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February 23, 2023

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Featured News

Online Auction
Scholarship Auction is Next Weekend

Potomac’s 2023 Scholarship Auction is just over a week away! There are several exciting ways to support this important initiative, which raises funds for student scholarships and faculty professional development. Here are some ways you can get in on the fun:

  • RSVP – You have until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 28, to submit your reservation. There’s still time to gather your friends for the event on Saturday, March 4. If you don't have a table, our reservations team will find you a great group to sit with. We hope to see you there!
  • The Silent Auction is now open! Continue bidding on our fabulous items here. Please be sure to log in and scroll down to the bottom, as we continue to add new items.
  • Unable to attend? Consider raising your paddle virtually to support student scholarships and faculty professional development. 

Volunteers are needed for the event set up. If you can lend a hand, please sign up here.

Black History Month at Potomac

Throughout the academic year, Potomac students learn about and celebrate the many contributions and achievements of African Americans, but Black History Month is a great time to dig deeper. In the past few weeks, our community has engaged in a number of special events and assemblies to honor the stories, culture, history, and impact of Black individuals in the U.S. and around the world. Check out the articles in the sections below to learn more and view photo galleries.

Spotlight Program: An Evening with Dr. Lisa Damour
Spotlight Program: An Evening with Dr. Lisa Damour

Save the date! New York Times bestselling author and clinical psychologist Lisa Damour, PhD, will speak to the Potomac community on April 12, 6:30 pm, in the Langstaff Auditorium. Dr. Damour, who launched her new book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers on February 21, will share guidance to help parents understand their children's and teens' emotions and how best to support them. Dr. Damour’s previous books are Untangled and Under Pressure, and she hosts a podcast titled Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting. After the presentation, Dr. Damour will be available to sign her most recent book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. More information, including registration for this event, will be shared in early March.

Announcements

Service Connection Updates

The Service Connection is a resource that provides the Potomac School community with information about opportunities for service and philanthropy to meet needs in our local community, across the U.S., and around the world. Of special importance now are opportunities to help the people of Turkey and Syria in the wake of this month’s devastating earthquakes. Thanks to Potomac parent Sebnem Kalemli-Ozcan for sharing information about some of the relief efforts. Please visit the Service Connection to learn more. We also encourage you to submit non-school-sponsored service opportunities that may be of interest to the Potomac community for inclusion on the Service Connection page.

PA Hosts Appreciation Lunch for Faculty and Staff
PA Hosts Appreciation Lunch for Faculty and Staff

Last week, the Parent Association hosted an Appreciation Lunch to celebrate Potomac's dedicated faculty and staff. The event featured delicious cuisine and an assortment of Italian desserts. Faculty and staff enjoyed the opportunity to gather for a meal after a meaningful Professional Development Day. The Leonsis Dining Hall was beautifully decorated, and a few lucky employees found gift cards under their seats for an added treat! A great time was had by all. Special thanks go to the PA Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee and all of the parent volunteers who do so much for our school!

Parent Groups to Host Black History Month Event

The Parent Cultural Competence Committee (PCCC) and Parents of Black Students (PBS) invite you to a virtual Black History Month event on Tuesday, February 28, 7:00-8:30 pm. The program will feature a wide-ranging, interactive discussion with Lisa Franklin (PBS Co-chair) and Stephen Wicker (US English teacher), moderated by Tanika de Souza (PBS Co-chair). Then we will hear the perspectives of some of Potomac's most recent alumni: Atiba de Souza '22, Hannah Gilliard '22, and Brian McNeil Jr. '22. Please join the Zoom meeting (meeting ID: 879 2737 0354 / passcode:  945613).

After-School Activities

Potomac Marketplace Workshop Success

Grades K-4 participated in a one-day financial literacy workshop on parent teacher conference day. Potomac Marketplace was the theme, and the students established their first bank account with the construction of their very own piggy banks. It was a great day to focus on this core life skill.

Registration for Spring ETC is Open

Spring is approaching, and registration is now open for next season's ETC classes and sports clinics like basketball and field hockey! Space is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis. Check out our offerings and register today.

Pawz Corner

FAPS Ice Skating PartyThe Fathers Association of The Potomac School (FAPS) invites all Potomac students and family members to the annual fun-filled afternoon of ice skating, followed by pizza and refreshments, on Sunday, February 26, 11:00 am. Learn more and register here. 

