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Table of Contents
- Rising 9th Grade Family Night / Curriculum Night / Electives Open House
- FCPS News and Reminders
- School News
- College & Career Center
- Class of 2026 Announcement - Breakfast with Santa
Important Dates
December 7 - SAT Winter Prep Class Begins
December 9 - Crew Boosters Restaurant Night Fundraiser – El Paso Mexican Restaurant: 6151 Richmond Highway (off Quander Road, next to Five Guys)
December 12 - SAT & ACT Mock Tests
December 17 - PTSA Five Guys Restaurant Night
January 7 - Rising 9th Grade Family Night / Curriculum Night / Electives Open House
March 8 - SAT Spring Prep Class Begins
June 2 - Class of 2025 Graduation, 9:30 am
Principal’s Message
In the spirit of civic engagement and reflection, former West Potomac parent Scott Mitchell proudly sponsored the “Essence of Democracy” essay contest for West Potomac seniors. This inspiring competition invited students to delve into the core values and principles of democracy, encouraging them to explore how these ideals shape their lives and communities.
The response was extraordinary, with essays so compelling that the grading committee—Dan Baldwin, Steve Przywara, and Mary Ann Cohen—faced the tough task of selecting the top five. Mr. Mitchell generously offered $1,000 to the first-place winner, along with a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice.
 The winning essay, written by senior Brielle Kirk, captivated the judges with its creativity and thoughtfulness, drawing inspiration from Loung Ung’s powerful words: “When we vote, we take back our power to choose, to speak up, and to stand with those who support us and each other.” Brielle’s essay beautifully emphasized that “the essence of democracy is seeking the good of all people, by using our power to choose our future.”
Impressed by the exceptional quality of all the submissions, Mr. Mitchell extended additional cash prizes to the four talented runners-up: Long To, Jeremiah Harkless, Sabrina Fseisi, and Muhammad Hussain.
The winners were celebrated Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in a special ceremony with Mr. Mitchell and Principal Statz, a tribute to the power of democracy and the importance of participation. Congratulations to all who shared their voices and ideas in this meaningful celebration of democratic ideals!
 As we move closer to winter break, please remind your students that we really need students in school every day. We are moving closer to the end of the second quarter, and we want all students working hard and doing their best in their classes.
Have a great weekend!
Jessica Statz, Principal
Congratulations Orchestra Students!
- Congratulations to Lucy Ferguson, Clementine Callahan, and Reece Myers for their successful auditions and acceptance into District Ten Honors Orchestra. The concert for District Honors Orchestra will be held, January 11th, 3pm at Alexandria City High School. Way to go Wolverines!
Rising 9th Family Night / Curriculum Night / Electives Open House
- Please join us on Tuesday January 7 for Rising 9th Grade Family Night, Curriculum Night, and Electives Open House! With academic advising right around the corner this is a great opportunity to come and learn about the wide variety of courses that West Potomac offers.
- There have been some curriculum option changes at the 9th and 10th grade level so we look forward to sharing that information! The curriculum break out sessions will be published in next week’s News You Choose to help you begin planning your evening!
- We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday January 7 at 6pm!
FCPS News
Attend Boundary Review Community Meeting
2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available
- The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
- Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their children to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office webpage for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account, if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA!
- The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application will be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
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Get Help Filling out FAFSA From College Access Fairfax Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will be offering several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website: https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/resources/
- In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
- Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
PTSA
Five Guys Restaurant Night
It’s the holidays – let somebody else cook dinner! PTSA Five Guys Restaurant Night on December 17th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Both the Quander and Hybla Valley locations are participating. Thank you for supporting the PTSA!
 Minted Promo Code
The WP PTSA has partnered with Minted and you can save 20% by using the promo code FUNDRAISEPOTOMAC when you shop on Minted.com. Not only do you get 20% off but Minted will also share a part of their proceeds to support the WP PTSA.
Apothecary Spices
The PTSA has teamed up with Apothecary Spices. Save 15% on all Apothecary spices by using the promo code WOLVERINE15 when you shop on https://www.apothecaryspices.com. You get 15% off on incredible spice blends and the PTSA gets 15% of the proceeds!
