHEN: Saturday, April 20th
  • WHERE: Torpedo Factory (Old Town, Alexandria)
  • TIME: 8pm-11pm
  • Thank you to all that have purchased tickets. We look forward to seeing you Saturday. Ticket sales are over and no refunds will be issued.

NOTES:

  • You may NOT bring backpacks or bags into the prom.
  • Please have your ID/Ticket for entry 
  • You may only ENTER ONCE. If you leave, you cannot come back.

PARKING INFORMATION

Please email Class of 2025 sponsors with any questions: Sejal Parekh snparekh@fcps.edu and/or Tracy Scheel tascheel@fcps.edu


Purple Up!

  • Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Purple Up Day on Wednesday!  Members of our faculty wore purple on Wednesday, as FCPS celebrated “Purple Up” to show support for military connected youth.  Our Purple Star Club organized a “Purple Up” Potluck.  Thanks to all our military connected students and families who were able to join our celebration! 
Purple UpPurple Up

SCHOOL NEWS

AP Test Proctors/Monitors Volunteers Needed!

  • We need your help!  With AP tests around the corner, its important we always meet the required number of proctors in the room required by college board.  Please consider volunteering for an exam!  By utilizing parent volunteers we will require less counselors in the gym and allow them to continue to work with their students during the school day.
    • What is required of me? For morning tests arrive approximately 7:40am and follow the directions of the lead proctor.  This might include passing out tests, pencils, assisting with bathroom breaks or just supervising.  During the test you’ll supervise the students by circulating through out the gym.  At the conclusion of the test you’ll assist the lead proctors in collecting materials. 
    • How long will the test run? Traditionally morning test end around 12pm, but could go slightly longer or end earlier.  Afternoon proctors should arrive approximately 11:45am and end around 4pm but again could go slightly longer or end earlier.
    • I can help, where do I sign up? HERE
    • I can help support but I would need to leave a few minutes early, can I still help? YES!  Please email Mr. McMahon and he can coordinate with you (kjmcmahon@fcps.edu).
    • Please remember: Parent volunteers may not proctor a test that their child is taking.  Also, a parent volunteer cannot be a teacher of the class assigned to the AP Exam (For example an AP Biology teacher cannot volunteer to proctor the AP Biology exam).
Theatre 1Theatre 2

PTSA NEWS

Please support this year’s Teachers Appreciation Luncheon on May 8th and help us recognize our Hard Working, Amazing WPHS Educators and Faculty.  

West Potomac High School: WP/Teachers/Faculty Appreciation Luncheon (signupgenius.com)

Join the 2024- 2025 WPHS PTSA BOARD

We are excited to announce that the WP PTSA Board is currently seeking nominations for open board positions for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.   Open positions include President, President-Elect, VP of Fundraising, VP Student Recognition, Treasurer, and Secretary. We are also seeking Chair(s) for Teacher Appreciation Events.  As the Academic Booster Club, the PTSA supports Teacher/Faculty grants, celebrates students through various programs including the very popular Moe’s Honor Roll celebrations, supports the purchasing of needed school items, and much more.  The Executive Board meets monthly with Principal Statz and participates in the once-a-month General Membership Meetings.  Your involvement and support will directly impact the success of our school and support our students becoming their full potential.  To learn more about a position, please e-mail Liz Ver Hage at lizvh248@gmail.com

Honeygrow Restaurant Night:  TONIGHT - 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

HoneyGrow

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 Prep

Need Flexibility? We have an online class option! Try Applerouth’sSelf-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 

PTSA Test Prep Chair, Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com 

WPHS Test Prep Web Page – for more details about test prep and events 


COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER NEWS

Senator Mark Warner Military Academy Day

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 .

NOVA Medical Education Campus Open House & Health Expo

Northern Virginia Community College will hold their annual Open House & Health Expo showcasing the Medical Education Campus (MEC) on Saturday, 4/20/24 from 11 AM-2 PM at 6699 Springfield Center Drive in Springfield, VA.

Students can learn about associate degrees and certificate programs offered at the MEC, chat with NOVA's Office of Recruitment and Admissions, get free screenings and testing done by VHC Health and NovaSalud, Inc., and more!  Register here: https://bit.ly/43JJRnK

NOVA STEM Day – Alexandria Campus

STEM Day at Northern Virginia Community College is a showcase of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math.  The event will be held at the Alexandria Campus on Saturday, 4/20/24 from 1 PM – 2PM.  Students can participate in microscope sessions, interactive science labs & demonstrations, dissection opportunities and hands on physics, geology, chemistry, and biology experiments.

This free event is for students who are inquisitive about how things work and want to discover the fun of STEM!   Questions? Contact Dr. Teba Aljumaili at taljumaili@nvcc.edu .


SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS 

WestPo Band Car Wash - April 28

If your car is a lovely pollen shade of green, come to the West Potomac Band's Car Wash on April 28, starting at 1pm, at Aldersgate Church, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. 

Students will be ready with suds and towels to return your car to return it to its original color. Donations of any amount are welcome!

Band Car WashPurple Star ClubDance

CLASS OF 2024 NEWS

Important Dates:

April 24: Five Guys Restaurant Night from 4:00-8:00pm

April 25: Northside 10 BBQ sandwich fundraiser at Boys Lacrosse Senior Night 6:30-8:30pm. We are also pre-selling sandwiches for $6 each. Please follow the link below to pre-purchase.

https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/1019049 

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

Five GuysGraduation

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.

https://westpotomacptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/998651

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 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

Flamingo

The countdown is on! We are officially in the last 7 weeks of school 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.

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, 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!!

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

westpo24_seniorcelebrations

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


CLASS OF 2024 SPONSORS 

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 

Class of 2025 Donation:

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/checkout/getproduct?clientKey=ZZI5ZQWBKS04NJ8&buttonID=26571b29-ac2a-40c3-b579-5d309820cb02  

Please email Class of 2025 sponsors with any questions: Sejal Parekh snparekh@fcps.edu and/or Tracy Scheel tascheel@fcps.edu 

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.