Week Ahead

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Potomac Social

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    Lower School News

    Lower School

    Next Sharing Assembly on March 3

    Please join us on Friday, March 3, 11:00 am, for our next Sharing Assembly. We will be featuring Mrs. Harper’s and Mrs. Mendoza’s kindergarten classes and Mr. Gustavson's and Ms. McIntire's first grade classes.

    First Graders Visit Food Pantry
    First Graders Visit Food Pantry

    This week, all first grade classes visited Potomac’s community partner SHARE of McLean to tour their food pantry. After hearing from volunteer leaders at SHARE, the first graders worked in pairs to inventory the types of food items that will be collected during Potomac’s annual food drive in April. This service learning project focuses on local food insecurity and connects to the counting and organization unit in the grade-level math curriculum. Thank you to the first graders for helping with this investigative step in preparation for our food drive, and to our community partner for welcoming back our LS students for the first time in three years!

    Third Grade Scientists Getting Ready!

    Our third grade scientists are putting the final touches on their displays in preparation for the Science Fair tomorrow, February 24. Families, students, and teachers are invited to meet with our scientists in Ramsey Assembly during the following time slots: 9:00-10:00 am, 11:15 am-12:15 pm, and 1:20-2:20 pm. Get ready for a day of scientific discovery, learning, and excitement!

    KG Simple Machines!
    KG Simple Machines!

    Kindergarten scientists are studying small and large machines. After learning about excavators and wrecking balls, they moved on to simple machines, such as inclined planes and levers. In this activity, they experimented to see how the location of the fulcrum affects the distance the object is thrown from the lever. It was a smashing time!

    Lower School Dates

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    Middle School News

    Middle School

    Grade 4 Studying Electricity
    Grade 4 Studying Electricity

    Our fourth grade students have been busy exploring the amazing properties of electricity. They built virtual circuits, complete with switches that powered light bulbs, motors, and buzzers. They deepened their knowledge of electricity as they investigated whether various objects conducted the electric current or acted as an insulator in a circuit. Exploring static electricity sparked the students’ imaginations, and an experiment recreating the first incandescent lightbulb was a shining example of the power of electrons. Still to come, the students will surely be shocked to learn about the “battle of the currents” between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. We will also examine magnetism, a close relative of electricity. Finally, we will learn of unique creatures that possess the ability to generate electricity used to find food, zap prey, and communicate deep in the ocean. Enjoy this musical lesson on electricity!

    Ms. Armstrong's Fourth Grade Play: Date Change

    Due to the previously mentioned Robotics Tournament, Ms. Armstrong's class will now perform their class musical Newsies, on Thursday, March 2, 9:30 am, in the Langstaff Auditorium. We look forward to welcoming JA4 parents to this rescheduled performance that can also be enjoyed via livestream.

    Architecture: Listening, Planning, and Drawing

    Our sixth graders are excited to begin their architecture project, where they will design buildings with the specific goal of having a positive impact on a community. Their designs will correspond to one (or more) of The Potomac School's service learning themes: hunger, homelessness and poverty; literacy; the elderly; and the environment. Over four consecutive Tuesday assemblies, students will learn about community needs from our partner organizations. They have already heard from Saira Sufi, the manager of volunteer and community engagement at Embry Rucker Community Shelter, and more recently from Upper School art teacher Cort Morgan, who shared the value of designing with the environment in mind. Moving forward, the students will hear from Suzy Russell, the director of Washington Home Center for older adults, and Stacey Lucas, the volunteer engagement coordinator of the MLK Memorial Library in DC. Next, the students will research community needs related to their themes and design buildings that are intentional and thoughtful.

    MS Students to Attend State Robotics Tournament

    Congratulations to several fourth and fifth graders who will travel to Doswell, VA, on March 3 to represent Potomac in the State Robotics Competition! This group of students worked very hard to qualify for this prestigious tournament. We wish all the best to fourth graders Arman Aggarwal, Kayan Gajendragadkar, Henry Lettow, Gates Marwell, Liam Marwell, and Sophia Saltiel and fifth graders Will Cillizza, Erik Eggers, Drew Gudenberg, Ben Levin, Veer Mathur, and Sina Mirali. Go Panthers!

