 Woodson Weekly -
May 18th
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Vision Statement
We are a school community where all students have purpose and value!
*See something, hear something, please say something*
Students dancing and enjoying the night at Prom last Saturday, May 12th!
Hello Woodson Families!
Testing
season is upon us! Students are knee deep in SOLs and AP exams. A
big thank you to the Office of School Counseling and our Assessment Coach Ms.
Guinee for the hard work in organizing these tests so that our students are set
up for success. Also, a big thank you to the teachers and staff
members who give up their planning periods to proctor the SOL tests. This is a
critical role in our school where teachers give up planning periods to serve
every year in this capacity.
Please check out the WTOP story from the US News and World Report
article of VA schools, including WT Woodson: https://wtop.com/education/2018/05/va-school-makes-top-10-best-high-schools-list-md-ranks-no-3-for-college-readiness/.
While we have much to celebrate, we continue to have challenges to
overcome. One challenge is workload and teacher leaders are currently
evaluating ways to ease work load concerns. Families may want to look at
the Schedule Simulator found in the Student
Services section of Woodson's web page to gauge how many hours next
year’s course load could take outside of school while balancing that time with
extra curricular and co- curricular activities. The hours in the Schedule
Simulator were determined by averages among student reports last year.
Remember, the last day to change a course for next year is Thursday, May
31st.
As our mission statement articulates, we as the staff of Woodson
High School, feel it is our purpose to foster a culture of success by
developing the academic, social, and emotional potential of all students.
We work daily in pursuit of our vision to ensure each student at Woodson feels
included, seen, valued, and appreciated as an important member of our school
community.
We know that this work cannot occur in isolation and must be done
side by side with you through ongoing two-way communication. We welcome
the opportunity to meet with you face-to-face or speak by phone. Please
contact your student’s administrator or counselor at 703-503-4600, or if it is
more convenient, please offer your feedback here: https://goo.gl/forms/ub70Dc0Wrsnfb7p92
Thank you,
Dr.
Floyd and the WTW Administrative Team
Same-Day Early Release Requests
We have started SOL testing today and will continue testing
until the end of the school year. To ensure that all students do their best we
have adjusted our testing blocks to accommodate the needs of all of our
students.
Please note that we will no longer be able to take same-day early release check-outs
by voicemail on our phone system for the remainder of the school year.
All same-day early release check-outs must
be accompanied with a note turned in at the beginning of the school day. In
addition, if you know that your child will be out for an entire day, you can
send in a note before their absence to ensure that it is recorded before the
actual absence.
Thank you for working with us during this busy time of year!
Attendance Calls During AP, IB and Online SOL Testing
During AP, IB and SOL testing at high schools through Friday, June 8th, the morning attendance telephone calls, texts and e-mails to home for
reporting a student’s absence will not occur.
This temporary suspension
reflects the fact that students are often in designated testing sites within
the school during the normal attendance-taking time. The evening attendance
telephone calls and e-mails will still remain in place.
 2018 Congressional Art Competition
Over the past month, six
Woodson students (Myriam Allouche, Jessica Furlough, Sarah Kim, Dorothy Li,
Jenna Mangis, and Sally Wells) have had their artwork on display at the
Workhouse Arts Center as part of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition.
The
show was hosted by the 11th Congressional District, and Congressman
Gerry Connolly was in attendance at the reception and awards presentation on
Saturday, May 12th. Congratulations to Woodson’s student artists!
Medication Pick-up
The
school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication
stored in the health room must be picked up no later than dismissal time on
June 14, 2018. Medication left in the health room after that time will be
discarded.
It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent
or guardian, however, with parent or guardian written permission, a high school
student may transport over-the-counter medications to and from the health room.
If you have any questions, please contact the School Health Aide Naima Fanou at
703-503-4610 of the Public Health Nurse Kate Boyd at 703-503-4691.
After school on Monday, May 14th, AP World History students relaxed and enjoyed pizza while preparing to compete against students around
the world in a game of International Kahoot!
