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Table of Contents       

• Important Dates      

• Principal’s Message   
• Report Card Reminder
• Rising 9th Grade Family Night / Curriculum Night / Electives Open House

• PTSA      
• School News

• Class of 2025
• School Fundraisers      

Important Dates        

November 19 - PTSA Restaurant Night - Five Guys - Quander Rd & Hybla Valley, 4-8:00 pm

November 20 - Crew Boosters Restaurant Night Fundraiser – Five Guys (Quander Road & Hybla Valley Locations), 4-8pm

November 21 - West Po Swap-n-Shop to support PTSA, 6 - 10:00 pm

November 22 - A/B Honor Roll Celebration (volunteers needed), 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

November 29 - WABC Christmas Tree Sale Begins

November 29 - Crew Wreath In-person Sale Begins    

December 3 - Letter to Santa Deadline, National Arts Honor Society

December 7 -  SAT Winter Prep Class Begins

December 12 - SAT & ACT Mock Tests

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

Wolverines,

I hope all our veterans in our school community had a lovely Monday.  I am truly humbled by the service of many of our folks in this community.  We salute you! Happy Veteran’s Day!

This past weekend WPHS hosted the Virginia High School League, Ken Tilley Leadership conference.  Our Student Government and students in leadership positions hosted school from all over Virginia.  It was a huge success, and we are proud of the faculty members and students involved in the planning and execution of the LARGE event!  I want to give a shout out to Nicole Borghard, Joe Petrucelli, Dana Hubbard and Leadership parent and regular substitute teacher, Ms. Jessica Niebuhr for the event.  Lastly, THANK YOU to Mr. Tico Barclay.  He was here the entire time and a huge help to the faculty committee and students before, during and after the conference. 

Tuesday night our PTSA hosted a general membership meeting with a focus on Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment and Academy classes that we offer.  We hope everyone who attended left feeling more informed on options for all our students. 

I was also able to make it into classes this week which is one of my favorite parts of my job.  Below are 2 pictures from some of my visits this week.  Thank you, Ms. Chill and Ms. Zadina. 

Lastly, congratulations to the Beyond the Page Theatre Company for closing a successful, fully sold-out closing night of “Puffs”! This fall production captured audiences with its humor, heart, and outstanding performances, showcasing the hard work and talent of our Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre students. With Puffs’ wrapping this past weekend, we're now excitedly preparing for our upcoming winter show, “Twelfth Night - The Musical.” This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy promises unforgettable moments, set to music, and filled with laughter, love, and surprises. Stay tuned for ticket information—this is a production you won’t want to miss!

For more information on workshops, performances, and tickets, visit www.westpotomactheatre.org.

Enjoy the weekend, Wolverines! 

Jessica Statz

Principal

1st Quarter Report Card Reminder

• Grade Book in ParentVue/StudentVue returned on November 12. 1st Quarter Report cards have all been uploaded to “Documents” in ParentVue.  We are mailing report cards home only to families that are not on ParentVue.  Those on ParentVue, please click on “documents” on the left hand side to open and review your child’s first quarter report card.  If you have any difficulties with your login please use the resources (forget password etc.) on the ParentVue login screen. 

• Five journalism students (2 juniors, 2 sophomores, 1 freshman) attended the Journalism Education Association Fall Convention along with 3,600 students from all 50 states and 8 countries from November 9-11 in Philadelphia.
• They were accompanied by Ms. Kerry Cooper, English teacher and journalism advisor. Our students networked with professionals and other student journalists from across the nation. One main strand of the convention centered on diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism. Ms. Cooper presented a well-attended session in that area called Developing a Diverse Newsroom and Readership where she discussed adding additional voices and readers to the student news operation at schools. She also served as a judge for several of the journalism contests open to students.

PTSA

A/B Honor Celebration – November 22 – Volunteers Needed!

November 22 - All A/AB Honor Roll Recognition - This very popular event celebrates students who have earned all A's or A/B’s for the 1st QTR grading period. It occurs during all four lunch periods and is hosted by the PTSA.  Chips/salsa are served for students who qualify! Students’ check-in during their lunch period for a ticket and can go through the line.   Please consider volunteering as this event can only be done with your support. If you can only volunteer for a portion of the time, please still come and just note your time availability in the sign-up.  It’s a great way to meet and chat with other Wolverine parents and so much fun to see all the students who have worked so hard to achieve this recognition.  

4th Annual WPHS PTSA Swap-n-Shop Event- Thursday, Nov. 21st, 6:00 -10:00 PM

Please Join Us for the 4th Annual Swap-N-Shop this Thursday, November 21st!

• Join us for a night of merriment, good cheer, live music, artisans vendors, all while you Swap-n-Shop at the lovely home of Amy and Adam Fazackerley,  8418 Stable Drive in Alexandria, VA 22308.  
• If you've never been to a PTSA Swap-n-Shop, this is a definite must!  Start off the holiday season right by connecting with friends and fellow WPHS parents.  There will be raffle drawings for a gift basket, tasty appetizers, drinks, live music, and, of course, unique clothing and accessories that you are welcome to take home with you, all in the name of supporting WPHS PTSA.   Entry Fee / Suggested Donation: $40 (Adults only) . 
• Tickets can be purchased here:  https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store - When you sign up online you will be automatically entered in our gift baskets raffle.

 

What can I do to help:  Drop off any new or like-new accessories (shoes, jewelry, handbags, scarves, reading glasses, etc.) and women's clothing (any season) on the front porch of 8418 Stable Drive Alexandria, VA  22308 , now up to November 20th.  

To help reduce the costs of this event and allow more proceeds to go to the PTSA funds, we would be grateful for any drink or appetizer donations, which can be signed up via Signup Genius

Five Guys PTSA Restaurant Night – Tuesday, November 19

It’s Five Guys time! Please help support the PTSA!

WPHS Clinic Hygiene Supply Drive and Bryant HS Blanket Drive

The PTSA in conjunction with some WP students would like to share some donation needs that we would like to like to bring to your attention and if you are able to do so, we would love your support!

Hygiene Kits - Our hope is to create 50 hygiene-themed bags for our WP students in need.  Imagine not having consistent access to showers, deodorant, and other hygiene kits.  For some of our WP students this is their reality and we would welcome your help to provide the clinic/school  with hygiene kits that can be given when needed. Having these kits available would be a small but possibly pivotal support that could help with the well being, social inclusion and confidence in our students.  Needs includes toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, shampoo, chapstick, washcloths and more.  The Amazon list can be used to order the items or as an idea what is needed.  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1RWTRJ3Q4W119?ref_=wl_share      Donations can be dropped off at WP Front Office - there will be a donation box labeled or 8506 Culver, PL. Alexandria.    Thank You! 

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

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) – 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, [email protected] 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 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.

• More details about content for SAT course available here.
• More about the ACT course here.

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]

School News

West Potomac High School's Beyond the Page Theatre Company Celebrates a Sold-Out Closing Night of Puffs

Congratulations to the Beyond the Page Theatre Company for closing a successful, fully sold-out closing night of “Puffs”! This fall production captured audiences with its humor, heart, and outstanding performances, showcasing the hard work and talent of our Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre students. With Puffs’ wrapping this past weekend, we're now excitedly preparing for our upcoming winter show, “Twelfth Night - The Musical.” This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy promises unforgettable moments, set to music, and filled with laughter, love, and surprises. Stay tuned for ticket information—this is a production you won’t want to miss!

For more information on workshops, performances, and tickets, visit www.westpotomactheatre.org.

World Language Academies Info

The 2025 Academies will be held in-person on the following dates:

• French, German, and Spanish Academies: June 21– July 12, 2025 at Washington and Lee University
• Japanese and Latin Academies: June 22 – July 13, 2025 at Randolph Macon College

Requirements for nomination:

• For Full Immersion (Spanish, French and German Academies) you need 3+ years of the target language, not a native/near-native speaker, good proficiency, use of target language for all social and academic interactions.
• For Partial Immersion (Latin and Japanese Academies) you need 2+ years of ANY world language, not a fluent or proficient speaker of Japanese.
• For all academies you must have an interest and emotional maturity, stability, stamina, and self-discipline.  You must be an 11th grader or mature 10th grader.  Be nominated by school & recommended by 2 teachers (current world language teacher and a coach/non-world language teacher/counselor. 

If you are interested in applying for the World Language please complete this WL INTEREST FORM.  Do not start the VDOE Application until you have been formally accepted to be nominated by West Potomac High School.  If you have any questions, please email Yamalie Rodriguez at [email protected]  

CLASS OF 2025

• The class is taking a panoramic photo on Monday the 18th. If your child has not filled out the form online with their T-Shirt/Cap/Gown sizes by then they won’t have a class shirt for the photo. https://forms.gle/pQJgM58ZB6G1Ryeq5 Student must be logged in to complete.
• We only have a limited number of Senior Signs left. Don’t forget to order yours! https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1113130
• Senior Dues are $85 & can be paid via MySchoolBucks. Please complete by Dec. 20th
• 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/items/1134487

School and Club Fundraisers  

WPHS Crew Team Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Tuesday, 20 November, 4-8 pm. Support the Crew 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.

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents       

• Important Dates      

• Principal’s Message   

• PTSA      
• School News

• College & Career Center
• Class of 2025
• School Fundraisers      

Important Dates        

November 9 - PUFFS - 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM & Puppet-Making Workshop, 3:00 - 4:00 pm 

November 10 - Fun Fly Sunday - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, WPHS Main Gym, Competitive Engineering Team Fundraiser

November 11 - Veterans Day - No School 

November 12 - PTSA Meeting 6:30 pm, WPHS Library, Guest Speakers:  West Potomac Academy Admin and Students.

November 15 - Orchestra Booster Restaurant Night Fundraiser - Five Guys (Quander Road & Hybla Valley Locations), 4-8pm

November 20 - Order Deadline, WPHS Spirit Wear Store - WPHS Band Boosters

November 21 - West Po Swap-n-Shop to support PTSA, 6:00 - 10:00 pm

November 22 - A/B Honor Roll Celebration (volunteers needed), 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

November 29 - WABC Christmas Tree Sale Begins

November 29 - Crew Wreath In-person Sale Begins    

December 3 - Letter to Santa Deadline, National Arts Honor Society

January 7 – Rising 9th Grade Family Night / Curriculum Night / Electives Open House

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

Principal’s Message

Wolverine Community,

Thank you all for another nice week with your Wolverines. 

For the first time in school history, West Potomac’ Marching Band earned a spot as a finalist in the Virginia Marching Band Competition (VMBC) championship! This event gathers many of the most competitive bands across Virginia.  On Saturday, November 2 there were 50 bands throughout the state competing. Marching Bands that place high enough are awarded a second performance opportunity under the lights. Our West Potomac Marching Band students delivered two incredible performances and were elated to place among the best bands in Virginia!  We are very proud of their hard work and dedication. 

