 Thanks to Woodson's PTSO for the Grab N Go Snacks and the Leadership Class for Teacher Appreciation breakfast this week!
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday-Wednesday, May 17th-19th - SOL Testing (see story below)
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 18th-19th - Asynchronous Learning Days for all grades
Wednesday, May 26th - Seniors Last Day of School
Thursday-Friday, May 27th-28th - Senior Laptop Return Days
Monday, May 31st - Memorial Day Holiday
Wednesday, June 2nd - Graduation Day, 9am (rain date June 3rd)
Wednesday, June 2nd - Asynchronous or Virtual Learning Day for Grades 9-11 due to WTW Graduation
Friday, June 4th - Half Day/Asynchronous or Virtual Learning Day for Grades 9-11 due to another FCPS HS Graduation in our stadium, Dismissal at 11:35am
Tuesday-Friday, June 8th-10th - Underclass Student Exams - Half Days, Dismissal at 11:35am
Friday, June 11th - Last Day of School, Early Release, Dismissal at 10:20am
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
2. Woodson Pyramid Art Show
3. Senior Class News
4. Woodson Theatre Presents - Working
5. SOL Testing Schedule
6. Grading Information - New Deadlines
7. Textbook/Library Book Returns
8. This Is My Brave Teen Show
9. Instruction for SY2021-2022
10. Immunization Requirements for Rising Seniors
11. Woodson Teacher Featured on LegacyED News
12. HS Student Equity Ambassador Leader Selection for Next Year
13. Substance Abuse Program Newsletter
14. Order the 2021 Woodson Yearbook
15. College & Career Center News
PAST News but still important
16. Sports Physical Night - Wednesday, June 16th
17. NEW VHSL Physical Form for SY2021-2022
18. Upcoming Asynchronous or Virtual Learning Days
19. FCPS Laptop Tech Support Hours at WTW
20. Parent Technology Help Desk
NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
Hello Woodson Families! Happy “FriYAY”! I’m not sure how I feel about that play on words, but it is cute. With Friday comes the weekend and I hope you all are able to rest and recharge; spend time with your families and celebrate and remember your moms. Happy Mother’s Day to all our Cavalier moms out there!
I want to extend a HUGE thank you to our families who came through for our staff grab and go goodies! This was a huge success and greatly appreciated.
Please know it is never too late to send a note to teachers. I am continuously impressed with how our teachers have embraced the changes and the craziness of this year. It has truly been a unbelievable year that our staff have taken on and have done their absolute best to make happen for their students. I’m in awe of how well our team has adapted over and over and has continued to give of themselves for the benefit of our students and families.
We have sent a few communications to our families who are currently virtual with information and deadlines (the first one is this Sunday, May 9th) for next year. Please be sure to review those messages and complete the necessary information. As of right now, all students will be enrolled as in-person for next school year unless a family completes the information required for virtual learning based on a medical need of that child around COVID.
It is hard to believe the end of this school year is upon us! The last day of the 2020-2021 year is just 5 short weeks away. Please remember if any student wishes to change their grade from A-D to a P for “pass”, they must contact their school counselor by Monday, May 17th for Seniors and by Friday, June 4th for grades 9-11. All F’s will automatically become “No Mark” (NM) and students should expect to retake that class in summer or next year. PLEASE reach out to your child’s counselor for more information or to answer any questions around these grading options.
Have a restful weekend,
Dr. Floyd
 2. Woodson Pyramid Art Show
The Pyramid Art Show is now live!! The community can now visit our Virtual Gallery to see works from students at Woodson HS, Frost Middle School, and Canterbury Woods, Fairfax Villa, Little Run, Mantua, Olde Creek, and Wakefield Forest Elementary Schools. Select works will also make an appearance on our Instagram @woodsonhs_art.
Here’s the link: https://woodsonhs.fcps.edu/node/6371
3. SENIOR CLASS NEWS
Celebrate Your Plan Day - Monday, May 10th
Seniors, please join us for Celebrate Your Plan Day on Monday, May 10th at noon in the main lobby at door 1.
What is your plan after High School? Employment, College, Trade School, Military Service, Gap Year...?
We want to celebrate you and your plan! Seniors will post paper balloons with their plan on the windows in the main lobby.
