 Flocking our Seniors! Recognizing the Class of 2021!
Important Upcoming Dates
Friday, March 26th - 2 hour early release, end of 3rd quarter
Monday, March 29th through Friday, April 2nd - Spring Break Holidays
Monday, April 5th - Teacher Workday, No School for Students
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
2. 2021 Virtual Teen Job Fairs - Saturday, March 13th
3. Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
4. English 11 Writing SOL - Monday, March 15th
5. March Senior Social - Monday, March 15th
6. National Center for Women and Information Technology Winners
7. PSAT for 10th Graders on April 19th
8. Flocking the Woodson Class of 2021
9. Diverse Books
10. Virtual Junior Parent Night - Wednesday, March 24th
11. College & Career Center News
PAST News but still important
12. Applications Wanted for Student Representative to the School Board
13. College Partnership Program - Deadline Friday, March 19th
14. Paying For College Virtual Workshop - Wednesday, March 24th
15. Equity in Education Month
16. Woodson Athletic Event Livestream Info
17. FCPS Laptop Tech Support Hours at WTW
18. Parent Technology Help Desk
19. Order the WTW 2021 Yearbook
NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
Hello from a beautiful Friday afternoon at Woodson!
The best part of this week was seeing more of our Cavaliers! Whether students back in person or students with their cameras on at home! Students have remarked how exciting it is to be back and teachers are thrilled to see more faces of the kids. Our monitors are settling in as they get to know the students so they can support them in person and our teachers who are at home.
In our recent survey, several parents asked why we cannot require cameras to be on during class as this would help students to better engage, among other reasons. The reason is that there are privacy issues that arise when the cameras are on. Our division counsel reviewed this and took many weeks to make this determination. It is not one taken lightly. The idea of opting out was also discussed and determined to not be an acceptable alternative.
Parents have also asked about the best way to get information on their student from teachers. Since most of our teachers have between 130-170 students, I encourage you to reach out to the teacher if you have concerns. Please allow 24-48 hours for the teacher to respond. Another avenue is a parent/teacher conference which can be set up through the counselor.
I wish everyone a great weekend!
Stay safe, stay well and stay connected,
Dr. Floyd
 Concurrent Instruction at Woodson this week! Watch the latest episode of The Morning Show.
2. 2021 Virtual Teen Job Fairs
Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways are invited to attend one of six upcoming teen job fairs and resume building workshops in Fairfax County. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students.
Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will also be available for younger students. Free booth spaces are provided to local businesses. The first two job fairs will be held on Saturday, March 13, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Students can register for the March 13 Job Fair and the March 20 Job Fair.
3. Daylight Saving Time Begins: Move Your Clocks Ahead One Hour on Sunday
This Sunday, March 14, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
4. English 11 Writing SOL
Students in English 11 classes who registered for the Writing SOL will take the test on Mondays, March 15th & 22nd (one component per day).
Please contact Kathleen Guinee, Assessment Coach at kpguinee@fcps.edu if you have questions.
5. March Senior Social - Monday, March 15th
Each month through the end of the school year, Woodson is planning in-person opportunities to celebrate the Class of 2021.
Our second Senior Social will take place on Monday, March 15th from 12-1:30pm (weather reschedule date: Friday, March 19th at 3:30pm) in the Senior Parking Lot. This month’s theme is “A Day of Luck.”
These monthly events will take place outside, socially distanced following all CDC guidelines including the mandate to wear a mask during the entire event. If a student experiences any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the event, please stay home.
Students can drive or walk to the event. We will have chairs set up 6 feet apart so that students can visit with each other, listen to music, and enjoy some treats. Students will want to dress for the weather and/or bring blankets.
We are asking for parents to provide a cans of whipped cream and individually packaged store-purchased treats for this event. Please use this SignUpGenius to let us know you are planning to drop off treats.
Treat ideas - Individually packaged store-purchased Granola bars, Rice Crispy Treats, candy, candy bars, potato chips, popcorn, Hohos, cookies/crackers, etc.