Career Center Volunteers Needed
Many or our Woodson Career Center
(CC) parent volunteers are graduating this year. CC volunteers have a
unique opportunity to learn about the post-secondary research and the application
process during their volunteer shifts.
Parents of rising 9th
and 10th grade students especially benefit because they will feel
more comfortable when it is time for their students to embark on post-secondary
research. To provide consistency, volunteers are asked to commit to a shift
for an entire academic year. Interested parents can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/CC-Volunteer-18-19.
Register by or before Monday, June 4th for best consideration.
Where Are You Going to School Next Year?
If you will not be attending Woodson or a
Fairfax County high school this fall, please let Woodson
Student Services know now.
Please click here
and fill out this form. Student Services will make sure all transcripts
are forwarded to your child’s new school so his/her file is complete. If
you have any questions, please contact Woodson registrar Christine Lieb-Mosley at
703-503-4622 or cliebmosley@fcps.edu.
 Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team for winning the 2018 Patriot District Championship!
Yearbook distribution is
Friday, June 1st!
Yearbooks will be distributed
in school on Friday, June 1st. Students should plan to stop by the
publications lab (Room D205) to pick up their books!
Signs and announcements
will be all over the school. Your students will not forget!
Online ordering is now
closed, but you will be able to reserve your student’s yearbook beginning
Monday, May 14th using My School Bucks (https://www.myschoolbucks.com/)
You can also send a check
made out to W.T. Woodson High school (with student’s name and “yearbook” on the
memo line). We will also accept money orders and cash. Cost: $80.
The price
will be $90 at distribution, so act now! Cash, checks and money orders should
go to Mrs. Koby in D 211. Email: ewkoby@fcps.edu
with any questions.
 2018 Senior Class Information Page
There is a new page dedicated to news and information for the 2018 Senior Class.
To find out all about the end-of-year events for seniors, please visit https://woodsonhs.fcps.edu/academics/senior-class-information.
 Rising 9th Grade Summer Transition Program
The Woodson Summer Transition Program is designed to help welcome and transition rising 9th graders and their families to W.T. Woodson High School.
In this program, students will learn to navigate the building, participate in Q&A sessions with current students and teachers, experience peer-building activities and simulated classroom lessons. Through all of these activities, students will become adjusted to the culture of W.T. Woodson High School.
When & Where is the Summer Transition Program?
The Woodson Summer Transition Program will be daily Tuesday, August 7th through Thursday, August 9th from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm at W.T. Woodson High School.
There will be a student and family cookout at the conclusion of the program on Thursday, August 9th from 12:00-1:30pm.
For more information and to register, please go to the Class of 2022 information page at https://woodsonhs.fcps.edu/academics/class-2022.
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many students
struggle with emotional and behavioral issues that can affect their learning
and overall wellness. Adults play a critical role in fostering assets that lead
to positive mental health in children. See what you can
do to help promote resiliency in youth.
See more mental
health and wellness tips for students.
Free Parent Program – Tuesday, May 22nd from
6:30-8:00PM
Frost MS is offering a FREE parent workshop offered
by local Clinical Psychologist, and Certified Positive Discipline Parent
Educator – Rachel Bailey! Ms. Bailey will be sharing information on Helping
Students Who Are Perfectionists….OR Have NO Motivation At All.
Participants will learn:
- What perfectionists and students who don’t
seem to care at all have in common
- Simple, practical strategies that will
help children who are pushing themselves too hard…or not pushing hard
enough
- What to do when school stress is affecting your
relationship with your child
- Support for dealing with challenges during times
of transitions
For planning purposes, please use the following link to
indicate your plans to attend: https://goo.gl/forms/TCXHPl6sq2FslEiD3
For more information on Ms. Bailey, please visit: www.rachel-bailey.com.
Any questions, please contact Frost MS Student Services at
703-426-5026.
