Potomac School Honors Teachers At Assembly Ringing In New School Year

MCLEAN, VA — With a record 1,069 students enrolled for the new academic year, The Potomac School held its annual opening assembly, where members of the class of 2023 escorted the kindergartners to their first assembly.

John Kowalik, head of school, spoke at last Friday's event on the meaning and importance of generosity of spirit, while Student Government Association President Yabby Maelaf encouraged her fellow students to follow their passions as they pursue their goals.

At the opening assembly, The Potomac School's 2022 Bill Cook Award for Excellent Teaching was presented to two teachers: Shefali Sardar and Nick Hanson. The award, named in honor of former teacher and assistant head of school Bill Cook, who died in 2016, is presented annually to teachers “who exemplify the commitment to excellence and love of learning that define a Potomac School education.”

In her nearly 25 years at Potomac, Sardar has held several classroom and administrative positions. She began as a middle school — grades 4 to 6 — teaching intern, then served as a sixth-grade teacher, a language arts resource teacher, and the middle school’s language arts and humanities coordinator.

In 2016, Sardar was named the middle school’s first academic dean, a position she holds today, while also serving as a language arts specialist, working primarily with sixth graders.

“Shefali Sardar is known for her incredible work ethic and uncanny ability to address specific student learning needs,” Kowalik said. “She devotes time before, during, and after school to work with students who need extra support, talk with parents, assist her colleagues, and strengthen our Middle School curriculum.”

Hanson joined Potomac’s Music Department in 2006. The school’s handbell program has grown to include five ensembles, featuring 139 students in grades 5 through 12, thanks to Hanson’s efforts.

“Mr. Hanson is a passionate, engaging, and very talented teacher. Thanks to his expert instruction, Potomac handbell performances showcase the most advanced and current techniques in ringing,” Kowalik said.

“And, to the delight of student performers and audiences alike, the music often includes chart-topping popular songs that Mr. Hanson has arranged himself,” he added.

Hanson has spoken at music conventions and conducted at handbell festivals across the U.S. and in England, China and Singapore. Many of his handbell compositions and arrangements have been published.