December 2015 - Potomac High School

VOLUME 13 ~ December 2015
ADMINISTRATION
Michael A. Wright
Principal
Lorraine Sadler
Assistant Principal
Regina Nash
Assistant Principal
Stacy Norwood
Assistant Principal
POTOMAC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
3401 Panther Pride Drive ~ Dumfries, VA 22026
Dr. Michelle DeLoach
Specialty Programs
Coordinator
Natalie Wright
Director of School
Counseling
703.441.4200 Main
703.441.4497 Fax
703.441.4496 School Counseling
Bill Stearns
Director of Student Activities
“STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE”
“MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL”
Panther Family,
We are busy at Potomac High School. While visiting
classrooms I am very impressed with the level of
student participation.
Teachers are challenging
students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Students are collaborating with each other to complete
assigned task. Teachers and students are engaged in
high quality classroom instruction. It is great to see
student centered classroom instruction and the development of 21 st century skills.
Our fall SOL testing window will be starting very soon. If your student is taking a test this fall
it is important that they take advantage of the remediation program that is available to them.
Students may stay after school on Tuesday and Thursday until 4:15 PM for extra help.
Transportation is provided.
I would like to thank everyone who supported our students as they reached out to assist many
organizations and people in our community. Operation Turkey was very successful again this
year. Our students also adapted a school in Haiti, providing students there with school supplies.
Our Leadership Class is gearing up for their annual breakfast with Santa. I know that they will
be reaching out for support to make this event a success. I am so proud that our students
understand the importance of helping others.
As we come upon the holiday season, please come out for our winter musical performances.
Visit our website for dates and times. We are also moving into our winter sports season. I know
that our athletes appreciate your support, so please join us for the many events that are
scheduled for the winter sports season.
As we will soon enter into our winter break, I want to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday
season.
Sincerely,
Mike Wright
Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
November 2 ~ Teacher Workday
November 3 ~ Teacher Workday
November 5 ~ Specialty Night
November 10 ~ Report Cards Distributed
November 11 ~ Veteran’s Day Holiday
November 25-27 ~ Thanksgiving Break
December 9 ~ Winter Band Concert 7:30pm
December 12 ~ ACT @ Potomac
December 15 ~ PAC Meeting
December 16 ~ Winter Chorus Concert 7:30pm
December 17 ~ PTSO Meeting
December 18 ~ Interims Distributed
December 21 – Jan 1 ~ Winter Break
January 4 ~ School Re-opens
January 7 ~ Specialty Night
January 18 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
February 1 ~ Teacher Workday
February 8 ~ Touch Base
February 15 ~ President’s Day Holiday
March 21-28 ~ Spring Break
April 18 ~ Teacher Workday
May 30 ~ Memorial Day Holiday
June 6 ~ Graduation (Tentative)
June 17 ~ Last Day of School
June 27 ~ Report Cards mailed by this date
CONCUSSION TRAINING
January 22, 2016 7:00pm
@ Brentsville District H.S.
February 3, 2016 6:00pm
@ Osbourn Park H.S.
February 9, 2016 7:00pm
Battlefield H.S.
February 11, 2016 7:00pm
@ Gar-Field H.S.
February 17, 2016 7:00pm
@ Forest Park, Freedom,
Hylton & Woodbridge H.S.
DRIVER EDUCATION INFORMATION
Driver Education Mandatory Meetings
All meetings begin at 7pm. Please be seated by 6:55pm.
December 2 ~ Osbourn Park H.S.
December 10 ~ Brentsville H.S.
December 14 ~ Freedom H.S.
Virginia Code §22.1-205 Driver education programs, requires
students to accompany their parents/guardians to participate in
a 90-minute traffic safety program as part of their in-classroom
driver education curriculum. This program requirement must be
met before a student receives a Driver Education Certificate of
Completion card (DEC-1 card).
PARENT PORTAL
Parents should register for a Parent Portal account to track
student grades and attendance. Parents also have the ability
to change Emergency Card / Student Management System
(SMS) information with their own account too. Once you
change and submit the changes in Parent Portal, it is
reviewed and verified by our Guidance Office and then
approved and changed. The student account only can view
information but not make changes.
