October 26-30
Principal's Message and Next Level Shout-Outs
Good afternoon, Panther Students and Families,
Last week, we celebrated Kindness Week, Volleyball Senior Nights, National Honor Society Inductions, and held our first Staff Underground Spirit Week and DECA Pop-Up Dirty Soda Shop! The week ended with gratitude for teachers who have impacted our Varsity players and a big win for the team! We are proud of our staff and students for making an impact on our school and community!
This is the last week of first quarter! Please use this week to finish all assignments and assessments, review Schoology and Parent/Student Vue now, and follow your plan to finish the quarter strong. The Next Level Lab is also open for students to make up tests or get peer tutoring.
Small changes lead to big changes. If we do our best every day, we will make a lasting IMPACT and be NEXT LEVEL. We hope everyone has a great weekend and appreciate your support of our staff and students!
Congratulations to the English, Math, CTE, Fine and Performing Arts, and Main Office Teams for showing NEXT LEVEL school spirit during our Kindness and Underground Spirit Week! We celebrated their school spirit with Donut Day on Friday.
Send Your Own Shout-Outs
Attention all staff and students, please use this link for shoutouts! Other students, staff, volunteers, and community partners deserve recognition for their positive contributions to our Panther Community. Parents and guardians, we want to include you, too! If you are a parent or guardian and want to shout out another student or staff member, please email Dr. Woolever.
Weekly Calendar
October 26, 2026
- A-Day
- Monster Monday (spirit week)
- PFHS Guitar Quartet visit to RBMS
- Video Game & Trading Card Game Club Mtg @ 4:25p rm239
- Fall Play Rehearsal @ 5p aud/black box
- Ledo Pizza Night for Band Boosters @ 11a-9p
October 27, 2026
- B Day
- Rhyme for No Reason Day (spirit week)
- Peer Tutoring Interest Mtg @ 8:45a rm229
- Chess Club @ 4:20p rm138
- Academic/Trivia Team Mtg @ 4:30p rm237
- Marching Band Practice @ 4:35p rm407
- Fall Play Rehearsal @ 5p aud/black box
October 28, 2026
- A Day (advisory schedule)
- Halloween Costume Day (spirit week)
- American Sign Language (ASL) Mtg @ 8:45a rm109
- Educators Rising Meeting @ 8:50a rm114
- Principal's Advisory Team Meeting @ Career Center
- Costume Club Mtg @ 4:30p ctg 4
- Marching Band Practice @ 4:35p rm407
- Fall Play Rehearsal @ 5p aud/black box
October 29, 2026
- Teacher Workday / Student Holiday
October 30, 2026
- Teacher Workday / Student Holiday
Next Level Lab Open
The Next Level Lab is where students come to take charge of their learning.
It is a dedicated lab in room 229 where students can sign up for help in all subjects from peer tutors or for making up a test. Students can sign up to make up or retake a test. Peer Tutoring will be coming soon – an announcement will be made when it opens.
Student Responsibility:
Book a Slot: Schedule a session using the Google Form (bit.ly/NextLevelLab)
If testing: Use your teacher’s form to sign up to take the test - if you don’t complete this step at least 24 hours in advance, you won’t be able to take the test that day.
All students: Create a pass from study hall at your assigned time and show your Google Form confirmation to your study hall teacher.
Next Level Lab will have D lunch.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Christiana Phillips (christiana.phillips@lcps.org).
Message from the PTSO
Please sign up for PTSO membership.
Your membership supports the endeavors listed below:
- Staff Breakfast and Luncheons.
- Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Grants for Teachers.
- Scholarship for Seniors.
- Supporting various PFHS activities such as SCA, Parent Liaisons, and Panthers Helping Panthers
Joining is just one click away, so don’t forget to sign-up today!!
Family Membership $30 – Staff Membership $15
Papa John’s Pizza Card - SPECIAL OFFER
Papa John’s Pizza Cards offer a discounted rate of $10. Purchase a pizza at the regular menu price and receive a pizza FREE of equal or lesser value (no amount restrictions). **Carryout Only - Over 140 participating restaurants in VMD. Use the QR code and get your card today! VALID UNTIL March 2027.
