News & Photos
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The New Lower School is Underway!
Posted May 29
It was a blue sky and groundbreaking day as the entire school and our honored guests gathered on the Gum Tree field to commemorate the beginning of our new Lower School. Donna Lewis, Pawz, and the Junior Hard Hat committee stole the show, as they rumbled in on their tractor with Mrs. Lewis behind the wheel. Speakers inspired and Lower School singers entertained those assembled. A special book, If you take a mouse to the new Lower School, written and illustrated by students in grade 3, was presented to each family. It was truly a special day.
Click More for a gallery of photos.
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Red/Blue Alumni Challenge Inaugural Event: A Great Success
Posted February 24
The Red/Blue Alumni Challenge is underway!
This past October, Potomac School alumni gathered at The New York Yacht Club to launch the challenge – a new competition between the red and blue alumni to see which group reaches the highest participation rate by making commitments to The Campaign for Potomac's Future. The challenge will conclude December 31, 2009.
Hosted by Arthur and Trina Santry, this event was a family affair, attracting almost 100 Potomac alumni who exchanged stories and talked about “old times” late into the evening. The Santrys brought their entire family -- Artie, Grade 8, Alexa, Grade 6, and Richie, Grade 3 -- because, in Trina’s words, they wanted to show their children how important Potomac is in their lives and why we all need to give back.
Rob Lee, Boys Athletic Director, officially opened the Red/Blue Challenge as alumni waved bandanas to support their team.
How Can You Help Your Team Win the Challenge?
Visit http://potomacschool.org/our_community/redvsblue.asp for news on the progress of the Red/Blue teams. You can also contribute to our blog. All alumni who participate in the Challenge by giving to the Campaign will be listed on the Alumni Red/Blue Challenge Wall which will be dedicated at the end of the Campaign. Send a check today or log on to www.potomacschool.org/campaign. -
Fairbank Make Transformational Gift to Potomac
Posted May 30
"This is a very special institution, one that blends academic excellence in education with an uncompromising sense of humanity,” Rich Fairbank said in his address to the more than 600 parents, alumni, and friends of The Potomac School who gathered to dedicate the new Upper School on May 2nd.
Potomac announced the remarkable gift of Rich and Chris Fairbank to The Campaign for Potomac’s Future in the amount of $12 million to fully fund the construction of a new Lower School. Their gift is the most generous in the School’s history. Together, with over 350 families who have contributed to the Campaign, the Fairbank gift brings the Campaign total to $40.1 million of the $50 million goal.
According to Head of School Geoff Jones, “This transformational gift will help build Potomac’s future as we continue to develop an inclusive learning environment focused on academic excellence and a commitment to community.”
Chris and Rich each came from a background of elementary education and working with children. Rich said that he would still be working with children but fate intervened and he entered the business world. Rich noted the importance of “holding true to the values that brought so many of us here to this school.” He credited kindergarten language enrichment teacher Pat Haislip who has taught generations of Potomac students, as an exemplar of the values that are the hallmark of a Potomac education.
Rich said about Pat, “If I in my job could have half the impact on this world that you do in yours I would be really proud because where Chris and I come from there is no higher calling. That’s why we’re here today.”
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Dedication Day - May 2, 2007
Posted May 29
It was a day of dedication, celebration, and gratitude for the teaching, values, and community that have inspired generations of Potomac students. More than 600 parents, alums, and trustees joined us to formally dedicate our new Upper School and for student tours, a festive luncheon honoring donors, and a student assembly with former President Bill Clinton. The theme for the day was "Building Enlightened Leadership." Each division participated by selecting a theme to support the School's mission and conducted a series of classes, projects, and other initiatives to commemorate the day.
To see an audiocast and podcast of the day's events, please click here.
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A Donor Challenge for the Class of ‘78: Donate this year and your gift will be matched!
Posted March 30
Ramin Oskoui, MD ’78, is challenging members of the Class of ’78 to support The Campaign for Potomac’s Future. When fellow classmates who have not yet contributed to the Campaign commit gifts totaling $50,000 by the end of 2007, Dr. Oskoui will donate up to $50,000 to match that total.
"Despite my nostalgia for our modest Lower School I have come to realize how much a new building is needed," said Oskoui. "My family has made this our charitable priority and we hope many others join us in learning more about it and considering how we can all help."
