WPHS News You Choose - 3/21/25
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Table of Contents
- Important Dates
- Principal’s Message
- PTSA
- Student Services/College & Career Center
- Class of 2025
- Class of 2026
- Class of 2027
Important Dates
March 21 - TODAY -Restaurant Night Fundraiser (Panera) for the Purple Star Club from 4PM-8PM - see flyer below!
March 26 - Junior College Planning Night
March 28 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 31 - Chipotle PTSA Restaurant Night, 4-8 PM, Beacon Hill Center
March 31 - No School - Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
April 1 - No School - Student Holiday - Teacher Workday
April 1 - Virginia PTA Scholarship Applications Due
April 3 - Senior Breakfast
April 3 – College 101 Information Night for 9th and 10th grade Families
April 8 - PTSA Meeting - Guest Speaker, Karen Young , WPHS College and Career Center Specialist, 6:30 PM, WP Library
April 14-18 - No School Spring Break
April 26 - Prom
April 30- PTSA Sponsored Teacher/Staff Appreciation Lunch/event
May 20 - Senior Bash
June 2 - Class of 2025 Graduation, 9:30 am
August 14 – New Student Orientation, 8-12pm
August 14 – Wolverine Welcome Open House, 1-3pm
Principal’s Message
Happy Friday Wolverine Community,
Last Wednesday our choral groups had their assessment. The host of the assessment had a professional recorder record the lovely performances. Choir Director, Nelly Solares put together the recoded audio with some video footage from the assessment. The students did an amazing job. Please see for yourselves. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_OXa2wTUX2QcAzEDoxM3iCJr4yxhBpkx&si=n1f6uY3hPkBkMbe4
Congratulations Wolverines! Some of our amazing faculty and staff have been honored by FCPS Cares recently. I think it is great that we can honor all the good things happening at WPHS! Please see below:
Sebastian S Cabezas-Basto, SOSA- Mr. Cabezas-Basto has been a huge help in the school this year. Most recently he came to one of my classes to introduce himself and give the students avenues, methods, and advice to guide them in the school and who they can turn to for things they want to talk about, grade help, and just to be a lending ear. He was helpful in supporting the expectations in the classroom and how students can be successful in school. Very thankful to him for taking the time to come speak to the class and help out. Thank you!
Dan Seidenberg, Assistant Principal- Although he serves the science department Mr. Dan Seidenberg freely dedicated time to discuss important changes to the state accreditation formula with English teachers. He was patient with the many questions we had and professional with the responses. Thank you, Dan!
Shannon Harrigan, Safety and Security- Mr. Harrigan helped de-escalate a situation today that could have resulted in a significant disruption to the learning environment. He was able to calm a student down simply by speaking with the student and affirming their concerns. He demonstrated empathy and allowed the student to first share their concerns before attempting to redirect the student. He further shared personal experience to validate the student and encourage them to look ahead rather than focus on negativity. Thank you for modeling this difficult emotional regulation.
Leonel Teller, WPHS Academy- I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible impact Mr. Teller has had on my daughter’s education and future. At just 16 years old, she attended her first ride-along with Fairfax County’s EMT team on Tuesday. What she thought would be a slow and uneventful day turned into an eye-opening, hands-on experience. In just four hours, she assisted in administering CPR, identified a patient having a stroke, and even inserted an IV—an incredible achievement for a high school student! None of this would have been possible without the outstanding instruction and preparation she received from Mr. Teller. His dedication to his students goes beyond the classroom. He not only equips them with essential medical skills but also instills confidence and a deep passion for the field. Because of his guidance, my daughter has solidified her decision to pursue nursing in college, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I truly believe the academy classes at WPHS deserve more recognition for the incredible ways they prepare students for real-world careers. Mr. Teller goes above and beyond—not just as a teacher, but as a mentor who genuinely cares for his students’ success. Thank you for all that you do to support educators like him.
Have a wonderful, spring weekend!
Jessica Statz, Principal
PTSA
PTSA Chipotle Restaurant Night: Monday, March 31st, 4:00 - 8:00pm.
