|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Table of Contents
Important Dates
November 26th – 28th Holidays – Thanksgiving Break
December 20-Jan 3 - Winter Break
January 6 - Rising 9th Grade Family Night, Curriculum Night, Electives Fair Open House
Principal’s Message
Dear West Potomac Community,
Happy Friday! Only two more school days till your Thanksgiving Break. As a reminder, school will be closed on Wednesday November 26th, Thursday 27th and Friday 28th. Our office will NOT be open. During this season of giving, lets remind all around us to be kind. I am a firm believer that we can make the world a better place by showing kindness to whomever we encounter day-to-day. We hope you and your students have a restful, and kind Thanksgiving Break.
Due to the two-day week, next week, I will not send out a typical Friday message.
This Monday, we celebrated some amazing students. Congratulations to the 55 students who were nominated by their teacher to be a WPHS 1st Quarter Rising Star. A huge THANK YOU to our PTSA Academic Boosters for making our Student Recognition Celebrations possible!
I was also able to participate and attend the West Potomac Student Services Advisory council. This group consisted of school counselors, teachers and students. It was a wonderful meeting with wonderful students.
Again, on behalf of my entire administrative team, I hope everyone has a wonderful, KIND Thanksgiving Break.
In community,
Jessica Statz, Principal
School News
On Wednesday, West Potomac received a Certificate of Achievement from U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir Colonel David Stewart, U. S. Army Commanding, for our proven commitment to meet the needs of military-connected students and families as recognized by the Virginia Department of Education Purple Star Designation. Our thanks to Angela Beebe, School Liaison Fort Belvoir, for stopping by to present the certificate.
Yesterday our AVID Program visited the campus of UVA! Below are a couple pictures from their trip!
 Student Services
- A reminder that academic advising and course selection for 2026-27 begins after winter break! Please be sure to mark your calendar for January 6 for our Rising 9th Grade Family Night, Curriculum Night, and Electives Open House! See flyer below!
 
PTSA News
At our 11/18 meeting, we had a great presentation by FCPS Senior Substance Prevention Specialist, Tiffany Little. We received lots of great information about current trends and tips for talking to your teens about substance abuse. We're attaching a resource sheet for you in case you missed it!
Teacher Appreciation - Holiday Requests!
We're collecting gift cards and donations to help celebrate our wonderful teachers and staff this holiday season. Click HERE to visit our sign-up for gift cards or HERE to make a cash donation which helps us provide prizes and treats to make the staff holiday party extra fun. We love celebrating our staff - thank you for helping us make this a great event!
Membership
Still need to join the PTSA? We'd love to have you! Click HERE to purchase your membership today. All funds go directly to supporting our school community. A reminder that seniors need to be PTSA members by December 10th to be eligible for county PTA scholarships! Click HERE to learn more about this program.
Fundraising
Are you ordering holiday cards this season? Purchasing yours through Minted can save you money and help our school at the same time! See the flyer below for a code to use at checkout:
Senior Committee News
SAVE THE DATE: Our next restaurant night will be at Panera Bread on December 10th. Mark your calendars! More details to come.
$26 BEFORE ‘26 DIRECT DONATION CAMPAIGN: We have kicked off our $26 before ‘26 fundraising campaign! Please consider donating to help fund our Senior Bash in May.
VISIT THIS LINK TO DONATE
SENIOR YARD SIGNS - Celebrate your soon to be graduate by purchasing your Class of 2026 Senior Yard sign today!
VISIT THIS LINK TO PURCHASE
VOLUNTEERING - If you are going to volunteer or senior events, you will need to register as a volunteer with FCPS (new this year). It takes some time for the approval process so plan ahead! Here is the Link to Register for Level I service.
CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA!
JOIN our Instagram page! “WestPo2026”
JOIN our Facebook page! “West Potomac HS-Class of 2026 Parents & Families"
This is a private group for parents and students.
Senior Administrator: Brian Valentine (bvalentine@fcps.edu)
Senior Class Sponsors: Virginia Lintot (vmlintot@fcps.edu), Aimee Gervacio (agervacio@fcps.edu), Mariam Younossi (myounossi@fcps.edu)
Parents Committee Co-Chairs: Emily Wild (emilywild7717@gmail.com) and Sandy Forti (sandyforti@gmail.com)
PTSA’s Test Prep News
SAT vs. ACT: 10 Fast Facts Every Family Should Know
One test isn’t “better” — the right one is the one that fits your student.