    Discovery Theater Group Comes to Potomac 
    Discovery Theater Group Comes to Potomac 

    Yesterday, Middle School students enjoyed the Discovery Theater production of How Old Is a Hero? The play highlights the contributions and heroic actions of three young people who helped move our nation forward during the Civil Rights Movement – Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, Claudette Colvin, and Ruby Bridges. Their stories provide inspiring examples of perseverance, courage, social change, civil rights, and activism.

    Middle School Dates

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    Intermediate School News

    Intermediate School

    IS Mathletes Compete

    This week, 24 IS Mathletes, the largest group in the division’s history, attended the second of three annual Independent Schools Mathematics Association of Washington (ISMAW) math meets, held at St. Albans School. In another first for Potomac, we finished with a perfect score of 24, with seven mathletes achieving perfect scores and another seven correctly solving five of the six challenging questions. Well done, IS Mathletes!

    IS Fem ’n Stem Affinity Group
    IS Fem ’n Stem Affinity Group

    The IS Fem ‘n Stem Affinity Group has recently grown in size and is now almost 30 girls strong! During the affinity group meetings, students collect data, run experiments, spotlight different careers, and discuss issues of inclusion and equity, especially in STEM fields. At the last Fem ‘n Stem meeting, eighth grader Maisy Bedell explored the trend of freeze-dried candy. She taught a lesson on dry ice and then gave it a try, packing an assortment of candy in dry ice. While it might not have worked out as her hypothesis proposed, the students developed theories on how to improve and potentially share this experiment with MS students when the group visits other divisions this spring to share their mission of inspiring, motivating, and empowering girls to be creative problem solvers.

    IS Black History Month Assembly
    IS Black History Month Assembly

    The IS Black Student Alliance (BSA), with support from members of our Upper School Black Student Union (BSU) and the Sisters Collaborative, recently led an educational and cultural celebration of Black History Month. The program included learning about the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, which provides scholarships and awards to minorities; hearing about the origins of Black History Month; enjoying written expression and musical and dance performances; and other enlightening segments. View the gallery of pictures.

    Seventh Grade Tree Project

    With a month left in winter and spring on the horizon, grade 7 scientists continue their observations for a year-long tree project. Each seventh grader has been observing aspects of a particular tree throughout the course of the year, noting seasonal changes and recording data and photos on a Google Site. The green leafy trees of September gave way to the colors of autumn and the tight buds of winter. Ask a seventh grader you know what changes they are noticing now.

    Five IS Robotics Teams to Head to States

    It's official! Now that the VEX IQ and VRC regular seasons have ended, three of our seventh and two of our eighth grade teams are going to States. Congratulations to Woodley Bohannon, Ronnie Bandi, Marissa McEwen, Michael McIntire, Matthew Bodi, Esther Choi, Jasper Majeed-Hall, Robert Murtaugh, Sawyer Pearce, Alex Runde, Matthew Seeber, Imani Nzekwe from the Class of 2027 and Jacob Jackson, Nikhil Kothari, Shlok Kuchangi, Julian Mankovsky, Kate Myslewicz, Advay Sharma, and Sophia Sultan from the Class of 2028. They will be competing in Doswell, VA next Friday and Saturday.

    Next Week's IS/US Joint Concerts

    On Thursday, March 2, Potomac’s Music Department will present two joint concerts featuring the IS/US Bands and the IS/US Choruses. The students and music teachers are excited to present what they have been working on. The IS/US Choral Concert will begin at 6:30 pm in Ramsey Assembly and the Bands Concert will begin at 7:30 pm on the Langstaff Auditorium stage. Ensemble directors will reach out to their students and parents to provide more detailed information. Come enjoy an evening of wonderful music!

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    Upper School News

    Upper School

    Speech and Debate Ranked Number One in Virginia

    The Potomac Speech and Debate team spent Presidents’ Day weekend competing in the Harvard National High School Invitational Forensics Tournament, the most prestigious high school speech and debate tournament in the country. More than 4,000 students from 38 states and six countries competed in this year’s event, including 31 from Potomac. Taylor Burris ‘24 led the way for our school, earning a final-round appearance in extemp speaking. In addition to Burris’ final round, Potomac had seven other quarterfinalists. Sasha Liefer ‘26 and Miqy Khapra ‘26 went undefeated in prelims and advanced to the round of 32 in eliminations among more than 300 novice public forum teams. Next up are the five national qualifiers for the team. Potomac enters the qualifying part of the season ranked number one in Virginia and number 82 in the nation. View who advanced to the elimination rounds and recent results from other tournaments.