Coming Soon - See's Candies Fundraiser
The PFH PTSO is running a See’s fundraising campaign for the rest of the school year. All funds raised will support senior scholarships and activities for staff, including coffee carts, luncheons, and Teacher Appreciation Week. Any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Link to be available soon
Please consider joining the PTSO Leadership Team:
Open Positions:
MSAC (Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee)
LEAF (Loudoun Education Alliance of Families)
2027-28 President
2026/2027 PTSO Meeting Dates
We are hosting HYBRID meetings this year!
The PTSO is open to any parent of a PFHS student or any member of the PFHS staff or administration. We will hold PTSO meetings at 7:00 p.m. in the PFHS library or on Zoom (see schedule below). These meetings will be ONE HOUR MAX, to share good news, highlight a school department, and connect parents with admin, teachers, & student reps.
Meeting Schedule:
November 19 at 7:00 p.m.: PFHS Library
December: No Meeting
January 21 at 7:00 p.m.: Zoom (link TBA)
February: No Meeting
March 18 at 7:00 p.m.: PFHS Library
April 22 at 7:00 p.m.: Zoom (link TBA)
May 20 at 7:00 p.m.: PFHS Library
Other ways to reach us:
- Twitter @PFHS_PTSO
- Instagram @pfhs.ptso
- Facebook @Potomac Falls High School PTSO
- Email us at pfhs.ptso.president@gmail.com
Sincerely,
2026 - 2027 PFHS PTSO Board
President – Jennifer Rose
Treasurer – Lilah Bruland
Secretary – Melody Caprio
VP Communications/Membership – Melissa Govoruhk
VP Resources – Nicole Majak
Senior Section
Please visit our website for Senior Updates.We will post updates as quickly as possible.
Cap & Gown Orders
Class of 2027 Sweatshirt
Senior Baby Ads
Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends of Potomac Falls’ senior class can purchase page space in this year’s edition of The Legacy to place personalized ads. Now is the time to gather baby pictures, poems, and personalized messages for your friend’s or child’s senior yearbook.
Page space is sold in units, 16 per page. Each unit is roughly 2 inches x 3 inches (see the sample below). Prices are listed below. Please submit clear, sharp photos. Don't worry about your photo size. We will reduce it to fit in the space provided. More than one photo may be placed in larger ads. We will return all photographs in their original condition when the book is delivered. The deadline for submitting your ad is Friday, October 23, 2026. More details are here.
To see additional Yearbook updates, please go through the LIVE Yearbook Informational Slides and bookmark it for future access!
Career Center Call-Outs
UPCOMING COLLEGE REP VISITS AND OPPORTUNITIES
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
October 26th 10:00 am College and Career Center
SUNY AT BINGHAMTON
October 29th 1:45 pm College and Career Center
HBCU COLLEGE FAIR
November 7th 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tuscarora High School Gym
NOVA COMMUNITY COLLEGE - NON DE STUDENTS
November 17th 10:00 am Auditorium
US MARINE CORP RECRUITER SGT. HORN
November 19th All Lunch Blocks In Front Of The Cafeteria
CAREER + OPPORTUNITIES
Apprenticeship Opportunity:
The Work-based Learning team is partnering with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC) to offer a pre-apprenticeship program designed specifically for seniors who are not planning to enroll in college or enlist after graduation and may be looking for a direct pathway into the workforce.
Students accepted into the program will take after-school classes at the Academies of Loudoun (ACL) from January 2027 through May 2027. This hands-on experience provides foundational electrical and construction trade skills and can lead directly into a registered apprenticeship upon graduation.
Intended for seniors seeking employment pathways after high school
15–20 spots available countywide
Students must provide their own transportation to ACL
Classes take place after school, from January 26, 2027 through May 26, 2027
Student Opportunities:
ACADEMIES OF LOUDOUN VISIT:
Students Here's Your Opportunity to Explore the Academies of Loudoun!
