Potomack Intermediate
Sunday, October 11, 2026
In This Message:
- Upcoming Important Dates
- Upcoming Lunch Menu
- Body Safe Lessons
- Science Fair Annoucement
- College Exploration and Red Ribbon Week Dress up Days
- 4-H at Potomack Intermediate School
- Updated Afternoon Student Pick up Route
- PTO Update 10/11
- PTO Homecoming Candy Drive
- Student Spotlight - Lena
- Student Spotlight - Josiah
- Student Spotlight - David
- Student Spotlight - Lanie
- Student Spotlight Form
- Interested in Subbing at Potomack
- 26-27 School Year Calendar Snapshot for Families
Upcoming Important Dates
10/13 - End of the First 9 weeks
10/13 - PTO Meeting at 4:00pm in the cafeteria
10/13 - Watch DOGs Kickoff Pizza Party at 6:00pm
10/14 - Professional Learning Day - No school for students
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks report cards
10/21 - Bank at School Day
10/29 - Parent-Teacher Conferences from 5:00-7:00pm
11/3 - Election Day - No school for student or staff
11/4 - Fall picture make up day
11/10 - PTO Meeting at 4:00pm in the cafeteria
11/11 - Veteran's Day - No school for students or staff
11/18 - Bank at School Day
11/23-11/27 - Thanksgiving Break
Upcoming Lunch Menu
New: In order to ensure ADA compliance of our community update, we can no longer post screenshots of the lunch menu. Instead, the lunch menu is linked below. An additional feature of the website is the breakfast menu is only a click away, as well. Thank you!
Body Safe Lessons
Abused and neglected children may be found in almost every school in the country. Recent research data indicates one in 10 children in West Virginia will be a victim of sexual abuse by age 18. School-aged children make up more than half of the children who are abused and neglected.
As a result of these alarming statistics, in 2018 the West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 4402 which requires that children in grades K-12 receive age-appropriate body safety education. The goal of body safety education is to educate and empower West Virginia public school children. In accordance with West Virginia code §18-2-41, your child will be provided with body safety education.
It is recognized that the basic responsibility for the teaching of body safety education belongs in the home with the support of the school and other community agencies to strengthen the efforts of parents/guardians.
You are encouraged to review all instructional materials and continue to be involved in the discussions which promote body safety education.
Instruction materials for grades 3-5 can be found at https://wvde.us/student-support-wellness/mental-behavioral-physical-health/body-safety-sexual-abuse-prevention-toolkit/body-safety-education-toolkit.
Science Fair Annoucement
Calling all curious minds! Potomack Intermediate’s Science Fair is December 8! Students in grades 3–5 are invited to ask a question, test an idea, and share what they discover. Join us for a parent information meeting on November 16 at 4 p.m. to learn more.
Interested in participating? Email Mrs. Amanda Rose at amanda.c.rose@k12.wv.us to join the science fair Schoology group and receive more information. Let’s see where your curiosity takes you!
College Exploration and Red Ribbon Week Dress up Days
College and Career Exploration Week Dress Up Days- October 19th-23rd
Monday, October 19th - Teams Meeting Day - Dress like you're in a Teams meeting: Business on top and casual on the bottom
Tuesday, October 20th - Celebrate Military Careers - Wear Camo
Wednesday, October 21st - College and Careers Take Us Places! - Dress like a traveler
Thursday, October 22nd - College is no Sweat! - Dress in Sweatpants/Sweatshirts
Friday, October 23rd - Dress for Your Dream Career! - Wear what you want to be when you grow up!
Red Ribbon Week Dress Up Days- October 26th-30th
Monday, October 26th - Red-Y to be Drug Free! - Wear Red
Tuesday, October 27th - Put Drugs to Bed! - Wear Pajamas (No Slippers).
Wednesday, October 28th - Drugs are WACKY! - Dress in wacky/mismatched clothes
Thursday, October 29th - Drugs are Uncool in Every Decade! - Dress like your favorite decade (50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's)
Friday, October 30th - Say "BOO" to Drug! - Wear your favorite spooky/book character costume (NO Masks, Face coverings, Blood/Gore, or Weapons)
4-H at Potomack Intermediate School
What is 4-H? 4-H is a youth development program. It focuses on leadership, citizenship, community service, education, and fun.
The four H’s are Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
4-H is for ages 9 to 21 as of September 30, 2027. The Cloverbud program is for students in grades K-2nd. Our club currently does not have a Cloverbud program, but if you would be interested in leading this area for our club, it would be great to add one.)
All leaders are vetted and background checked through WVU.
Camping opportunities are available each summer.
Club name – 4-H Youth Leadership
Meetings – We will be meeting after school one Tuesday a month.
Registration – https://4h.zsuite.org/ The first meeting will be October 13. Pick up time for this meeting will be 5:00. All Students must be signed out by a parent or an adult you assign.
You will be asked to create a household account and then to register each child – even if you are just going to register one child. You will also be asked to select projects for the 2026-2027 4-H year. First year members must sign up for THIS IS 4-H. Our club will be working through some of this project together.
Most project work is done at home, so if your child has a specific interest area, you may select another project for them. I recommend that you limit your child to two projects for their first year. Books are provided free of charge, but the expectation is that they will complete the project books before June 1st and that they will complete their exhibits before August 1st. Of course, your child may take more projects, but please make sure they are committed to completion. Additional projects can be added later in the year if your child finishes the projects they sign up for now.
Feel free to contact the Organizational Leader, Mrs, Janet O’Connell jlo1994@aol.com with “4-H in the subject area or see the Assistant Leader, Mrs. Christine Lahay at school.
