Woodson Weekly
February 8th
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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!
 P.S. I Love You Day
As part of a national movement to decrease bullying and promote mental health, Woodson celebrated PS I Love You day. On the second Friday of every February, Woodson students and faculty wear purple as an awareness that everyone can help students with concerns about depression or suicide. Encouraging notes are handwritten for every student at Woodson and posted on their lockers. Our student leadership greets students at the door with cheers and wrist bands. It’s a great way to foster kindness and a welcoming environment for all.
Upcoming Important Dates
Monday, February 18th - School Holiday; President's Day
Monday, March 11th - 3-hour early release; dismissal at 11:55 a.m.
Report Card Distribution
Report cards for the 2nd Quarter were distributed through 8th period classes on Thursday, February 7th. Students who do not have an 8th period class may pick up their report cards in Student Services.
National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week celebrates the special contribution of school counselors within America's school systems. It also highlights the extraordinary impact school counselors can have on student success and helping them plan for a career. Visit the American School Counselor Association for more information. And, a huge "Thank you!" to all of FCPS' outstanding school counselors!
 Students await the arrival of afternoon buses to give bus drivers a token of appreciation. Gift bags were also given to interpreters, athletic trainers, cafeteria workers, safety and security staff, attendance and custodians.
Valentine's Milk & Cookies
Thursday, February 14th - A Woodson fan favorite, Milk & Cookies is a fun Woodson tradition to celebrate our students with milk and cookies and show them positive community support. We need lots of help from parents to make this event happen.
Please visit the SignUp Genius to sign-up to bring cookies and/or to help us pass out cookies at school dismissal. We need around 300 dozen to make sure we have enough cookies for all, so please donate generously! The PTSO donates the milk for this event.
For any questions, please email: WTWmilkncookies@gmail.com.
International Night
Woodson's For the Culture Club will be hosting the second annual International Night on Friday, February 22nd.
This night is dedicated to celebrating the diverse backgrounds and culture of all Woodson students and family members. We encourage parents to become involved in the night by providing ethnic food for the potluck. Other opportunities for participation include performing traditional dance or song, or wearing traditional attire in the fashion show.
We would love for the Cavalier community to be more involved in this event as it promotes cultural appreciation, acceptance and an opportunity to learn more about the world around us.
Finally, if any senior students are in need of volunteer hours, the Culture Club's sponsors Mrs. Adams and Ms. Black would provide service hours for the time spent in making decorations after school. If there are any questions feel free to contact us at wtwforthecultureclub@gmail.com.
 The Model Judiciary Club mock trial team competed in a regional scrimmage last weekend. The team included: Alex C, Catherine S, Remka N, Jocelyn P, Nazima T, Helena H, Miles G, Jenny P, and Coach Mr. Viccora. The team performed very well and will be competing in the Virginia High School Mock Trial Tournament at William and Mary Law School next month.
U.S. Service Academy and ROTC Information Night
On Tuesday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m. in the Madison High School Auditorium, students interested in serving as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces will want to attend this information session.
WTW joins Fairfax, Oakton, and Madison High Schools to provide this informative evening. Representatives from each U.S. Service Academy, ROTC branch training programs, and a Congressional Office will present core information on their program. Representatives will be available after the presentation to provide individual information and materials.
Although valuable for all high school students and families, this program is especially important for Juniors because the application process begins the spring of the Junior year.
2019 Presidential Scholar Candidates
Four Woodson seniors have been selected as candidates for the 2019 Presidential Scholars program, designed to recognize and honor some of the country’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
The program has been expanded twice: to recognize students demonstrating exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts; and to recognize students demonstrating ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Woodson HS students named Presidential Scholar candidates are:
Daniel Braun, Shelley Heo, Emma Layton, and Kelly Ward.
Welcome New Staff!
Master Police Officer Bryan Smith - Woodson's new School Resource Officer (SRO) is Bryan Smith. He is originally from Pennsylvania but spent most of his childhood in Georgia outside of Atlanta. He has a bachelor's degree in geology from Mary Washington College (UMW now) in Fredericksburg and was on the crew team. He was accepted into Clemson's College of Engineering but declined it because I wanted to get a little further away from Atlanta (sorry Ms. Martin), though I am still a big Clemson fan. His first profession was as a hydrogeologist, but a few years later, he joined Fairfax County Police, and I am now in my 20th year as a police officer. My wife is a special education teacher in Prince William where he lives, and I have a daughter finishing up her last year in elementary school and a son in middle school. I love my truck, playing with my kids and dogs, and riding my tractor lawn mower.