The Academies of Loudoun Admissions Team will be visiting on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, to share information about the winter application cycle. Applications open December 1, 2026, and close January 15, 2027. Students interested in exploring the unique academic and career pathways offered at the Academies of Loudoun are encouraged to learn more about the application process. Please see Mrs. Marelli for additional information and scan the QR code on the flyer to learn how to apply!
Part Time Job Opportunities:
Falcons Landing Senior Living Community:FalconsLandingPartTime
Piano Player
Ashby Ponds Senior Living: AshbyPondsAshburn
Dining Room Attendants
Reston Town Center Ice Skating Rink: RestonRinkPartTime
Cashiers
On Ice Attendants
Nothing Bundt Cake PartTimeNothingBundtCakes
Dulles and Herndon Locations Front of Store Customer Service
Sweetgreen One Loudoun: SweetGreenOneLoudoun
Core Team Member
Southblock One Loudoun: Sweetgreen One Loudoun: SouthBlockOneLoudoun
Team Member Blockstar
Scholarship Spotlight
Welcome to our Scholarship Spotlight! This section highlights exciting scholarship opportunities available to Potomac Falls High School students, including awards that recognize academic achievement, leadership and community service. We encourage students and families to explore these opportunities, review eligibility requirements, and keep track of application deadlines.
Scholarship Spotlight: Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award
2026-2027 Harry F. Byrd, Jr. Leadership Award recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate academic achievement, strong character, leadership, and devotion to duty. Academic excellence is important, but students do not need to have one of the highest GPAs to be considered. One graduating senior from each of Virginia’s 11 congressional districts will receive a $40,000 award, with no restrictions on how the funds may be used.
Eligibility: This opportunity is for seniors at Potomac Falls High School. Interested students must submit a resume and statement of interest to Mrs. Marelli in the Career Center by November 13. This is a firm deadline; late submissions will not be accepted.
Students selected as the school’s nominee will then complete the full application, including five essay responses, a letter of recommendation from the principal or a counselor, and a high school transcript. Encourage eligible seniors to apply for this outstanding leadership award!
Scholarship Spotlight: VFW Voice of Democracy
The VFW Voice of Democracy® scholarship program invites students in grades 9-12 to share their perspectives through a recorded audio essay on the 2026-2027 theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Students have the opportunity to earn scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $35,000, along with a chance to participate in an inspiring youth leadership experience at Valley Forge.
Deadline: October 31, 2026, by midnight. Students must submit their recorded essay and completed entry form: https://vfw-org-hqagarhxahbybyd9.z01.azurefd.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Voice-of-Democracy-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf?v=1&d=20260410T233747Z&la=en
Encourage your students to share their voice and take advantage of this exciting scholarship opportunity!
Scholarship Spotlight: Omega Psi Phi International High School Essay Contest
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. invites college-bound high school seniors to participate in its 2026 International High School Essay Contest. This is an opportunity for students to share their ideas and compete for scholarship awards at the local, district, and international levels.
2026 Essay Topic: “How Can Young People Use Leadership, Service, and Innovation to Create Positive Change in Their Communities?”
Eligibility: Students must be high school seniors enrolled in a public, private, or qualifying homeschool program and submit their application through an eligible local chapter. Apply here: https://loudouncountyques.org/high-school-essay-contest/
Deadline: October 31, 2026
Scholarship Spotlight: Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s College Scholarship Program is an incredible opportunity for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who plan to attend a four year college or university. Selected students can receive significant financial support to help them pursue their college goals.
Eligibility: Students must be graduating in spring 2027, have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.75, submit an SAT, ACT, AP, or IB score, and demonstrate financial need. Applicants with family adjusted gross incomes up to $95,000 will be considered.
Application Deadline: November 11, 2026.
Encourage eligible seniors to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to help make their college dreams a reality!
Learn more and apply: Visit the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation website.