School’s out for our students and let’s also take the day off from meal prepping and let Chipotle provide you and your family with a delicious meal. 25% of your sale will be donated back to the WPHS PTSA to use for teacher grants, student recognition events and more. To receive credit, please show this flyer (paper or digital) and/or let Chipotle know you are there to support WP PTSA. Prefer to order ahead, no problem - please use CODE HTF892C on their official app or website for pick up (no delivery), for your purchase to count towards our fundraiser.
Event only at Beacon Hill Center location (Across from Lowes), 6770 Richmond Hwy in Alexandria on Monday,
April 8th PTSA Meeting- Guest Speaker, Karen Young, WPHS College and Career Center Specialist
Mark your calendars to join your WP PTSA April 8th to meet the amazing Ms Young and learn more about WPHS’s College and Career Center. As a College and Career Specialist, Ms Young works together with school counselors, teachers, and staff members to help students make informed decisions about post-secondary opportunities. She organizes over 100 college visits per year, sends out newsletter sharing information about internships, scholarship resources, standardized testing preparation, military careers, apprenticeship, summer opportunities, and more.
So much to learn - 6:30 PM in the WPHS Library.
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – Please Support!
Looking forward, each year it has been a PTSA tradition to honor and celebrate our schools hard working, dedicated teachers and staff with a special luncheon during Teacher Appreciation Week.
This year we are hoping to continue this well deserved tradition to include not a special meal but have also been collecting donations to host a raffle table with great prizes to spoil our WP Teachers/ staff even more.
Please click on the link below to support this year’s April 30th Teachers/Staff Appreciation Day. Thank You!
https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
PTSA’s Test Prep Program can help you achieve your highest SAT or ACT score.
Test Prep Chair Search is On! Do you have freshman and/or younger students? Well, SAT/ACT tests are in your future. Be on the cutting edge of changes to the official tests and college admissions by chairing the PTSA’s Test Prep Program! No test prep experience is needed just strong organization and customer service skills. Contact Marilyn Aboff, [email protected], to learn more about managing this rewarding program. Planning next school year starts soon. Now is a great time to jump on board and learn the ropes! Perhaps co-chair for a year?
Current News! The ACT is changing. Read Jed Applerouth’s article at https://www.applerouth.com/blog/the-digital-act-comes-into-focus-what-we-know-now
Current News! Another university now requires SAT/ACT for admission. https://www.applerouth.com/blog/university-of-pennsylvania-joins-fellow-ivies-in-requiring-the-sat-and-act-for-admission
Register for mock tests and test prep classes at https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/school/8946
Sophomores – Use your sophomore year to determine your test preference! Take both the ACT and SAT mock during the last semester to see which test is the best fit for you. Start thinking about your test prep timing. The most effective results are seen if you complete your prep no more than two weeks before the official test. Plan on taking the official test three times. If you have completed Algebra 2 or above during sophomore year, consider the fall prep class and official tests. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some or all your official testing completed before winter break of junior year? Studies show no score increase by waiting!
Juniors – When you have completed Algebra 2 or above, you are ready for the official tests! If you still need to determine your test preference, take advantage of the mocks (take one of each test). You’ll still have time to take our online or fall prep class! Just remember to plan your testing and prep schedule around the sports/extracurricular activities! The most effective results are seen if you complete your prep no more than two weeks before the official test. Plan on taking the official test three times. If you are taking Algebra 2 during junior year, target the June official test as your first attempt.
SAT & ACT MOCK TESTS ($23.00) Offered in-person on the West Po campus. Laptop required for SAT mocks. Next mocks (SAT and ACT) are 3/29/25 and 5/3/25.
SAT GROUP CLASSES ($475.00) – Watch the Weekly NYC for updates on next school year’s schedule.
ACT CLASSES – Contact Marilyn Aboff, [email protected] for options. Offered online with live tutor as space is available. $475.00.
Try Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course – $125.00
Available on https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/132319. Email receipt to Marilyn Aboff, [email protected], to complete enrollment. One-year license, unlimited access.
