Woodson Weekly - March 29th

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Woodson Weekly 
March 29th


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!


Ms. Weiss

Woodson was honored to welcome Ms. Irene Weiss, a local survivor of Auschwitz.  She is pictured here with members of our Leadership Class.


Upcoming Important Dates

Thursday, April 4th - Last day of 3rd Quarter

Friday, April 5th - No school for students; Teacher Workday

Wednesday, April 10th - Purple UP Day and Spring Blood Drive (see stories below)

Week of April 8th-12th - Stress Less, Laugh More Week

Week of April 15th-19th - Spring Break

Monday, May 27th - Memorial Day, School Holiday


Guest Speakers

Parents:

This week we were grateful to have two amazing guest speakers:  Ms. Irene Weiss and Mr. Tony Hoffman.

These two individuals shared their personal stories of their journeys and struggles in life.

Ms. Weiss shared her very moving story of surviving the Holocaust.  Mr. Hoffman shared how he survived due to his choices. Both spoke about resilience, character and a drive to move forward - the ability to take that one step every day, positively.

I hope Ms. Weiss and Mr. Hoffman’s stories left even one nugget with the Cavaliers that they will remember.  Follow Tony Hoffman on Instagram @Tonymhoffman.

Thank you also to the parents who came out to hear Mr. Hoffman's presentation on Wednesday evening. Mr. Hoffman has a podcast on iTunes and he will be starting a parent podcast in April. 

Sincerely,
Carlyn Floyd
Principal


SIS ParentVUE/StudentVUE Information

Weekly Progress reports will not be sent from April 2nd-21st due to the third quarter ending and Spring Break.  Third quarter ends on Thursday, April 4th. 

SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will close at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th until Saturday, April 13th at 6:00 a.m.

Did you know you can view your students' attendance and grade book in SIS ParentVUE?  When you receive an auto attendance message, you can check your child's attendance in ParentVUE for more details.  Also, please know that all attendance messages are sent centrally from the FCPS eNotify system. All messages that parents receive are the same for every school due to State Attendance Regulations.


AP Exam Fees and Billing Information

In early April, AP exam invoices will be sent via MySchoolBucks to the parents/guardians of students who are testing beyond the first six exams paid by FCPS.  

Parents and guardians can pay the fees using a debit or credit card through www.myschoolsbucks.com.  Please see the FAQs below for questions regarding AP exam billing.  https://www.fcps.edu/testfees-questions.  


Art Show

Upcoming Pyramid Art Show

The Woodson Fine Arts Department would like to extend an invitation to you to join us for our Annual Pyramid Art Show Reception on Wednesday, April 3rd from 6-8:00 p.m. Artwork will be on display in our Auxiliary Gym and Cavalier Hall.

The Art Show showcases work from all schools in our pyramid and represents artists in grades K-12. Advanced Placement and Level 4 artists create mini-galleries to share complete bodies of work. Our students work in many media including analog and digital photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, animation, printmaking, painting, and drawing.

In between enjoying the artwork, visitors can grab a bite to eat at one of the available food trucks on site and peruse small student-made artworks for sale. As always, we’ll raffle off our famous hand-painted furniture.

Our students have worked so hard this school year to put together this show and they (and we!) would be so honored to welcome you to this event.


Senior Parent Meeting

The final Senior Parent Meeting to go over Graduation details will be on April 10th at 6:30 p.m. in Cavalier Hall.

We will have a list of current outstanding obligations and dues that senior students have.  Before the meeting, 2019 Graduate Yard Signs will be available for sale as well as raffle tickets for 6 sets of 14 front row seats for Graduation.

All outstanding obligations and dues must be paid prior to purchasing prom tickets or receiving Cap and Gowns.


Investigating Career Opportunities - A Career Fair

A number of professionals will be at W.T. Woodson on Tuesday, April 9th, during ALL Lunches to answer questions students might have about their careers. 

