WPHS News You Choose 10-4-24

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Table of Contents   

  • Important Dates   
  • Principal Message 
  • PTSA   
  • Immunization Clinic 
  • PSAT/SAT Testing Information 
  • Student Services / College & Career Center Updates
  • AVID Tutors
  • Fundraisers   
  • Class of 2025  

 

Important Dates     

October 2 - Crew Booster Restaurant Night Fundraiser – Five Guys (Quander Road & Hybla Valley Locations), 4-8pm  

October 3 - Holiday - Rosh Hashanah  

October 4 – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday   

October 8 – Crew – Student Interest Meeting during lunch 

October 9– PSAT Administration 10th/11thGrade, SAT Administration to 12thgraders who sign up.   No School for 9th Graders. 12:55pm Dismissal. 

October 14 – Student Holiday/Indigenous People’s Day (Staff Development Day)   

October 16 – Fall Immunization Clinic 

October 17 - Region 3/6 Post Secondary Planning Night - In Spanish - Hybla Valley Community Center, 6:30-8:00pm 

October 26 – Wolverine Athletic Booster Club Marketplace Event, 10:00 - 3:00 pm   

October 27 – Dance Team FUNDrive, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at WPHS 

October 31 – End of First Quarter – Two-Hour Early Release   

November 4 – Student Holiday (School Planning Day for Staff)   

November 5 – Drawing for a Family Photo Session by Renee C. Gage 

November 29 – Crew Wreath Sale Fundraiser Begins  

June 2 – Class of 2025 Graduation, 9:30 am   

 

Happy Friday Wolverine Community,

I wanted to share an impressive article from one of our student writers, Josephine Keller.  She wrote a wonderful story talking about how to register to vote, where to vote, and how high schoolers can be involved. I am really proud of the message, and I hope all parents and students read the message because our ability to vote is truly important.    https://thewpwire.org/9196/news/local-guide-to-the-ballot/

Below is a reminder from FCPS about Immunizations for all students:

Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s). The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School on:  

  • Tuesday, October 8, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 in order to provide consent.  

Transportation services are also available. Please visit our Immunization Resources webpage for details. 

Parents may learn more about this Safeway Pharmacy and other immunization resources and FCPS school-required immunizations

 

Our next PTSA General Meeting will be Tuesday October 15 at 6:30 pm in the library.  We would love to see you there.  And it is never too late to join the PTSA! 

Thank you to all the Wolverine Community for another great week. 

Thanks,

Jessica Statz, Principal

 

 

 

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PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)

 

Tuesday, October 15 , WP PTSA Meeting, WP Library, 6:30 PM

Please join us for this special meeting with guest speaker, Mateo DunneMount Vernon District Representative on the Fairfax County School Board.  Mr. Dunne will be discussing different topics including the new school boundary rezoning policy that was approved on July 18.  The new policy, approved on a 9-2 vote, provides priority criteria for Superintendent, Dr Reid, to use in evaluating the need for any boundary changes, including enrollment, capacity, transportation in general, transportation times, proximity of students to schools and access to programming,

 

Please come and ask your questions…..

   

Win a Family Photo Session by Renée C. Gage 

The WP PTSA is excited to announce a raffle to win aRenée C. GageFamily Portrait Sessionvalued at $450  

Session includes: 

  •        Family Photo Session withRenée C. Gage Photography
  •        1- 8 x 10 Fine Linen Print
  •        Additional Photos available for purchase
  •        Winner can select a location in either Old Town, Alexandria or in the Fort Hunt Area 
  •        Must be redeemed within a year from winning.
  •        Raffle will take place on Tues, Nov 5th, 2024. 

Raffle ticket:  $10.00 for 1 entry. Or $25.00 for 3 Entries. To purchase,please click here:   https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true 

AboutRenée C. Gage, photography:Renée is a local Master Photographer who has specialized in capturing families, children, expectant mothers, and professionals with her camera for over twenty years.In 2020 and 2021. Two of Renée’s images won the prestigious “Best Portrait of a Child” award from the Virginia Professional Photographers Association and “Ascend” was named Top 50 Portraits of a Child in the United States.  

www.reneecgage.com IG:@reneecgagephoto 

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Please join the WPHS PTSA today!    

Why join the PTSA? (Another) boosters' program? Great question! The PTSA is the academic boosters for West Potomac. We include parents, teachers and students to keep a pulse on what is happening in our school community. We celebrate students' academic achievements (A/B Honor Rolls and Rising Stars), we encourage extended academic growth and curiosity through teacher grants that go directly to classroom activities, and we show appreciation of the staff throughout the year to keep them motivated to support and encourage West Potomac students at all levels. 