Be sure to stay connected and follow us on Instagram @PotomacFallsCareerCenter for updates, opportunities, highlights, and more!
Ledo Pizza Night - October 26
Join us for a Pizza Night to support the PFHS Band! Our Marching Band is having a banner season, and we could use your help to finish strong! Ledo Pizza at 21005 Pigeon Drive in Sterling is graciously donating a portion of your October 26th check to the Band Boosters. Come any time during the day (11 a.m.- 9 p.m.) and bring friends! Thanks for supporting the PFHS Band!
TEDx Upper Belmont Pl Youth is calling for youth speakers!
Loudoun County students in grades 8–12 are invited to apply to speak at the upcoming event:
- Theme: Tomorrow Is a Verb : "The future isn't something we wait for. It's something we shape."
- Event Date & Time: Saturday, February 6, 2027 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Venue: Belmont Ridge MS Auditorium
- Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12 across Loudoun County
- Application Deadline: November 8, 2026
- How to Apply: Scan the QR code on the flyer or click "APPLY NOW".
- Contact: tedxupperbelmontyouth@gmail.com
Thanksgiving Dinner Bags PFHS DECA Food Drive
PFHS DECA is collecting the following items to prepare Thanksgiving Dinner Bags for Loudoun Hunger Relief. We will pack these items in reusable grocery bags. Feel free to donate an entire bag or individual items that DECA members will pack:
- Bags or Boxes of Stuffing Mix
Canned Vegetables
Dry Dessert Mix: Nothing perishable
Cranberry Sauce (canned)
Cornbread or Biscuit Mix
Gravy Packets- No Jars
Boxed Mashed Potatoes
Donation Period: October 1st-November 6th
Drop-off Location: Potomac Falls High School- Room 225A
For more info or to volunteer: Susan.miller@lcps.org (DECA Advisor)
From the Family Liaisons support Food for Neighbors
Many families in our school’s community face financial challenges, and providing a special holiday meal can be out of reach for them. That’s why we’re partnering with Food For Neighbors to provide grocery gift cards to families who need them most.
A $50 gift gives a family the freedom to choose the ingredients for the holiday meal that matters most to them, filled with fresh foods and cherished family recipes.
Join us in supporting this important cause. Together, we can help students and their families experience not just nourishment, but the comfort of holiday traditions.
Thank you for helping us make room for joy, not hunger, this Thanksgiving. Give today on the Food For Neighbors website: www.FoodForNeighbors.org"
Thank you!
No Sale Event - Nov 14, 2026
The Potomac Falls High School cluster will hold our winter No Sale Sale Event on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the Potomac Falls High School cafeteria at 46400 Algonkian Parkway. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 12:00 p.m. Come early for the best selections. All clothes and household items are free.
Learner's Permit Remote Testing
We are excited to announce that remote testing for the VA Learner's Permit two-part knowledge test will begin soon for PFHS students. Parents must email Misty.Keller@lcps.org to begin the registration process. Students MUST be registered to test on a specific date. Each testing date will be limited to 10 students. Test dates include Oct. 19 and Nov. 4, and we will add additional dates each month.
Students are eligible for the Learner's Permit test if they are at least 15 years and 6 months old, have reviewed the VA driver's manual, are prepared to take the exam, and have not attempted a Learner's Permit test in the past 15 days. Students may attempt the Learner's Permit knowledge questions at a remote testing location (PFHS instead of DMV) only on the first and second attempts. Any 3rd or additional attempts must be made in person at the DMV.
On test day, students must have the following: completed online registration for that specific date with a confirmation number, a signed DTS-41 parent permission form (available in the counseling office), and a photo ID; no exceptions. Students will receive their results immediately and may then take their testing certificate to the DMV to obtain the Learner's Permit; appointments are recommended. The testing certificate DOES NOT allow students to drive.
More information on the Virginia graduated licensing laws, the VA Learner's Permit, study materials, and Teen Drivers can be found here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/learners/teen.
