Woodson Weekly -
October 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!
 Students in Mr. MacNabb's honors government class participate in a trivia game, Kahoot! and score on the final jeapordy question. https://youtu.be/v6j6UszIiq8
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 14th - Columbus Day, student holiday
Wednesday, October 16th - PSAT Day, 2 hour early release
Friday, November 1st - End of First Quarter
Monday-Tuesday, November 4th-5th - Student Holidays
In this Issue
1. No School Monday, October 14th
2. Woodson earns Purple Star Designation
3. Military Appreciation Varsity Football Game
4. Missed Assignments
5. PSAT Day, October 16th
6. AP Test Opt Out Information
7. Health Information Form
8. Expunge a Course
9. Fall Blood Drive
10. Parent Volunteers Needed - Hearing and Vision Screening
11. Parents as Partners - Session 2
12. Resources Night
13. FAFSA Line-by-Line Info Session
14. Senior Baby Ads in the Yearbook
15. Portrait and School Pic Make-ups
16. Academic Letter Awards
17. FCPS College Fair and College Night Programs
18. Reserve Your Yearbook
19. Woodson Gift Ideas
20. FCPS Cares
1. No School Monday
As a reminder, school will be closed for students on Monday, October 14th, for the Columbus Day holiday. October 14th is a school planning day for staff members. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 15th. See the complete 2019-20 school year calendar.
2. Woodson earns Purple Star Designation
The Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity of Military Children has selected W.T. Woodson High School as a 2019 Purple Star designee.
The Council applauds and appreciates Woodson's outstanding commitment to serving the needs of military students and families. Our dedicated program truly serves as an inspiring model for other schools across Virginia.
|
3. Military Appreciation Varsity Football Game
Save the date! Friday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m Woodson will pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces during its varsity football game versus the West Springfield Spartans, at Pat Cunningham Stadium.
All current and former military members with an ID are encouraged to attend, and will receive free general admission. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with a cook out for our Military Families prior to the game at 6:15PM. The Coast Guard will provide a static boat for kids of all ages to explore. We will have Woodson High School Military Appreciation shirts for families to purchase as well.
It is a “Camo Out” so wear your Camouflage in support of all military men and women who have served and continue to serve our Country! #CAVSTRONG! #oneWoodson!
4. Missed Assignments
Parents, please remember when students have an excused absence, they are expected to take the initiative to make up missed assignments and assessments. Our teachers are more than happy to work with students on make ups and students are encouraged to advocate early and often to ensure they are not overloaded after being out.
One episode of strep throat can put a student out for several days; teachers understand and are sympathetic but need the students to help plan for those make ups as only they know their own assignment load and calendar. For the rare UNEXCUSED absence, please know that according to FCPS Grading and Reporting, teachers do not have to allow the make ups.
 Sophomore student, Winter acting as “docent” for students in Mr. Wright's AP World History, explaining the Abbasid Theme Park and its elements.
5. PSAT Test Day, October 16th
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and across the United States, students in grades 10 and 11 will take a Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) on Wednesday, October 16th. FCPS will provide the PSAT/NMSQT to tenth and eleventh graders without cost. Only students in grade 11 are eligible to compete for the National Merit Scholarship; however, taking the PSAT/NMSQT in grade 10 provides students practice.
Students may prepare for the PSAT by getting a good night’s sleep prior to the test and eating breakfast the morning of the test. Students need to bring a calculator and two No. 2 pencils to the test. It is also recommended that students bring snacks and drinks, which they may access during the two 5-minute breaks during the test. Electronic devices (cell phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, etc.) must be turned off and put away for the entire testing period.
Students with an approved accommodation for extended testing time must arrange for transportation home from school since they will not finish testing before the buses depart (PSAT with 50% extended time – dismissal at approximately 2:10PM).
9th Grade students will participate in a career readiness program and executive function activities. They must bring their fully charged laptop and ear buds on Wednesday.
Seniors are encouraged to use this day for college visits, college applications and post graduate opportunities.
Additional information about PSAT/NMSQT test content can be found at the following webpage: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/inside-the-test/compare-specifications.
Lunch will be a grab-n-go at 12:25 p.m. and students will be released at 12:55 p.m. on this day.