When deciding between the SAT vs ACT, it helps to understand the key differences, formats, and scoring systems. Colleges accept both tests, so skip the guesswork — use this quick, fact-based guide to see how the SAT and ACT differ and find which one fits your student’s strengths.
SAT vs ACT: 10 Facts to Choose the Right Test for Your Student
- Acceptance: Do Colleges Prefer SAT or ACT?
Every U.S. college accepts both the SAT and ACT equally. Students should choose based on which test plays to their abilities.
- Format: Digital vs Paper
The SAT is fully digital and adaptive; the ACT remains fixed in both the paper-based and digital format (which students select when registering). Tech-savvy students may find the SAT’s format smoother.
- Timing & Pacing: Which Test Offers More Time?
The SAT takes 2h 14m, while the ACT takes 2h 5m (the optional Science sections adds an extra 40m).
The SAT allows slightly more time per question; the ACT moves faster. Students who work quickly may thrive on the ACT, while those who prefer careful reasoning often prefer the SAT.
- SAT vs ACT Math: Depth & Breadth
The SAT emphasizes algebra and data analysis; the ACT includes geometry, trigonometry, and some precalculus. The ACT covers more ground, while the SAT digs deeper.
- SAT vs ACT Reading & Writing: Short vs Long Passages
The SAT combines reading and grammar into short, focused passages. The ACT separates English (grammar) and Reading, using longer passages that test stamina.
Get the SAT vs. ACT Guide
Your cheat sheet for choosing the test that suits your strengths – so achieving your potential will be that much easier.
Get the Guide
- Science: How Is It Tested on Each Exam?
Only the ACT has a separate Science section, which is optional (although we recommend students still take it). The SAT integrates scientific reasoning into other questions. Choose based on your student’s comfort with data and charts.
- SAT Score vs ACT Score: Different Scales, Same Goal
The SAT is scored between 400–1600 total points (200–800 per section), while the ACT is scored on a composite scale of 1–36 (which takes the average of the three required section scores).
If you’re comparing SAT vs ACT scores, they can be converted using concordance charts for easy comparison.
- Superscoring Policies: You Control What College See
Most colleges superscore both tests—combining your student’s best section results. You can also choose which test dates to send.
- SAT vs ACT Prep Strategies: Strategy vs Speed
The SAT rewards pattern recognition and logic; the ACT rewards pacing and endurance. Prep plans should reflect those differences.
- How to Choose: Should I Take SAT or ACT?
Take a full-length SAT and ACT practice (mock) test.
Then, use our detailed score reports to compare scores, pacing, and comfort before committing to the best-fit test.
SAT vs. ACT Comparison Chart
FAQs: Common SAT vs ACT Questions
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
Take a practice test for each. Compare your scores and pacing. Choose the exam where you feel most confident and perform more consistently.
Is the SAT or ACT easier?
Neither is easier overall — the SAT rewards reasoning and adaptability, while the ACT favors quick recall and speed.
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT?
No. All accredited U.S. colleges accept both. Choose the test that fits your learning style and strengths.
Which is better: SAT or ACT?
Neither test is “better” — the best choice is the one that matches your goals, timing, and comfort with digital or paper formats.
Can I compare my SAT and ACT scores?
Yes. Use an SAT vs ACT comparison chart (available on College Board and ACT websites) to align scores accurately.
Mock Tests, Classes and Resources
Mock Tests –New enhanced ACT (eACT) Mocks at West Po are currently being offered in the paper and pencil version as the new, official *digital* version of the eACT has not yet achieved a good user experience. Applerouth is not advising anyone to take the official eACT digitally, if they can avoid it.
Small Group SAT Classes - Target prep for the 3/14/26, or 6/6/26 official SAT test dates. In-person, laptop required. Classes are filling up so register early!
Small Group eACT Classes – Until the West Po community shows more interest in the in-person eACT classes on campus, Applerouth has agreed to enroll students in their scheduled online with live tutor eACT classes, as available, and honor the West Po Group Class Price. Contact Test Prep Chair, Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com for class options.
Online Self-Paced Classes - 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. Applerouth's new enhanced ACT self-paced course has been updated for the eACT.
Scholarships - WPHS student need-based scholarships for mocks and classes are available through the College and Career Center Specialist, Karen B, Young, kbyoung1@fcps.edu
Program Resources
Test Prep Web Page – General information about test prep and links to West Po prep events
Applerouth Tutoring – Experienced tutors are available for questions at 202-558-5644
PTSA Test Prep Chair – Marilyn Aboff, marilynaboff@yahoo.com
|