On October 24th the GEMS Club hosted MPR, an engineering firm that is partnered with the Technology and Engineering Program here at West Potomac.  Twenty-Five students were present for the presentation on nuclear science and real-world projects that MPR engineers are currently working on. The session was followed up with a lengthy Q&A dealing with everything from their projects, college experience and precollege prep.

Below is a picture of the engineers along with Jillian Orenstein, Paige Hanig (President and VP of GEMS respectively) and two other GEMS members who helped wrap up the Q&A session.

This Sunday, November 10th is West Potomac High School’s Fun Fly.

• 8 am to 2 pm 
• West Potomac High School -- Main Gym  6500 Quander Road  Alexandria, Virginia 22307
• $5 to fly for the day, spectators free, but donations appreciated. Concessions will be available.
• Kids glider table will be set up.

Proceeds from this event fund WP competitive engineering team.  They will have models of every kind to display for the community, to show the scope of the hobby.

Our social worker is asking for anyone willing to help Operation Warm.  WPHS relies on Operation Warm for winter coats and school supplies for many of our students.  If you are able to help, please click here. 

Lastly, this morning the WPHS Color Guard, WPHS Chorus and Travis Manion Club members recognized faculty and staff that are military veterans in honor of Veterans Day.  

Thank you to all our veterans in the community.  We truly appreciate your service to our community and to our country!

Fondly,

Jessica Statz, Principal

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)   

PTSA Meeting is this Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 PM – WPHS Library

Schedule that phone reminder now! - Tuesday, Nov 12 is a night of learning about the WPHS Academy, the Advanced Placement® (AP) and DUAL Enrollment (DE) Programs. Both AP and DE  programs offer students a chance to experience college-level coursework while still in high school but what are the differences?  Did you know that the WP Academy offers opportunities for students to explore careers in nursing, dental, welding, criminology, TV/media production and music/computer technology courses, and that the courses are taught by instructors with experience in the field.  Our Guest Speakers will be Kevin McMahon, Director, WPHS Student Services, Jamie Carfang, Administrator, WPHS Academy and hear and learn first hand from some of our amazing WP Academy students.  And one more fun thing ….. Attendees will have a chance to win a gift card donated by the Burson Family.  

 

4th Annual WPHS PTSA Swap-n-Shop Event- Thursday, Nov. 21st, 6:00 -10:00 PM

Looking for a little extra closet space and a place to donate your fabulous but rarely worn clothes and accessories, it’s Swap n Shop Time!  Items can be dropped off now to 8418 Stable Dr, Alexandria. 

Please purchase your tickets today at https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store.   To sign-up to bring an appetizer via Signup Genius here.

Thank you for your support of the WPHS PTSA and a HUGE thanks to the Fazackerly’s for hosting this great event!

WPHS Teacher/Staff Holiday Party 

WPHS Teacher/Staff Winter Winterland. Thank you to the families who have donated and/or signed up to help. We appreciate your help to pull off this Teacher/Staff Event. We still need monetary support, drink donations and/or gift cards. Our Teachers/Staff work so hard please consider supporting so we can create a festive December 10th memory, bringing WP staff together, spoiling them a little and reminding them that their WP families appreciate them. Thank you! To donate and volunteer, please check out our sign up here

To make a donation please scan QR code or  https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store 

 Apothecary Spices

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and fortunately, Apothecary Spices has you covered.  The PTSA has teamed up with them this year to offer tasty spice blends that will enhance your Thanksgiving meal or for any meal for that matter!  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!  What's not to like?

School News

HS Fun Fly Sunday – proceeds fund WP’s Competitive Engineering Team

Sunday, November 10, 2024 - 8 am to 2 pm  West Potomac High School - Main Gym  $5 to fly for the day, spectators free, donations appreciated

Concessions available & kids glider table

We like to have models of any kind to display for the community, to show the scope of the hobby. If you wish to sell items there is a 15% fee that goes to the school.

A/B Honor Celebration – November 22 – Volunteers Needed!

Come help us celebrate the hard work of our First Quarter A & A/B Honor Roll students!  On Friday, November 22nd our honor roll students will be recognized with a Chips & Toppings Bar during all four lunches. We are looking for volunteers to help with eligibility verification and serving from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm.  Please see the Sign Up Genius link below for more information and sign up if you are able.  Thank you!

West Potomac PTSA: A/B Honor Roll Celebration

Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service: Our Voices, Our Future:

• FCPS is thrilled to welcome back Dr. José Luis Zelaya—keynote speaker from this summer’s Multilingual Learners’ Summit—who will inspire secondary students to embrace the strengths of multilingualism. Dr. Zelaya will lead students through hands-on activities to build leadership skills and set a path for future success. This impactful service-learning experience will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.

Event Highlights:

• Service-learning credit awarded to all attending students
• Interactive student activities focused on leadership and community impact
• Resources for Families

Register on the FCPS event page. 

College & Career Center

 Wolverines - Please see information on several upcoming events!

Happening This Weekend - ASBC 22nd Annual HBCU Festival:

• The largest HBCU Festival returns!  The ASBC 22nd Annual Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Festival is being held November 8-9, 2024. This event is open to all high school students and will be held at The St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs and offers onsite admissions decisions, scholarship opportunities, and seminars. Students and their families are encouraged to register at https://tinyurl.com/ASBC-22ndHBCU-Festival

Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair:

• Each fall, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) sponsor Moving on to Life in the Community: A Resource Fair. This event is designed for students with disabilities and their families to speak to adult agency and vendor representatives to gather information about available services for adults in need of ongoing support once they transition from FCPS. Agency representatives will be available to share information on adult service providers, employment and training programs, Medicaid, Social Security, residential options, and The Arc of Northern Virginia.
•  When:Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• Where: Fairfax High School Cafeteria, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030
• What:  Exhibitor Fair

Learn about: supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more!

Register online: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4bwec  

 

CLASS OF 2025

• Parents, we really only need attention on two big things- Senior Dues & the Class shirt/Cap/Gown Survey
• Please remind your seniors to fill out the Survey to order their Class T-shirt and Cap & Gown TODAY! https://forms.gle/pQJgM58ZB6G1Ryeq5 (your senior must be logged in to access the form) SENIOR DUES Please pay your Senior Dues via MySchoolBucks by December 20th. Dues are $85 this year. This covers graduation expenses (Cap & Gown, Diploma Covers, Programs, Eagle Bank Transportation, etc... 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
• 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

• -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 ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected])

School and Club Fundraisers  

 WPHS Orchestra Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Tuesday, 15 November, 4-8 pm. Support the orchestra program 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.

The West Potomac Spirit Wear Store has reopened! Get your warm WestPo Band flannel pants, fuzzy blanket, beanie hat, half zip, or whatever else makes you happy, warm and a stylish Band Ambassador! Order today at https://westpobandstore2024.itemorder.com/ 

Orders will be distributed at the December 12 Winter Band Concert.

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents       

• Important Dates      

• Principal Message   

• PTSA      
• School News

• College & Career Center
• Class of 2025
• School Fundraisers      

Important Dates        

October 31 - November 9 - PUFFS – Fall Play (dates and times listed below) 

November 1 – Diwali Holiday – No School 

November 2 - PUFFS Wand Making Workshop, 3:00 - 4:00 pm 

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

November 5 – Student Holiday (Teacher Workday) 

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

November 9 - PUFFS - Puppet-Making Workshop, 3:00-4:00 pm 

November 11 - Veterans Day – No School 

November 12 - PTSA Meeting 6:30 pm Library, Guest Speakers:  West Potomac Academy Admin and Students.

November 21 - West Po Swap-n-Shop to support PTSA

November 29 – WABC Christmas Tree Sale begins (see below for dates and times)

November 29 - Crew Wreath In-person Sale Begins    

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

Principals Message

Dear Wolverine Community,

First, I hope everyone has a nice long weekend as students are out of school Friday, Monday and Tuesday.  I hope they use this time to rest and recharge.  I want to share a link to a Washington Post article that features one of our own amazing students here at West Potomac High School.  The article is called How America’s Youngest Voters Feel About Casting Their First Ballots”.  West Potomac’s own Abbie Litonjua was interviewed and featured.  Please see the link below to read the article. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/10/28/first-time-voters-election-education/

This week we hosted our National Honor Society Induction.  We were able to award many invitations to this prestigious society.  Getting into the National Honor Society is not an easy task.  It takes hard work and dedication in academics and service.  I am very proud of all these amazing young scholars.  Thank you to our faculty sponsors, Ms. Landon and Ms. Rice, and to our NHS administrator, Ms. Corbin for conducting a fabulous ceremony.  Please see the collage of photos below from the induction ceremony.

This week was also filled with some amazing sporting contests.  Please be on the lookout for our Student Activities letter highlighting regular and post season results. 

Have a great long weekend!

Jessica Statz, Principal

Expecting to miss some days of school? Return of WRAP!  

• WRAP (West Potomac Recovering Attendance Program) is a program designed to help gain time back if your student has been out of school to avoid being Chronically Absent.  There will be 12 Friday sessions across the year and each one gains back a full attendance day.  If your student will be out for an extended period of time this year (ex. planned surgery), I encourage you to send your student to start making up the days early in the year.  WRAP is designed to be a library-like atmosphere where it isn’t silent, but generally quiet study hall.  Pizza is served at the end and some small raffles are also given out.  Buses are available for transportation.  Finally, the WRAP dates are all scheduled around sporting events, so we encourage the students to go to the event when it’s over, as well.  

Dates:  

• Dec 13  

• Jan 24, 31  

• Feb 7  

• Mar 7  

• April 4, 25  

• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

Congratulations to the newest members of the West Potomac High School National Honor Society. The ceremony was held on Monday evening and we welcome approximately 200 new members.

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)   

Our next PTSA Meeting is Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 PM – WPHS Library. 

• Schedule that phone reminder now! - Tuesday, Nov 12 is a night of learning about the WPHS Academy, the Advanced Placement® (AP) and DUAL Enrollment (DE) Programs. Both AP and DE programs offer students a chance to experience college-level coursework while still in high school but what are the differences?  Did you know that the WP Academy offers opportunities for students to explore careers in nursing, dental, welding, criminology, TV/media production and music/computer technology courses, and that the courses are taught by instructors with experience in the field.  
• Our Guest Speakers will be Kevin McMahon, Director, WPHS Student Services, Jamie Carfang, Administrator, WPHS Academy and hear and learn firsthand from some of our amazing WP Academy students.  And one more fun thing ….. Attendees will have a chance to win a gift card donated by the Burson Family.  See You There. 