Email Misty Keller (Misty.Keller@lcps.org) with any questions, for additional details, or to begin the registration process for your student.
AP Testing Registration for May 2027
Advanced Placement (AP) testing will be offered May 3-14, 2027. AP teachers will guide students through AP test registration during their AP class. Please visit tinyurl.com/PFH-AP2027 for detailed instructions on registering for AP tests and the AP testing calendar. The deadline to register without incurring a $40 late fee per test is November 13, 2026.
Homeschool students who live within our boundaries may register to take AP tests at PFH. Please fill out the AP Homeschool form posted at https://www.lcps.org/o/lcps/page/advanced-placement-ap-testing. Please click on the “Home Instructed Student AP Exam Registration Form” link on that page.
Please contact Mr. Vogl, Testing Coordinator, at Matthew.Vogl@lcps.org with any questions about AP testing.
Order Your Yearbook Now!
Where Do I Find Information?
- Weekly Newsletter
- Sent out via email on Sundays & posted on the PFHS website
- Includes updates from the past week and what to look forward to in the next week
- PFHS Website
- General information, including administration, counseling, policies, activities, calendar, etc.
- ParentVUE/StudentVUE
- Access via app or website to see your student's grades, classes, attendance & update contact information
- Most accurate, up-to-date grade information specific to your student(s)
- Schoology
- Students access through LCPS Go; guardians access through ParentVUE
- Includes class information & assignments for your student(s)
- LCPS app
- Students, staff & guardians download the app to your phone
- Feed of information from LCPS & PFHS
- If you log in, select Potomac Falls High School to see school-specific or class-specific messages
- PeachJar
- Students, staff & community access flyers
Instagram Handles
Athletics @Pfhsathletics
Black Student Union @pfhsbsu
Broadcast @pfhs_broadcast
Career Center @potomacfallscareercenter
Dance Club @pfdanceclub
DECA @pfhs_deca
Drama @pfhsdrama
FCCLA @pfhs_fccla
French Club @pfhs.french.club
French Nat'l Honor Society @pfhsfnhs
Global Ambassadors @pfhsglobalambassadors
Jewish Student Association @pfhs.jsa
Key Club @pfhskey
Love Like Adam @llaclub.pfhs
Make a Wish Club @maw.pfhs
National Art Honor Society @pfhs_nahs
NEHS @pfhs_nehs
Newspaper (The Roar) @pfhstheroar
Panther Pawsitivity Club @panther_positivity_club
PEER @pfhs.peer
PFHS Announcements @pfannouncements
PFHS Choir @PFHS.Choir
SCA @pfhs.sca
Science National Honor Society @pfhs_snhs
Senior class @pfhs.2026
Spanish Club @pfhsspanish
Speech & Debate @pfspeechdebate
Student Assn for Cancer Research @pfhs.sacr
Volleyball @pfhs_volleyball
Athletics
The Roar
Administration & School Counseling Contacts
Administrators
Dr. Tara Woolever: Principal Email
Mr. Eric Blackman: 9th Grade Contact Email
Mr. Desmond Wilczewski: 10th Grade Contact Email
Ms. Micaela McCann: 11th Grade Contact Email
Ms.Kimberly Vaughn: 12th Grade Contact Email
Mr. Nick Siano: Athletic Director Email
Counselors
Mrs. Rae Ann Paolozzi: Director of School Counseling Email
Ms. Angela Foster: Substitute for 9th Grade Students (A-K) Email
Mr. Freeman Harrison: 9th Grade Students (L-Z) Email
Ms. Stefanie Andraos: 10th Grade Students (A-J) Email
Ms. Mary Reynolds: Substitute for 10th Grade Students (K-Z) Email
Mr. Richard Bader: 11th Grade Students (A-K) Email
Ms. Tiera Sharpe: 11th Grade Students (L-Z) Email
Ms. Sarah Jones: 12th Grade Students (A-K) Email
Ms. Lily Curcio: 12th Grade Students (L-Z) Email
46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, VA 20165
571-434-3200