To register, go to www.potomacpanthers.org , on the left
tool bar click on the “Parent Portal” link. Click on “Request
Account” and complete the information on the form.
Ensure that when you add your children that you list them at
the school they attend. This will allow them to all be under
the same account.
Once your form is submitted, bring a copy of the email that
you receive to the school and present it with a valid picture
ID. Your account will be activated within 24 hours and
many times much sooner.
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS
A current parking permit is required of ALL vehicles
parked on campus. A parking permit may be
purchased from the security office during the school
day. The cost of the parking permit is $100 per school
year. Sharing parking permits is not permitted and a
violation notice will be issued. If you do not have a
current parking permit, it is necessary to visit the
security office immediately. Violation notices will be
issued daily. Thank you for adhering to school
procedures.
Additional information from the Security Office:
Hoverboards and skateboards are not permitted on
school grounds.
Please drive safely when driving to school, leaving
the school grounds and driving through the school
parking lot.
Student drop-off is located at the second entrance of
the student parking lot only. The main entrance is
NOT a drop-off location.
FBLA NEWS ~ NOVEMBER
Congratulations to the
2015-2016 FBLA Officer Team!
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Reporter
Historian
Parliamentarian
Publicist
Gabriel Zelalem
Ernest Addy-Nettey
Pepe Sanchez
Thierno Diallo
Dalynn Slack
Jenny Cao
Muhammad Malik
Jigme Nyandak
On September 19 FBLA participated in Community Day! Members made popcorn and participated in the many
events happening that day.
Thank you to all who sold and purchased candles during our
Fall Yankee Candle Fundraiser, it was a huge success!
Congratulations to the winners of our prize program!
Top Sellers
1st Place: Tianna Williams won $25
2nd Place: Ernest Addy-Nettey won $20
3rd Place: Jasmine Nickelberry won $15
Random Drawing Winner: Jenny Cao won $25
During the month of October we held our first chapter meeting
where our 2015-2016 Officer Team was installed. FBLA members
also attended the Fall Regional Conference at Riverbend HS and
walked in the in the Homecoming Parade.
The last day to become an active member of FBLA this school year is Friday November 13. See your business
teacher for a membership form! We have over 130 members….’CONNECT’ with us and join the fun!
Upcoming Events:
November 5 Chapter Meeting; American Enterprise Contest
December 4 Wizards Sports Career Day
December 10 Holiday Party at a location to be determined
Did you know your school cafeteria conveniently offers breakfast and lunch at an
affordable price every school day?
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A breakfast consisting of cereal, milk, Nutri-Grain bar, a piece of fresh fruit and
juice would cost you approximately $2.50 at home. Students can get all of that at
school for just $1.45. That’s a savings of $1.05 a day, or over $20 a month! If your
student bought school breakfast every day, you could save approximately $200 each
school year, per student.
Your student is not a fan of cereal? Hot breakfast entrées, such as Chicken Sliders,
French Toast Sticks, and Ham and Cheese Croissants, are offered each day.
Homemade, real fruit smoothies are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays- yum!
Our healthy school breakfasts are definitely a bargain, and so are school lunches!
On the low end, parents can expect to spend around $3.48 per packed lunch for a
turkey and cheese sandwich, a serving of fruit, two servings of vegetables and a
small juice box. High school lunches include an entrée, one cup of vegetables, one
cup of
cup
of fruit
fruit and a milk, all for only $2.70. That’s a savings of $0.78 per day, or over
$15 per month.
What if your student is packing a leftover piece of pizza, banana, veggies and
bottled water? Even if your delivery pizza was purchased using a discount, the lunch
total would still cost approximately $2.95. In this case school lunches give you more
food for your money and a total savings of almost $50 per school year. What if your
student brings half a leftover Chipotle burrito bowl, a bottled juice drink and an
apple? By purchasing school lunch instead, you could be saving over $425.00 per
school year!