WPHS Teacher/Staff Holiday Party 

In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, the PTSA Board would like to ask for your support making this year's WPHS Teacher/Staff Holiday Party happen. The event is a simple gathering, but the available school funding is extremely limited. We are hoping for your help so that we can bring our collective resources and partner with the school to create a festive December 10th memory, bringing WP staff together and spoiling them a little. To donate and volunteer, please check out our sign up here.

To make a donation please scan QR code or   https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store Thank you, Your WPHS PTSA Board

An Evening to Swap N Shop to Benefit the WP PTSA - - Thursday, Nov. 21st, 6:00 -10:00 PM

What: Join us for a night of fun, food, good cheer, and live music while you Swap-n-Shop at the lovely home of Amy and Adam Fazackerley. 

When:  November 21st from 6pm to 10pm 

Where:  8418 Stable Drive in Alexandria, VA 22308.  

Why:  If you've never been to a PTSA Swap-n-Shop, this is a definite must!  Start off the holiday season right by connecting with friends and fellow WPHS parents.  There will be tasty appetizers, drinks, live music, and, of course, plenty of great cloths and accessories to "swap and shop" all in the name of supporting WPHS PTSA.  

Entry Fee / Suggested Donation: $40 (Adults only) 

What can I do to help:  We are ready for your fabulous clothes and accessories now!  Please drop off any new or like-new accessories (shoes, jewelry, handbags, scarves, reading glasses, etc.) and women's clothing (any season) on the front porch of 8418 Stable Drive Alexandria, VA  22308.  Last day to drop off - November 20th

Please purchase your tickets today https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store  

Thank you for your support of the WPHS PTSA and a HUGE thanks to the Fazackerley’s for hosting this great event!

School News

Has a West Potomac staff member made a difference for you?  Please take a moment to recognize them through the FCPS CARES PROGRAM by clicking here: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/employees/recognition-programs/fcps-cares-program It will take just a few moments and will uplift the person being recognized.  

Please review Important information regarding the 

FCPS West Potomac Outstanding Employee Awards - nominate a WPHS Staff member today!  

College & Career Center

Wolverines - Please see information on several upcoming events!

ASBC 22nd Annual HBCU Festival:

• The largest HBCU Festival returns!  The ASBC 22nd Annual Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Festival is being held November 8-9, 2024. This event is open to all high school students and will be held at The St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs and offers onsite admissions decisions, scholarship opportunities, and seminars. Students and their families are encouraged to register at https://tinyurl.com/ASBC-22ndHBCU-Festival Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair:

Each fall, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) sponsor Moving on to Life in the Community: A Resource Fair. This event is designed for students with disabilities and their families to speak to adult agency and vendor representatives to gather information about available services for adults in need of ongoing support once they transition from FCPS. Agency representatives will be available to share information on adult service providers, employment and training programs, Medicaid, Social Security, residential options, and The Arc of Northern Virginia.

When:                 Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Where:               Fairfax High School Cafeteria

                                 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030

What:                  Exhibitor Fair

Learn about: supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential living options, travel training supports, advocacy, funding, and more!

Register online: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4bwec  

Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service: Our Voices, Our Future:

FCPS is thrilled to welcome back Dr. José Luis Zelaya—keynote speaker from this summer’s Multilingual Learners’ Summit—who will inspire secondary students to embrace the strengths of multilingualism. Dr. Zelaya will lead students through hands-on activities to build leadership skills and set a path for future success. This impactful service-learning experience will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Edison High School. Event Highlights:

• Service-learning credit awarded to all attending students
• Interactive student activities focused on leadership and community impact
• Resources for Families Register on theFCPS event page. 

CLASS OF 2025

• Whew! It’s been a couple of busy weeks for our students. Playoff games, Senior Nights, Common app deadlines & the end of the quarter! We hope that everyone relaxes this weekend & enjoys the extra days off.  Seniors: Please remind your seniors to fill out the Survey to order their Class T-shirt and Cap & Gown TODAY! https://forms.gle/pQJgM58ZB6G1Ryeq5 (your senior must be logged in to access the form) Thank you to Christina Fuentes for the Class of 2025 T-shirt design inspiration!! Parents: We have sold 2/3rds of our Senior Signs! Don't delay, order your Class of 2025 Senior Sign today!  Class of '25 Signs Purchase here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1113130 Thank you to Brielle Kirk for the Senior Sign design inspiration!! SENIOR DUES Please pay your Senior Dues via MySchoolBucks by December 20th. Dues are $85 this year. This covers graduation expenses (Cap & Gown, Diploma Covers, Programs, Eagle Bank Transportation, etc...).

 

• SENIOR PICTURES: FREE SESSIONS AVAILABLE! 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/items/1078125
• 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 -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 ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected])

School and Club Fundraisers  

 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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Table of Contents       

• Important Dates      

• Principal Message   

• PTSA      

• School News 

• School Fundraisers      

• Class of 2025   

Important Dates        

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

October 27 - Dance Team FUNDrive, 8:00 - 11:00 am at WPHS     

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

October 31 - November 9 - PUFFS – Fall Play (dates and times listed below) 

November 1 – Diwali Holiday – No School 

November 2 - PUFFS Wand Making Workshop, 3:00 - 4:00 pm 

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

November 5 – Student Holiday (Teacher Workday) 

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

November 9 - PUFFS - Puppet-Making Workshop, 3:00-4:00 pm 

November 11 – Veterans Day – No School 

November 12 - PTSA Meeting 6:30 pm Library, West Potomac Academy (overview, student panel, Q&A) 

November 21 - West Po Swap-n-Shop to support PTSA (see more info below) 

November 29 - Crew Wreath In-person Sale Begins    

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

Principals Message

Happy Friday West Potomac Community,

It has been a great week for the Wolverines. 

I want to say congratulations to freshman, student golfer, Isabel Vizgaitis, for making to the Girls State Golf tournament on Monday, October 28.  I personally have seen her compete and she is a force out on the course!  We wish her luck on Monday in Harrisonburg as she represents West Potomac High School.  This is first time in fourteen years that we have had a female golfer make it to States!

On Thursday night, I was invited to attend our FCPS School Board meeting and was honored for our Virginia Department of Education Exemplar Award for Continuous Improvement.  This is a huge honor, and we are only one of two schools in Fairfax County to make such great strides forward in education. 

Today, Friday, we were able to honor our newest inductees in the West Potomac Hall of Fame.  The inductees honored were Ronald Grow, Katharine Perry DeLorenzo, James Pearson, Rachel Burke, and William Rupp.   Their hard work and dedication have shown in their high school lives as well as beyond.

Congratulations to our DECA DLC Winners!!! We are on our way to VA DECA State Competition 2025. Thank you to Mr. Wise, Mr. Riley and Mr. Thiele for helping make our students so successful.

VERY IMPORTANT!   Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, we will provide paper forms in November. Please be sure to return them by Friday, November 17. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.  

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I hope to see many of you at the West Potomac Marketplace, here, tomorrow, Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.  Come out and do some shopping and help our school at the same time!

Fondly,

Jessica Statz

Principal

Expecting to miss some days of school? Return of WRAP!  

• WRAP (West Potomac Recovering Attendance Program) is a program designed to help gain time back if your student has been out of school to avoid being Chronically Absent.  There will be 12 Friday sessions across the year and each one gains back a full attendance day.  If your student will be out for an extended period of time this year (ex. planned surgery), I encourage you to send your student to start making up the days early in the year.  WRAP is designed to be a library-like atmosphere where it isn’t silent, but generally quiet study hall.  Pizza is served at the end and some small raffles are also given out.  Buses are available for transportation.  Finally, the WRAP dates are all scheduled around sporting events, so we encourage the students to go to the event when it’s over, as well.  

Dates:  

• Dec 13  

• Jan 24, 31  

• Feb 7  

• Mar 7  

• April 4, 25  

• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)   

Our next PTSA Meeting is Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 PM – WPHS Library.   Have you been wondering what an FCPS academy is?  Did you know West Potomac is home to one of the 6 FCPS academies?  Please join the PTSA for an informative evening learning about WP Academy and engaging with students and instructors as they share their academy experiences and answer some Q&A.  WP Academy offers opportunities for students to explore careers in Health and Medical Sciences, Trade & Industrial and Communication & the Arts. Course offerings include nursing, fire & emergency medical services, dental, welding, criminology, TV/media production and music/computer technology. All Academy classes are taught by instructors with experience in the field. Come explore!  

WPHS Teacher/Staff Holiday Party 

In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, the PTSA Board would like to ask for your support in making this year's WPHS Teacher/Staff Holiday Party happen. The event is a simple gathering, but the available school funding is extremely limited. We are hoping for your help so that we can bring our collective resources and partner with the school to create a festive December 10th memory, bringing WP staff together and spoiling them a little.   To donate and volunteer please check out our sign up here.

To make a donation please scan QR code or visit: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store

4th Annual WPHS PTSA Swap-n-Shop Event- Thursday, Nov. 21st, 6:00 -10:00 PM 

Looking for a little extra closet space and a place to donate your fabulous but rarely worn clothes and accessories, it’s Swap-n- Shop Time!  Items can be dropped off now to 8418 Stable Dr, Alexandria. 

Please purchase your tickets today at https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store  

Thank you for your support of the WPHS PTSA and a HUGE thanks to the Fazackerly’s for hosting this great event!  

School News 

West Potomac Student Brielle Kirk Accepted into the Virginia Senior Honors Choir! 

Congratulations to Brielle Kirk for making it into the Virginia Senior Honors Choir! Brielle is the only West Potomac High School student to get into the Senior Honors Choir and is one of four students from District X and one of 30 students in FCPS to get in. Senior Honors Choir is a Virginia Music Educators Association Honors Choir. It is an elite honors choir where students will rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with fellow musicians. The choir is only open to 12th-grade students enrolled in school choral programs throughout the State of Virginia. Students underwent a rigorous audition process which included performing rehearsed and sight-read pieces. The concert will be held Saturday, November 23rd at 1pm at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, VA. Great job Brielle! 

 

Has a West Potomac staff member made a difference for you?  Please take a moment to recognize them through the FCPS CARES PROGRAM by clicking here: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/employees/recognition-programs/fcps-cares-program It will take just a few moments and will uplift the person being recognized.  

Please review Important information regarding the 

FCPS West Potomac Outstanding Employee Awards - nominate a WPHS Staff member today!  

