Principal's Newsletter
Potomac Middle School
August 18, 2023
As the warm summer days transition into the crisp promise of autumn, it is with great joy that we extend a heartfelt welcome back to another exciting academic year at Potomac Middle School. We hope this message finds you rejuvenated and ready to embark on a journey of learning, growth, and discovery.
The start of a new school year brings a sense of renewal, and we are thrilled to reunite with our dedicated students, talented educators, and supportive families. Our campus has been meticulously prepared to provide a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal development.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the spirit of community that defines Potomac. From parent-teacher collaborations to school events and volunteer opportunities, your involvement enriches the educational journey for our students and strengthens the bonds that make our school a remarkable place of learning.
Communication between home and school is paramount, and we encourage you to stay connected through our newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and various communication channels. Together, we can ensure that every student's unique potential is nurtured and celebrated.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. We are eager to welcome you back to school and embrace the possibilities that the coming year holds. Here's to a successful, rewarding, and inspiring school year ahead!
Sincerely,
Rachel Preston
Principal
First Day of School Information
First Day Back
- All student schedules are available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE
- Students will receive a paper copy of their schedule in their first period class
- We will have a list of all student homerooms located outside the cafeteria
- Parents may NOT walk their child to their first class. Our doors will remain secure to visitors
- Laptops will be issued on the first day of school
- Lockers will NOT be issued during the first week of school
- Students may carry their backpacks until lockers are issued
- Download the Here Comes the Bus app for accurate bus information
Walkers and Car Rider Information
Dear Potomac Panthers,
For everyone's safety, there are a few guidelines that everyone must follow for a safe, morning arrival.
- Students are not allowed to cross Route 1 to walk to Potomac Middle School. (No exceptions).
- Only students who reside on Panther Pride Drive are allowed to walk.(They are our only walkers). Parents cannot give students permission to walk outside of Panther Pride Drive. (No exceptions).
- Please be sure to enter the car lane and not the bus lane.
- Students should not be dropped off in the parking lot. If your student is a car rider, you must access the car lane to drop off your student.
- Once you enter the car line, you should drive until you come to the first crosswalk and/or your car is parallel to the median and /or you're at an impasse. Students should be released from the passenger side of your vehicle only and use the closest crosswalk to access the main entrance of the school.
- Please do not park in a parking space to drop off your student. Please use the car lane.
- Please do not use the satellite bus lane to drop off your student. Please use the car lane.
Bus Information
Here Comes the Bus
- Bus stop locations and times are available in ParentVUE
- Select Student Info > Additional Information on the bottom of the page
Please note that bus route information can change at the beginning of the school year due to student enrollment.
Click below for instructions on how to download the Here comes the Bus app for up to date information. Use School Code: 76348
https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/here_comes_the_bus
The school can NOT provide late bus information.
Have Questions? Please contact Transportation Customer Service at 571-402-3940.
Buses that are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes late are listed on this webpage. This webpage is updated throughout the day by the Transportation Department.https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/bus_delays/index
Meet the Admin Team
Ms. Johnson
Ms. Sutton
Ms. Haskins-Ladson
Title I information
PARENTAL RIGHT TO INFORMATION ABOUT TEACHERS:
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, most recently reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act, states that parents in Title I schools have the right to request certain information about their child’s teachers. The information that you have a right to request about your child’s teacher is:
a. Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subjects the teacher is teaching.
b. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing has been waived.
c. The baccalaureate degree major of certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
d. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
At Potomac Middle School we are extremely proud of our teachers and
paraprofessionals, and are happy to provide you with any of the information above pertaining to your child’s teacher(s). If you have such a request, please call the school.