Contact Kathleen Guinee, Assessment Coach, at kpguinee@fcps.edu with questions.
6. AP Test Opt Out Information
On Tuesday, October 1st, an AP Opt Out Form was mailed via USPS to every student who is currently enrolled in an Advanced Placement course through FCPS. FCPS will pay for up to six (6) AP Exams throughout a student’s tenure in FCPS. Any exam taken beyond six will require a fee of $94 to be paid to FCPS. Students who have exceeded their six (6) AP exams will be billed in December.
The Opt Out Form allows students and families to opt out of any of their current AP exams. Please understand that it is Woodson’s and FCPS’s full expectation that every student enrolled in an AP course complete the course and take the AP exam in May. If a student wishes to opt out of an exam, they must indicate this on the official FCPS Opt Out Form by Friday, October 25th. This is the only way students are able to opt out of an AP exam.
If you have questions about the new AP format, processes, or fees please email our AP Test Coordinator, Kathleen Guinee, at kpguinee@fcps.edu.
7. Health Information Form
Health Information Forms provide valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHN) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health Related Needs.
Please contact Woodson's public health nurse, Kate Boyd with any questions at koboyd@fcps.edu.
8. Expunge a Course
In accordance with Virginia state regulations, FCPS Regulation 2408 permits parents of students who take a high school credit-bearing course in middle school to request that the grade be omitted from the student’s high school transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course. Parents interested in expunging a course and removing the middle school course and associated credit from the high school transcript must make this request no later than the end of the first nine weeks of the school year following completion of the course.
For current ninth graders, the deadline to complete the expunge request is Friday, November 1st.
Please find the link to the expunge form below. The form outlines the guidelines and procedures for expunging grades for high school courses taken in middle school. If you have questions about expunging a course, please contact your school counselor.
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf
9. Fall Blood Drive
Mark your calendar for the upcoming fall blood drive on Friday, October 18th, in the Aux Gym. To sign up, go to Room A232 or visit the tables between cafeterias during lunches. Parents we welcome your participation, if you would like to sign up, just email potential times to amwilliams@fcps.edu!
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.
10. Parent Volunteers Needed
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to volunteer with the kids! On October 21st and 22nd, Woodson will be conducting student vision and hearing screenings. The school health aide, Ms. Christina Lugo, is looking for a few parent volunteers to help.
We’d also like to provide light refreshments for our volunteers. Please sign up here if you’re able to help with the screenings or donate snacks:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4FADA923A0FD0-woodson
 October 14-18 is Teen Reading Week.
11. Parents as Partners - Session 2
In response to the Family Engagement Survey administered during the 2018-19 School Year, Woodson is focusing on sharing information with parents to help parents improve their child’s learning and to identify and develop social and emotional skills for students to be successful. In addition, we are looking for ways to maintain two way communication between families and the school.
One way we are engaging families is through monthly parent seminars. In addition to the PTSO meetings (held on the second Tuesday of each month), administrators and counselors will plan and deliver a monthly seminar based on various topics.
October’s Parents as Partners seminar will address Wellness and will take place on Wednesday, October 23rd at 5:30 p.m. in Cafeteria A.
Based on the 2018 Fairfax County Youth Survey, there are many assets which assist in positive student well- being. The parent seminar will feature Dr. DiSalvo, Assistant Principal, Dr. Floyd, Principal, Ms. Parker, counselor and a panel of students to review strategies to help your child balance the demands of high school. More information will be posted on our website with materials posted after the session for those that are not able to attend.
We will begin our session by exploring this recent article that was in The Washington Post on September 26th written by Jennifer Breheny Wallace.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/09/26/students-high-achieving-schools-are-now-named-an-at-risk-group/
 Students in Ms. Babcock's honors physics class calculate equations.
12. Resources Night
On Wednesday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in Cav Hall, join us for Resources Night. Learn about tools and online resources which will help you navigate opportunities for your high school student.
Resources discussed will include SIS, ParentVUE, Naviance Student, library resources, and much more. These resources will assist you in finding everything from your student’s grades to paid internships, free special programs, and scholarships.
This is a fast-paced evening that covers a lot of information. Bring a note pad or smart device to take notes and follow along.