- More about the SAT course https://www.applerouth.com/courses/sat-online-course
- More about the ACT course https://www.applerouth.com/courses/act-online-course
Scholarships - WPHS student need-based scholarships for mocks and classes are available through the College and Career Center Specialist, Karen B. Young, [email protected].
PTSA Contact – Marilyn Aboff, [email protected]
SUPPORT PURPLE STAR CLUB
- March 21st – Restaurant Night Fundraiser (Panera) for the Purple Star Club from 4PM-8PM. Please bring the attached flyer or show a digital copy when you are purchasing your food that evening.
Student Services / College & Career Center
Please view Student Services latest Newsletter here!
Northern Virginia Regional College Fair:
The Office of Admissions at George Mason University invites students & families to one of the largest college fairs in the region! NVRCF will take place on Wednesday, April 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA. Each year, this fair connects more than 1,500 students with representatives from over 200 colleges and universities across the country. Reservations are not required, however, students can set up a profile that can be shared with admissions representatives. See the NVRCF website for additional details: https://events.admissions.gmu.edu/nvrcfstudents/
Virtual Financial Aid Presentations:
College Access Fairfax will hold virtual Financial Aid presentations - one specifically for military families and one on general financial aid for post-secondary education. Visit the College Access Fairfax website at https://collegeaccessfairfax.org/ to access links.
- Military Benefits for Students: March 22 at 10:00 a.m.
- Paying for College for Underclassmen: April 2 at 7:00 p.m. or April 5 at 10:00 a.m
FCPS Trades for Tomorrow Apprenticeship:
The Trades for Tomorrow Apprenticeship Application is now open! The FCPS Trades for Tomorrow (T4T) courses offer current FCPS students’ opportunities to participate in apprenticeship, trade, and industrial education opportunities. Visit the FCPS website here to learn more about this program. Students can apply via the QR code on the flyer.
Class of 2025
Seniors & parents-Class of 2025
The last few events of the year are as follows:
*Senior Breakfast 4/3
*Junior/Senior Prom 4/26
*Senior Bash 5/20 (rain date 5/29)
*Community Day of Service 5/27
*Graduation walkthrough at WP 5/30
*Graduation 6/2
We still have a few volunteer spots open for the Senior Breakfast: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AACAF2BAA8-55605014-senior#/
Order your Class of 2025 Senior Sign! There are a limited number left– Discounted to $15 Purchase signs here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1113130
SENIOR DUES: must be paid prior to graduation! Please pay your Senior Dues via MySchoolBucks
-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=uJjRxrThisis a private group for parents and students.
Senior Administrator: Janet Babic ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected])
Class of 2026 Families
Parents & Guardians,
It’s almost time for Prom! It’s the Junior classes responsibility to plan prom! We’ve got a date, (April 26th) and a Venue (The Torpedo Factory) and now we need your help! To help us make the prom feel extra special this year, we created an Amazon Wishlist for decorations. We have lofty goals to turn the Torpedo Factory into a James Bond 007 old Hollywood Casino and we need your help! Please sign up for a slot to fulfill our decorative dreams, so we can create a night that they will cherish. Also linked here is a sign up for help on the day of. We need all the expertise from decorative to strength to planning and maybe others I’m not thinking of too! Many hands and helpers will make this experience one that will never be forgotten by your students. We thank you in advanced for your support!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Day Javkhlan & Mrs. Lintot
Class of 2026 Sponsors
Dr. Brian Valentine
Class of 2026 Administrator
Decoration Sign Up Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4DAFA92AAA8-55081796-prom
Volunteer Sign Up Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4DAFA92AAA8-55081098-prom
Class of 2027
Attention - Class of 2027! Join the WPHS Class of 2027 Facebook Group!
Stay informed and connected! Our new West Potomac High School Class of 2027 - Parents & Families Facebook group is your go-to spot for school updates, events, and important info. As senior year approaches, we’ll share everything from graduation details to college prep, career pathways, military options, senior year activities and more!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/953477353412367
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