Parental Notification of Assessment Opt Out Policies under The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 According to the Virginia Department of Education, "All students in tested grade levels and courses are expected to participate in Virginia's assessment program, unless specifically exempted by state or federal law or by Board of Education regulations." On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)
was signed into law. Section 1112(e)(2) of ESSA states that parents of students in Title I schools have a right to know about state or division policies regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by ESSA, including any policy, procedure, or parental right to opt students out of such assessments. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not currently have an Opt Out policy for SOL assessments. However, Section 22.1-253.13:3.C
of the Code of Virginia states that, “The Board of Education shall not include in its calculation of the passage rate of a Standards of Learning assessment for the purposes of state accountability any student whose parent has decided to not have his child take such Standards of Learning assessment, unless such exclusions would
result in the school's not meeting any required state or federal participation rate.” Prince William County Public Schools regulations state that, if a parent or guardian decides to not have a student take a state or local assessment, then the person making the request should be informed about the academic consequences that decision could have on the student.
If you would like to receive more information about this topic, please contact the principal.
Complete the Back to School Packet!
New Screening System and Prohibited Items
This fall, PWCS will implement safety screening technology at all high, middle, and nontraditional schools for the 2023-24 school year. This is a critical component in PWCS’ multi-layered security protocol to “deter, detect, and defend.”
PWCS will deploy this technology on a staggered basis starting in mid-September. This approach will allow schools time to return to school and establish daily routines with students. Additionally, this will allow further time to ensure proper training of staff and educate students regarding the process for entering school through the screening technology. Schools will provide notice at least two weeks before implementation.
To prepare ahead of the use of the technology in your school, families are encouraged to help reduce the possibility of “false alerts” on everyday items, while none are prohibited, using these guidelines will ensure a quick entry for everyone:
- Select clear and plastic school supplies over covered/concealed and metallic when applicable.
- Use three-ring binders with plastic spines/rings (non-metal).
- Utilize plastic (versus metallic) BPA-free water/coffee bottles.
- Use hard plastic eyeglass cases (versus metal).
- Students should “pack-light” and limit the number of items in bags or other equipment.
- Keep superfluous metallic items home (game consoles, beauty products, USB drives).
- Laptops and umbrellas will be passed around the technology via a staffed table.
More information regarding this system is forth coming.
6th Grade Supply List
6th Grade-Level General List
- 2 dozen pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- 4 glue sticks
- 4 pens
- 1 pack of colored pencils
- 2 highlighters
- 1 pack of erasers
- 1 pencil pouch w/ 3 holes
- 1 handheld pencil sharpener w/cover
- 4 packs wide-rule notebook paper
- 2 5-subject notebooks
- 4 composition notebooks
- 4 (2-pocket) folders w/ brads/prongs
- red, blue, green, yellow
7th Grade Supply List
7th Grade Level General Supply List
- 1 pack blue/black ink pens
- 2 packs wide-ruled notebook paper
- Pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- 1 pencil sharpener
- 1 pack of colored pencils or markers
- 3 packs of index cards
- 1 pack dry-erase markers
- 1 large pencil pouch/supply box (non-metal)
- 4 large glue sticks
- 5 pocket folders with prongs, varying colors (one for
- each class)
- 5 wide-ruled composition notebooks
- 1 set of personal headphones for laptop use
8th Grade Supply List
8th Grade-Level General List
- Pens
- Pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- Loose-leaf notebook paper
- Two 1-subject notebooks
- One 3-subject spiral notebook (8 ½ x 11)
- One 5-subject notebook
- 3 glue sticks
- 1 pack of graph paper
- 2 packs colored pencils
- 2 packs 3x5 inch index cards
- 3 highlighters
- 1 pair of scissors
- 3 composition notebooks
- 1 pencil pouch
- Tape
- 5 two-pocket folders
Encore and Specialty Class Supply Lists
Spanish
- Spanish 1: Yellow composition notebook Yellow two pocket folder
- Spanish 2: Blue composition notebook Blue two pocket folder
- Fluent Speakers 1: Red composition notebook Red two pocket folder
- Fluent Speakers 2: Green composition notebook Green two pocket folder
FACS (Quarterly)
- One package of markers
- Pen or Pencil
- One folder
- Notebook paper
Music Department
Students will wear black pants, black shoes and a music
department t-shirt on concert days. Instrument/Instrument
Supplies details will be given at the start of the year. There
will be a low/no cost option available for those who need it.