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6. National Center for Women and Information Technology Winners
Emand Seifu and Mera Seifu of Woodson High and Yabesra Ewnetu of Justice High were selected as 2021 National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Virginia affiliate winners for participating in computer-related extracurricular activities; leadership through teams, clubs, and teaching peers; and advancing their own computing experience and technical skills.
The students are part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Impressionists group, an afterschool mentoring program that works with middle and high school minority girls interested in participating in career-related STEM activities. Through that organization, they have had the opportunity to facilitate their own STEM seminars. HackSIP, a hackathon financed with an NCWIT grant, teaches girls from around the country how to code using a microbit.
This summer, after securing a second NCWIT grant, the students will be hosting HackSIP2, a weeklong summer STEM camp for girls. Contact Angela DeHart at dehartstem@gmail.com.
 Check out the recent issue of the Cavalcade at wtwoodsoncavalcade.org.
7. PSAT for 10th Graders on April 19th
On Monday, April 19, WT Woodson High School tenth graders will have the opportunity to take the PSAT 10.
The PSAT 10 Intent to Participate Google Form was emailed to parents on March 1st. The deadline to respond is Friday, March 19th.
General information about the PSAT 10 test format is available on the College Board webpage (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10).
We will share more details about test day schedules and bus transportation in the coming weeks.
FCPS health and safety protocols for PSAT 10 administration are available online (https://www.fcps.edu/node/41891).
If you have questions about the PSAT 10 administration at WT Woodson High School, please contact our Assessment Coach, Kathleen Guinee, kpguinee@fcps.edu.
 8. Flocking the Woodson Class of 2021
To recognize the Class of 2021, a group of parents fundraised and coordinated flocking all Woodson seniors with pink flamingos in their yards. A special shout-out to Debbie Stackowicz for all of her efforts to lead this initiative.
If a senior wishes to not be flocked, please email woodsonclass2021@gmail.com, and send their address. The flocking team will do their best respect the “no flock” request.
9. Diverse Books
This month the Equity Team will feature several photos from our faculty and staff, students, and parents reading diverse books in the Woodson Weekly. Please complete the Google form and share a picture of yourself with the diverse book that you are currently reading or plan on reading. Creating content that is diverse and inclusive is critical to learner success. Research has shown that diverse representation can help close gender and race gaps in education, and can create inclusive and productive course communities for all learners. Thus educators, parents, and guardians have an important role to play in creating diverse and inclusive content. If you are interested please share your photo using this Google form.
Fairfax Villa ES, Resource Teacher, Nicole Lee is reading Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki
Fairfax Villa ES Teacher, Jessica Davis, is reading Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen
Woodson Staff, Darlene Sheppard is reading Hidden Figures by Margot L. Shetterly to her granddaughter.
10. Virtual Junior Parent Night
Please mark your calendars for Woodson's Virtual Junior Parent Night on Wednesday, March 24th at 7 pm. The BBCU link will be sent out closer to the date.
Get helpful hints for your spring break college explorations, and discover what you need to know to make your post-secondary research and next steps easier and productive.
11. College & Career Center News
Please follow the Woodson College & Career Center on Twitter and Instagram @wtwcareercenter. The weekly College & Career Center Newsletters are posted on Mondays. The new College Padlet, Career Padlet and Military Padlet have resources for college and career exploration, and post-secondary planning. Questions? Please email me at cliebmosley@fcps.edu. Please see upcoming events below.
- Virtual Teen Job Fair this weekend: Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways are invited to attend one of six upcoming teen job fairs and resume building workshops in Fairfax County. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students. Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will also be available for younger students. Students can register for the March 13 Job Fair and the March 20 Job Fair.
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Virtual Junior Night is on Wednesday, March 24th at 7 pm. The BBCU link will be sent out closer to the date. Get helpful hints for your spring break college explorations, and discover what you need to know to make your post-secondary research and next steps easier and productive. We are aware that this date coincides with the Paying for College Presentation that College Access Fairfax is offering. Please know that we are recording our Junior Parent Night in case you have a conflict. College Access Fairfax is offering additional Paying for College Presentations on April 13th and 20th. For more information, please visit: www.collegeaccessfairfax.org
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2021 Virtual Career Exploration Fair April 19 – 30, 2021: HS Students will be able to connect with over 100 local industry professionals from in-demand career fields. Additionally, students can attend college and career ready workshops and information sessions. For more info, please visit: https://www.fcps.edu/event/2021-virtual-career-exploration-fair
 Noah and Jessica anchor this week's Morning Show. The show includes Information about the upcoming pep rally, homecoming, and service to others.