Eating Disorder Information
Dear Parent and Guardians:
Eating disorders are behaviors that can lead to serious health
problems. These behaviors can begin as a child, and affect both girls and
boys. When discovered early, eating disorders are treatable. In
2013, Virginia passed a law requiring every school system provide information
to parents annually about eating disorders. This information is given to
parents of students in the fifth through twelfth grades.
It is important to note that eating disorders are not identified
based on weight changes as much as behaviors and attitudes. Signs of
eating disorders may differ between males and females and in different age
groups. Often, a young person may not recognize the signs that they might
have an eating disorder. Parents/guardians and family members are in a
position to notice behaviors that cause concern. It is important that a
child with an eating disorder be treated early by someone who understands this
type of care.
After reviewing the information on the back of this letter, if you
think your child may be showing signs of a possible eating disorder, please
contact your doctor, school nurse, or one of the resources listed below.
Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
Additional resources may be found at:
Sincerely,
Carlyn Floyd, Ed.D.
Principal
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are conditions that can have a serious effect on
health. They are serious behaviors that affect every aspect of the child’s
life. Eating disorders may be identified based on weight changes, but also
based on behaviors and attitudes. Be alert for any of these signs in your
child.
Key things to look for around food:
- Eating a lot
of food that seems out of control (large amounts of food may disappear,
you find a lot of empty wrappers hidden)
- Develops
food rules—may eat only a particular food or food group, cuts food into
very small pieces, or spreads food out on the plate
- Talks a lot
about, or focuses often, on weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting
- Often says
that they are not hungry
- Skips meals
or takes small portions of food at regular meals
- Cooks
meals or treats for others but won’t eat them
- Avoids
mealtimes or situations involving food
- Goes to the
bathroom after meals often
- Uses a lot
of mouthwash, mints, and/or gum
- Starts
cutting out foods that he or she used to enjoy
Key things to look for around activity:
- Exercises
all the time, more than what is healthy or recommended – despite
weather, lack of energy, illness, or injury
- Stops doing
their regular activities, spends more time alone (can be spending more
time exercising)
Physical Risk Factors:
- Feels cold
all the time or complains of being tired all the time. Likely to
become more irritable and/or nervous.
- Any vomiting
after eating (or see signs in the bathroom of vomiting – smell, clogged
shower drain)
- Any use of
laxatives or diuretics (or you find empty packages)
Other Risk Factors:
- Believes
that they are too big or too fat (regardless of reality)
- Asks often
to be reassured about how they look
- Stops
hanging out with their friends
- Not able to
talk about how they are feeling
- Reports
others are newly judgmental or “not connecting”
If Your Child Shows Signs of a Possible Eating Disorder
Seek help from your doctor
as soon as possible; a child with an eating disorder should be seen by someone
who understands the treatment of eating disorders. The earlier a person
with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical
and emotional recovery.
FCPS Cares Program
Recognizing Woodson
staff who go above and beyond!
FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community
members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others
and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all
acknowledge the good work of our Woodson staff. https://www.fcps.edu/careers/employee-recognition-programs/fcps-cares-program
Mental Health Resources | 24/7 Emergency Numbers
If you are in crisis, text NEEDHELP to 85511, call 1-800-273-TALK, or dial 911; TTY dial 711
CrisisLink Regional Hotline: 703-527-4077 (CrisisLink is a hotline for individuals in crisis or family/friends seeking guidance for how to help a loved one)
Dominion Hospital Assessment and Referral Line: 703-536-2000
Inova Emergency Services: 703-289-7560
Mobile Crisis Unit: 1-844-627-4747
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE
Merrifield Center Emergency Services: 703-573-5679; TTY dial 711 (The Merrifield Center of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, offers a range of clinical programming. Emergency Services, staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week, works with people in psychiatric crisis who need immediate attention.)
Plan D Nova https://www.plandnova.org/ (a website for Northern Virginia teens who suffer from depression: #breakthestigma)
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