Besides the financial benefits of buying school meals, parents can feel good
knowing their students are fueling up for the school day with plenty of fruits and
vegetables, and whole grain, low fat, low sodium choices. Entrée salads and various
vegetarian choices are also offered for lunch every day. Plus, our dinner rolls, garlic
bread, cinnamon
bread,
cinnamon bread
bread and
and fiesta cornbread are homemade right in your school’s
kitchen! Sound tasty? See below for meal pricing, and visit MySchoolBucks.com to
add money to your student’s cafeteria account
account using
using aa credit
credit card.
card.
Breakfast:
$ .30 Student Reduced Price
$1.45 Student Full Price
$2.00 Adult Price
Lunch:
$ .40 Student Reduced Price
$2.70 High Student Full Price
$3.40 Adult Price
* Home prices are averages of the food items, based on 2015 reports by the Economic Research Service in
the United States Department of Agriculture, and peapod.com for the Manassas, VA area.
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Please ask your students if they have returned their
overdue library books. Due dates are on the cards in
the back of the books. We have a lot of overdue
books right now.
Please access our online e-books by going to the
Potomac High School homepage and clicking on the
library tab. The e-books may be found under Follett
Shelf. The link, log-in, and password are provided.
We have a number of SAT prep books as well as
Fiction and Non-Fiction e-books to select and read.
A APPLE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
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ATTENTION SCHOLARS
In May 2016, Apple Federal Credit
Union will award $5,000 scholarships
to 25 deserving students who will
graduate from high school in 2016 and
are Apple Federal Union Members.
Eligibility:
 2016 high school graduate
 GPA: 3.0 or above
 Member of Apple FCU
STOP BY OUR POTOMAC BRANCH
DURING LUNCH FOR MORE INFO.
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All-District Chorus Stars
Angeline Addae, S1
Huda Al-Bana, S2 alt.
Taylor Aragon, WS1
Johnny Do, T2
Grace Gyamfi, S1 alt.
Maria Isename, WA1 alt.
Hunter Lutz, B2 alt.
Joshua Mattson, T2
Emily Richert, WS1
Elijah Smith, B2
Zafar Syed, T2
All-County Chorus Stars
Wilhelmina Azariah, WA2 alt.
Denise Bautista, WS2
Isabel Cepeda, S1 alt.
Alexis Dickerson-Anderson, S2
Johnny Do, T2
Emma Jenni, A1
Elijah Smith, B2
Rhiannon Smith, B2
Zafar Syed, T2
Noelle Teague, WS2 alt.
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The Potomac NJROTC (Panther Regiment) teaches and instills in its cadets
citizenship, leadership, teamwork and character. The first and foremost
mission of the program is to "equip" or provide the necessary skills to its
cadets in order for them to excel at school, in the program and in life. The
Panther Regiment strongly believes in honor, courage and commitment.
CITIZENSHIP is a person who properly fulfills his or her role as a citizen.
The Potomac NJROTC teaches its cadets citizenship through voluntary
community service. For instance, the Dumfries Creek clean up, back to school
night, etc… are just some of the voluntary services we do to help our
community.
(Cadets helping out during school club/program introduction day)
LEADERSHIP is the ability to inspire or motivate others towards a certain
goal. In the Panther Regiment everyone is a leader because we all inspire and
motivate each other to obtain our goals.For example, no matter how many
trophies we have won, our goal is to make National campionship at area 5.
Most cadets could just comfort themselves with the amount of trophies won,
however, it was decided that as a unit we would go Nationals and that it
would require everyone to do their part.
(Lee Davis HS athletic meet and Sgt.Major Small motivating cadets during meet)
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TEAMWORK is the ability for a group or team to work efficiently and
effectively. Every cadet in the Panther Regiment contributes in some way
towards the overall achievement and success of the regiment. An example of
this is continuous practice for upcoming meets or events (air rifle, drill,
academics and athletics). This may also mean doing fundraisers or supporting
the program by being there.