Sign up for a time slot with this SignUpGenius. If you are not able to attend and still want your balloon posted, please fill in this Google Form.
Seniors can also pick up their Senior Class T-Shirt and pay $5 to tie-dye their shirts during this event.
In addition to celebrating your future plans, the PTSO will sponsor lunch by The Roaming Coyote Food Truck by Coyote Grille.
Senior Prom
Senior Prom will take place on Saturday, May 15th (May 22nd is our rain date) from 6pm-10pm.
The theme will be “Starry Night” and we will be hosting the prom on campus in the front of the school. Please use the Sign-Up-Genius to have your students sign up for a time slot.
We are limited to 250 people at any one time so students will sign-up for time slots to attend. Students will be required to wear a mask at all times and maintain social distancing. Sign-ups will also be sent to Senior's school Gmail accounts.
Free Prom Attire
Does your student need a prom dress or a suit? Prom is coming up on Saturday, May 15th.
Spanish Parent Liaison, Sussy Tomer has PROM dresses sizes 0 to 24, shoes, clutch purses and accessories and a few suits/jackets and cummerbunds.
Visit Ms. Tomer’s office, A139 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30am-2:30pm or reach out to her by email at setomer@fcps.edu.
Graduation Tickets
Due to COVID limitations, we will have to limit the number of attendees, so each student will receive 7 tickets for graduation to hand out to their guests.
Students will be able to pick up their tickets the week of May 17th with their cap and gown. Starting May 17th there will be a box in the main office for families to drop off unwanted tickets.
For families needing more than 7 tickets, here is a google form to request additional tickets. This form will close for requests at 3pm on Monday, May 10th. We will try to fill requests on a first come first serve basis.
The graduation ceremony will be streamed so that all other guests can view it from their homes. Instructions on how to stream will be sent out a few days prior to the graduation ceremony.
Senior Class Information Page
Want more information about upcoming dates and events for the Class of 2021 like Prom, graduation tickets, cap and gown pick up, laptop return, etc.? Visit the Senior Class Information page on the Woodson website.
 4. Woodson Theatre Presents - Working
Based on the book by Studs Terkel, Working is a celebration of the average, every day worker in America. From housewife to hooker, teacher to trucker, millworker to mason, and everything in between, everyone has a story to tell.
The stories in this production are uniquely set on location in the Northern Virginia area and have been expertly edited to bring you an innovative new theatrical viewing experience! (Mature language and themes – not suitable for children)
The Connection Newspaper published a review of the show on Page 8 of their May 6-12, 2021 edition.
The streaming show runs from Friday, May 14th through Sunday, May 16th. Here's the link to tickets: : https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/51731
5. SOL Testing Schedule
Testing will begin each day at 8:20AM. Students will be dismissed when they finish the test.
- Monday, May 17th – Biology, Chemistry, Geosystems
- Tuesday, May 18th – Reading, Algebra 2
- Wednesday, May 19th – Algebra 1, Geometry
Teachers will inform students of test locations.
Please note: Students who will be taking an SOL or digital AP exams this spring must have their laptops checked to ensure they can appropriately access the SOL testing software.
For students that are attending school in person, teachers will help students facilitate a check of their laptops in classes leading up to the SOL testing dates to ensure they’re updated appropriately. For those that are not up to date, tech support will be available during school hours to update laptops as needed.
Students who continue to learn virtually will have to come to school ahead of the SOL testing window in May to connect their laptops to the FCPS network, run the FCPS Health Check, and have their laptops updated if needed.
Please schedule an appointment to come by the school to check their laptop or else they will not be able to participate in SOL or digital AP testing this spring.
6. Grading Information - New Deadlines
Earlier this school year, FCPS adopted a series of secondary grading policy changes to help our students finish the school year strongly. One of the key changes for high school students is to allow students to request a mark of “P” (pass) instead of a letter grade (A through D) in select courses.
As communicated by FCPS earlier this week, the deadline to make this request has been extended to allow students and families more time to gain information about fourth quarter progress before making a final decision. Seniors now have until Monday, May 17th and underclass students now have until Tuesday, June 1st to designate a final mark for up to two of their current courses as Pass instead of a final letter grade "A" through "D". To submit a request, please use this form.
