Woodson Weekly - October 1st


Woodson Weekly

Woodson Weekly -
October 1st


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!


Biology Class

Students modeling the endomembrane system in Biology class.


Important Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, October 5th - Late Buses Begin (see story #2 below)

Monday, October 11th - School Planning Day; No school for students

Monday, October 11th at 6pm - PowerPuff Games in Pat Cunningham Stadium and Homecoming Bonfire after the games behind the stadium (see story #7 below)

Tuesday, October 12th-15th - Spirit Week

Wednesday, October 13th - SAT and PSAT/NMSQT School Day (see story #3 below)

Friday, October 15th during 3rd Period - Pep Rally

Friday, October 15th from 4:30-5:15pm - Homecoming Parade

Friday, October 15th from 5-6:45pm - Pre-game Pig-out

Friday, October 15th at 7pm - Homecoming Football Game vs Fairfax HS

Saturday, October 16th from 8-11:30pm - Homecoming Dance

Tuesday, October 19th - Underclass Makeup Picture Day

Friday, October 29th - End of 1st Quarter; 2-Hour Early Release; dismissal at 12:55pm


In this Issue

NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
2. Late Buses Begin on Tuesday, October 5th
3. October 13 - SAT and PSAT/NMSQT School Day
4. How do I check out my student from school?
5. Food Deliveries During the School Day
6. Cavalcade - Student Newspaper
7. Homecoming Activities
8. Does your student need a dress or suit for Homecoming?
9. Underclass and Senior Portrait Makeup Days
10. Winter Sport Tryout Information
11. Fall Blood Drive
12. 14th Annual Teacher Artist Exhibition
13. Considering an Apprenticeship, Trade School, or Certificate Program after graduation?
14. Virtual Scholarships 101
15. College & Career Center News

PAST News, but still important
16. World Languages Credit Exam
17. Math Center is Open
18. Laptop Tech Support Hours
19. Woodson's PTSO


NEW News


1. Message from Dr. Floyd

Good afternoon Woodson Community:

This has been a lovely day. Our athletics department treated staff to ice cream from Paradise Ice Cream. Even though we are transitioning into Fall, the ice cream hit the spot at the end of a long week. 

In the classrooms, teachers are working hard to not only close the gaps created academically by COVID but to also move forward in the curriculum.   Meeting benchmarks while filling in previously required knowledge is a challenge, especially in classes such as mathematics and world languages where the content builds year to year. Thus, some students across the country are struggling to meet the demands of their courses.

I encourage you to speak with your child if they feel they are struggling.   Possibly, an honors or AP course could be more of a stretch this year due to the learning loss over the last 18 months. Please know, this is not a reflection on you or your child. Some classes are challenging even when the previous course was taught during a “normal” time and the difficulties of last year simply add another layer of challenge.   

Please continue to use the resources available: late buses begin next week and teachers will be available after school at least one day a week for assistance, or visit the math or writing center and get a flip flop pass to see your teacher during 3rd period. As always, we encourage study groups. If your child is spending more than the allotted 30 minutes on their required homework per class, please reach out to the teacher or administrator as teachers are working hard to create assignments that can be completed in 30 minutes maximum. 

Have you heard about the disruptive and destructive national social media trend on TikTok?  The September TikTok challenge was for students to film themselves destructing bathrooms. We did have a number of students who engaged in this behavior and they have been disciplined. October's challenge  is supposed to capture something along the lines of physically hitting a staff member. I trust our students recognize how inappropriate this is as well as understanding the school and legal implications. Such behavior will not be tolerated at Woodson High School.  Please review this with your child, here is a link to a recent story

We are a week away from Homecoming activities!  Homecoming Week kicks off on Monday, October 11th with our Powerpuff Games and bonfire! Check out Woodson's social media for more information. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Floyd

Staff Ice Cream Social

2. Late Buses Begin on Tuesday, October 5th

Late buses begin on Tuesday, October 5th and will continue on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through spring.

Students may stay after school to participate in clubs/activities and/or receive academic intervention with teachers.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, late buses will depart Woodson HS between 4:45 and 5:15pm.  Students who access the smaller bus runs need to sign up for a bus in Room F122 before lunch each day. 

Please note, students may NOT go across the street to the shopping center after school and then return for the late bus. This is not appropriate nor is it safe.    


3. October 13th - SAT and PSAT/NMSQT School Day

Wednesday, October 13th is SAT and PSAT/NMSQT School Day and a 2-hour early release day. 

All students in grades 10-11 will participate in the PSAT/NMSQT. No registration is required.

Only seniors who pre-registered will take the SAT School Day. More details will be shared directly with students via their school email.

Students in grade 9 and those seniors not testing will not be in school on October 13th. There is no need to contact attendance for these students. An asynchronous activity will be provided for the freshmen.

Special education students receiving Cat B services will be in school on October 13th.