(PSHS Drill + Athletic meet warm up run) (Lee Davis HS Athletic meet Awards ceremony)
CHARACTER is the mental and moral qualities of an individual. The
Panther Regiment consistently pushes its cadets towards success for any goal.
It is like "one big family" in that we all look out for each other. Cadets are
always expected to maintain their uniform properly, lead one another and
perform at their optimal level at anything. They are also expected to maintain
these standards in all walks of life whether it be at school or while working at
a job. After all, the mission of the program is to "prepare incoming and
outgoing cadets for the rigors of life and to excel in any circumstance".
(King George HS Meet end of Award Ceremony)
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
COURSE SELECTION FOR 2016 - 2017
The Counseling Department is beginning to plan registration activities for the upcoming
school year. Student course selection is a vitally important part of this process. Thoughtful
consideration regarding student course selection for the next school year helps to promote
student success. The primary goal of the scheduling process is to honor student requests
and meet the academic needs of all our students. Careful selection of both academic and
elective course offerings insures that the master schedule will meet the needs of all students.
Counselors will meet individually with all underclassmen in February to select course
requests for the upcoming year, review course offerings for each grade level, discuss
diploma options, and graduation requirements. Prior to meeting with a counselor, students
and parents will be provided with information for the online course registration process.
Parents and students will be able to view what courses teachers have recommended for next
school year and enter the course(s) that they chose to take in parent portal. Students and
Parents will need an active school fusion account in order to complete this process.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATION DAY
Teacher Recommendation Day will be in February (dates TBD). On these days, teachers
will discuss course options within their respective departments and recommend students for
specific courses. During the individual conference, each student will work with his/her
counselor to review and finalize courses for the upcoming year.
Please review your child’s selection of courses, and register the selected courses on line.
You are also encouraged to contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions about
courses and/ or your child’s plan for graduation.
During the month of May, a tentative course request will be sent home for your final review.
Any requests for changes must be made on the Schedule Change Request Form available in
the counseling office. Please understand that we begin the registration process early in
order to accommodate student requests within the given framework. Waiting until late
spring and June reduces your child’s chances of securing his/her desired classes. It is
important that students finalize their course selections early as schedule changes will not be
made after June 17th.
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
Students interested in applying to specialty programs should complete applications and
submit to the appropriate school by February 1st Information regarding specialty programs
is available at www.pwcs.edu Applications are available online at www.pwcs.edu.
TESTING
Potomac students will be involved in several types of testing during the winter and spring.
County, state and college entrance assessments will be administered. Listed below is a
brief summary of the testing schedule.
STATE TESTING
Standards of Learning (SOL) tests –The testing window for Fall SOL retakes for the four
(4) core areas will be from December 1st – January 22. SOL tests are administered in the
following courses: World History I & II, U. S. VA History, English 11 Reading, Algebra I &
II, Geometry, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and 8th Grade Math & Reading.
Prior to testing, SOL remediation will be offered, and practice websites for each
curriculum area are available.
Visit: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/testing/index.shtml or helpful websites to review for the
SOL tests.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTING
SAT - Administered on January 23, March 5, May 7 @ PSHS, and June 4 for students
planning to attend a four year college.
ACT (American College Testing) - Administered on December 12 @ PSHS, February 6,
April 9 @ PSHS and June 11 for college planning to attend a four year college.
Students are encouraged to see their counselor for assistance in determining the best time
to take the SAT’s or ACT’s. It is recommended that college-bound juniors take a college
entrance test in the spring.
Advanced Placement Exams & Cambridge AICE Exams are administered in May. For
students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes and AICE courses appropriate.
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL
The Academic and Performing Arts Governor’s School programs will be held this summer
for rising 11th and 12th graders. The Humanities and Performing Arts schools are held at
the University of Richmond, Math, Science and Technology programs are held at
Lynchburg College. Life Sciences and Medicine are held at Virginia Commonwealth
University. Agriculture is held at Virginia Tech. Mentorship programs are also offered at
various sites. Students may visit:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Govschools/SRGS to download an
application and review deadlines.
