Woodson Weekly -
February 21st
|
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!
 Congratulations to four Woodson juniors who were recognized by Dr. Floyd for demonstrating compassion in an emergency situation in our community.
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, March 3rd - Student Holiday
Friday, April 3rd - Last day of 3rd Quarter
Monday-Friday, April 6th-10th - Spring Break
Monday, April 13th - Student Holiday
In this Issue
1. International Night TONIGHT!
2. Academy Class Registration Deadline - February 28th
3. SOL Writing Assessments, End of Course
4. U.S. Service Academy and ROTC Information Night
5. Senior Parents - Get help on the FAFSA
6. Environmental Outreach at Canterbury Woods ES
7. Woodson's Got Talent
8. Teen Job Fair
9. Junior & Junior Parent Night
10. All-Virginia Chorus
11. School Board Student Representative
12. Portrait of a Graduate
13. 2020-2021 Course Registration
14. Volunteers Needed for AP Testing
15. Is your child interested in the arts?
16. Reserve Your Yearbook
17. Senior Class Information Page
18. Woodson HS Academic Advising
19. FCPS Cares
 1. International Night Tonight!
Woodson's For the Culture Club will be hosting the second annual International Night tonight, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. in the Woodson Auditorium.
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 International food for the potluck, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Café A and B. Bring a friend, family member, or your neighbor. 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.
If there are any questions feel free to contact us at wtwforthecultureclub@gmail.com.
2. Academy Class Registration Deadline; February 28th
This is a reminder that the deadline to sign up for an academy class for the 2020-2021 school year is Friday, February 28th.
Any student interested in taking an academy class next year must inform their counselor by the Friday, February 28th deadline. Students who have had their individual academic advising meeting with their counselor already, or who will have theirs before the 28th, simply need to let their counselor know during that meeting of their interest in the academy class. For students who do not meet with their counselor by the 28th, they must let their counselor know of their interest either in person or via email.
After the deadline, students indicating an interest in an academy class will be placed on a waitlist with no guarantee of being able to take the course next year. Please don’t miss this deadline!
3. SOL Writing Assessments, End-of Course
Students enrolled in English 11 will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course English Writing Test on two days between March 5 and March 10, 2020.
The test has two components: multiple choice response and a short paper response. In order to obtain a score, students must complete both components. Students are required to use their FCPSOn laptops for online testing. Personal devices may not be used.
Please remind your student to perform regular Health Checks on the laptop to ensure that the laptop is prepared and up-to-date. Students need to bring their fully-charged FCPSOn laptop to school for testing. If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your child’s school counselor or Woodson’s Assessment Coach, Kathleen Guinee (kpguinee@fcps.edu).
 Adaptive PE students enjoyed their annual Dance Party today by leading the crowd in modern line dance moves and some freestyle.
4. U.S. Service Academy and ROTC Information Night
On Tuesday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the WTW 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.
5. 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 2020? 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, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School.
Register to attend the College Access Fairfax workshops on the College Access Fairfax website.
 6. Environmental Outreach at Canterbury Woods ES
Woodson students from Environmental Club and Science National Honor Society went to Canterbury Woods ES on February 18th to do environmental outreach with 5th graders.
The elementary school students engaged in hands-on inquiry based learning on topics including hydroponics, watershed studies and food webs. They also were able to do virtual reality to explore ecosystems around the world. A big thank you to FCPS Get2Green for the loan of the enviroscape that allowed students to better visualize human impact in watersheds.
7. Woodson's Got Talent
Woodson’s Got Talent will take pace on Wednesday, February 26th from 6-8 p.m. in Cav Hall. All proceeds will benefit Woodson's Class of 2020.
8. Teen Job Fair
You are invited to attend the 2020 Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs and Resume Building Workshops. First jobs are important and these events help connect teens and employers face to face and prepare our youth for the workforce.
These events will focus on student job seekers (approximately ages 16 to 18) looking for full time employment, after-school employment, seasonal positions, internship opportunities, or volunteer experiences. It is open to all teens in Fairfax County looking for employment or wanting tips to build their resume. Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will be available for younger students looking to begin to build their resume.
Businesses and organizations have the opportunity to showcase their companies, brand their business in the local community, and advertise the positions they have available. It does not cost to participate.
During our previous job fairs, over 2000 Fairfax County teenagers and 120 employers attended all events combined. These job fairs provided hundreds of teenagers the opportunity to get in front of employers and for employers and volunteer organizations to find talented, driven Fairfax County students to fill their positions.
Saturday, March 7th - 10 am to 12 pm Woodson High School Co-sponsored by Supervisor Pat Herrity, Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Supervisor James Walkinshaw, Woodson High School and Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.
9. Junior & Junior Parent Night
On Wednesday, March 11th at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium, all Juniors and their parents are encouraged to attend our Junior & Junior Parent Night.
Get helpful hints for your spring break college visits and discover what you need to know to make your post-secondary research and next steps easier and productive.
For more information, please contact College and Career Specialist, Kathie Ishii at kaishii@fcps.edu.
10. All-Virginia Honors Chorus
The following students were selected to All Virginia Honor Chorus this past weekend: Caroline Barata, Ciaran Costello, Lucas Donat, Caroline Hancock, Bonnie Pohland, Ananya Sai, Ivan Tsyarczyk, and August Vesilind.
The following students were selected as alternate members: Annie Barata, Alexandra Gosser, Neha Krishnakumar.
 Congratulations, Coach Jared Van Acker for being honored by the DSANV (Down's Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia) for his 7 years of service and volunteering as the Director of the Champion's League of Northern Virginia. Coach Van Acker is pictured above with DSANV Board Vice President Justin Knapp.
11. School Board Student Representative
Each year, in accordance with FCPS Policy 1802, FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply, and they do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC).
Applications are due Tuesday, March 24th. The application and related details can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/blog/application-2020-student-representative-school-board
12. Portrait of a Graduate
Second semester is in full swing with teachers preparing students for our end of the year culminating activities. During the first semester, our staff focused on teaching Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills to all of our students. Those skills or attributes have been highlighted in the previous Woodson Weekly newsletters.
To provide an avenue for students to share their growth in these skills all students 9-11 grade will be preparing a Presentation of Learning (POL). These presentations will take place during the first week in June. Teachers will be assisting students with the specific details of this presentation during 3rd quarter primarily during return periods.
As we move through this process more details will be relayed through our Woodson Weekly newsletter to keep you up-to-date every two weeks.
Please view this brief video highlighting why we as a county are focusing on the POG skills for all students.
13. 2020-2021 Course Registration
We are currently meeting with students to schedule for the 2020-2021 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. Changes to the course selections will be no later than Friday, May 1st.
The third quarter of the academic year can be an exciting yet stressful time. Some students become fatigued with the routines of school, classwork, and homework. If your student struggled in the first semester and you are concerned about his / her academic progress, please communicate with your student’s teacher. If you would like to set up a parent teacher conference with the counselor, please reach out to them as well.
14. 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!
15. Is your child interested in the Arts?
16. 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!
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
|