4. How do I check out my student from school?

Please let the Attendance Office know if you need your student to leave school early.  You can notify Attendance 3 different ways:

  • Submit the online attendance form and have your student pick up their pink checkout pass from the Attendance Office (E107) between classes or during lunch.
  • Student brings a note to the Attendance Office before 9:45am. The student will be issued a pink pass to leave class at the appointed time. The note must include the following - student name, date and time of when student is leaving, and reason for early check-out, student ID, parent signature and contact number. 
  • Call the attendance line, 703-503-4800 and select Option 3. After leaving a message, please have your student pick up their pink checkout pass from the Attendance Office (E107) between classes or during lunch.

At the time of dismissal, your son/daughter will bring the pink check-out pass back to the Attendance Office for verification before meeting you outside. 

If returning to school that same day, students must check in at the Attendance office before going back to class, even if it is between classes.

If one of the options above is not followed, we cannot guarantee a speedy checkout, so please make sure you notify the attendance office prior to picking up your son/daughter to ensure you make your appointment or commitment on time.

Due to staff responsibilities at the end of the day, we are not able to honor unannounced early dismissals within 15 minutes of school dismissal.

For full details on Attendance Procedures, please visit the Attendance page on the Woodson website.


5. Food Deliveries During the School Day

For safety reasons, please remind your children that food may NOT be delivered (i.e., DoorDash, Uber Eats) to school grounds.

If you are dropping food off for your child, please drop the food at Door 1 and text your child to pick it up in the main office. Any food deliveries that are made to the school will be held in the main office until the end of the day and will be thrown away when the office closes.  


Cavalcade

6. Cavalcade - Student Newspaper

Yesterday, the September edition of Woodson's student-run newspaper, the Cavalcade, was published! Read about Woodson's Homecoming, cherished traditions returning, varsity volleyball and more.

Follow the official Cavalcade Instagram (@woodson.cavalcade) to meet the staff, view sneak-peeks, and subscribe to updates @thecavalcade


7. Homecoming Activities

PowerPuff Games and Homecoming Bonfire - Monday, October 11th – Pat Cunningham Stadium

6pm Freshmen vs Sophomores
7:15pm Juniors vs Seniors
Bonfire will take place immediately following the last PowerPuff game behind the stadium at approximately 8:30pm.

Spirit Week – October 11th – 15th - Each school day will be designated with a specific outfit.  Students are voting on those days now. 

Homecoming Pep Rally – Friday, October 15th at the Football Stadium during 3rd period.

Homecoming Parade – Friday, October 15th, 4:30 – 5:15pm Free Homecoming Dance ticket if you drive your convertible in the Homecoming Parade

Pre-game Pig-out – Friday, October 15th,  5:00 – 6:45pm outside Door #7 by the Outdoor basketball courts. This is a community event for students and parents.  Join us for fun, games, face painting, Moon bounce, food trucks, and more before the Hoco game.

Homecoming Football Game, Friday, October 15th, 7pm, vs Fairfax HS.

Homecoming Dance  – Saturday, October 16th, 8:00 – 11:00pm

Homecoming Tickets – Homecoming tickets will go on sale Tuesday, October 5th, for $20.  Woodson is piloting the use of e-tickets for school dances.  This will facilitate the purchase of tickets using credit cards and will help alleviate the ticket lines. 

Students may still purchase their ticket during all four lunches using cash, check, or credit card.  The e-ticket will be texted to the student.  When purchasing each ticket, the student’s name must be entered.  Students will need their e-ticket and a student ID to enter the dance.  Student guests from other schools will need to have their permission form completed and on file along with their e-ticket to enter the dance. Guest permission forms are available in the main school office.

Ticket sales end Friday, October 15th at 3:00pm and no tickets are sold at the door. 


8. Does your student need a dress or suit for Homecoming?

Do you know someone that might need one?  Parent Liaison Sussy Tomer has shoes, necklaces, ear rings, clutches!

Students may go to Mrs. Sussy Tomer’s office, A139 on Mondays-Fridays from 8am-2pm to see what is available.  setomer@fcps.edu or 703-503-4792.


Cross Country

Woodson's Boys Cross Country team at the starting line.


9. Underclass and Senior Portrait Makeup Picture Days

The underclass picture makeup day is Tuesday, October 19th, from 8:30-2:30pm in the Dance Studio.  

Senior portrait makeup days are scheduled on Monday-Wednesday, November 10th-12th, and Wednesday-Friday, November 17th-19th from 3-9pm in Cafeteria A. 

To schedule your senior for a portrait session, please visit https://prestigeportraits.com. You can find Woodson's dates and appointment times by utilizing "Search by City & State" feature.


10. Winter Sport Tryout Information

Winter sport tryouts begin on Monday, November 8th. Winter sports include basketball, swim & dive, wrestling, rifle, gymnastics, and indoor track.

In order to participate, there are 3 items that need to be completed prior to the first day of tryouts.

1) Sports Physical

Completed and turned in to Athletic Trainer Chris Hogge (chogge@fcps.edu)

2) Activity Registration

This is an online submission - it encompasses the Emergency Care Form and Concussion Education Training

3) Proof of Covid Vaccination or Exemption

For full details, please see the Athletic Office updates.