HUGH O’BRIAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Congratulations to Hannah Donkoh-Moore and Margaret Kaysak, for being selected as
Potomac’s 2015-2016 HOBY representative. The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership
Conference will held in June.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Counselors have had a busy fall term meeting with seniors during senior conferences and
processing many college applications to assist students in meeting fall deadlines. The
following calendar should be helpful as parents and seniors plan winter activities:
DECEMBER
December 4 Deadline for submitting college applications before the Winter break.
December 12 ACT Testing at Potomac High School
December 18 Interim reports distributed
December 21– January 3 Winter Break
JANUARY
January 8 Registration Deadline for February ACT
January 4 School Re-opens
Go on-line to complete Financial Aide form
Complete Financial Aid Forms as soon as possible after income tax forms are completed.
January 7 Specialty Program Night 7:00 p.m.
January 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 29 End second nine weeks; end first semester
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
FEBRUARY
February 1st Teacher Workday - no school for students
February 9 Report cards distributed
February All college applications should be mailed.
(Check applications for individual school deadlines.)
February 15 President’s Day Holiday
MARCH
March English 11 SOL Tests
March 15 Interim reports distributed
March 5 SAT Test
March 15 End of third grading period
March 21-28 Spring Break
APRIL
April 18 Teacher workday
April 9 ACT Testing at Potomac Senior High
April 14 Report cards distributed
MAY
(TBD)Tentative 16-17 schedules sent home
May 7 SAT Test at Potomac Senior High
May AP Testing
May Administration of SOL tests
May 21 Junior/Senior Prom @ Harbor View Woodbridge
May 27 Interim reports distributed
May 26 Senior Awards & Scholarship Presentation, 7:00 p.m.
May 30 Memorial Day Holiday
JUNE
June (TBD) Senior Exams
June 4 SAT Test
June 11 ACT Test at Potomac Senior High School
Request final transcripts to be sent to trade schools, military recruiters, community and
junior colleges, and your college choice.
June 17 End fourth nine weeks, end of second semester, last day of school.
June 17 Last day of School for Students
June 20 Teacher in-service/workday
June 27 Report cards mailed home
All requirements for graduation must be completed prior to graduation day, in order for students
to participate in the graduation ceremony.
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS/TRANSCRIPTS
Seniors who have application deadline in January, must submit transcript requests and
counselor recommendation forms to his/her counselor no later than December 4 for
processing before the winter break since the Counseling Office is not open during the
winter break. If your student has not yet completed the college application process, please
have him/her see their assigned counselor immediately to determine what steps should be
taken.
Second term transcripts for each senior are automatically sent to all colleges that received
a transcript in the fall. Transcripts will be sent as soon as GPA/Ranks are available at the
beginning of the second semester. The school will send three free transcripts for each
student. After the first three, the student must pay $5.00 for each additional transcript.
Students may ask for a copy to carry with them to a college visit. A hand-delivered copy is
not an official transcript. A transcript is only considered official when it is sent directly
from the high school to the college admissions office. For questions about transcripts and
college applications, please contact your student’s counselor.
Potomac students are now utilizing Naviance, an on-line career planning program for
students to explore occupations and research colleges. Their user name is their student
identification number and their password is their birthdate mm/dd/yy.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid information is one of the major efforts of the Counselor Department, there is
a great deal of information regarding scholarships offered by colleges and organizations
that comes into the Career Center during the year. The information describes the financial
aid, defines the criteria, and explains where applications may be obtained. Mr. Williams
gather this information and publish it to members of the senior class through their first
period classes, their counselors, the school website, and by postings on the bulletin boards
within and outside of the Counseling Office area; all seniors were apprised of the way the
system operates at the start of the school year. In the past, Potomac students have been
quite successful in obtaining scholarship awards
If your student is now applying to schools and has received information from the school, be
sure to determine whether or not individual colleges require the CSS/Financial Aid Profile.
If so, the profile should be completed as soon as possible and mailed to the College
Scholarship Service in Princeton. This profile should be submitted only if the college
requests it.