These are Real People with Real Answers who aren’t selling anything.  Students, bring a bag lunch so you can eat while you get your questions answered.  Parents, help your student with that bag lunch and ask him/her what was learned.  


Spring Blood Drive

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Spring blood drive on Wednesday, April 10th in the Aux Gym. To sign up, go to Room G106 or visit the tables between cafeterias during lunches.

The Key Club is sponsoring the drive.  Students are required to be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 110lbs. All students are also required to have a parental consent form signed. Inova needs 250 units a day, just for regular needs in this area, so we are hoping to supply a large amount of those units! The Attendance Office will be monitoring students’ attendance.


Science Olympiad

The 19 members of the Woodson Science Olympiad States team earned 5th place at the State Tournament at UVA on Saturday, March 23rd. This represents the first States trophy this team has brought home.


April is Month of the Military Child (MOMC)

Wednesday, April 10th is Purple UP Day!  This is a national day of recognition to show support for military youth and families by wearing purple.  Why purple?  Purple is the color of all the service colors blended together.  

Also, on Thursday, April 4th the School Board will recognize our military students and their families at the School Board meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Luther Jackson MS.  Military students and families are invited to attend, be recognized, and have their picture taken with Dr. Brabrand and our School Board. The internet site has information for families: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/military-families


Seniors Targeting Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)

LOTS of important events are upcoming for Seniors targeting NVCC.

  • Monday, April 1st – NVCC Information sessions – all lunches.  Bring a bag lunch and go immediately to the Career Center.  We will start promptly.  No reservation is needed.
  • Tuesday, April 2nd – The Career Center will formally begin registering Seniors for the NVCC Placement Exams that will be given at WTW on 23 and 24 April.  Registrants must have a NVCC student ID number to register for the placement exam.  That means they must have applied to NVCC.  Seniors may do this at home or in the Career Center on 4 April.  Applicants will need their social security number (or alien registration number) to make the process easy and a parent’s Virginia driver’s license number.  If you apply at home, PRINT EVERYTHING.  You should always have a copy of your submission.
  • Thursday, April 4th – NVCC help with the application – all lunches.  If you want NVCC to help you with your application, bring a bag lunch and go immediately to the Career Center.  This will take a bit of time.  No reservation is needed.
  • Friday, April 12th – NVCC Placement Exam Review / Test Prep help – all lunches.  .  Bring a bag lunch and go immediately to the Career Center.  We will start promptly.  No reservation is needed.
  • Tuesday, April 23rd – NVCC Math Placement Exam – Registered students bring a photo ID.  Report to the back of the library by the first bell – 8:10 am or before.
  • Wednesday, April 24th – NVCC English Placement Exam – Registered students bring a photo ID.  Report to the back of the library by the first bell – 8:10 am or before.

SOL Season - Personal Electronic Devices are Prohibited

As SOL season is approaching, we want to remind families that electronic personal devices of any kind (phones, watches, etc.) are prohibited inside the SOL testing environment.  

Please be aware that any personal devices carried into the testing environment will be subject to the school’s established procedures for addressing this as a test security concern.  In past instances, a student’s access to a personal device in the testing environment has been identified as attempted cheating, please don’t let this happen to you!

Let’s work together to create a positive and safe testing environment for everyone.


Lacrosse Girls

Make it your GOAL!  Order your Yearbook Today!

The 2018-2019 yearbook is coming!  Prices go up after Spring Break!  We sold out last year, so don’t delay!

https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/5278


Course Requests for 2019-2020

All students have had an opportunity to complete academic advising for the 2019-2020 school year. Staffing for next year’s courses is dependent on student course selections. 

To ensure that we have accurate course registration numbers, please review your child’s requested schedule in SIS ParentVue or StudentVue (click “Course Request” on the menu on the left hand side). 