Updated Afternoon Student Pick up Route
Starting on Monday, Spring Mills High School Resource Officer Deputy Cox will be at the intersection of Campus Drive and out drop off lane to direct parents picking up their students into a new route to alleviate traffic on Campus Drive. There have been some close calls (and an accident) at this intersection since the road was built so a big thank you to the BCSD for providing a way for Deputy Cox to be there to keep everyone safe.
PTO Update 10/9
Have you fed the Monsters yet?
We are doing a candy drive to collect individually wrapped candy for our Homecoming Float.
Please send your child in to school this week with a bag of candy donation so we can have by Friday for the SMHS Homecoming Parade
Thank you in advance for your participation and thank you to all who have already sent their donation in
PTO Homecoming Candy Drive
Parents - we need your help! Potomack Intermediate will be participating in the SMHS Homecoming Parade and we would love for you to support our candy drive so we have candy to throw from the float. Please send individually wrapped candy in to the school 10/5 - 10/13 and have your student drop it in the Frankenstein or Bride of Frankenstein box in the foyer when they arrive at school.
Student Spotlight
Along with her flag football team, Lena competed in the Junior Olympics in Iowa, where they brought home the Silver Medal!
What an incredible achievement, Lena!
Josiah is an amazing soccer player and teammate, but he is also a loving big brother who cares for his brother with so much love. He is respectful at home and with his peers. Josiah raised money by selling soccer keychains so he could purchase soccer nets for his school. He has also received two school awards. Josiah’s kindness, generosity, and leadership make him a wonderful example to others!
SWING FOR THE FENCES MVP: DAVID
Big weekend for #99!
David is our Swing for the Fences Tournament MVP! David made an impact at the plate throughout the weekend and stepped up when his team needed him most.
Collected hits throughout the tournament
Drove in runs for the Outlaws
Went 2-for-3 in Sunday’s final game
Delivered the game-tying RBI in the 5th inning to keep the Outlaws battling
David showed up, competed hard, and came through in a big moment for his team.
Congratulations, David! Keep working, kid!
Lanie has been in gymnastics since she was 4 years old and decided to change it up and try soccer. She plays soccer for MBCPR in the U10 division. This is her first season playing. She walked into the sport not know much about it but has worked so hard to keep up and learn some new skills. She was nervous joining the team not knowing anyone or really knowing the game but during her game on September 26th she played hard and kept going. She’s been giving her all in her games and not giving up. She’s received her first game ball for her hard work that game.
Lanie, we are so proud of you and all your hard work! Keep it up!
Student Spotlight Form
At Potomack, we love recognizing academic achievements, but we also know our students are accomplishing incredible things outside of school! 🌟
If your student has a notable achievement in sports, the arts, or any other area this year, please fill out the form below.
We’re excited to spotlight these amazing accomplishments on our social media page and newsletter throughout the year! 🎉
Please click the link below to submit your student for a Spotlight. Thank you!
Interested in Subbing at Potomack?
Potomack Intermediate has a fantastic stable of reliable, professional substitutes, but being the largest intermediate school in West Virginia means we are always looking to develop additional subs. The best place to do that is the school where your child attends! If you're interested in subbing at Potomack as either a teacher or member of our service staff, please reach out to Dr. Arch at carch@k12.wv.us.
26-27 School Year Calendar Snapshot for Families
Students
August 20, 2026: First Day of School
May 28, 2027: Last Day of School
PL/CD Days ( No School)
October 14, 2026: Professional Learning Day
March 17, 2027: Curriculum Development Day
2.5 Hour Early Dismissal
September 16, 2026: Teacher Prep Time
October 7, 2026: Faculty Senate Meetings
December 18, 2026: Faculty Senate Meetings
January 19, 2027: Teacher Prep Time
February 3, 2027: Faculty Senate Meetings
February 24, 2027: Teacher Prep Time
April 14, 2027: Faculty Senate Meetings
Holidays (Schools & Offices Closed)
September 7, 2026: Labor Day
November 3, 2026: Election Day
November 11, 2026: Veterans Day
November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving Day
December 25, 2026: Christmas Day
January 1, 2027: New Year's Day
January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Breaks
November 23-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break
December 21, 2026 - January 4, 2027: Winter Break
March 29-April 2, 2027: Spring Break
Graduation
May 24, 2027: Spring Mills High School
Potomack Intermediate School, Dr. Craig Arch, Principal
"SOARing to New Heights": Safe, Organized, Accountable, Respectful
Email: carch@k12.wv.us
Website: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/potomack
Location: 5308 Williamsport Pike, Martinsburg, WV, USA
Staff Contact Information
School Phone Number: (304) 274-6592. Normal office hours are from 8:00am to 4:00pm with limited telephone contact outside of those times.
- Dr. Arch, Principal: carch@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. O'Brien, Assistant Principal: m.obrien@k12.wv.us
- Mr. Omerzo, Assistant Principal: aomerzo@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. McFadden, School Nurse: lisa.mcfadden@k12.wv.us
- Mrs Hess, Attendance Secretary: phyllis.hess@k12.wv.us
- Mr. Wearing, Registrar: justin.wearing@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Smith, Financial Secretary: erica.l.smith@k12.wv.us
- Ms. Griffin, Social Worker: ashley.griffin@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Hott, School Counselor: alexandrea.hott@k12.wv.us
- Mr. Malcolm, School Counselor: chad.malcolm@k12.wv.us
Potomack's staff directory can be found by clicking the link below:
Greensburg Bed and Biscuit
Potomack thanks its Business Partners for their support!
Please take a moment and check out our amazing business partners by clicking their logo!
Dr. Arch, Principal
carch@k12.wv.us
304-274-6592