Woodson Weekly - January 31st

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Woodson Weekly -
January 31st


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!


Scholastic Art Award

"Silent Ripples" by Julia Frost - a Scholastic Art Gold Key Award winner


Important Upcoming Dates

Monday, February 17th - President's Day Holiday

Tuesday, March 3rd - Student Holiday


In this Issue

1. Student Laptops Needed at School on Monday
2. Partners for Safe Teen Driving Seminar
3. 2020 FCPS Gap Year Fair 
4. College 101 Parent Seminar
5. Winter Dance
6. National School Counseling Week
7. Leadership Class for 2020-2021
8. Cav Congress
9. Parents as Partners - February Seminar on Equity
10. Woodson Communication Protocol
11. Scholastic Art Awards
12. P.S. I Love You Day
13. Teen Job Fair
14. FanQuest Rescheduled
15. To our Military Families
16. Volunteers Needed for AP Testing
17. Is your child interested in the arts?
18. POGPOL Tip of the Week
19. Reserve Your Yearbook
20. Senior Class Information Page
21. Woodson HS Academic Advising
22. Eating Disorder Information
23. FCPS Cares 


1. Student Laptops Needed at School on Monday

FCPSOn Reminder: Students are expected to bring a fully charged laptop and charger to school every day!

Students are required to use their FCPSOn laptops for online testing. Personal devices may not be used. This includes WIDA testing, SOL testing, and WorkKeys assessments.

Beginning Monday, February 3rd, during Return periods, all students are expected to have their FCPS-issued laptop in class for a Health Check. Regular Health Checks ensure that laptops are prepared for use in testing.

Please contact Woodson’s Assessment Coach, Kathleen Guinee at kpguinee@fcps.edu, if you have questions.


2. Partners for Safe Teen Driving Seminar

A Partners for Safe Teen Driving parent/teen seminar is coming up next week on Monday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. 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). 

Do not be late - you will not be admitted to the auditorium after 7pm.  

Questions? Please contact David O'Hara at DGOHara@fcps.edu.


3. 2020 FCPS Gap Year Fair

FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are hosting the 9th annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m.  This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the variety of experiences available and growing array of gap year opportunities. 

The evening will begin with an informational presentation in the auditorium from 6:00-6:45 p.m.  Immediately following, the program fair, with representatives from over 40 programs offering gap year opportunities, will take place in the school cafeteria from 6:45-8:30 p.m.  Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event.  For more information, visit USA Gap Year Fairs.

In the event of inclement weather, the snow date and location will be Friday, February 7, 2020, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00-8:30 p.m.


Kinne TOTY

Congratulations to Lauren Kinne, Woodson's Outstanding Teacher and Woodson Pyramid Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2020.  Ms. Kinne was also the graduation speaker for the Class of 2019.


4. College 101 Parent Seminar

Come learn what it means when they say, "College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won," on Wednesday, February 5th (snow date Wednesday, February 12th) at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

College 101 is an opportunity to learn more about the college admissions process from a director of college admissions and meet the staff at Woodson who will guide your child along this process.

Current sophomore families are encouraged to attend even though this process may seem far away.

If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Ishii, Career Center Specialist at kaishii@fcps.edu.


5. Winter Dance

The Winter Dance is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th from 8-11 p.m.  This year’s theme is Glow in the Dark.  The dance is open to all Woodson students and their guests.

Tickets for the dance are on sale during all lunches between the cafeterias for $10 each.  The final day to purchase a ticket it Friday, February 7th and no tickets will be sold at the door,  Proceeds from the dance benefit the Woodson Buddies and Woodson Relay for Life.

If students would like to bring a guest from another school, a guest form must be completed by Friday, February 7th.  Guest forms are now available in the main office.

If parents are interested in volunteering for coat check during the dance, please use this SignUpGenius.


6. National School Counseling Week

National School Counseling Week 2020, "School Counselors: Helping Build Better Humans," will be celebrated from February 3rd-7th, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

A huge "Thank you!" to all of FCPS' outstanding school counselors!


7. Leadership Class for 2020-2021

Students interested in taking Leadership next school year must complete an application, get teacher recommendations, and sit for an interview. 

Application forms are now available outside of the Leadership rooms (A133/A128) and in Student Services. 

Completed applications must be turned in to Mr. Schaefer or Mrs. Schmauder no later than Monday, February 10th.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Schmauder at plschmauder@fcps.edu.


Cross the Line

8. Cav Congress

Cav Congress is a student-centered committee made up of student representatives from each club and activity that collaborates to make collective decisions around equity, diversity, and inclusion at W.T. Woodson.  Students in Cav Congress participated in the Cross the Line activity last week facilitated by equity leads and Woodson teachers Jordan Black and Joe Dixon.

The Cross the Line exercise allowed students to increase a great deal of awareness into self and others; about their identity, tradition, and culture.

Students were given statements to indicate specific categories, labels, descriptions that may represent them. Those that the description applied to had to step across the line, turn and face the rest of the group. Students enjoyed learning about their diversity in experiences such as travel, attending sporting events, native languages, and birthplaces. 


9. Parents as Partners - February Seminar on Equity

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. 

February Parents as Partners seminar will address Equity, Diversity, and Cultural Responsiveness and will take place on Tuesday, February 11th at 6 p.m. in Cafeteria A

At WT Woodson, we believe in a caring culture were all students are valued, respected, and appreciated. Each student has their own identity, culture, and tradition. In line with the activities that our equity leads implement around identity, culture, and tradition, February’s Parents as Partners seminar will allow parents to have a deeper conversation with their students.