Contact your child’s school counselor by email with any schedule change requests.  Please do this as soon as possible.  If no changes are needed, you do not need to contact the counselor.  If your child applied for an academy class, he/she will be notified of the academy’s decision in the beginning of April.  If accepted, course changes, including adding the academy class to your child’s course request list, will be made at that time.  Friday, May 31st will be the last day to make course selection changes for the 2019-2020 school year.


FCPS Family Engagement Survey

FCPS Values Your Opinion

On March 24th, you will receive an invitation from Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools to participate in the 2019 FCPS Family Engagement Survey!

We would love for you to complete the survey letting us know how we are doing in the areas of:

  • Communicating.
  • Providing you opportunities to partner.
  • Developing positive relationships.
  • Ensuring student success and more.

The survey will be available between March 24th- April 12th.

The information we learn from you will help us strengthen family engagement and continue fostering a Caring Culture throughout FCPS.

There are 3 ways you can complete the survey.

  1. Check your email after March 24 for an invitation with a survey link from Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent with subject line: FCPS Family Engagement Survey.
  2. Ask the front office staff for a paper survey. You can complete it right there on the spot.
  3. Complete the online survey using one of the school computers. The office staff would be happy to show you an available computer for you to complete the survey electronically at the school.

We honor your opinion and commitment to your child and our schools. We strive to make it a better place for ALL!


FCPSOn Community Meeting

All Woodson students will be issued a computer next year.  To learn more, attend the FCPSOn community meeting on Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at Chantilly High School, 4201 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151.

You will learn about FCPS’ plans to ensure all students can engage in personalized, meaningful learning experiences and develop Portrait of a Graduate attributes by providing equitable access to technology.


Registration Now Open for 2019 Special Education Conference at Lake Braddock Secondary School

Registration is now open for the 2019 Special Education Conference, which will be held Saturday, April 6th, from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lake Braddock Secondary School. The focus of this year’s conference is on building inclusive and post-secondary practices to support the development of 21st century skills and Portrait of a Graduate attributes.

This year’s keynoter is Dr. Mary E. Morningstar, the co-director of Portland State University’s Think College Inclusion Oregon project and a professor in the Graduate School of Education’s Special Education Department, who will be speaking about Moving from Compliance to Quality Transition Outcomes.

Get more information and register


2019 MOVE Summit - for African American Males with Disabilities

MOVE is a VDOE sponsored, optional three-day institute for African American males, aged 13-21 with disabilities and their parents.  It will be held July 14-16, 2019 on the campus of Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.  Utilizing state leadership and mentors, young men engage in activity-based learning.  Participants unlock their potential to overcome barriers, become self-determined, and graduate high school to be college and career ready.  Concurrent parent workshops offer resources and tools to promote self-determination in their sons and increase parent engagement in the education process.  For additional information visit: http://www.imdetermined.org/youth/move/.

This is a VDOE sponsored event. If accepted, participants will have no costs associated with attendance. To apply: https://form.jotform.com/90433506805151

For questions about the institute, contact Amanda Randall, Statewide Coordinator Self-Determination Project, Randalaa@jmu.edu. Applications are due April 1, 2019.


National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative - April 27

Saturday, April 27th, is DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative.  You can drop-off unused or expired at a Fairfax County Police District Station (pills or liquids only, no pressurized canisters or needles).  Disposal is free,convenient, confidential, and safe.

Drop off sites

Fair Oaks District Station

12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy.

Fairfax, VA 22033

Franconia District Station

6121 Franconia Road

Alexandria, VA 22310

Mason District Station

6507 Columbia Pike

Annandale, VA 22003

McLean District Station

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA 22101

Mount Vernon District Station

2511 Parkers Lane

Alexandria, VA 22306

Reston District Station

1801 Cameron Glen Drive

Reston, VA 20190

Sully District Station

4900 Stonecroft Boulevard

Chantilly, VA 20151

West Springfield District Station

6140 Rolling Road

Springfield, VA 22152


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 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

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)