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
BOYS AND GIRLS STATE
Boys and Girls State is a week-long practicum in state and local government which takes
place on two Virginia college campuses during June. Students interested in learning firsthand how state government works and who demonstrate strong leadership, academic
achievement, and active school and community involvement should apply. The application
process will begin in early February. Students should see Ms. Applebaum in the
Counseling Department.
FRESHMAN ACTIVITIES
In November, counselors began meeting with freshman to discuss their progress in school
and their plans for the future. Counselors visited classrooms and provided information on
GPA’s as well as upcoming freshman conferences. During freshman conferences each 9th
grader was provided valuable information on graduation requirements and career/college
information. Ask your freshman to share what he/she was given.
INTERIM/REPORT CARD SCHEDULE
Qtr.
2
3
4
Interims
Dec 18, 2015*
March 15, 2016*
May 27, 2016*
End Marking Pd.
Jan. 29, 2016*
April 15, 2016*
June 17, 2016*
Report Cards Go Home
February 9, 2016*
April 26, 2016*
mailed June 27*
*Inclement weather may vary dates
Parents, please note the Interim/Report Card dates for this school year. Teachers
distribute interims to the students to let parents know the student’s grade midway through
the quarter.
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
PARENTS CORNER
Be a Sideline Coach to Help With Homework
Remember when you quizzed your child for weekly spelling tests? How about those nights
you helped study facts? Well, now that your child is older, your role in homework is
different...but no less important. Instead of being an active participant, try being a sideline
coach. Here are some tips to help you with the transition:
o Encourage your teen to work independently. But be nearby for questions, review, or
organizational help.
o Make sure your teen understands that school is his/her full-time job. It comes before
daily chores, an outside job, or social events. Help him plan his time accordingly.
o Encourage your student to ask teachers about work he/she doesn’t understand. Don’t
hesitate to contact teachers yourself if you need information on things like
expectations and grading systems.
o Ask your student specific questions about his homework. “Do you have homework
tonight?” is too general, and may bring a one word answer. Questions like, “What
reading do you have for English tonight?” will help him/her focus on the work ahead.
o Limit your students work hours during the week. Students are less likely to be at
their best if they are fatigued from working after school.
All High Schoolers Have Six Fundamental Needs in Common
No matter their background, teens have common needs. The SEARCH institute, which
conducts research about adolescents, says all teens need:
1. Physical activity. Teens need time to stretch and exercise their rapidly changing
bodies. Developing physical skills is one way teens can see themselves as competent and
capable.
2. Competence and achievement. Young people hunger for chances to prove
themselves, the Institute says. They need to know they can do something well...and be
recognized for it.
3. Self-definition. Because their bodies are changing so fast, adolescents need
opportunities to continue to figure out who they may be becoming. That means giving them
lots of chances to try new things (and discard some old activities).
4. Creative expression. Teens can’t always put their changing thoughts in words.
Music, theater, and poetry can give them a chance to express their new ideas. Some teens
find creative expression in sports and activities like tending a garden.
5. Positive interaction with peers and adults. Families remain critically important to
teens, but friends also have a big influence. Remember, teens need relationships with
caring adults outside their family, too.
6. Structure and clear limits. Teens think they are able to make all their own decisions.
They aren’t. While their horizons are widening, they still need clear boundaries within
which they can try out their freedom.
SCHOOL COUNSELING INFORMATION
PARTICIPATION IN CERTAIN
CUSTODIAL PARENTS
SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES
BY
NON-
During the 1997 General Assembly session, legislation was passed that clarified/expanded
the rights of non-custodial
Parents in schools and day care centers throughout Virginia 22.1-279.4 of the Virginia
Code shows an intention to open school activities to non-custodial parents except when
school policy prohibits or discourages participation of both parents (custodial and noncustodial), or when participation of the non-custodial parent is expressly foreclosed by a
court order.
