Potomac Stories

Our Teaching Fellows Program has existed in a variety of forms since 1985. This two-year program offers recent college graduates a unique opportunity to explore a career in education. Fellows are provided with invaluable experience and mentorship, bridging the gap often required by independent schools while simultaneously enriching the Potomac community. Fellows gain hands-on experience working alongside teachers and staff, learning what it truly means to be part of a school community. From fostering innovative teaching practices to building lasting relationships, the program's impact is profound. Hear from some current and former fellows as they reflect on their experiences and how this program has shaped their paths, both within and beyond education.

Over the weekend, more than 120 members of our Potomac community gathered to pack weekend meal kits to support the Power Pack Program of our partner Food for Others. Hannah Brockway, the Communications Coordinator from Food for Others, came to share about the challenges of food insecurity in our area and how the Power Pack Program meets the needs for the kids of Fairfax County. Our community was able to pack 500 Power Packs, which totaled 1,257 pounds of food. Many thanks to all who donated time, talents, and supplies to make this impactful event possible. It was a beautiful outpouring of generosity of spirit! See photos from the event.  

Potomac is committed to fostering not only academic excellence but also the overall well-being of our students. Our Health and Wellness team, including our school counselors, is dedicated to promoting balance in our students' lives. During the upcoming Parent Forums, our team will share our approach to creating practical strategies to help your child thrive at school and home. Read how to support your child's wellness, manage stress, and cultivate a healthy balance in this piece from Head of Intermediate School Ryan Woods. 

To help those affected by the recent hurricanes, the IS Service Learning Committee, in collaboration with the PASLC and other student leaders on campus, organized a drive to put together Hygiene Kits to support the relief efforts of Convoy of Hope. Many thanks to all who participated, whether through sending in completed kits or bulk items or joining our assembly sessions. Our community created nearly 500 hygiene kits, bringing dignity and support to those in need after devastating loss. Your generosity of spirit is an inspiration and a true reflection of our core values. 

Just before Spring Break, Emirati astronauts Hazzaa Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi visited The Potomac School ahead of meetings in Washington, D.C. Students in grades K-8 heard firsthand accounts of their space missions. Al Mansoori was the first Emirati to go to space, traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019, while Al Neyadi took part in the UAE’s second mission to the ISS in 2023. Al Neyadi was the first Arab to serve on the ISS for a long-duration mission. Al Neyadi told students how space unites us to give us new knowledge, sharing that “the UAE has been collaborating with NASA for years, gaining valuable experience, building strong friendships, and working towards common goals together." Read the story.

With the Economics, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Business (EFEB) concentration program in its second year, we’re checking in to learn about highlights from the pilot year – which connected participants to various members of our community. Through coursework, hands-on experiences, and individual research, EFEB students can gain a profound understanding of the business world while preparing themselves for future success. Learn how year one went, read student reflections, and if you would be interested in sponsoring a four-week internship in the summer of 2024, please email Dyana Conroy to discuss further.