    Read More about Speech and Debate Ranked Number One in Virginia
    Learning About the Divine Nine 
    Learning About the Divine Nine 

    On Tuesday, February 21, the Upper School community came together for another Black History Month program, this time about “The Divine Nine.” These are the nine original Black organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council – founded in 1930 on the campus of Howard University. Potomac employees and parents shared their personal experiences and journeys as members of these organizations. Audience members learned about how the organizations are first and foremost rooted in service. Speakers shared about lifelong connections they’ve made, networking, pledging and ‘crossing over,’ and the preparation that these organizations offer for life after college. See photos from the discussion.

    Read More about Learning About the Divine Nine 
    Upcoming Health and Wellness Programming

    Each fall, a small group of Upper School students attends the Georgetown Day School Sexual Assault and Consent Summit. This year, the attendees felt inspired to bring more of the program back to Potomac. Working alongside Mrs. Woods and Mr. Westermann, the students identified topics and speakers for a series of conversations for their peers and the faculty; the discussion topics will include the neurology of trauma, what is and isn't consent, and consent and the law. These engaging sessions which will begin on March 2, are designed to promote greater awareness about consensual relationships and how to advocate against unhealthy sexual behaviors. Parents interested in learning more about speaking with their children on the topic of sexual health can find resources here.

    Read More about Upcoming Health and Wellness Programming
    Changemaker Panel
    Changemaker Panel

    During last Thursday’s Panther Time, four US students shared information about their outside-of-school service initiatives in a panel presentation moderated by Yabby Maelaf '23. The panelists included Abby Collis '24, who spoke about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Lauren Hilliard '25, who spoke about LearnServe; Cambell Hughes '24, who spoke about Jill's House; and Sasha Minsky '24, who spoke about the Alexandra Youth Swim Academy. In this new program spearheaded by US service learning, each student shared personal stories of being a changemaker and offered advice inspired by their long-term service projects.

    Read More about Changemaker Panel
    Robotics in Full Competition Mode
    Robotics in Full Competition Mode
    Robotics had an active competition agenda over Presidents’ Day weekend, with teams competing in San Jose, CA, and Richmond, VA. In Richmond, teams 12Y and 12Z fought valiantly in a last chance to qualify for States. They reached personal bests in scoring for skills, and both teams played in the elimination rounds. 12Y managed to make it all the way to the finals, losing out in the end, but still qualifying for States with a 150 skills score. 
     
    Across the country in San Jose, CA, five Potomac Upper School teams (12B, 12D, 12E, 12H, 12S) competed against some of the best teams in California in the NorCal Silicon Valley Signature Event. Our teams adjusted to the different styles of play and refereeing – and thrived. While day one of the event was tough, all of our teams finished strong the second day, with 12H finishing with a 7-2 record, ranking 18th in their division. 12H went on a tear in the elimination rounds, until facing a tough end in the divisional semifinal rounds, just three matches away from playing in the grand finals. All the teams had a great experience at the event and took away many lessons to use for States. View photos from the competition!
    Read More about Robotics in Full Competition Mode
    Next Week's IS/US Joint Concerts

    On Thursday, March 2, Potomac’s Music Department will present two joint concerts featuring the IS/US Bands and the IS/US Choruses. The students and music teachers are excited to present what they have been working on. The IS/US Choral Concert will begin at 6:30 pm in Ramsey Assembly and the Bands Concert will begin at 7:30 pm on the Langstaff Auditorium stage. Ensemble directors will reach out to their students and parents to provide more detailed information. Come enjoy an evening of wonderful music!

    Read More about Next Week's IS/US Joint Concerts
    Upper School to Perform “Chicago”
    Upper School to Perform “Chicago”

    This weekend, Upper School Theater will perform the Teen Edition of America's longest running Broadway hit, Chicago, written by famed director and choreographer Bob Fosse and song-writing duo John Kander and Fred Ebb. Set in the titular city during the roaring twenties, Chicago tells the story of heroine Roxie Hart who murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap – until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. While awaiting their trials, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.