10. Woodson Communication Protocol

As we begin the second half of the school year we would like to update our community on Woodson’s Communication Protocol.

We know that concerns come up time to time and you need to know who to reach out to in these cases. At the beginning of the year we reassigned our students based on grade level to our assistant principals and this list can be found on our website.

Also available on the website is our communication protocol that has useful information about who to contact if a concern or issue should arise during the school year. We are always here to help foster the growth of our students and look forward to working with you.


Scholastic Award

Jessica Furlough's art portfolio was awarded a Scholastic Silver Key.


11. Scholastic Art Awards

The 2020 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program has recognized 372 FCPS students in grades 7-12 with 571 awards including Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention awards, and American Visions Nominations. The Gold Key and Silver Key artworks will be displayed at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center in Annandale from Thursday, February 6, to Sunday, March 15, with an award ceremony on Wednesday, March 4.

Gold Key award-winning works will be judged at the national level against other gold key work from regions across the country. National awards include Gold and Silver medals as well as monetary awards and scholarships. National awards will be announced in April, and an exhibit of the national winners’ works will be on display in New York later this year.

The Scholastic Art Awards program, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States.

Woodson students receiving Scholastic Art Awards are:

Gold Key Award Winners:  Ashley Chi, Julia Frost, Chau Le, Jenna Mangin, and Robert Williams.

Silver Key Award Winners:  HongJin Ahn, Taylor Cho, Jessica Furlough, Hannah Hanford, Katerina Kimura, and Yarden Moses.

Honorable Mention Winners: Aaliyah Mitchell and Sarah Schoenberger.


12. P.S. I Love You Day

P.S. I Love You Day is Friday, February 14th.  Long-sleeve shirts go on sale between the cafeterias Monday, February 10th and are $15 each.


13. Teen Job Fair

There will be a Teen Job Fair at Woodson HS on Saturday, March 7th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  This fair is sponsored by Supervisors Pat Herrity, Dalia Palchik, James Walkinshaw, Woodson High School, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and Connection Newspapers.


WTW Unified Sports Team

14. FanQuest Rescheculed!

FanQuest has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 7th.  Mark your calendars!


15. To our Military Families

Do you have a family member who is deploying?

Student Services wants to provide support to your student before, during, and after the deployment.  If you feel comfortable, please let your student’s counselor know about any current or upcoming deployments. Thank you!


16. 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 4th – May 15th. 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!


17. Is your child interested in the Arts?

IFTA

Do you have a child interested in the Arts? Don’t miss out on registering for Fairfax County’s Institute for the Arts (IFTA) starting on Monday, February 3rd!  Classes are first come first serve!

IFTA is a summer enrichment camp for students in rising 3rd through 12th grades.  The camp dates are July 6-31, 2020.

Visit the FCPS IFTA website at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/summer-learning-programs/camps-and-institutes-institute-arts-ifta

or follow IFTA on social media! 


18. POGPOL Tip of the Week

This is the last Friday that we will share the various pieces of the Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning (POGPOL) pilot that we are engaged in at Woodson. 

There are five attributes of the Portrait of a Graduate.  They are: Communicator, Collaborator, Ethical and Global Citizen, Creative and Critical Thinker and Goal Directed and Resilient Individual. 

Each week have shared information and skills related to each attribute.  This final week we will focus on the Goal Directed and Resilient Individual.

Goal Directed and Resilient Individual

  • Engages in healthy and positive practices and relationships to promote overall physical and mental well-being.
  • Persists to accomplish difficult tasks and to overcome academic and personal barriers to meet goals.
  • Uses time and financial resources wisely to set goals, complete tasks, and manage projects.
  • Shows strong understanding and belief of self to engage in reflection for individual improvement and advocacy.

19. Reserve Your Yearbook Today!

It’s almost halfway through the year! Have you reserved your student’s yearbook yet?

Last year’s book sold out!  Order now so they won’t be disappointed.

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

Prices will go up soon!


Scholastic Art Award

Digital Art by Yarden Moses - a Scholastic Silver Key award winner.


20. Senior Class Information Page

Want more information about upcoming dates and events for the Class of 2020?  Visit the Senior Class Information page on the Woodson website.


21. Woodson HS Academic Advising

Academic Advising Schedule

Current 11th Graders (Rising 12th Graders) · Group Advising/Pre-Registration Meeting with School Counselors: January 15th during Returns

  • Individual Advising with School Counselors: January 22nd – February 7th (through US VA History classes)

Current 10th Graders (Rising 11th Graders) · Group Advising/Pre-Registration Meeting with School Counselors: February 3rd during Returns

  • Individual Advising with School Counselors: February 11th- February 27th (through Health and PE 10 classes)

Current 9th Graders (Rising 10th Graders) · Group Advising/Pre-Registration Meeting with School Counselors: February 20th during Returns

  • Individual Advising with School Counselors: February 28th – March 10th (through Health and PE 9 class)

Questions?  Please contact your child's school counselor.


22. 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 below, 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
 

23. 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)


Students in Mr. Hedrick's AP Government class participated in a budget simulation where they were in House and Senate committees with the task of reducing the federal deficit. Students had to compromise and vote on every decision.