Custodial parents who wish to limit “in-school contact” must obtain a court order which
specifically prohibits such contact during the school activities or hours in question. This
court order should be presented to RaMona Clark, Potomac Registrar, Counseling
Department, to be placed in the student’s file. Court orders, which grant reasonable
visitation, and those with specified hours of visitation, do not sufficiently prohibitschool
contact.
The law permits non-custodial parents to participate in activities at school; it does not
allow them to take children from school. Except as permitted by the custodial patent, the
non-custodial parent many not authorize early dismissal, sign the child out of school, or
take the child off of school grounds. Likewise, the non-custodial parent may not withdraw
the child from school without the consent of the custodial parent.
RECORDS INFORMATION UPDATE
If you have changed your address, home number, work number or any other important
student location information since the beginning of the year; please contact the Counseling
Department office to update your information.
FRESHMAN ACADEMY NEWS
ACADEMY TEACHERS
MR. ANDERSON
MS. BROWN
MR. KAMAN
MRS. SHAPLAND-FORBES
CONGRATULATIONS!
SEPTEMBER
Jarain Gilliam
Isabella Reprieto
OCTOBER
Shawntanai Cotten
Moises Barrenechea
These students displayed great character,
great academic ability, and a willingness to
work effectively with their peers.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NEWS
GRADE 9
Students are currently studying poetry
including The Raven by Edgar Allan
Poe, Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
and The Road Not Taken by Robert
Frost. We are also composing original
poems for our 2nd quarter project and
learning techniques for performance
poetry. We are also enjoying/utilizing
the classroom tablets for research, group
work and poetry starters.
GRADE 10
Students are actively reading their
first all-class novel, In the Time of
the Butterflies. A digital version of
this novel is available from your
student’s teacher, should you need
to access it. Core focuses include:
perspective, symbolism, elements of
foreshadowing, and effects of
setting.
Please check your Parent Portal
accounts for course grades as they
are input. This is also a great way to
see when due dates have been set. If
you’ve done so already, add your
email address to School Fusion
(potomacpanthers.org) and join
your student’s classes. The website
sends out posts as teachers create
them for their respective classes.
GRADE 11
This quarter we will be focusing on
the research paper. Students will
research future colleges, potential
careers, or possible military life. We
decided to make the research more
personal for students. We are also
reading plays, either A Raisin in the
Sun or The Crucible. Students are
becoming familiar not only with
drama, but the events that lead the
authors to writing these play.
GRADE 12
Students have finished reading
"Beowulf" and are now turning their
focus towards "The Canterbury
Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer. While
studying Chaucer, students will be
conducting research on the Middle
Ages and will be using the
information they find for a compare
and contrast formal essay. Ask your
student about which Chaucer
character they were assigned!
AICE Literature students have just
completed "The House of Mirth" and
are now moving into Shakespeare
with "A Midsummer Night's
Dream." Students will practice their
paraphrasing skills and also create an
original movie poster for the play.
SPECIAL EDUCATION NEWS
Students with intellectual disabilities are preparing for the Panther
Café which will begin on November 5. Through the Panther Café,
the students use math, social, and life skills and apply them. The
students take lunch orders from staff members, buy the food at
Wegman’s, learn about food prep and sanitation, prepare
sandwiches and salads and deliver the orders. The students learn
about money as the staff members pay a small fee for the lunch.
Parents who have a child involved in special education are
encouraged to utilize the Parent Resource Center via the Office of
Special Education website by going to www.pwcs.edu and selecting
“Instructional Programs” from the list on the left, “special education”
should be chosen from that drop down menu.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT NEWS
So far the year has been productive in all content areas. The
midpoint of second quarter is fast approaching as we continue
our studies in scientific method. Physics students are studying
Newton's Laws and creating video projects. In Biology, the
exploration of cells is underway and students have enjoyed
using the microscopes to look at cell structures. Earth Science
students are exploring rock sediment layers as they continue
to create and use models for demonstration.
CULINARY ARTS NEWS
Culinary Arts has been off to a running start this year. Our students
have already learned various culinary skills such as making handmade pasta in Chef Evans class. The students did an excellent job!
Go Chef Evans Class!