CLASS OF 2025 

• Our first event of the year, Donut Day, was a huge success! We couldn't have done it without our awesome parent & staff volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Photos are posted on our Facebook & Instagram pages.  
• We have several action items that need your attention: 
  • Seniors: Please remind your seniors to fill out the Survey to order their Class T-shirt and Cap & Gown TODAY! https://forms.gle/pQJgM58ZB6G1Ryeq5 (your senior must be logged in to access the form) 
  • Thank you to Christina Fuentes for the Class of 2025 T-shirt design inspiration!! Parents:  We have sold 2/3rds of our Senior Signs! Don't delay, order your Class of 2025 Senior Sign today!  Class of '25 Signs Purchase here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1113130 Thank you to Brielle Kirk for the Senior Sign design inspiration!!  
  • SENIOR DUES Please pay your Senior Dues via MySchoolBucks by December 20th. Dues are $85 this year. This covers graduation expenses (Cap & Gown, Diploma Covers, Programs, Eagle Bank Transportation, etc...). 
  • SENIOR PICTURES: FREE SESSIONS AVAILABLE! 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/items/1078125 

• 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 -
• 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 ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected]) 

School and Club Fundraisers  

COMMANDERS VS. EAGLES GAME  

COMMANDER VS. EAGLES GAME  

Date: Sunday, December 22nd  

Time: I pm  

Location: Northwest Stadium  

Cost: $99.00  

Section: 429  

Rows: 17 and Up  

Attendees: Open to students/parents/siblings/teachers  

Payment: MYSCHOOLBUCKS/CASH/ CHECK  

Contacts: Carinne Hackshaw & Jean-Marie Simpson  

Email: [email protected]              [email protected]  

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents      

• Important Dates     

• Principal Message  

• PTSA     

• College & Career Center Updates 

• School Fundraisers     

• Class of 2025    

Important Dates       

October 20 - 4:00 - 6:30 pm FCPS College Fair @ GMU EagleBank Arena (register) 

October 21 & 22 - FCPS Virtual Post-Secondary Nights, 5:00 - 8:00 pm 

October 22 - PTSA Five Guys Restaurant Night, 4:00 - 8:00pm, Quander Rd & Hybla Valley Locations 

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

October 27 - Dance Team FUNDrive, 8:00 - 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 12 - PTSA Meeting 6:30 Library

November 21 – West Po Swap-n-Shop to support PTSA (more info coming soon) 

November 29 – Crew Wreath Sale Fundraiser Begins   

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

Happy Weekend Wolverine Community,

This past week has been a busy and exciting one for all our Wolverines.  I truly feel like a proud principal.

Last Friday, World Languages celebrated their 8th annual Hispanic Interactive Wax Museum.  It was a great PBL for the students and those of us that were able to visit and talk to the students in character.  I was impressed by their presentations and confidence. 

Thank you to our Equity Leads and to our student representatives that spoke to the entire faculty as a part of a panel on Equity on Monday. 

On Wednesday we Celebrated a joint choral concert with Mount Vernon High School.  All the students were super impressive.  It was a wonderful concert. 

We hosted a Parent and Children Together Cultural Fair Night on Wednesday.  It was a huge success. 

Please keep attendance at the top of your list for your students.  As always, it is imperative that students are in school each day. 

Thanks,

Jessica Statz, Principal

Expecting to miss some days of school? Return of WRAP! 

• WRAP (West Potomac Recovering Attendance Program) is a program designed to help gain time back if your student has been out of school to avoid being Chronically Absent.  There will be 12 Friday sessions across the year and each one gains back a full attendance day.  If your student will be out for an extended period of time this year (ex. planned surgery), I encourage you to send your student to start making up the days early in the year.  WRAP is designed to be a library-like atmosphere where it isn’t silent, but generally quiet study hall.  Pizza is served at the end and some small raffles are also given out.  Buses are available for transportation.  Finally, the WRAP dates are all scheduled around sporting events, so we encourage the students to go to the event when it’s over, as well. 

Dates: 

• Due to unforeseen obstacles, we are canceling WRAP on October 25.  All other dates should still run.

• Dec 13 

• Jan 24, 31 

• Feb 7 

• Mar 7 

• April 4, 25 

• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)  

• Win a Family Photo Session by Renée C. Gage   

Raffle ticket:  $10.00 for 1 entry. Or $25.00 for 3 Entries. To purchase,  please click here:   https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store 

Please join the WPHS PTSA! 

2024-2025 PTSA Membership can be purchase here: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store

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.https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store 

Five Guys Restaurant Night 

It's time to put down your spatulas, get out of the kitchen, and run to your nearest Five Guys (either on Quander Road or on Route 1 Hybla Valley locations) for dinner or for takeout, next Tuesday, October 22nd from 4pm to 8pm.  What better way to spend your Tuesday night than by supporting the WP PTSA and filling your tummy with a tasty Five Guys burger?  Five Guys will donate 20% of its proceeds to the WP PTSA.  So please take a night off of kitchen duty and show your support.    

Has a West Potomac staff member made a difference for you?  Please take a moment to recognize them through the FCPS CARES PROGRAM by clicking on this LINK.  It will take just a few moments and will uplift the person being recognized. 

Please review Important information regarding the

WPHS Outstanding Employee Awards - nominate a WPHS Staff member today! 

College & Career Center  

2024 FCPS College Fair and Look to the Future Events: 

Fairfax County Public Schools high school students and their families are invited to the 2024 College Fair on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Approximately 250 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and U.S. Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21 and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. 

For more information & to register, visit:  https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary. Students are encouraged to register for these events if you plan to attend. 

HS Career Forum: 

The Virginia Williams High School Career Association will hold a career forum for students in grade 9 – 12.  The event is designed to give high students an opportunity to learn about different career options.  It will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 12 – 2 pm at the Lorton Community Center (9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079) 

Register at https://www.vwhsca.org/registration-high-school-career-forum by October 24th. 

Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair: 

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) for the annual Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair.  This event is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after they exit FCPS.   It will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm in the Fairfax High School Cafeteria (3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, VA 22030) 

Register online: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4bwec   See the flyer linked below for additional information. 

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) for the annual Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair!

SENIOR INFO - Class of 2025 

Please review the Class of 2025 Flyer

School and Club Fundraisers 

COMMANDERS VS. EAGLES GAME 

COMMANDER VS. EAGLES GAME 

Date: Sunday, December 22nd 

Time: I pm 

Location: Northwest Stadium 

Cost: $99.00 

Section: 429 

Rows: 17 and Up 

Attendees: Open to students/parents/siblings/teachers 

Payment: MYSCHOOLBUCKS/CASH/ CHECK 

Contacts: Carinne Hackshaw & Jean-Marie Simpson 

Email: [email protected]              [email protected] 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Table of Contents     

• Important Dates    
• Principal Message 
• PTSA    
• Student Services / College & Career Center Updates
• School News & Fundraisers    
• Class of 2025   

Important Dates      

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

October 15 – WP PTSA Meeting, WP Library, 6:30 pm, Guest Speaker Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative on the Fairfax County School Board

October 15 - Class of 2025 Parent Meeting, 7:30 pm, WP Library

October 15 - Orchestra Booster Five Guys Restaurant Night Fundraiser – Quander Rd & Hybla Valley Locations, 4-8pm

October 15 -New Parent/Rower Meeting (Crew), 7:00 pm (link below)

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

October 20 - 4:00 - 6:30 pm FCPS College Fair @ GMU EagleBank Arena (register)

October 21 & 22 - FCPS Virtual Post-Secondary Nights, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

October 22 - PTSA Five Guys Restaurant Night, 4:00 - 8:00pm, Quander Rd & Hybla Valley Locations

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

October 27 - Dance Team FUNDrive, 8:00 - 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 21 – West Po Swap-n-Shop to support PTSA (more info coming soon)

November 29 – Crew Wreath Sale Fundraiser Begins  

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

Principal’s Message

I love the fall!  It is wonderful that we are finally getting into cooler temperatures.  We have had some fun and exciting activities this week.  On Wednesday, I was thrilled to be able to attend our FCPS Excellence Awards for two amazing groups from West Potomac High School.  Our Super Snack Team and our La Liga Team were award winners. 

In addition, our band also performed on Wednesday night. 

FCPS CARES submission:

Lawrence Cooper- I would like to take this time to thank Mr. Lawrence Cooper for going above and beyond the call of duty for CAT B students here at West Potomac. Mr. Cooper engages and motivates his students in many different activities some are non-conventional and lots of fun. His repertoire ranges from cooking, gardening, painting, shop (building furniture), and arts and crafts to name a few. He engages students to be creative and think outside the box making tables with real bugs, flowers, sand, and lots of other natural stuff. Whatever will teach his students a greater since of independence is what Mr. Cooper strives to-do. He held a Graduation Banquet afterschool at a local restaurant for his senior class. He presented each student with a giftbag and framed picture. Mr. Cooper promotes a team spirit here at West Potomac. He prepares a Soul Food Luncheon in February for Black History Month and a Fish Fry in April for Jazz History month every year for staff. He decorates the hallway outside his classroom displaying artifacts that he has collected over the years to share with students and staff. Mr. Cooper is generous to a fault, every year he comes out of his own pocket to feed students and staff. Mr. Cooper steps up to put out fires and is always someone SPED can depend on...... Thank for your commitment to excellence and Teamsmanship!

Stephanie Bluestein- Ms. Bluestein stepped in on the third day of school to help my son, a freshman, in an upsetting situation. Her care and concern, along with going above and beyond by calling me before outreach from the teacher involved, was very much appreciated, and will always be remembered.

Nicole Borghard- As one of the advisors SGA, Nicole Borghard goes above and beyond keeping students at West Potomac informed. Nicole gathers morning announcements and schedules students to read them. In addition (the above and beyond part) she posts the to the "All Students Schoology" course. This helps students who are present when they are read stay up-to-date on what is happening here at school. It is also a great resource for students to be able to access again at a later time if they want to reference something.

Want to thank a West Potomac Staff member?  Visit FCPS Cares link today!

FCPS Honors LGBTQIA+ History Month

• FCPS recognizes October as LGBTQIA+ History Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of LGBTQIA+ community members and the celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month is an opportunity to honor these diverse and important stories. 

FCPS Honors Disability History and Awareness Month

• FCPS recognizes October as Disability History and Awareness Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities and the celebration of Disability History and Awareness Month is an opportunity to honor these diverse and important stories. 

Have a great weekend.

Fondly,

Jessica Statz, Principal

Expecting to miss some days of school? Return of WRAP!

• WRAP (West Potomac Recovering Attendance Program) is a program designed to help gain time back if your student has been out of school to avoid being Chronically Absent.  There will be 14 Friday sessions across the year and each one gains back a full attendance day.  If your student will be out for an extended period of time this year (ex. planned surgery), I encourage you to send your student to start making up the days early in the year.  WRAP is designed to be a library-like atmosphere where it isn’t silent, but generally quiet study hall.  Pizza is served at the end and some small raffles are also given out.  Buses are available for transportation.  Finally, the WRAP dates are all scheduled around sporting events, so we encourage the students to go to the event when it’s over, as well.

