Potomac Stories

What does it really mean to make an argument? Eighth grade history students recently explored that question in a creative, hands-on way by diving into the contradictions of 1950s America. Their research explored key themes such as conformity, rebellion, prosperity, and the Cold War, with topics ranging from Betty Crocker to the credit card boom to the nuclear arms race.

Students transformed their findings into vibrant research posters that were part mind map and part persuasive essay. This approach pushed students to think beyond traditional writing; they developed research skills, crafted clear thesis statements, and learned how to structure an argument while visually mapping their thinking. The process encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, culminating in student presentations in the commons where they demonstrated how their evidence supported their claims. 

Inspired by Fahrenheit 451, students completed an exercise in which they designed their own dystopian worlds in Mrs. Green’s eighth grade English classes. Students worked through a series of specific questions to determine characteristics such as social structure, government, control mechanisms, and the atmosphere of their original designs. Students explored themes of censorship, information control, and effective leadership as they crafted their environments. After students developed written descriptions of their dystopias, they used an AI generator called Flint to create unique images. Students embraced various aesthetics, ranging from cold, isolated environments to technologically advanced, futuristic ones. This activity was designed to develop an understanding of dystopian characteristics, such as those seen in the novel, and to increase AI literacy. 
 

Over Spring Break, grade 8 teams 13A, 13B, and 13D traveled to Woodbridge, Virginia, and competed in the VEX V5 State Championship Tournament. Two of the teams (13A and 13B) earned spots in the elimination round.

Team 13A, consisting of Erik Eggers ’30, Veer Mathur ’30, and James Schweitzer ’30, earned their place at Worlds in St. Louis this April by scoring well in the skills portion of the event. Congratulations to all IS roboticists for a great season!

On March 4, the band program delivered an unforgettable performance at our annual Bands Concert, themed “Rhythm, Roots, and Blues.” The evening took the audience on a cultural journey from the songs of North American tribes to the folk tunes of the Appalachian Mountains, the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean, and the streets of New York—proving that music is indeed a universal language.

The program featured stellar performances by our Intermediate and Upper School bands, the Jazz Band, and a combined percussion ensemble. One highlight of the night was the world premiere of "River of Blues," an original work by guest conductor and composer Mr. Carl Holmquist. This driving, traditional blues piece traces the music's historical journey up the Mississippi River and was performed by our Intermediate School Band alongside guest soloist Mr. Herb Scott.

Our students were incredibly fortunate to collaborate with such high-caliber artists. Mr. Holmquist, an award-winning composer and educator at H-B Woodlawn, not only conducted but also dedicated his time to composing "River of Blues" specifically for Potomac students. The featured soloist was Mr. Herb Scott, a renowned DC-area saxophonist and Blues Alley headliner, who recently received the Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for his music advocacy. His virtuosic solo was a masterclass for our young musicians, all of whom did a fabulous job bringing this complex program to life. Congratulations to your children on a wonderful performance!

Relive the evening by watching the performance and enjoying photos.

In a vibrant display of community learning, members of the Muslim Student Alliance (MSA) recently hosted a Ramadan Fair for the Intermediate School. The event was designed to foster deep cultural awareness and highlight the shared values of empathy, charity, and discipline that underpin the holy month.

Through a series of interactive presentations, MSA students guided their peers through the essential pillars of the Ramadan experience, including:

• The Significance of Fasting and Prayer: Exploring the spiritual focus and self-reflection central to the month.
• The Qur'an: Discussing its history and its role as a guide during this sacred time.
• Suhoor and Iftar: Explaining the daily rhythm of the pre-dawn and post-sunset meals.
• Eid al-Fitr: A look at the joyous celebration that marks the conclusion of the fast.

The Ramadan Fair reinforced Potomac’s commitment to an inclusive environment where students learn from one another’s lived experiences, ultimately strengthening the bonds of our diverse community. View the gallery here.