Cannot remember if you have joined? No problem! If you click to join, the MemberHub/Givebacks system will tell you if you have already joined for this academic year. It's nice that we have a system that remembers for us, right? 

Please click below to join (or check if you’ve already joined!) 

2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Purchase here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1057326 

Please consider a donation to this PTSA fund. Big or small - all funds are greatly appreciated and will be used to enrich our students’ WP experience.     

2024-2025 Direct Giving Campaign Purchase here:     

https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store  

PTSA’s Test Prep Program can help you achieve your highest SAT or ACT score. 

Register for mock tests and test prep classes 

SAT & ACT MOCK TESTS($23.00)Offered in-person on the West Po campus. Laptop required for SAT mocks. Next mock SAT or ACT is 12/7/24. 

SAT GROUP CLASSES ($475.00)target prep for the 10/5/24, 3/8/25, or 6/7/25 official SAT test dates. In-person, laptop required. 

Next group starts 12/7/24 

  • Comprehensive treatment of major strategies
  • Access to Study Guides and Session Notes
  • 3 scheduled Mock Test opportunities
  • 15 hours of group tutoring instruction
  • Detailed Results analysis

ACT CLASSES –Contact Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com for options. 

Try Applerouth’sSelf-Paced Online Course - Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’sMemberHubStore. 

This comprehensive online course gives you everything you need to raise your SAT or ACT score, stay motivated, and have fun doing it – all from the comfort of home and on your own schedule. One-year license, unlimited access. 

  • Video lessons for every section of the SAT or ACT
  • Thousands of practice problems & solutions
  • 3 or 4 full practice tests to track your score
  • Customized lesson plan based on your results
  • Includes Applerouth's 900+ page study guide
  • More details about content for SAT course available here.
  • More about the ACT course 

Scholarships - WPHS student need-based scholarships for mocks and classes are available through the College and Career Center Specialist, Karen B. Young,kbyoung1@fcps.edu.Over summer only, contact Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com 

Big News in the Testing World 

Automatic Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores – 2024 

ACT Announces Shorter Test with Optional Science Section – an Unqualified Win for Students 

What We’ve Learned about Test-Optional and Test-Required Admissions  by Jed Applerouth, PhD 

Cornell Is Next in Line to Reinstate Testing Requirements by Jed Applerouth, PhD 

Other News and Articles by Applerouth Experts 

 

Fall Immunization Clinic at West Potomac High School 

West Potomac High School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on October 16,in collaboration with theFairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at West Potomac may participate in the clinic. 

 The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic:  

  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

 Findadditional information for each vaccine.  

 If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide:  

  • Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section onthis webpage.
  •  A copy of their immunization records (if available).
  • A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable).Insurance is not required.

Please bring your signed consent form to Student Services by October 8 in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Nikki Welch (Office: 703-718-2511 and Cell: 571-536-9784) with any immunization questions. 

 

October 9 - PSAT / SAT Day at WPHS 

  • Wednesday, October 9, 2024 is the PSAT and SAT School Day for all high schools in Fairfax County. 
  • All 10th and 11th grade students were enrolled in the PSAT test. 
  • 12th graders who opted in were enrolled in the SAT test. 
  • Since only the PSAT and SAT School Day is happening at high schools that day,9th grade students do not report to school, nor do 12th grade students who did not sign up for the SAT. 
  • Please contactrwatt@fcps.eduwith questions. 

 

Student Services Updates 

West Potomac Student Services September Updates 

October 17 -Region 3/6 Post Secondary Planning Night – Spanish Flyer  

October 17 –Region 3/6 Post Secondary Planning Night – English Flyer 

College & Career Center 

 

1. Two of our military academies have upcoming local information sessions.  Each event provides an opportunity to learn about the specific academy, whether it is the right fit, and how to apply.

a.  The United States Military Academy will hold an admissions event on October 9th from 6 - 8 PM at Meade Senior HS (Cafeteria, Room C101) in Fort Meade, MD.  Registration is required at https://apply.westpoint.edu/register/MeadeAIM2024. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot at the even and RSVP as soon as possible,

b.  Interested in learning about applying to the US Naval Academy?  Register & attend the USNA Candidate Info Session on Monday, October 28th from 7-8:15 PM at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.  This is a free event for students in grades 7 - 12.  See the flyer for details and to register using the QR code.