Orchestra
3 pencils
10 sheet protectors
1 spiral notebook
1 black two-pocket folder with prongs
2 dry erase markers
1 pack of colored pencils or markers
Band
A Band two pocket folder with music will be provided.
Choir
1 two-pocket folder with prongs
Pencils
Piano Class
1 two-pocket folder with prongs
1 pack of sheet protectors
Pencils
Art (Quarterly)
One sketchbook (8.5x11 or 9x12 hard covered or spiral, 50
pages or more of blank paper)
Pencil Sharpener with Cover
Erasers
1 pack of markers
Black Sharpie Marker
Join the PTSO
Please consider donating, volunteering, and/or becoming a member of our PTSO today! ATTEND A MEETING. Join us virtually and/or in-person** on the second Thursday of each month. During our monthly meetings, we discuss, plan, and set goals for the year. We look forward to meeting families, parents/guardians, grandparents, teachers, and other school staff who would like to get involved. We believe it is important that we do all we can to enhance our children’s learning environment. So, we look forward to meeting you, hearing your thoughts and ideas, and sharing ours with you.
This year PTSO will offer three types of memberships ranging from $15 to $25 depending on family size (value of over $35). The memberships will include perks for the whole family. Inquire for more information.
Below are some examples of where funds are allocated:
- · 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony
- · 8th Grade Picnic/Dance
- · Teacher/Sports Team Requests
- · Back to School Night Dinners for Teachers
- · Teacher Appreciation Week
- · Custodial Appreciation Week
- · Monthly Teacher Appreciation Events
- · School-wide events like “Boo Grams” and “Cupid Grams”
- · Talent Show(s)
- · Movie Night(s)
- · Concession Stands*
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at PotomacMS.PTSO@gmail.com
Warm regards,
President - Zuleitza Villafuerte
Vice President – Dana Ibrahim
Secretary - Suzanne Fisher
Treasurer - Kimberly Cordoba
Stay up-to-date on the latest by following Potomac Middle School PTSO on Instagram @PTMS_PTSO. You may also find it helpful to follow the school on Twitter @PotomacMS and via Facebook – Potomac Middle School.
Please Mark Your Calendars Accordingly
Monday, August 21, 2023
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Monday, August 28, 2023
Fall Sports Tryouts - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Fall Sports Tryouts - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Fall Sports Tryouts - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday, September 1, 2023
NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Weekend
Monday, September 4, 2023
NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
Friday, September 15, 2023
NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
6th Grade Back to School Night - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 21, 2023
7th and 8th Grade Back to School Night - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Monday, September 25, 2023
NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur
Tryout Information!
PTMS Fall Sports Tryouts - August 2023
All information can be found on the PWCS Student Athletics Website.
Fall Sports Tryout Dates 23-24
Monday 8/28/23
Tuesday 8/29/23
Wednesday 8/30/23
All try-out dates run from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.
*Extra tryout days may be added due to weather.
It is important to note that students are NOT allowed to use ride share apps for any reason. Please arrange pick up promptly.
Fall sports include Football, Cheerleading, Boys' Soccer, Girls' Track, and Volleyball.
In order to try out for an athletics team, all students must:
- Take concussion training;
- Meet participation requirements; and
- Have a current physical dated after May 1, 2023.
Important Forms
Middle School Physical Exam Form (PDF)
Middle School Activities Participation Guide (PDF) (Will be posted soon)
Concussion Training Information
All student-athletes and their parent/guardian are required to complete an annual Concussion Training according to PWCS Policy 759. Concussion training information can be found on the PWCS Concussion Information Website.