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Tara Yurik – Math
I am originally from Massapequa, New York. I have moved all over the country with my husband who is in the army. We have lived in North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and Texas. I have two children, Marissa 3 years old and Austin 6 months old. I began teaching math in 2007 after graduating from SUNY Oneonta in upstate NY. I am loving being back in the city lifestyle for a change, and when I am not chasing around my toddler begging her to behave, I enjoy heading out into Old Town and into DC to navigate our new area.
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Ramine Dash – PE
I’ve been in the county for 14 years teaching Health and PE. Most of that time at Lanier Middle School. I have four kids - my oldest graduated from WTW in 2017. The other three are at Frost and Canterbury Woods. I grew up in Mantua and am also a WTW graduate. I love coaching football at Woodson. Coming “home” to WTW is a dream come true and I’m excited to be joining your family.
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 Congratulations to Junior Sarah Kim, whose poster won the local, state, and NATIONAL 2018 conservation poster contest sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts. Beautiful artwork and beautiful message!
FCPS Family Engagement Survey
Fairfax County Public Schools will be conducting a survey to gather information about family engagement in our schools. Relationships are important to us, and your opinion is critical to help us support your engagement in your child’s education. Your feedback will also help us determine how well we are reaching the goals for the Caring Culture we have set in our Strategic Plan. Survey translations will be made available, and the survey can be taken on electronic devices, including smartphones.
Survey administration is scheduled for March 24-April 12, 2019, and you will receive more information about how to take the survey in the near future.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Advanced Placement Exam Schedule
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams will take place May 6 – 17, 2019. Students in an AP class are automatically enrolled to take the exam. AP exam dates can be found on the College Board website (https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/ap-calendar).
Students who are NOT in an AP class but would like to take an AP exam should contact Mrs. Hyatt at 703-503-4623 or email her at mphyatt@fcps.edu for registration information. You may also stop by her desk in Room E103. Registration for this group will be held from February 1– March 1, 2019. Homeschooled students are welcome to register also. The test fee is $93.00 for anyone not enrolled in the AP course. Checks should be made payable to W. T. Woodson HS. Registration form and payment is due to Mrs. Hyatt no later than March 1, 2019.
Advanced Placement Testing Accommodations
All requests for College Board AP testing accommodations must be submitted by Friday, February 22nd. Please contact Ms. Guinee at kpguinee@fcps.edu, for more information.
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!
 Zach created a poster for Mr. Redmond's health classroom for their project on food influences and advertising.
2018-2019 Course Registration
We are currently meeting with students to schedule for the 2018-2019 school year. If you have questions or concerns about your student’s course selections, please contact your student’s counselor. Opportunities for course changes will be limited next year.
The third quarter of the academic year is always interesting. Some students get fatigued with the routines of school, classwork, and homework. If your student did poorly in the first semester and you are concerned whether or not he/she can still pass a course for the year, communicate with your student’s teacher.
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.
Senior Parents - Get Help Completing the FAFSA
Parents of high school seniors--did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open and most colleges require that the FAFSA be completed by March 1 to receive the maximum financial aid possible starting in fall of 2019? Some schools have even earlier priority deadlines, so check the individual college’s financial aid office website for deadlines. Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA. Find additional links on the FCPS FAFSA Website.
Need help completing and submitting the FAFSA? There is one FAFSA workshop remaining this school year:
- February 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School.
Register to attend the College Access Fairfax workshops on the College Access Fairfax website.
Save the Date: Annual FCPS Special Education Conference on April 6
Mark your calendars! The 14th annual FCPS Special Education Conference will be held on Saturday, April 6th, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. The event will focus on supporting inclusive and postsecondary practices for students with disabilities. Visit the Special Education Conference website or email prc@fcps.edu with questions.
Parents - Do you want to receive the PTSO WeMail on Tuesdays?
The Woodson PTSO publishes lots of information every Tuesday. 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 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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