Dates:

• Oct 10, 25
• Dec 13
• Jan 24, 31
• Feb 7
• Mar 7
• April 4, 25
• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association) 

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

On July 18, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS school boundary policy that was created almost 40 years ago.   Boundary lines that exist today and where your students attend is a result of those boundary road maps.  In that time, we have seen a significant population and housing growth to our FCPS communities, please join the PTSA this Tuesday, guest speaker, Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative on the Fairfax County School Board will be discussing this boundary policy and other topics.  Come and ask your questions! 

Win a Family Photo Session by Renée C. Gage  

Raffle ticket:  $10.00 for 1 entry. Or $25.00 for 3 Entries. To purchase,  please click here:   https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store  

Please join the WPHS PTSA!

2024-2025 PTSA Membership can be 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.  https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store

Who wants Five Guys….We DO!

It’s Five Guys time!  Head to Five Guys - October 22nd from 4:00-8:00 PM at either the Quander Road or Hybla Valley location. Five Guys will donate 20% of the proceeds back to the PTSA, which will be used for academic enrichment programs.

PTSA is here to help with the holidays

Fa La La La La …..  Wolverine Families the festive holidays will soon be upon us, check out https://www.minted.com/ for unique cards, stationery, fine art, personalized gifts, and more designed by independent artists  Use promo code, FUNDRAISEPOTOMAC to get 20% off your holiday cards and 15% will be donated back to the PTSA!!”

Save the Date!

November 21st - West Potomac High School Annual SWAP-n-SHOP (more information coming soon)

Student Services / College & Career Center 

• Please take a moment to review the Student Services

  October Newsletter

Thursday, October 17 from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. – Noche de Planificación Post-Secundaria @ Hybla Valley Community Center (7950 Audubon Ave. in Alexandria- additional parking available at Costco on Rt. 1):

Families are invited to learn more about college, financial aid, the military, and community resources at this event, which will be presented completely in Spanish. See the informational flier in English or Spanish.

Sunday, October 20 from 4:00- 6:30 p.m. -- FCPS College Fair @ GMU EagleBank Arena:

This is the largest college fair in Northern Virginia- over 200 colleges will attend.  Registration is highly recommended- it will give you a bar code that admissions representatives can scan to add you to their college’s mailing list. See the flyer for additional information, including the registration link.

Monday and Tuesday, October 21-22 from 5-8 p.m. ONLINE -- FCPS Virtual Post-Secondary Nights

FCPS will host five webinars on Monday, October 21 and another five on Tuesday, October 22. Topics include Common App, NOVA, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Naviance, Standardized Testing, Considerations for Students with Disabilities, and more. See the flyer for the schedule of events.

SENIORS INFO - Class of 2025    

SENIORS & FAMILIES!! We will be having our first 2025 Parent Meeting on Oct. 15th at 7:30pm in the West Potomac library. Our group follows the PTSA monthly meeting. Join us! 

CLASS of 2025 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 shirts will be ordered as soon as we get enough sizes so please answer the form and share with friends.

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, 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/items/1078125

Senior Signs are in! Get yours here https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1113130

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 ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected])

School and Club Fundraisers

WPHS Orchestra Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Tuesday, 15 October, 4-8 pm. Support the orchestra program 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.

COMMANDERS VS. EAGLES GAME

Date: Sunday, December 22nd

Time: I pm

Location: Northwest Stadium

Cost: $99.00

Section: 429

Rows: 17 and Up

Payment: MYSCHOOLBUCKS/CASH/ CHECK

Contacts: Carinne Hackshaw & Jean-Marie Simpson

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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Dear Families,

We are thrilled to announce that West Potomac High School has been honored with two 2024 Virginia Board of Education Exemplar Awards: the Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award and the Continuous Improvement Graduation and Completion Index and Dropout Rate Exemplar Award!

These awards recognize the significant progress we have made in key areas over the past three years, including improving our math, reading, and science scores. Additionally, we are proud to have reduced our dropout rate while improving our effectiveness in preparing students to successfully complete high school. 

All these milestones reflect our staff’s strong commitment to student success. We also acknowledge the important role parents and caregivers play as partners in supporting their child’s learning at home. 

Thank you for all you do to make West Potomac a place of achievement and excellence. 

Sincerely,

 

Jessica Statz

Principal

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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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/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders 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

 

 

 

 

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 Dunne, Mount 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 a Renée C. Gage Family Portrait Session valued at $450  

Session includes:   

•        Family Photo Session with Renée 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  

About Renée 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  

 

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, [email protected] for options. 

Try Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course - Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’s MemberHubStore. 

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, [email protected].  Over summer only, contact Marilyn Aboff, [email protected] 

 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 the Fairfax 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

 Find additional 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 on this 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 contact [email protected] with 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.

 

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.

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.  

 

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 email your resume to [email protected].  

 

Fundraisers  WPHS Crew Team  

Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Wednesday, October 2nd , 4-8 pm. Support the Crew 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.  

 

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 

 

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-Shirts will 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, 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/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 ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected])  

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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HOMECOMING DANCE INFORMATION

TONIGHT 8PM-11PM

Our SGA is planning a beautiful dance in celebration of homecoming week this year on September 28th. 2024.  The dance will take place in the Main Gym between the hours of 8:00pm and 11:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many Wolverines as possible.   To make it a positive experience for all who are in attendance, we have outlined a few guidelines that everybody must adhere to in order to participate.

• Doors will open at 7:50pm. There will be no admittance to the building before that time unless specifically permitted by a school official.
• Entrance to the dance will be through Door 1 only. When leaving the dance, you must exit through Door 27 only.
• There will be no admission to the dance after 9:30pm. 
• The dance will end promptly at 11:00pm. The building will close right away, please make arrangements for transportation off campus at that time.
• No tickets will be sold at the door.
• Student ID must be presented at the gate for admission.
• No bags or purses will be permitted into the dance.
• They can have a small bag(clutch) where they can fit their cell phones, keys, etc.  All Bags may be subject to search and inspection!
• No personal items of any kind will be allowed to be brought in unless specifically permitted by school officials.
• No outside food/drinks will be allowed.
• We ask that all attendees behave themselves in an appropriate manner. Please treat all other guests with respect.  School officials do reserve the right to remove anybody for inappropriate or unruly behavior. 
• All tickets sales are final. No refunds

If all attendees follow these guidelines, the dance will be a success.  We are looking forward to a fun and exciting homecoming dance!

Thank you,

Matt MacDonald

Director of Student Activities

West Potomac High School

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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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 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up.   No School for 9th Graders. 12:55pm Dismissal.

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

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  

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

Principal Message 

Dear West Potomac High School Community,

What a fantastic Homecoming week we just had! It was an exciting spirit week that was filled with school spirit, laughter, and camaraderie.  We want to thank our amazing SGA for all their hard work and dedication, especially Ms. Borghard and Mr. Petrucelli, the sponsors.

Wednesday night, the rain broke just in time for us to have the scheduled movie night.  We had well over 100 students show up to watch Tangled on the large outdoor screen.    

Let's continue to carry the spirit of Homecoming forward as we embark on the rest of the school year.

Homecoming pictures and highlights will be loaded on our school website.

West Potomac was notified on Wednesday by the Virginia Board of Education that we have won the Continuous Improvement Exemplar award for our work last school year.  The Exemplar School Performance Awards recognizes schools that exceed board-established performance requirements or show continuous improvement and growth on academic and school quality indicators.

Congrats to our week 2 C.L.A.W Card winners (below) Cristal Zelaya Ramos and Kelly Gomez-Montoya.  The teachers that were recognized were Mr. Kevin Johnson and Sra. Rodriguez.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Jessica Statz, Principal

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)     

 Win a Family Photo Session by Renée C. Gage 

The WP PTSA is excited to announce a raffle to win a Renée C. Gage Family Portrait Session valued at $450 

Session includes:  

·       Family Photo Session with Renée 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 

About Renée 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 

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!     

2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better.     

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, [email protected] for options.

Try Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course - Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’s MemberHubStore.

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, [email protected].  Over summer only, contact Marilyn Aboff, [email protected]

 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 the Fairfax 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

 Find additional 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 on this 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 contact [email protected] with 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 

Please review the first College & Career Center newsletter of this school year.  It includes information on upcoming events, scholarships, enrichment opportunities and more!  

College and Career Center September Newsletter 

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 email your resume to [email protected].  

Fundraisers  WPHS Crew Team 

Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Wednesday, October 2nd , 4-8 pm. Support the Crew 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. 

Class of 2025   

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-Shirts will 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 

1. Advisory teacher 

1. Weight (in pounds) 

1. 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, 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/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 ([email protected]) Senior Class Sponsors: Sejal Parekh ([email protected]) & Tracy Scheel ([email protected]) 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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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 the Fairfax 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

 Find additional 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 on this 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.

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

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HOMECOMING DANCE INFORMATION

SATURDAY September 28th 8PM-11PM

Our SGA is planning a beautiful dance in celebration of homecoming week this year on September 28th. 2024.  The dance will take place in the Main Gym between the hours of 8:00pm and 11:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many Wolverines as possible.   To make it a positive experience for all who are in attendance, we have outlined a few guidelines that everybody must adhere to in order to participate.

• Doors will open at 7:50pm. There will be no admittance to the building before that time unless specifically permitted by a school official.
• Entrance to the dance will be through Door 1 only. When leaving the dance, you must exit through Door 27 only.
• There will be no admission to the dance after 9:30pm. 
• The dance will end promptly at 11:00pm. The building will close right away, please make arrangements for transportation off campus at that time.
• No tickets will be sold at the door.
• Student ID must be presented at the gate for admission.
• No bags or purses will be permitted into the dance.
• They can have a small bag(clutch) where they can fit their cell phones, keys, etc.  All Bags may be subject to search and inspection!
• No personal items of any kind will be allowed to be brought in unless specifically permitted by school officials.
• No outside food/drinks will be allowed.
• We ask that all attendees behave themselves in an appropriate manner. Please treat all other guests with respect.  School officials do reserve the right to remove anybody for inappropriate or unruly behavior. 
• All tickets sales are final. No refunds

If all attendees follow these guidelines, the dance will be a success.  We are looking forward to a fun and exciting homecoming dance!

Thank you,

Matt MacDonald

Director of Student Activities

West Potomac High School

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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Table of Contents   

• Important Dates   

• Principal Message
• Hispanic Heritage Month   

• PTSA   
• PSAT/SAT Testing Information

• Student Services / College & Career Center Updates 

• AVID Tutors 

• Fundraisers   

• Class of 2025  

Important Dates    

September 21 – Dance Team Carwash, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Aldersgate 

September 23-28 – Homecoming Week    

September 28 – Homecoming Dance – Chaperones Needed! 