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  1. The Virginia Williams High School Career Association, Inc. is excited to host the annual High School Career Forum (HSCF) on Sat. Oct. 26, 2024, from 12 noon- 2pm, at the Lorton Community Center (9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA  22079).  The HSCF is a motivating and encouraging event for high school students (9th-12th) to engage with career professionals as they learn about various career options.  To register, please go to https://www.vwhsca.org/ or scan the QR code that is located on the   The last day to register is Thurs. Oct. 24, 2024.
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  1. The Steamfitters Local Union 602 will hold their Open House on Saturday, 10/5 at their training center in Landover, MD.  Students interested in becoming a plumber, pipefitter, or welder can learn about the application process & program.  Registration is not required.  See the flyer for details.  
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AVID Tutors 

  • Attention families - looking for a flexible and part-time position? FCPS is hiring AVID tutors for the 2024-2025 school year.AVID tutors work with small groups of approximately 5-7 students during the school day in an academic elective class called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). These groups use questioning strategies to help students develop a variety of college preparatory skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Tutors earn $20.13 per hour and should either be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. If interested, please emailyour resume toAVID@fcps.edu.
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Fundraisers  WPHS Crew Team 

Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Wednesday,October 2nd , 4-8 pm. Support theCrew Team by grabbing a burger, dog, milkshake, or other freshly made entree at the Quander Road (6210 Quander Road) or Hybla Valley (7622 Richmond Highway) location.  

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Class of 2025 

Why join the PTSA? (Another) boosters' program? Great question! The PTSA is the academic boosters for West Potomac. We include parents, teachers and students to keep a pulse on what is happening in our school community. We celebrate students' academic achievements (A/B Honor Rolls and Rising Stars), we encourage extended academic growth and curiosity through teacher grants that go directly to classroom activities, and we show appreciation of the staff throughout the year to keep them motivated to support and encourage West Potomac students at all levels. 

Cannot remember if you have joined? No problem! If you click to join, the MemberHub/Givebacks system will tell you if you have already joined for this academic year. It's nice that we have a system that remembers for us, right? 

Please click below to join (or check if you’ve already joined!) 

2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Purchase here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1057326 

CLASS OF 2025 

Order your Class of 2025 Senior Sign today! 

Class of '25 Signs Purchase here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1113130 

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SENIORS & FAMILIES!!The year has gotten off to a great start and seems to be flying by! The parent planning leaders, class sponsors, and class administrator, have been busy at work. We have many fun ideas and will need your help to get it done. Please look out for upcoming requests for help.  

Right now, we have several action items that need your attention:  

CLASS T-Shirts and CAP & GOWN It’s time to order your CAP and GOWN for the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony on June 2, 2025. You must answer all the questions for the submission to be complete. You must be logged into your school gmail account to complete the survey. The form is set to collect your school email address and send a copy of your responses to you. It would be a good idea to save that email! You will only be allowed to complete the form one time to avoid duplicates in the data.Class T-Shirtswill be ordered as soon as we get enough sizes so please answer the form and share with friends so we capture as many as possible as soon as possible.  

You will need to know the following information to complete the form:  

  1. Student ID 
  2. Advisory teacher 
  3. Weight (in pounds) 
  4. Height (in feet and inches) 

The survey will CLOSE on Friday, November 15th. Every Senior must complete the survey by that date.  

LINK TO FORM:https://forms.gle/pQJgM58ZB6G1Ryeq5 

SENIOR DUES Please pay your Senior Dues via My School Bucks by December 20th. Dues are $85 this year. This covers graduation expenses (Cap & Gown, Diploma, Programs, Eagle Bank, etc…).  

SENIOR PICTURES We want all seniors included in the Yearbook! If you have not already, pleasesign up for senior picturesusing this link:https://seniors.legacystudios.com/west-potomac-hs-alexandria-va/ 

DIRECT DONATIONS - $25 BEFORE ‘25 We have kicked off our $25 before ‘25 fundraising campaign! Please consider donating to help fund our Senior Bash in May. Thanks!   

LINK TO DONATE:https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1078125 

SENIOR YARD SIGNS COMING SOON! Students are busy designing TShirt & Yard Sign designs and our order is being placed.  

Please let us know if you have ideas to share. We are planning to have a senior parent meeting mid-October and would love for you to join us. More info on this to follow. And if you haven't already, be sure to join our groups:  

-WPHS Senior Website:https://westpotomachs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/seniors-class-2025 -All of our messaging will be in News You Choose which comes out on Fridays. -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.  

Senior Administrator: Janet Babic (jmbabic@fcps.edu) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh (snparekh@fcps.edu) & Tracy Scheel (tascheel@fcps.edu)