We look forward to seeing parents at tonight's Upper School Back to School Night, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. We ask that parents arrive in the Upper Crossroads between 6:00 and 6:25 pm, where you will receive a school directory and the schedule for the evening. At 6:30 pm, the program will begin in the Lower Crossroads with remarks from Upper School Head Doug McLane. Parents will then follow a modified schedule of their child’s classes. Student stewards and members of the Upper School administrative team will be on hand to guide you throughout the evening.

Grade-level parent information sessions, formerly known as US parent/admin coffees, are opportunities for parents to learn about the academic and student life programming for the year.  Please join members of the US Admin Team to learn more about the year ahead and participate in a Q&A. Mark your calendars. Mark your calendars for this recommended but optional offering at 8:30 am, in the Engelhard Library on the following dates: 

Grade 10: September 28
Grade 11: October 3  

The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) has named All-American and All-State winners from the 2022-23 school year. Natalie Roots-Nowakowski '23 and Olivia Eads '23 both finished in the top 25 in the nation and were named High School All-Americans. They are our third and fourth All-Americans in the last seven seasons. There were nine All-State awards in Virginia, seven of which were Potomac School students. Named to All-State recognitions: Natalie Roots-Nowakowski '23, Olivia Eads '23, Ethan Maher '25, Taylor Burris '24, Abigail Woldgebriel '24, Ayanna Nayar '24, and Meredith Vorndran '25.

Mr. Harry Strong was also honored with the NSDA Don Crabtree Distinguished Service Award. This is his second time being recognized for this award. Congratulations to all!

This past Friday, our eleventh graders had the opportunity to work with Dr. Bonnie Zucker, a licensed psychologist and one of the DMV’s top therapists. They engaged in a discussion about the stressors they are facing, the effects they can have, and strategies and skills they can utilize to mitigate stress and build resilience.

This past Thursday, we provided sexual health education as part of our tenth graders' health and wellness programming, focusing on Potomac’s key skills of decision-making, self-care, reducing risk, and community care. Students worked with Dr. Jenna Messman, the founder of WE CARE Collaborative, who serves as the Sexual Health Program Coordinator at the University of Maryland Health Center. 

Sophomores also spent their retreat day on campus thinking about community. The day began with some time focusing on what we owe the communities we belong to outside of Potomac. They then drilled more into what community looks like at Potomac, thinking about “mattering,” or how we value ourselves and are valued by others here. They also discussed how the pressure to be perfect can be detrimental to community and individual wellness. The final session centered on personal reflection and goal setting, which will be part of the student-led parent-advisor conferences later this year. 

The College Counseling Office hosted the following colleges at our first mini-fair of the season in the US Library. The University of Miami, University of Arizona, IE University (Spain), Syracuse University, Dickinson College, Catholic University of America, Barnard College, University of Maryland, and University of Richmond all had representation at the fair. More than 100 US students dropped by to learn about these institutions and chat with admissions representatives. It was an informative and energetic event! 

The Potomac School Theatre spirit wear is now available. Please contact Mia Fisher-Phillips to purchase and support our amazing Potomac Theatre students. And mark your calendars for the fall musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on November 3-4.