September 24 – PTSA Chipotle Restaurant Night, 4:00 – 8:00 pm (Richmond Hwy location - use code online or show flyer in person)  

October 3 - Holiday - Rosh Hashanah

October 4 – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday  

October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up.   No School for 9th Graders.

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

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 

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

Principal Message

West Potomac Wolverine Community,

The Wolverines were remarkably busy this week. We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an amazing weeklong spirit week honoring Hispanic heritage. Students, faculty, and staff contributed to this wonderful celebration.

In addition, this Tuesday and Thursday, we held our first Family Literacy Nights, and they were a tremendous success. Shout out to Ms. Katherine Lodge, ESOL Teacher, Ms. Yamalie Rodriguez Figueroa, Spanish Teacher, and Maribel Guzman Padilla, from Central Office who organized this amazing event with the help of our Parent Liaisons and some amazing student volunteers. They helped us with over 80 family members from our community.  This is a true testament to the love and dedication of our Wolverine community from all stakeholders.

As an educator that grew up with parents that coached high school sports and activities, I absolutely love ALL student activities. Please encourage your students to get involved in something. We have multiple options here at West Potomac. I also understand that different activities in school may be the only passion students have during the day. I try make visit activities, performances, and games when I am able.

Next week is our Homecoming week, “A Night Under the Stars.” Monday is my favorite day, PJ Day! We are extremely excited about all the activities and Spirit Days during the week culminating in our Homecoming Football game Friday night and dance on Saturday. Get your dance tickets early. They are on sale during all lunches.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Jessica Statz, Principal

C.L.A.W. Card Prize winners for the week!

This year at West Potomac we have built a way for teachers to celebrate students when they see them exhibiting values and actions that represent who we are as a community.  C.L.A.W. cards stand for Collaboration, Leadership, Accountability, and Worth Ethic.  As students receive these C.L.A.W. cards they are to write their name on them and drop them into one of a few different boxes through out the building.  Each Friday we will randomly select a couple C.L.A.W. cards and those selected will receive a price. 

Congrats to this weeks C.L.A.W. card prize winners – Edwin Garcia and Zoie Jones!

Thank you for supporting us so much with Family Literacy and Hispanic Heritage Month. 

What Hispanic Heritage Month all about: Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

How it started: The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

Why this month: The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)    

Win a Family Photo Session by Renée C. Gage 

The WP PTSA is excited to announce a raffle to win a Renée C. Gage Family Portrait Session valued at $450 

Session includes:  

• Family Photo Session with Renée 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 

About Renée 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.  

https://www.reneecgage.com/ 

IG: @reneecgagephoto 

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!    

2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better.    

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.

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.

• 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 Online CLASSES Contact Marilyn Aboff, [email protected] for options.

Applerouth’s Self-Paced Online Course - Available for purchase ($125.00) on the PTSA’s MemberHubStore.

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.

• 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, [email protected]. Over summer only, contact Marilyn Aboff, [email protected]

Chaperones Needed! 

The Homecoming Dance is coming up on September 28th, and we need chaperones! Please sign up to help here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549ADAA2CA46-51015248-homecoming#/ 

Questions/comments/concerns: email [email protected] or [email protected]” 

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 contact [email protected] with 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

Please review the first College & Career Center newsletter of this school year.  It includes information on upcoming events, scholarships, enrichment opportunities and more! 

College and Career Center September Newsletter

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 email your resume to [email protected]. 

Fundraisers  

Class of 2025  

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

https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1078125 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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Table of Contents  

• Important Dates  
• Principal Message  
• PTSA  
• Student Services / College & Career Center Updates
• AVID Tutors
• Fundraisers  
• Class of 2025 

Important Dates   

September 14 - WP Performing Arts Tag Day 8:00 am - 4:00 pm   

September 17 – Orchestra Five Guys Restaurant Night, 4:00-8:00 pm (Quander Rd. and Hybla Valley locations) 

September 18 – Deadline for National Honor Society application  

September 23-28 – Homecoming Week   

September 24 – PTSA Chipotle Restaurant Night, 4:00 – 8:00 pm (Richmond Hwy location - use code online or show flyer in person) 

October 4 – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday 

October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up.   

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

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

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

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

Happy Friday Wolverine Community,

What a fantastic week it has been! Our students and staff have been hard at work both in and out of the classroom, demonstrating their dedication to academic excellence and school spirit.

From exciting athletic events to engaging extracurricular activities, there's always something happening at West Potomac. We're grateful for the continued support and involvement of our community in making these experiences possible.

On Tuesday, we were thrilled to see so many parents at our first PTSA General Meeting. Your participation is invaluable in helping us create a strong and supportive school environment. We encourage all parents to get involved and share their thoughts and ideas.

This past week, we noticed an uptake in food deliveries and students leaving school grounds without permission to get fast food.  Moving forward, when we catch this happening, we will be confiscating and throwing the food away.  For safety purposes, we cannot have doors propped open for delivery drivers or random people on campus not coming to door 1.  In an emergency, if you need to bring food to your student, it must be dropped off in the main office using door 1. 

Thank you again for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we're making West Potomac an even better place to learn and grow.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jessica Statz

Principal

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)   

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!   

2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better.   

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   

Student Services / College & Career Center

College & Career Center 

Wolverines!  Fall is college admissions season.  There are several upcoming events for students and families to learn about different colleges & the opportunities they offer. 

College Representative Visits to WPHS: 

• During the fall of every year, college admissions representatives come to the WPHS College & Career Center during the school day to present information about their schools. Visits have started and will continue daily through the beginning of November.  Seniors & juniors are eligible to attend.  It is an excellent opportunity for students to hear information about a specific college, including the admissions process directly from college representatives.  Students must log into Naviance to see a list of colleges that have scheduled visits as well as to register to attend a visit.   

College Fair and Look to the Future Events: 

• The 2024 College Fair will be held at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 20, from 4-6:30pm. The Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, from 5-8 p.m. The virtual event will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities. For more information, visit:  https://bit.ly/fcpspostsecondary . Fairfax County Public Schools high school students and their families are encouraged to register for these events if you plan to attend.  These events are designed to help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. 

ASBC 22nd Annual HBCU College Festival: 

• The ASBC 22nd Annual Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Festival is being held November 8-9, 2024. This event is open to all high school students and will be held at The St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  The festival is dedicated to connecting high school students and their families to HBCUs and offers onsite admissions decisions, scholarship opportunities, and seminars. Students and their families are encouraged to register at https://tinyurl.com/ASBC-22ndHBCU-Festival   

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 email your resume to [email protected].

Fundraisers 

West Potomac Performing Arts Department Tag Day!   

September 14, 8:00am - 4:00pm   

Tag Day is the biggest single-day fundraiser for the West Potomac Performing Arts Department. Students in the Performing Arts will be canvassing the West Potomac community in groups of four with a parent driver and ask for donations to support programs from Band to Orchestra to Chorus. On September 14, keep an eye out for our students playing their instruments or singing in your neighborhood in hopes you'll make a generous donation to support our talented kids. You can donate on Tag Day, or you can donate today via this link: https://wolverineband.com/donate/    

And thank you from the West Potomac Band Boosters!  

WPHS Orchestra 

Restaurant Night at Five Guys on Tuesday, September 17, 4-8 pm. Support the orchestra program 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. 

WP PTSA 

Class of 2025 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents 

• Important Dates  

• Principal Message  

• PTSA  

• National Honor Society 
• Immunization Requirements

• Family Literacy / English Classes  

• School Picture Information  

• Performing Arts Fundraiser  

• Class of 2025 Information  

Important Dates  

September 10 - 1st PTSA Meeting - Meet the Admin Team - 6:30pm Library  

September 12 – WP Band Restaurant Day (all day) - McAllisters 

September 12 and 13 – 9th -11th graders will have school pictures during English Classes  

September 14 - WP Performing Arts Tag Day 8:00 am - 4:00 pm  

September 18 – Deadline for National Honor Society application 

September 23-28 – Homecoming Week  

October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up.  

Principal Message

Happy Weekend West Potomac High School Community,

As we reflect on the week, I am filled with a sense of pride and excitement for our school community.  With many changes this year, our students, staff and community are embracing the fresh starts and new beginnings for West Potomac.

Our Back-to-School Open House was a resounding success, providing a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with teachers and learn about the year ahead. It was heartwarming to see so many families in attendance and the enthusiasm for learning was palpable.

On the athletic front, our school day volleyball match, WPHS vs West Springfield, was a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. The energy and support from the student body was electric, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

As we move forward, I want to remind everyone about the importance of safe driving in our school parking lots. Please remember to follow all traffic rules and signs to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We have also begun ticketing students who are parking without a valid parking pass.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our entire school community for a fantastic start to the year. Your commitment to excellence and support for our students is truly inspiring. Let us continue to work together to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all. 

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Go Wolverines!

Jessica Statz, Principal

A few photos from this past week on campus!

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)  

• Please join us for our first PTSA Meeting of the year on September 10th at 6:30 pm in the West Potomac Library. Principal Statz will address all things West Po including adjustments to this year's grading system. Come and meet the Admin Team! We will be introducing all of the West Potomac Administrative Team!

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!  

• 2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better .  

• 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  

National Honor Society: 

• Juniors and seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher are invited to apply to West Potomac High School's National Honor Society. Application information has been posted to the “All Students Schoology”. The application deadline has been extended to Wednesday, September 18th by midnight. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Landon ([email protected]) or Mrs. Rice ([email protected]).

Immunization Requirements

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Leslie Dorsey in Student Services. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

• A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
• A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
• A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations.

Picture Day is coming!

• Students in grades 9-11 will have their pictures taken during their English class on September 12 and 13.  All students will have their photos taken for their student ID.  If you would like to order the photos, information is attached. 
• If you are looking for information about senior portraits, check this page for information from the photographer.  

West Potomac Performing Arts Department Tag Day!  

September 14, 8:00am - 4:00pm  

Tag Day is the biggest single-day fundraiser for the West Potomac Performing Arts Department. Students in the Performing Arts will be canvassing the West Potomac community in groups of four with a parent driver and ask for donations to support programs from Band to Orchestra to Chorus. On September 14, keep an eye out for our students playing their instruments or singing in your neighborhood in hopes you'll make a generous donation to support our talented kids. You can donate on Tag Day, or you can donate today via this link: https://wolverineband.com/donate/   

And thank you from the West Potomac Band Boosters! 