You are eligible for Online Concussion Education Training if you are in grades 6, 7, and 8 and are currently enrolled in the Prince William County Public Schools. More information and the Online Concussion Education Training can be found by clicking the button below.
Please email Mr. Cordero at corderr@pwcs.edu with any questions.
ATTENDNACE MONITORING SYSTEM
Did you know attendance is the number one predictor of dropout and graduation rates? That’s why this year we are increasing communication to our parents and students around the importance of attendance- a critical indicator of success. Attending school every day helps our students build a solid foundation for their future in school and in life.
Our new strategy includes an attendance management system that carefully tracks attendance and ensures that parents are notified in a timely and consistent manner. Our goal is to connect with parents quickly so that we can remove any barriers that families face in getting students to school on time, every day.
You may receive a letter regarding your students’ attendance in the mail. Please understand that these notifications are to bring awareness on how much school has been missed this school year. We pledge to partner with you to find solutions and resources to support your student. If you feel that you have received the letter in error or have questions, please contact your school directly.
We understand there are unavoidable illnesses or other times when your child should remain at home. We also know that absences add up quickly, and that “showing up” is critical to your child’s success in school and in life.
We are committed to achieving our goals and supporting our Prince William County Public School families. Our students stand to benefit the most from this!
Together, let’s create a culture of showing up. Thank you for your continued support.
Immunization Requirements
The deadline to meet the immunization requirements for the upcoming school year is August 17, 2023. If required immunization documentation is not provided by the deadline date, the student will not be permitted to start school on Monday, August 21, 2023, until documentation is provided. Parents/guardians may view information about student immunization compliance in ParentVUE. For specific questions about immunization non-compliance or for assistance in setting up a ParentVUE account, please contact your school.
The Virginia Department of Health provides a current list of school and day care minimum immunization requirements. Additional information can also be found on the Student Health Services webpage.
Immunization appointments may be scheduled with your health care provider, or Prince William Health District, or Mason and Partners, or urgent care, or local pharmacy for your child to receive the missing immunization(s). Appointments are currently available at all locations.
Prince William Health District: Accepts Insured, Medicaid, and Uninsured
Manassas-703-792-6300
Woodbridge-703-792-7300
Mason and Partners (MAP): Accepts Only Medicaid and Uninsured and only children younger than 19 yrs.
Manassas Park-703-993-5880
Greater Prince William Health Center: Accepts Insured, Medicaid, and Uninsured
Dumfries, Manassas, and Woodbridge
703-680-7950 ( to make an appointment at one of the three locations)
Once completed, please provide documentation to your student’s school indicating that your student has received the immunization(s) and include the student’s full name and ID number. You may email the immunization information directly to the school nurse or deliver in-person to the school. If your student cannot receive an immunization for some reason, the health provider must give you a medical exemption statement to provide to your student’s school.
If a student fails to comply with providing the completed proof of the required immunization(s) by August 17, 2023, the student will be excluded from starting/attending school on August 21, 2023, and will remain excluded until the required immunization record(s) have been provided to the school.
The paperwork on this required immunization(s) is due in by August 17, 2023.
Dress Code
Pro Tip: Sometimes the way your student leaves the house, is not the way they remain dressed at school. Have a chat with your child regarding following the dress code.
No Crop Tops
No hats, hoods, or sunglasses
Keep Calm and Follow the Dress Code
Cell phones
Please assist us in reminding students to keep their cell phones powered off and out of site. Once lockers are issued, cell phones and back packs should be in their lockers at all times. This is a part of our school wide expectations and helps reduce instances of cyber bullying, unwanted photos and more.
Cell Phones in Lockers
Keep it P
Prepared
Productive
Polite
Show Perseverance
Backpacks in Lockers
About Us
Website: https://potomacms.pwcs.edu
Location: 3130 Panther Pride Drive, Dumfries, VA, USA
Phone: 703-221-4996
Facebook: facebook.com/potomacMS
Twitter: @PotomacMS