Please note that grade changes will be automatically applied after the year end grading process has closed, so there may be a delay between the end of the year and when the grade is actually changed to a P. Additional information can be found on the FCPS Secondary Grading and Reporting site.
7. Textbook/Library Book Returns
Please begin to return textbooks that are no longer needed for this school year.
If you are an in-person student, please return your textbooks beginning Tuesday, May 11th to the subject labeled carts in the hallways.
If you are a virtual student, please return your textbooks beginning Monday, May 10th to the cart outside of door 1.
 8. This is My Brave National Teen Show
Did you know that 1 in 5 people in this country will face a mental health challenge at some point in their life? And, often, the first challenge arises between the ages of 12-18?
This Is My Brave is committed to bringing stories of teen mental illness and addiction out of the shadows and into the spotlight to raise awareness and offer hope. Teens need to know that it is okay to not be okay. Let our Brave teens inspire you with their incredible stories!
Woodson junior, Jada Bromberg is a cast member in this upcoming show. Register for the virtual show on Sunday, May 23rd from 8:00-9:30pm at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/TIMBTeens/register.
9. Instruction for 2021-2022
Families whose children are learning virtually this year received communication from Dr. Floyd yesterday outlining the limited options for virtual learning for the 2021-2022 school year. That communication contains a lot of information, so please read it carefully. The timelines to apply for virtual instruction next year are below.
No action is necessary if you wish your child to return to in-person learning in the Fall.
SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS:
If your child(ren) has a health/medical need for instruction in the Virtual Program, please:
- Fill out the Intent to Apply form by Sunday, May 9th.
- Download the COVID-19 Health Eligibility Form which requires a health/medical certification of need that must be completed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, or a licensed clinical psychologist.
- Submit completed COVID-19 Health Eligibility Form with health/medical certification to virtualenrollment@fcps.edu between May 17-21. Upon submission, families will receive an electronic reply with detailed instructions on how to complete the Virtual Program Enrollment Application via the online application portal between May 17-21.
FCPS’ Central Virtual Program Enrollment Team will contact you with a decision by Tuesday, June 1st.
10. Immunization Requirements for Rising Seniors
The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Effective July 1, 2021 all students entering twelfth grade will be required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) administered at age 16 or older, and prior to the beginning of school.
Twelfth grade students cannot begin school in August without proper Meningococcal documentation.
Please provide one of the following documents to Woodson Registrar, Casey Delaney at cdelaney@fcps.edu as soon as possible:
- An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the Meningococcal vaccine.
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Meningococcal vaccine was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available online
Immunizations are available from your student's healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department clinic locations and hours are available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/school or by calling 703-246-2411.
Please contact Woodson Registrar, Casey Delaney at cdelaney@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
 11. Woodson Teacher Featured on LegacyED News
Jordan Black, Special Education Teacher and Equity Lead at Woodson High School, spoke with Dr. Selma Bartholomew, President of Partner with Legacy, about the pandemic’s impact on special education learners and equity.
Legacy Pathways partners with districts, schools, and organizations to create equitable and socially just learning communities where each and every child thrives. The conversation centered around how to support our diverse learners and their families during this unprecedented time and specific ways to support and foster culturally proficient and equitable learning environments.
12. High School Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL) Student Selection for 21-22 School Year
After a successful inaugural year, the SEALs program is growing in influence and numbers. Student Equity Ambassador Leaders (SEAL) is a leadership program that amplifies student voice and provides an increased understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion through leadership development, projects and relevant experiences of high school students. It is time to select student representatives for the upcoming school year.
Students interested in applying for this opportunity can complete a Student Interest Form using their FCPSSchools.net accounts.
13. Substance Abuse Prevention Newsletter
The end of the school year and summer are both right around the corner. This means end-of-year celebrations, graduation parties, summer BBQs, and a lot of time either spent at home or with friends. This could also mean opportunities for your student to use and misuse substances.
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) assigned to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness.
To read more about resources available, please see the Spring issue of the Substance Abuse Newsletter
 Thank you for all the appreciation!!! Watch this week's episode of The Morning Show to learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month, the Woodson Pyramid Art Show, and more!