Class of 2025  

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents 

• Important Dates 

• Principal Message 

• PTSA 

• Back to School Night 
• NHS

• Student Services 

• Family Literacy / English Classes 

• School Picture Information 

• Performing Arts Fundraiser 

• Class of 2025 Information 

Important Dates 

• August 30 / September 2 – Student Holidays 

• September 5 – Back to School Night Open House – 4-7pm 

• September 10 - 1st PTSA Meeting - Meet the Admin Team - 6:30pm Library 

• September 11 – Deadline for National Honor Society application 

• September 12 and 13 – 9th -11th graders will have school pictures during English Classes 

• September 14 - WP Performing Arts Tag Day 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 

• September 23-28 – Homecoming Week 

• October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up. 

Principal Message 

Hello Wolverine Community,

It has been another great week at West Potomac.  We have much to celebrate in week two. 

Congratulations! The West Potomac La Liga has been selected to receive a 2024 FCPS Team Excellence Award! The nomination was submitted in late spring and nomination review committees convened at the end of last school year. The final selections were approved by the FCPS Leadership Team this summer.

Congratulations! The West Potomac Super Snack Team has been selected to receive a 2024 FCPS Team Excellence Award! The nomination was submitted in late spring and nomination review committees convened at the end of last school year. The final selections were approved by the FCPS Leadership Team this summer.

As I have stated before, a goal of mine is to keep promoting positivity for the West Potomac High School community.   

PTSA-  Parents and guardians please remember to join PTSA.  All the funding goes right back into our school and your student’s classes. This booster program aims to work collaboratively between teachers, the students, parents and community. The PTSA also helps provide extra funds to our classrooms and other school-related activities.  Visit this link to join!

Lastly, please remember the importance of attendance and being on time to class each and every day.  I hope everyone has a great long Labor Day weekend. 

Fondly,

Jessica Statz

PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association) 

Please join us for our first PTSA Meeting of the year on September 10th at 6:30 pm in the West Potomac Library. Principal Statz will address all things West Po including the new grading system. Come and meet the Admin Team! We will be introducing all of the West Potomac Assistant Principles. 

Please join the WPHS PTSA today! 

• 2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better . 

• 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 

WPHS Back to School Night 2024 

• West Potomac Back to School Night Open House will be Thursday, September 5, from 4-7pm. 

• The open house format allows you to check in with teachers as your schedule allows during the three-hour window.  Every 20 minutes (4pm, 4:20pm, 4:40pm, etc.) teachers will share a brief 5-7 minute presentation with those who are in the room.  We recommend reviewing your child’s schedule on ParentVue and writing down room numbers and teacher names. 

• On Tuesday we will share a list of teachers who are floating and identifying what classrooms you can find them in.  All other teachers would be available in the room assigned to your child’s schedule.   

• We will also have an optional 25-minute New Parent Presentation at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm in the cafeteria presented by Student Services.  These presentations will cover ParentVue, Attendance, Standard/Advanced Diploma, Student Services Introductions, Administration Overview, College and Career Center, Student Activities Overview, Late Bus Days, Advisory Rotation, and Q&A. 

National Honor Society 

Juniors and seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to apply to West Potomac High School's National Honor Society. Application information has been posted to the “All Students Schoology”. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 11th by midnight. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Landon ([email protected]) or Mrs. Rice ([email protected]). 

Senior Information Night - 8/28/24

Student Services 

• Senior Night Information - Thank you to all those who were able to join us for Senior Information Night yesterday. Here is a link to the powerpoint that our team shared during the event.  Please reach out to your child’s counselor if you have any questions. 
• Please review our August Newsletter for important updates!

West Potomac Performing Arts Department Tag Day! 

September 14, 8:00am - 4:00pm 

Tag Day is the biggest single-day fundraiser for the West Potomac Performing Arts Department. Students in the Performing Arts will be canvassing the West Potomac community in groups of four with a parent driver and ask for donations to support programs from Band to Orchestra to Chorus. On September 14, keep an eye out for our students playing their instruments or singing in your neighborhood in hopes you'll make a generous donation to support our talented kids. You can donate on Tag Day, or you can donate today via this link: https://wolverineband.com/donate/  

And thank you from the West Potomac Band Boosters! 

Class of 2025 

It's an exciting time for Class of 2025! So many firsts and so many lasts! 

To help keep parents and students informed we recommend the following links: 

• https://westpotomachs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/seniors-class-2025 

• Facebook: [West%20Potomac%20HS-Class%20of%20025]West Potomac HS-Class of 2025 

• https://www.facebook.com/share/g/obG8taSLegNE4KS2/ 

• Instagram:westpo2025sga 

• https://www.instagram.com/westpo2025sga?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

• Don't forget to sign up for Senior Pictures. These will be used in the yearbook and for student ID's. https://seniors.legacystudios.com/west-potomac-hs-alexandria-va/ 

• Look out for future information about purchasing 2025 class signs & class t-shirts.  

Thank you parents for all of your support. This is going to be a great year! 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents

• Important Dates
• Principal Message
• Back to School Night
• Student Services
• Monthly Newsletter
• Schedule Change Window
• Family Literacy / English Classes
• School Picture Information
• PTSA Membership
• Orchestra Fundraiser
• Class of 2025 Information

Important Dates

• August 28 – Senior Information Night - 6pm
• September 5 – Back to School Night Open House – 4-7pm
• September 10 - 1st PTSA Meeting - Meet the Admin Team - 6:30pm Library
• September 12 and 13 – 9th -11th graders will have school pictures during English Classes
• September 23-28 – Homecoming Week
• October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up.

Principal Message

Dear West Potomac School Community,

I hope this message finds you all well and rested after a fantastic first week of school. It has been an absolute pleasure to see our students and staff back in the building, filled with excitement and enthusiasm.

The energy and positivity on campus have been truly inspiring. Our faculty and staff have been working tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for our students. Their dedication and commitment to our school community is truly commendable.  I was able to drop into many classes already this week.  Below are just a few examples of the amazing instruction happening this week.

As your principal, I am immensely proud of the way our students and staff have come together to make this a memorable start to the school year. I am confident that this positive momentum will continue throughout the year as we work together to achieve great things.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to another wonderful week ahead!

Sincerely,

Jessica Statz, Principal

Parking and Driving

Below are a few important reminders about driving and parking at West Potomac:

At West Potomac High School the safety of our students, staff, and guests is our number one priority! Please read below for reminders about safe driving practices on our campus:

• Juniors and Seniors who drive to school and park with a valid student parking pass must use safe driving practices to include following the speed limit, following all traffic signs, and following staff directions for traffic flow during arrival and dismissal.
• Juniors and Seniors who park on campus with a valid student parking pass must park in their assigned parking spot. Students who do not have a valid parking pass are not permitted to park in assigned student spaces, staff spaces, spaces marked Reserved, or in the Kiss and Ride loop. West Potomac HS staff will begin issuing parking tickets on September 4, 2024.
• At no time, should students park illegally in areas that are not designated for parking.
• Parents who are dropping off and picking up their students should do so in the designated Kiss and Ride area. Please do not drop off or pick up students in the senior parking lot.
• U-turns at the entrances to the West Potomac HS campus entrances from Quander Road are prohibited.
• Access to driveways and thruways onto private property between the entrances to the West Potomac HS campus from Quander Road is prohibited. Again, please pick up and drop off your student in the designated Kiss and Ride area.

If you have specific questions regarding your child’s arrival and departure from campus, please contact their administrator. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in keeping West Potomac HS a safe campus for everyone!

WPHS Back to School Night 2024

• West Potomac Back to School Night will be Thursday, September 5, from 4-7pm.
• Back to School Night is an open house format, which allows you to check in with teachers as your schedule allows during the three-hour window. 
• More information will be shared next week! We hope to see you on September 5!

Student Services

 Newsletter

• Please review our August Newsletter for important updates!

Elective Change Window 8/26-8/29

• Students who wish to explore dropping an elective during the elective change window should see their counselor during the period of the elective they are looking to drop. After reporting to class and being marked present for attendance, they can ask their teacher for a pass to see their counselor to explore another elective.

Senior Information Night

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!

• 2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1057326 Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better .
• 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/items/1057404

It's an exciting time for Class of 2025! So many firsts and so many lasts!

To help keep parents and students informed we recommend the following links:

• https://westpotomachs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/seniors-class-2025
• Facebook: West Potomac HS-Class of 2025
  • https://www.facebook.com/share/g/obG8taSLegNE4KS2/
• Instagram:westpo2025sga
  • https://www.instagram.com/westpo2025sga?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Don't forget to sign up for Senior Pictures. These will be used in the yearbook and for student ID's. https://seniors.legacystudios.com/west-potomac-hs-alexandria-va/
• Look out for future information about purchasing 2025 class signs & class t-shirts. 

Thank you parents for all of your support. This is going to be a great year!

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents

• Important Dates
• First Day Reminders
• Student Services / Schedule Change Reminders
• PTSA Membership
• WABC Membership/Game Passes

Important Dates

• Tomorrow  – First Day of School, 8:10am
• August 28 – Senior Information Night, 6pm
• September 5 – Back to School Night Open House – 4-7pm
• September 23-28 – Homecoming Week
• October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up.

First Day Reminders

• We are excited to welcome all our Wolverines to campus tomorrow for their first day of school. Tomorrow is a Silver Day (1, 3, 5, 7), and students should report to 1st Period upon arriving to school.
• Students schedules are available on StudentVue and ParentVue. Students should follow the schedule listed on their StudentVue App.

• Please visit this link to review our morning arrival and dismissal traffic procedures.  For returning families this is the same traffic pattern that we had last school year.  Thank you in advance for following these directions.

• Laptops will be distributed via English classes during the first two days of school.
• Bus transportation is sent out directly to families from our transportation team and is visible in StudentVue/ParentVue. A reminder that at dismissal buses are not lined up in the same order each day.  To ensure students can find their bus, there are bus boards outside Door 1 (main entrance) and in the Gym Lobby (inside door 27).  Students should be sure they know their bus number and then check either of these boards to find their bus location. 
• If you haven’t already reviewed it, please visit the Back to School page on our website for important information!

Student Services

• During the first week of school we are not making schedule changes unless your child is missing a class, has too many classes, is placed in the wrong course, or missing a graduation requirement.  Students who may have an issue as described should always check in with the teacher listed on their schedule for attendance purposes and then report to Student Services with a pass during the period when there is an error.
• August 26-29 is our elective change window and we will share more information about that at the end of the week.

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!

