Woodson Weekly - January 11

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Woodson Weekly 
January 11th


Woodson Weekly is published every Friday to provide the community with important information about school life at Woodson High School.


Vision Statement
We are a school community where all students have purpose and value!


Model Congress

Students defending their bills to a committee during WTW Government Model Congress.


Upcoming Important Dates

Friday, January 18th - 3-hour early release; dismissal at 11:55 a.m.

Monday, January 21st - School Holiday

Friday, January 25th - Student Holiday; Teacher Workday

Monday, February 4th - Student Holiday; Staff Development Day


Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pick-Up

Please remember to use the Kiss and Ride in the front of the school and at Door 9 as the ONLY locations to drop students off and pick them up.  

There have been several incidents recently where students have jumped out of cars on Pickett Road and Rt. 236 at the light or while waiting in the drop-off lines.  This is very dangerous and concerning behavior. 

Thank you for your cooperation to keep all our Cavaliers safe!


Bus Delay Notifications

FCPS Transportation updates county-wide bus delays on the FCPS website.  Since the temperatures have dipped below freezing in the mornings, you may want to confirm any bus delays for your child before they go out to the bus stop. 

Bus Delay

We have had some delays this week and it is always helpful to have estimated bus delay time information handy.  To find this information, look for the yellow school bus icon with the topic "Bus Delay Notification System."

If you have further questions, please contact Woodson's Bus Driver Supervisor, Samuel Kobman at sckobman@fcps.edu.


SIS Updates

FCPS Weekly Progress Reports will not be sent to parents from Tuesday, January 22nd through Thursday, January 31st during second quarter grading and report card generation.

Additionally, the Grade Book and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed from Thursday, January 24th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, February 2nd at 6:00 a.m.


Partners for Safe Teen Driving Seminar

A Partners for Safe Teen Driving parent/teen seminar is coming up next week on Wednesday, January 16th at 7:00 PM in the auditorium. 

This is one of the state mandated programs where the parent(s) and the teen attend a 90-minute program on traffic safety and teen driving issues.  Families only need to attend one of these programs during the school year the student is enrolled in classroom driver education (10th Grade). 

Families need not preregister.  Simply show up Wednesday night.  However, please be on time because the program starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. and late arrivals may not be permitted in the auditorium once the program begins.  Questions?  Please contact John Duffy at jdduffy@fcps.edu.


WT Woodson FanQuest

FanQuest is a Special Olympics and Unified Basketball Tournament at WT Woodson High School, on Saturday January 19th.  Our athletes with special needs rarely get the chance to shine center court, and this is their chance.

Admission is FREE and doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a special tailgate carnival and the first game will begin at 7:00 p.m. Come and watch our double header games against Frost’s Unified Special Olympics Team from 7-7:45 p.m. and Lake Braddock’s Special Olympics team from 7:45-8:30 p.m.

FanQuest t-shirt

The theme of the night will be “Inclusion Revolution” and to celebrate the event, there will be a “Black Out.” We need you to wear black and show your spirit. A special prize will be awarded to the most spirited fan! Black themed t-shirts of the night will be sold at school in January for $10 and at the event while supplies last.

Join our tailgate from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. before to buy food, play carnival games and make a poster for your favorite athletes.  There will be fun entertainment throughout the games, including dance performances and opportunities to win prizes.

We need volunteers from the community to make this night special. Visit the Sign-Up Genius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45AFA62AA13-woodson to sign up for just a 30 minute shift so you can still enjoy the night. Please reach out to Laura Allen at lallen5@gmail.com with any questions.


Angst Image

ANGST: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety

On Thursday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. (snow date: Tuesday, January 29th) in the Woodson Auditorium, join us for a free screening of ANGST, a film about anxiety, truth & hope. https://angstmovie.com/

This documentary, produced by IndieFlix, is for all parents and guardians of students in grades K-12 and students over the age of 13.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the U.S., impacting 54 percent of females and 46 percent of males, with age seven being the median age of onset, according to the World Health Organization. While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only one-third of those suffering receive treatment. Everyone involved in the development of “Angst” has a personal experience with anxiety – from the producers to the interviewees.

Representatives will be available after the screening to provide resources to support families.

For more information about this event, please contact Woodson Director of Student Services, Beth Lash at bllash@fcps.edu.

Please RSVP for this event on Eventbrite.