Although we invite all of our freshmen parents to this event, everyone is welcome - especially anyone who has not attended in previous years.
For more information, please contact Kathleen Ishii, College and Career Center Specialist at kaishii@fcps.edu.
13. FAFSA Line-by-Line Info Session
On Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. in Cavalier Hall, Woodson is hosting a line-by-line information session for parents on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This is the form used to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.
Understanding exactly what is expected will make completing the FAFSA easier. To learn more about the FAFSA, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa.
14. Senior Baby Ads in the Yearbook
Looking for a personalized, memorable way to recognize your graduating senior? Want to capture memories with the friends you’ve made for a lifetime? Looking for a fun way to recognize your teammates or club members?
Parents, siblings, relatives, teachers, coaches, and friends of Woodson’s graduating Class of 2020 have an opportunity to purchase ad space in the 2020 edition of the yearbook!
There are many ad sizes available at various price points. Orders are being accepted now, and all ad space is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So place your order early to reserve ad space for your graduating senior!
Visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and enter job number 5278. Choose “Buy a Yearbook Ad” to begin the process.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING BABY ADS is Sunday, October 13th!
|
15. Portrait and School Pic Make-ups
Senior portrait make-ups will be October 21st-28th.
Look for a postcard in your mailbox after October 4th for your appointment date and time. You can always call LifeTouch at 800-445-1189 to make or change at appointment. Be sure your senior gets their picture taken in this time window to be included in the yearbook!
Underclass portrait make-ups will be on Tuesday, October 22nd.
16. Academic Letter Awards
Each year, Woodson High School recognizes our academic scholars who have achieved a 4.0 grade point average in the previous school year while attending Woodson High School. While we have recognized students for their achievement in a variety of ways including formal ceremonies and informal gatherings, we have received mixed feedback on the ceremony from the students receiving these awards and their parents.
Last month, the PTSO conducted a survey of the more than 540 recipients and their families to help measure the desire for a formal ceremony. Of the hundreds of responses we received from parents and students, the majority did not wish to attend a formal ceremony.
Based on this feedback from parents and students, we will be moving away from the formal ceremony and moving in a different direction to award our students with academic letters or pins for their great achievement. Certificates and letters/pins will be given to awardees during the school day. Because there are over 540 recipients, not all students will receive their award on the same day. Student Services will be working diligently to ensure students receive their award before Thanksgiving break.
We congratulate our students on earning this outstanding honor and wish them the best of luck this school year and beyond!
 Class of 2020 Panoramic
17. FCPS College Fair and College Night Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools high school students and their families are encouraged to attend the 2019 College Fair on Sunday, October 20, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Fair Oaks Mall, and College Night on Monday, October 21, 7 to 9 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School. Both events provide opportunities for college-bound students and their families to gather information from a variety of schools.
Approximately 300 colleges and universities are represented, including two- and four-year colleges, international colleges, and military academies. Additionally, College Night features workshops related to the college admissions process, standardized testing, and financial aid.
Interpreters will be available during College Night, but these services must be requested in advance by contacting Susie Statham at sstatham@fcps.edu or at 571-423-4429. Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events. Upon registration, each student will receive a unique bar code, which will allow colleges to scan the student’s information instead of having to fill out an information card for each college or university.
Details and registration are available online.
18. Reserve Your Yearbook
Did you know that last year’s yearbook sold out? Did you know that the 2020 yearbook will never be cheaper than it is today?
Order your yearbook now, before the crush of the school year!
Place a senior baby ad
Where did the time go? Place your special pictures and messages in the 2020 yearbook to treasure the memories forever.
Go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/5278 for sizes, prices and how-tos.
 19. Woodson Gift Ideas
It's not too early to start thinking about gift ideas for the holidays. Brighten up your holiday season with a W.T. Woodson ornament or a Woodson car magnet!
These make great stocking stuffers for Woodson students, staff, alumni, and graduating seniors.
Purchase your gifts through MySchoolBucks or at the Woodson main office. If ordering online, you can select school pickup or have the items shipped directly to your home. Ornaments are $10.00; magnets are $5.00.
For more information, contact Celeste Jones at cbjones@fcps.edu.
20. 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)
|