    Parental Discretion Advised: Chicago contains some adult language and themes, as well as some images of violence. This production is not suitable for children under 13.

    Performances will be held in the Langstaff Auditorium, on Friday, February 24, 6:30 pm, and Saturday, February 25, at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are free of charge, but reservations are required. Cast members will be taking reservations during lunch periods. Reservations can also be made by emailing Stephanie Miller with the preferred date and performance time. We ask that all tickets be picked up 15 minutes before the show begins. Shuttles will be available and dinner will be provided for students staying for the Friday show.

    Read More about Upper School to Perform “Chicago”

    Upper School Dates

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    US T208 Tiered Classroom

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    Athletics

    Athletics

    Indoor Track Has Historic State Meet
    Indoor Track Has Historic State Meet

    It was an historic day for Potomac’s indoor track team at States. The girls earned a third-place finish, while the boys placed fourth. Ally Griswold '26 set a state and school record in the 300m with a time of 40.36 seconds. Maya Davis ‘23 set school records in the 55m (7.23 seconds) and long jump. The girls 4x4 (Tenley Overdeck '24, Kate Motley '23, Kate Tuttle '24, and Griswold) and 4x2 (Davis,Tea Picconatto '24, Motley, and Griswold) relay teams brought home first place. Other individual accomplishments include Tuttle's second-place finish in the 1k, Overdeck's fifth-place finish in the 500m, Arielle Kouyoumdjian’s '25 sixth-place finish in the 3200m, Motley's seventh-place finish in the 300m, and Genevieve Harris's '23 eighth-place in the mile. Charlie Ortmans '23 earned Boys Runner of the Meet for his wins in the 1600m and 3200m and a third-place finish in the 1k. Cole Griswold '24 placed fourth in the 500m and seventh in the 300m. Alex Mathews '24 placed sixth in the 1k, as did Sasha Minsky '24 in the 3200m. Several Panther athletes will proceed onto Nationals in mid-March.

    Wrestlers Shine at VISAA State Tournament
    Wrestlers Shine at VISAA State Tournament

    The wrestling team traveled to Richmond this past weekend to compete at the VISAA State Tournament. Everyone on the team wrestled their best of the season, with three wrestlers earning All-State honors. Adar Weinman '25 finished in eighth place, capturing All-State honors for his second season in a row. Jeremy DeLaVille '24 finished in seventh place, capturing All-State honors. Jason Seeber '25 finished in fourth place, banking All-State honors and earning a berth to the National Prep Wrestling Championship this Friday and Saturday at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. See pictures from this weekend here, courtesy of Becky Cullinan. Onward for Potomac!

    Swim Competes at VISAA State Championships
    Potomac’s swim team finished up their season at the VISAA State Championships this past Friday and Saturday. Over the course of the two days, several swimmers set new team records: 50 Free - Kate Douglas ‘26, 100 Fly - Will Walters ‘24, 100 Breast - Brock Schedler ‘23, 100 Back - Walters, and the girls 200 Free Relay (Paige Schedler ‘25, Madeleine Steves ‘26, Sam Taylormoore ‘23, and Douglas). We had two All-State swims, from Douglas in the 50 Free and Walters in the 100 Back. In fact, Douglas was crowned the State Champion in the 50 Free.
     
    Our state finishes are as follows: Douglas (1st 50 Free, 4th 100 Free), Walters (5th 100 Fly, 3rd 100 Back), Schedler (5th 50 Free, 5th 100 Breast), Boys 200 Medley Relay (5th; Walters, Schedler, Arav Bhargava ‘24, and Ale Wick ‘25), Steves (14th 200 IM, 16th 100 Breast), Bhargava (14th 100 Fly, 15th 100 Free), girls 200 Medley Relay (15th; Kate Reynolds ‘26, Maren Schwarz ‘25, Taylormoore, and P. Schedler), girls 400 Free Relay (6th; Sabine Barbee ‘26, Steves, Schwarz, and Douglas), boys 400 Free Relay (6th; Bhargava, Wick, Walters, and B. Schedler), and the girls 200 Free Relay (P. Schedler, Steves, Taylormoore, and Douglas). What an amazing last meet to round out a fantastic season for the Potomac Swim Team!
     
    The coaches could not be more proud and delighted to see these students’ growth as swimmers and more importantly, as people. Go Panthers!

    Athletics Dates