Chef Albano's Culinary I and Culinary II students have been busy
learning their 5 mother sauces which are; Béchamel, Hollandaise,
Veloute, Espanole, and tomato sauce. With the knowledge of these
sauces the students learned that they are a base to many popular
sauces like alfredo sauce, marsala sauce as well as the base for beef
stew.
Students took a field trip with Mangia DC Italian Food Tours. The
students had the opportunity to take a walking history tour stopping
at 2 historic Italian restaurants where they were able to experience
tastings of classic Italian cuisine. The dishes were Caprese Salad,
Mushroom Risotto, and Filet Mignon Tortelloni and last stop at a
Gelato shop...YUM!!!
Chef Evans class is about to create hand-made gingerbread houses
for the coming season.
Chef Albano's class is currently making hand-made pasta- gnocchi,
tortellini, ravioli, and linguini along with many various sauces.
The Intro to Culinary classes have been in the breakfast unit and are
about to have a breakfast challenge cook-off.
Upcoming Culinary Events
 Catered luncheons for various groups
 Potomac Place Senior Assisted Living Residents will be joining
us on December 15th for their Annual Holiday Luncheon
 PWCS Bookkeepers will be enjoying their annual luncheon
prepared by culinary students on January 14th.
CULINARY ARTS STUDENT OF THE MONTH
September
Chef Albano’s Class
Tyra Washington
Chef Evans’ Class
Sierra Hines
October
Chef Albano's Class
Hazel Delarosa
Chef Evans’ Class
Zara Adkins
November
Chef Albano's Class
Hunter Chesla
Chef Evans’ Class
Emma Kamara
These students show mastery in work ethic and
leadership.
So...Potomac Culinary students are
rockin’ it out!!!
2015 2016 YEARBOOK
These are the days students will want to
remember forever! Help make the year
unforgettable by purchasing a 2015-2016
Potomac High School yearbook today! For
only $70, students will have a book that
will be enjoyed now and 20, 30 or even 50
years from now! Seniors can also make the
yearbook extra special by purchasing an
ad in the yearbook that can be dedicated to
their many memories and
accomplishments! Buy online with credit
card, debit card or PayPal at
yearbookforever.com or at Potomac High
School with cash or check to Ms. Golnek in
room 7031. Order now so you won’t miss
out when the yearbook is distributed
around May! As an adult, you know how
important high school memories become.
Don’t let your student’s memories fade;
make sure they get a yearbook!
School Board
Mr. Milton C. Johns
Chairman At-Large
Mrs. Alyson Satterwhite
Vice Chairman
Gainesville District
Mrs. Lisa E. Bell
Neabsco District
Dr. Michael I. Otaigbe
Coles District
Mrs. Betty D. Covington
Potomac District
Mr. Gil Trenum
Brentsville District
Mrs. Lillie G. Jessie
Occoquan District
Mrs. Loree Y. Williams
Woodbridge District
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Steven L. Walts
Superintendent’s Staff
Ms. Rae E. Darlington
Deputy Superintendent
Mr. William G. Bixby
Associate Superintendent for Middle Schools
Mr. David S. Cline
Associate Superintendent for Finance and Support Services
Mr. R. Todd Erickson
Associate Superintendent for Central Elementary Schools
Mr. Craig H. Gfeller
Associate Superintendent for Eastern Elementary Schools
Mrs. Jarcelynn M. Hart
Associate Superintendent for Western Elementary Schools
Mrs. Rita Everett Goss
Associate Superintendent for Student Learning and Accountability
Mr. Keith A. Imon
Associate Superintendent for Communications and Technology Services
Mr. Keith J. Johnson
Associate Superintendent for Human Resources
Mr. Michael A. Mulgrew
Associate Superintendent for High Schools
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not discriminate in employment or in its educational programs and activities against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. PWCS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other
designated youth groups. The following individual(s) will handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, including Section 504 and Title IX:
Associate Superintendent for Human Resources
Prince William County Public Schools P.O. Box 389 Manassas, VA 20108