• 2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1057326 Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better .
• 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/items/1057404

Wolverine Athletic Booster Club (WABC)

Dear Wolverine Fans,

It is the very best time of the year! The 2024-2025 athletic season is about to begin and the WABC is launching our annual Membership Drive by selling Game Passes. This year we are offering three different levels of Membership. Students, families, and fans can show their support by purchasing; a Family Pass ($185 for up to five family members including WP students), a Student Pass ($30), or an Individual Family Member Pass ($75).  All purchases are made via Paypal at https://www.supportwestpotomac.com/membership.html

Pass holders will receive free admission to all regular season home games. District, regional, and state tournaments will charge an entry fee. This pass provides HUGE savings over the course of the school year and is one of the best ways to show your Wolverine pride! Each pass holder will receive a personalized card and should remember to bring it to all events for admission. Cards will be available for pick up at the Wolverine Welcome on August 16th and also at all of the first home game for each team. Passes may be mailed to home addresses by request.

The price for the Family Pass increases to $210 and Individual Adult Pass increases to $100 after 8/23 so order yours today!

Questions may be directed to Wendy Joachim at 703-889-0086.

Let's Go Wolverines! 

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Wolverine Welcome Open House

• A reminder that our Wolverine Welcome Open House House is today from 3-5pm!
• What is Wolverine Welcome?  Wolverine Welcome is our annual school Open House event where students and families can come to campus, find classrooms and lockers, as well as attend our Community Vendor Open House in the Main Gym

• Please note that because of schedules being accessible on ParentVue and StudentVue app we will not be printing schedules for all students, but anyone who does not have the app, can stop by Student Services and we will print your child’s schedule and assist you in activating your ParentVue account.
• The building will be open so it’s a great opportunity to walk your schedule and practice your locker combination.
• The WP Clinic will be open should a parent want to check in with our Clinic or drop of medicine.
• Administrators will be available to help answer any questions.

• Stop by Room 331, WPHS Family Center, for opportunities to have building tours in English or Spanish, receive information about FREE adult classes to learn English, meet WPHS Family Liaisons, and more!

• We will have a variety of community vendors/resources available on site in the gym.

Please join the WPHS PTSA today!

• 2024-2025 Family PTSA Membership Available Now: https://westpotomacptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1057326 Additionally, PTSA is kicking off the year with a Direct Donation Campaign. Last year the PTSA funded $6500 in teacher grants requests, supported the Rising Stars and A/B Honor Roll student recognition programs, field trips, teacher appreciation week and various school improvements. We ask for your help to make this year even better .
• 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/items/1057404

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
Attendance | Web | Twitter

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Table of Contents

• Important Dates
• New Student Orientation – with Bus Info
• Wolverine Welcome
• Laptop Distribution
• Back to School Information
• Varsity Tutors
• PTSA Test Prep Info
• WABC Membership/Game Passes

Important Dates

• August 15 – Schedules Go Live 6am on StudentVue/ParentVue
• August 15 – 9th Grade and New Student Orientation, 8:10am-12pm
• August 16 – Wolverine Welcome Campus Open House, 3-5pm
• August 19 – First Day of School, 8:10am
• August 28 – Senior Information Night, 6pm
• September 5 – Back to School Night Open House – 4-7pm
• September 23-28 – Homecoming Week
• October 9 – PSAT Administration 10th/11th Grade, SAT Administration to 12th graders who sign up. More information coming soon.

• June 2, 2025 - WPHS Class of 2025 Graduation, 9:30am 

New Student Orientation

• 9th Grade and New Student (Grades 10-12) Orientation will be Thursday, August 15, beginning at 8:10am and concluding at 12pm. This event is for students.  Parents are encouraged to come to campus Friday for Wolverine Welcome.   
• Transportation
• Families are welcome to drive students to West Potomac for Orientation.  While all bus routes will not be running, we want to ensure students who do not have a ride to school that morning can still access Orientation.  As a result, students who need transportation to West Potomac for Orientation can report to the following locations at the times listed below to access Orientation. 
• Bus #1 – Pick ups at Hollin Meadows Elementary (7:20am), Belle View Elementary (7:33am) and Bucknell Elementary (7:45am)
• Bus #2 – Pick ups at Stratford Landing Elementary (7:25am), Fort Hunt Elementary (7:35am), and Waynewood Elementary (7:45am)
• Bus #3 – Pick ups at Groveton Elementary (7:35am) and Hybla Valley Elementary (7:45am)
• Bus #4 – Pick up at 7949 Janna Lee Ave (7:35am)
• Each of these buses will run after Orientation ends and drop off at the same locations. 
• If you plan to drop off your child, please be sure to review our Kiss and Ride map!
• All 10-12th new students should report to the library upon arriving for Orientation.  The library is located just inside Door 1.  While not required, if you plan on attending please complete this google form to assist us in planning!
• All 9th Graders will report to their Advisory/3rd Period at the start of Orientation (listed as 3rd period on their schedule).  Class Schedules become available at 6am the morning of Orientation.  Students will receive a paper copy of their schedule in 3rd Period.  Adults in the hallways will also have a list of everyone’s 3rd period Advisory location for students who do not have the app. We will have many adults and student leaders in the building to help everyone find their correct location!
• Orientation will include an opportunity for 9th graders to meet their peer mentor, advisory teacher, tour the building as well as go through their class schedule! Below is the Bell Schedule.
• 8:10-9:35 am: Advisory class (Tours, Meet Peer Mentors and Advisory Teacher)
• 9:43 - 9:55 am: 1st period (12 mins)
• 10:03 - 10:15 am: 5th period (12 mins)
• 10:23 - 10:35 am: 7th period (12 mins)
• 10:43 - 10:55 am: 2nd period (12 mins)
• 11:03 - 11:15 am: 4th period (12 mins)
• 11:23 - 11:35 am: 6th period (12 mins)
• 11:43 - 11:55 am: 8th period (12 mins)

Wolverine Welcome 2024

• Wolverine Welcome 2024 will be Friday August 15 from 3:00-5:00pm. 
• What is Wolverine Welcome?  Wolverine Welcome is our annual school Open House event where students and families can come to campus, find classrooms and lockers, as well as attend our Community Vendor Open House in the Main Gym:
• Please note that because of schedules being accessible on ParentVue and StudentVue app we will not be printing all schedules, but anyone who does not have the app, can stop by the Library and we will print your child’s schedule and assist you in activating your ParentVue account.
• The building will be open so it’s a great opportunity to walk your schedule and practice your locker combination.
• The WP Clinic will be open should a parent want to check in with our Clinic or drop of medicine.
• Administrators will be available to help answer any questions.
• We will have a variety of community vendors/resources available on site and available to families in the gym.
• We hope to see you Friday afternoon! 

Laptop Distribution

• Laptop distribution will take place on the first two days of school. Students will pick up their laptop during English class accompanied by their English teacher.
• Students who checked out a laptop over the summer will continue to use it for the 24-25 school year. If a student plans to use a personal laptop, they should not check out a school laptop. Students can stop by the Tech Office with any questions.

Important information to know:

• Laptop must be brought to school every day fully charged.
• We recommend not bringing your charger to school, this is how they get lost. Make it a habit to charge it every night!
• If you have a charger obligation from the 23-24 school year, you must pay it before receiving another charger.
• Laptops/chargers belong to West Potomac HS. If you leave West Potomac HS, you must return both items.
• Laptop/chargers are repaired through the Tech Office. There is a replacement cost if either item is lost/stolen.
• A replacement charger costs $23
• A replacement laptop costs $444

With the start of school just over a week away, the excitement on campus is building! A few photos from Fall Activities!

Back to School Information

• As summer winds down, our school and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Before the first day of school, please be sure to review the following information:  

  • Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
    • Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. New parents/caregivers need an activation code to create your account. Contact Mr. McMahon ([email protected]) in Student Services if you need a code. 
    • Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. 
    • Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. 
  • Update Your Contact Information
    • To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
  • Update Immunizations and Records
    • Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. Please log in to SIS ParentVUE to see what immunizations your child has recorded. 
    • Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia as soon as possible. If your child needs a vaccine, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or access other local services.
    • Remember to request your child’s immunization record and bring that to the school’s front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website. 
  • Prepare for Meals at School 
    • Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. 
    • The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
    • MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. 
  • Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals
    • The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
  • Bookmark the School Year Calendar
    • Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
    • Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days. Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days. 
  • Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
  • Note: Some holidays and observances, such as Eid al-Fitr, may shift and the calendar may be adjusted. 
  • Bus Transportation
  • Be on the lookout for mailed letters, emails, phone calls, and/or updates to ParentVue for your student's bus information! 

• Student Consent Forms
• Starting August 1, 2024, student consent forms currently on ParentVUE will be moved to the Parent Digital Consent System (PDC). Families can log in to the PDC using their ParentVUE credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child. School staff will have access to view consent status and edit consent with permission from the family.
• Forms available in the PDC starting in the 2024-2025 school year include:
• Digital Resources Consent
• School Counseling Opt-Out
• SEL Screener Opt-Out
• Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Applications
• Denial of Access to Military Recruiters 
• Family Life Education Opt-Out
• SOL Retest Permission
• Hazel Health
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Opt-Out
• SOS Screener Opt-Out
• Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
• Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
• As FCPS updates the PDC, more district-wide forms will be added. https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent

Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

• FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

PTSA Test Prep ACT News

WestPo students can register for this online ACT Small Group (with a live tutor) at the special WestPo rate.

• Sign up link: https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/registration/create?event_code=ACT1D11
• Deadline to sign up: August 14
• Price: This class is $999 to the public but WestPo students have a special rate of $475. They just need to enter this Discount Code upon enrollment: WP24OCT.

Upcoming test prep events – Register at https://applerouth.onecanoe.com/school/8946

Dear Wolverine Fans,

It is the very best time of the year! The 2024-2025 athletic season is about to begin and the WABC is launching our annual Membership Drive by selling Game Passes. This year we are offering three different levels of Membership. Students, families, and fans can show their support by purchasing; a Family Pass ($185 for up to five family members including WP students), a Student Pass ($30), or an Individual Family Member Pass ($75).  All purchases are made via Paypal at https://www.supportwestpotomac.com/membership.html

Pass holders will receive free admission to all regular season home games. District, regional, and state tournaments will charge an entry fee. This pass provides HUGE savings over the course of the school year and is one of the best ways to show your Wolverine pride! Each pass holder will receive a personalized card and should remember to bring it to all events for admission. Cards will be available for pick up at the Wolverine Welcome on August 16th and also at all of the first home game for each team. Passes may be mailed to home addresses by request.

The price for the Family Pass increases to $210 and Individual Adult Pass increases to $100 after 8/23 so order yours today!

Questions may be directed to Wendy Joachim at 703-889-0086.

Let's Go Wolverines! 

Grab your Game Passes HERE!

6500 Quander Road Alexandria, VA 22307  | Main Office: 703-718-2500
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