14. Order the 2021 Woodson Yearbook!
There is still some time left to order your 2020-2021 yearbook!
Our yearbook staff has been hard at work covering everything Woodson students have been up to, from sports to clubs, quarantine to popular trends. This is the perfect way to remember such a crazy year.
Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter the code 5278 to order your yearbook today!
Please contact tmweghorst@fcps.edu if you have any questions!
15. College & Career Center News
For college and career exploration, upcoming events, newsletters & more, please visit the Woodson College & Career Center Padlet. Please see upcoming opportunities below. Questions? Please email cliebmosley@fcps.edu.
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Seniors, please join us for Celebrate Your Plan Day on Monday, May 10th at noon in front of door 1. What is your plan after High School? Employment, College, Trade School, Military Service, Gap Year...? We want to celebrate you and your plan! Seniors will post paper balloons with their plan on the windows in the main lobby. There will be a food truck and you can tie dye your senior shirt! To sign up for this event, please click here. If you are not able to attend and still want your balloon posted, please fill in this Google Form.
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Juniors, please save the date! On Thursday, May 13th, 10 – 11 am (during Learning Seminar) we will have a College Panel of current Seniors talking about college admissions, the steps to apply, what they wished they'd done differently, and much more! The Google Meet link will be shared out closer to the date.
PAST News - Still Important
16. Sports Physical Night
SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, June 16th
We are excited to announce that we will hold our annual Sports Physical Night in June!
The W.T. Woodson Athletic Training Program’s Sports Physical Night event will be held on Wednesday, June 16th at Woodson High School.
As always, the goal of Sports Physical Night is to provide a complete pre-participation examination screening that will leave student athletes with a VHSL physical valid for the entirety of the 2021-22 School Year.
Each year it is required that all student athletes have a completed VHSL physical on file before participating in sports. Price will be $50 like in previous years.
Hosting this event is our Athletic Training Program’s only fundraiser for the year and ALL proceeds go towards helping the program purchase supplies. Without your support we would not be able to provide the services we do for our student-athletes. Appointment times will be available at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30pm. Registration information will be coming soon!
Want to Volunteer??
If you would like to volunteer please feel free to reach out to Chris Hogge, ATC at chogge@fcps.edu. As of now, we are still looking for a few more physicians and HCPs to complete the actual physical exams (MD, DO, NP, PA) as well other HCP’s comfortable with taking vital signs. If you are willing and able to donate your time, it is greatly appreciated. If not, and you know of some others that would be able to assist us, please feel free to spread the word!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to Chris Hogge, ATC at chogge@fcps.edu .
17. NEW VHSL Physical Form for SY2021-22
This is the NEW VHSL approved Physical Form. This is the only version that can be accepted for the 2021-2022 school year. If you have a doctor fill out the old version (version that says in top right corner "revised February 2017), you will have to have your doctor complete the new one, which may require another appointment. So, please make sure the form you fill out says "revised January 2021" on the top right.
The VHSL Physical Form must be completed by a parent/guardian and doctor. In order for the physical to be accepted for the 2021-2022 school year, it cannot be filled out and dated by a doctor until May 1, 2021 or after. Once completed, please drop it off to Woodson's Activities Office, Woodson's Main Office or scan it to the Athletic Trainer Chris Hogge at chogge@fcps.edu. This must be turned in prior to participating in athletics.
The form is also available at https://www.vhsl.org/sports-medicine/physical-examination/, under Resources.
 Equity Specialist, Kim Amenabar is currently reading, "Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions" by Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran.
18. Upcoming Asynchronous or Virtual Learning Days
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18th and 19th will be asynchronous learning days due to SOL testing AP testing of more than 1,000 students each day.
Wednesday, June 2nd (rain date June 3) will be either an asynchronous or virtual learning day for students in grades 9-11 due to the Woodson Class of 2021 Graduation.
In addition, Friday, June 4th will also be either an asynchronous or virtual learning day as Woodson will be hosting another FCPS schools' graduation.
A final decision on the structure of these two days will be forthcoming.
Thank you for your understanding in this situation as we support another FCPS school.
19. 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
20. 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.
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)
 Principal Dr. Floyd visits Ms. Kapoor with a "Lemonade Stand" today to kick off teacher appreciation week.
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