|
Welcome back, Woodson Families,
Can you believe it? It is hard to believe we are now in 2021!
I am looking forward to working together as we make 2021 the best year yet for the Woodson community. To do this, teachers will be working diligently to learn to use the technology required for concurrent instruction so they may properly engage students both online as well as in person. January 4, 11, 19 and 21 will all be teacher work days where students will have asynchronous learning to do. Much of the work for January 4, students already have and only need to work on getting caught up. Students should check Blackboard and Google Classroom to see if there are any additional assignments to complete on Monday. If not, continue to complete any missing assignments required for quarter 2.
By now you may have seen the grading changes released by FCPS Leadership. As of second quarter, any grade less than a 50 will be recorded as a 50. There is a lot of research around why this is a best practice. If you would like to read some background on this topic please visit the links listed below.
In addition, previously, no single assignment could be worth 30 percent of a student’s quarter grade. This has changed to 20% as of second quarter. Late work penalties will decrease even less than they currently are and the minimum number of required assignments per quarter has decreased from 9 to 6.
As you and your family look ahead, I wish you all the peace and excitement that comes with a fresh beginning of a new year. I am excited to be planning for the safe return of in-person learning. For families who have chosen in-person, you will be receiving various communications over the next three weeks. Remember, grades 9 and 12 begin January 26 while grades 10 and 11 begin February 1. We will be holding in-person orientations for students new to Woodson on January 19 and 21. Stay tuned for details which will go directly to families who have chosen in-person learning.
While I say all of this with great anticipation and excitement, I do realize there is a school board work session on January 5th where the Board will review the data and metrics and make decisions which could affect the return to school information, so please stay tuned.
I appreciate your continued support and flexibility as we navigate this difficult and new situation. Ultimately, we all want our students and staff safe physically, emotionally and mentally.
Stay healthy and warm, Cavaliers!
Dr. Floyd
Principal
Resources:
A Repair Kit for Grading: 15 Fixes for Broken Grades (O’Connor, 2011)
Order the 2021 WTW Yearbook!
The WTW yearbook is ready for orders!
I can’t imagine a more significant time to purchase a relic of history and to celebrate our Woodson Cavaliers!
To purchase a yearbook or to make an adorable ad for your graduating senior, go to https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ and type in the code 5278. You can create an ad, buy a yearbook, or submit photos all in one place!
Please contact tmweghorst@fcps.edu if you have any questions!
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)
|