AP Opt Out Forms

AP Opt-Out Forms were sent home in the mail this week. FCPS strongly encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students have the opportunity to opt out of any test(s) by submitting the opt-out form. FCPS will pay the fees for the first six AP tests taken for courses in which a student is enrolled for high school credit or auditing. Students choosing to take one or more AP tests beyond the six FCPS-funded tests will be charged a fee of $93 per AP test. Students choosing to take one or more AP test(s) without enrolling in the corresponding course will be responsible for the test fee(s). These tests will not count towards the students’ six FCPS-funded tests.

Opt-outs and AP course withdrawals after February 1, 2019 and/or AP exam day no-shows:

  • will be charged a return test fee if the exam was an FCPS-funded exam
  • will be charged $93 for each exam if exam is beyond the six FCPS-funded exams

For more information about the test fee process visit the FCPS website and search test fees.

Please review the AP Opt-Out Form upon receipt. No action is needed if you wish to take all AP tests listed on the form. To opt-out of an AP test, please check the box next to the appropriate course listed.

Signed AP opt-out forms are due to Ms. Hyatt in the Student Services office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019. Students who do not return a signed opt-out form by February 1st will be registered for all AP tests associated with their current courses and will be charged the fees as outlined above.


Volunteers needed for AP Testing

Woodson’s Student Services Department is in search of parent volunteers for this year’s AP testing. This is another great opportunity to volunteer during the school day! Training will be provided.

AP exams will take place from May 6th – May 17th. There are two test sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Morning test sessions require proctors to be present from 7:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. (approximately). Afternoon test sessions require proctors to be present from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (approximately).

Please contact Kathleen Guinee, Assessment Coach, at kpguinee@fcps.edu or 703-503-4805 if you are able to volunteer to proctor. As always, we greatly appreciate the support from our PTSO! Thank you!


Curriculum Night

Thank you for coming out to Woodson's Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night and Electives Fair last Wednesday.  The rising 9th grade presentation is available on the Woodson website.


VDOE Student School Climate Survey Cancelled

Before the winter break, we notified you that your child would be taking a statewide Student School Climate Survey mandated by the Virginia Department of Education. This survey was scheduled to be conducted from Monday, January 14th to Friday, February 8th.

Based on feedback from principals and school administrators, Dr. Brabrand, in collaboration and consultation with State Superintendent, has granted an exemption of the VDOE Student School Climate Survey for this year.

Therefore, the VDOE Student School Climate survey will not be administered. 


Student Services News

Woodson HS staff began working with students on the course selection process for the 2019-2020 school year this week.

Each teacher met with students individually on Thursday, January 10th (odd day) and today, January 11th (even day) during their normal scheduled class time to provide students with guidance on course options available next year and to provide students with their feedback of the course(s) that would be the best fit. Teacher feedback for students is based on demonstrated work ethic in the class, assessment grades, and applicable standardized testing. This is an important step as we strive to help students and parents navigate the course selection process.

After these advising sessions, students will meet individually with school counselors, according to the timeline below, to select their courses for the coming year. It is very important for students to choose courses carefully for changes after the new school year begins may not be possible because of class size.

Following the individual counselor and student advising meetings, counselors will print a copy of the students’ selected courses for them to take home.  Students’ course selections are also viewable in SIS.  We strongly recommend students to consider the teachers’ recommendations when selecting courses for the upcoming school year. If your student selects a class that was not recommended by the teacher, you will be notified and are encouraged to discuss your student’s selection with him/her.

Woodson High School Academic Advising Schedule

Teacher Feedback Days: January 10th and January 11th · Teachers will provide students with their suggestions and feedback for courses.

Academic Advising Schedule

Current 9th Graders (Rising 10th Graders) · Group Advising/Pre-Registration Meeting with School Counselors: January 14th during Returns

  • Individual Advising with School Counselors: January 17th – January 30th (through Health and PE 9 classes)

Current 11th Graders (Rising 12th Graders) · Group Advising/Pre-Registration Meeting with School Counselors: January 28th during Returns

  • Individual Advising with School Counselors: January 31st - February 15th (through US VA History classes)

Current 10th Graders (Rising 11th Graders) · Group Advising/Pre-Registration Meeting with School Counselors: February 14th during Returns

  • Individual Advising with School Counselors: February 19th – March 6th  (through Health and PE 10 class)

Questions?  Please contact your child's school counselor.


Senior Class Information Page

Want more information about upcoming dates and events for the Class of 2019?  Visit the Senior Class Information page on the Woodson website.


Parents - Do you want to receive the PTSO WeMail on Mondays?

The Woodson PTSO publishes lots of information every Monday.  Are you getting those emails? 

To opt in, go to the FCPS News You Choose portal, enter your email address and click Submit. Then, choose High School --> Woodson High School --> W.T. Woodson PTSO.


FCPS Cares

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)