PAST News - Still Important
12. Applications Wanted for Student Representative to the School Board for 2021-22 School Year, Deadline Is April 7
Each year, FCPS students can 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 by April 7.
The application and more information are available online.
13. College Partnership Program
The College Partnership Program (CPP) is designed to assist students who are traditionally underrepresented in college (i.e. first generation, African-American or Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, English learners, students with disabilities or economically disadvantaged) in exploring, applying and enrolling in college. In accordance with FCPS’ goal to eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement for all students, CPP focuses on academic advising, college visits, parent engagement and preparation beyond high school.
The CPP is now accepting applications. Students can only apply online with their FCPS G Suite account. Applications are due by Friday, March 19th. You will find the translated applications in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish and Urdu. They can be found here.
Please email Ms. Jamie Korpacz at jlkorpacz@fcps.edu with questions.
14. Paying for College Virtual Workshop
Is your student a current 9th, 10th or 11th grader? Have you started thinking about his/her post-secondary educational experiences and how you will pay for them?
College Access Fairfax, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, is offering a free virtual
Paying for College Workshop
Wednesday, March 24th at 7:00 PM
Topics to be covered include:
- Understanding Cost of Attendance
- What is Financial Aid
- How/when do you apply for Financial Aid
- What is considered in determining Financial Aid
- Where you can go for help
Registration for this event is required as space is limited.
You can access the registration form here. Registration will close 48 hours before the event. You will receive an email link at access the presentation approximately 24 hours prior to the start of the event. If you have not received the link by the morning of March 24th, please email us at info@collegeaccessfairfax.org. Emails received after 5:00 PM that day may not allow us enough time to add you to the program.
15. Equity in Education Month
March is Equity in Education month. The Equity Committee wants to thank you for participating in Social Justice Book Club, as we recently finished our text How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.
When we initially surveyed the Woodson community in August, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo was the runner-up. There’s an interest in continuing the Social Justice Book Club; therefore, we will continue and start back up in April, following spring break.
Please complete the Google survey below if you are interested. The proposal right now is to discuss four chapters each month from April through June. If you have any questions, please email Dr. George Hewan at gkhewan@fcps.edu.
White Fragility Survey
16. Woodson Athletic Event Livestream Info
All of our Volleyball, Field Hockey and Football games this season will be livestreamed via the NFHS Network, so be sure to tune in to watch our Cavalier athletes!
You will need to create an account and then search for Woodson. All FCPS events on NFHS are free this year!
To see a schedule of Woodson sporting events, visit https://www.wtwoodsonsports.com/.
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/w-t-woodson-high-school-fairfax-va/gamdfb4edcea7
17. Laptop Tech Support Hours
If parents or students need FCPS laptop technical support at Woodson HS, the following must be completed:
- Submit a ticket using the FCPS Parent/Student Tech Support Portal,
- Schedule an appointment to come on-site, and
- Complete a health screening questionnaire prior to arriving.
New 2021 Laptop Tech Support Hours
Our onsite laptop tech support hours by appointment only are:
Monday - 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday - 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Thursday and Friday - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Thank you,
W.T Woodson HS Tech Support Team
18. Parent Technology Help Desk
To support families who are working with their children during distance learning, FCPS launched a new Parent Technology Help Desk. The number is 1-833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). It will be answered by staff 7 a.m.to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If the help desk is unable to solve the issue on the phone with the parent or guardian, they will enter a ticket on the parent’s behalf and the request for help will be transferred to the appropriate FCPS team.
Parents or guardians who need help in a language other than English should let help desk staff know, and a interpreter will join them on the line. (FCPS also has existing parent information phone lines, available in eight different languages, that can assist with general questions about FCPS.)
FCPS has also set up an online portal to allow older students and parents and guardians to request technology help directly.
Get more information about the new Parent Technology Help Desk.
19. 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, 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)
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