Bryant HS Blanket and Snuggly Pajamas:
- For the last 3 years, the WP PTSA has been a small part of helping our neighbor school Bryant, with this winter wish to help make the holidays a little brighter and cozier for some of their students. They are asking for donations of new blankets and or snuggly pajamas (for teen boys and girls) by December 10th. Donations can be dropped off at West Potomac’s front office or 8506 Culver Pl. Alexandria. Pipi Harrison, Director of Student Services, and her team at Bryant are extremely grateful for your consideration.
PTSA’s Test Prep Program can help you achieve your highest SAT or ACT score.
Register for mock tests and test prep classes
AT & 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) – Only 2 more classes offered this year! Winter Class starts 12/7/24 and targets prep for the 3/8/25 official test.
Spring Class starts 3/8/25 and targets prep for the 6/7/25 official SAT test.
- 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. Offered online with live tutor as space is available. $475.00.
Try Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course - Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’s https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store
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.
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.
PTSA Contact – Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com
School News
Toys for Tots Fundraiser
- The Travis Manion Club is a collection center for Toys for Tots. Monday December 9th will be the final collection. Please bring any unwrapped gift to the main office by close of business on Monday! Thanks for supporting our community!
HOSA Blood Drive
- West Potomac Academy HOSA (Health and Medical Classes) is hosting an INOVA Blood Drive on Tuesday, 12/17 from 8-12:30. The blood donation mobile unit will be parked in kiss-and-ride parking lot. If you would like to donate, please complete this link to sign up for a timeslot.
COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER
Financial Aid 101 Webinars for HS Students and Parents
High school students, parents, and guardians who are interested in learning about financial aid options for college are invited to attend the Financial Aid 101 webinar hosted by Level Up Virginia and Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA). Topics covered include Federal Financial Aid, State Financial Aid, Application Tips, and Q & A.
Register today to attend the free session on December 12, 2024, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Please see the Financial Aid 101 flyer for more information.
 Joint United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy Admissions Event
This joint event is a unique opportunity to delve into the world of both academies. It will be a great opportunity to learn more about what the academies offer, gain firsthand insights in the daily life of a Cadet or Midshipman, and the application process. The event will be held on December 11, 2024 from 6 pm -8 pm at the US Navy Memorial Plaza, 701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20004. RSVP at Joint USMA/USNA Admissions Event . Space is limited so RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot.
NOVA Virtual Sessions
Join a Virtual Discover NOVA webinar to explore program options, gain an understanding of our student support resources, and learn how to enroll in classes. All sessions begin at 6:30pm and run for approximately one hour. Concurrent Spanish-speaking sessions will be available on February 20th and April 22nd. See the NOVA Virtual Sessions Flyer for all dates and to register.
 2025 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families
FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs or FCPS Gap Year Fair.
Class of 2026 Announcement
Parents,
Please help the class of 2026 put on a fantastic community fundraiser. Breakfast with Santa! Please see the sign- up link attached and volunteer some goods, or your time! Thank You!
Mrs. Day Javkhlan & Ms. Lintot
Class of 2026 Sponsors
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4DAFA92AAA8-53642848-2024
Class of 2025 SENIORS & PARENTS:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteer for a fun day of chaperoning at Dave & Busters for Senior Day Out. Jan. 24th. See signup genius for more information https://signupgenius.com/
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, please sign up for senior pictures using 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
SENIOR SIGNS
We have a limited number of Senior Signs left. Perfect for your yard or hung on your kiddo’s wall. Don't delay, order your Class of 2025 Senior Sign today!
Class of '25 Signs Purchase here:
https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store
Thank you to Brielle Kirk for the Senior Sign design inspiration!!
SENIOR DAY OUT
In January we will have a Senior Day Out at Dave & Busters in Springfield, Va. The cost is only $35 dollars for unlimited basic arcade games & food. Bus transportation to & from West Potomac is available that day. All students should come to school first & check in with their teachers. The rest of the day will be considered an excused absence.
Jan. 24th, 2025
10am
Tickets can be purchased here.
https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store
-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=uJjRxrThis 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)
School and Club Fundraisers
Restaurant Night at El Paso Mexican Restaurant on Monday, 9th December, all day! Support the Crew team by grabbing tacos, fajitas, quesadillas or other freshly made entree!
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