11. Fall Blood Drive

Mark your calendar for the upcoming fall blood drive on Friday, November 12th,  in the Aux Gym. To sign up, go to Room F120 or visit the tables between cafeterias during lunches. Parents we welcome your participation, if you would like to sign up, just email potential times to mphu@fcps.edu!

The Key Club is sponsoring the drive.  Students are required to be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 110lbs. All students are also required to have a parental consent form signed. Inova needs 250 units a day, just for regular needs in this area, so we are hoping to supply a large amount of those units! The Attendance Office will be monitoring students’ attendance.


Artist Teacher Exhibition

12. 14th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition

Three Woodson art teachers are featured in the 14th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition.  This exhibition features original artworks by FCPS teachers.

Woodson art teachers, Deirdre Forgione, Leslie O’Shaughnessy and Jocelyn Sowa, have artwork in the show.

The exhibition is open through October 24th and is at the McGuire Woods Gallery, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton.


13. Considering an Apprenticeship, Trade School, or Certification Program post-high school?

Are you considering an apprenticeship, trade school or certification program after graduations, make sure you attend the FCPS ACE Presentation on Monday, October 4th, 10:15 – 11:15 am for Juniors and Seniors in the Career Center.

Come and learn about Apprenticeships, Trade Schools, Workplace trainings and Certifications. Many of the FCPS ACE Programs are sponsored by employers and can be completed while you work.

FCPS ACE offers scholarships and tuition payment plans. Seniors, if you do not yet know what to do after high school, this presentation is for you! You can register for this visit in Naviance or you can email me at cliebmosley@fcps.edu. Please see instructions here.


14. Virtual Scholarships 101

Want to learn more about applying for scholarships? Virtual Scholarship 101 on Wednesday, October 6th, at 6:30 pm for Seniors and their parents presented by College Access Fairfax. Zoom link will be posted in the 2022 Schoology Group.


15. College & Career Center News

The Woodson College & Career Center is located in E 109. My office hours are 7:30 am until 3:30 pm. Students can stop by before or after school, or during LS and lunch if they have any questions, or just to say hello😊 Please join my Course in Schoology. My Access Code is:  3M8B-S8X4-N2H55.  My weekly newsletters and scholarship & enrichment opportunities are posted in Schoology and on my padlets. Both go out on Mondays. College Rep Visits for Juniors and Seniors here at Woodson will continue next week. Please see College & Career Center Calendar inserted below and instructions on how to view the schedule and how to register here. We are still adding new visits every day! 

Upcoming Events:

  • Senior Café every Wednesday morning from 7:30 – 8:00 am in the Career Center. Senior Café is an informal Q & A drop-in for Seniors to get help with their college and scholarship applications, jobs, resumes, apprenticeships & more.
  • College Application Completion Workshop in the Career Center on Thursday, October 28th, during ALL Lunches. Next workshop will be on Monday, November 29th.
  • Military Recruiter Visits will begin during all lunches in front of Cafeteria A/B on Wednesday, October 6th with the Army visiting every first Wednesday, the Marine Corps every 2nd, Coast Guard every 3rd, and Navy every 4th Wednesday. The Air Force will start visiting in November (date to be determined) and will share a table with one of the other recruiters. Please visit my Military Padlet for Recruiter contact info.
  • Seniors, the FAFSA – Free Application for Student Aid opened today!  Check out the FAFSA Line-by-Line Virtual Completion Workshops by College Access Fairfax on October 16th at 10 am at https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/98942498924 and on November 9th at 7 pm at https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/97661177987 (no need to register, just click on the Zoom links to join). The Financial Aid Night Presentation that College Access Fairfax put together can be accessed here. Do you need help with your FAFSA? Please email our Financial Aid Champion Amy Speares at aspeares@fcps.edu.
  • ¡ALCANZA! College Fair for LatinX students at George Mason University, In-Person Event | Friday, October 22nd, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET. Juniors & Seniors, please contact your Counselor to register.

Questions? Please email me at cliebmosley@fcps.edu.

Christine Lieb-Mosley

College Visit Calendar

PAST News - but still important


Morning News Show

Check out the Morning News show from the WTV Broadcasting Studio.


16. World Languages Credit Exam

The 2021 World Languages Credit Exam will be administered on November 16, 17 and 18, 2021.  Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek*, Hebrew*, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese*, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish*, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

*Greek, Hebrew, Portuguese and Turkish will be offered by the Writing Proficiency Test by Language Testing International.  School counselors should register students for these exams by the same process as other languages.

Registration is now open and will close on Wednesday, October 13th at 4:00 p.m.  Late registrations will not be accepted.

School counselors will register students at their individual schools. 

Credit exam information can be accessed at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/world-languages/credit-exam-world-languages


17. Math Center is Open

Math Center

Math Center is opening on Monday, September 27th!

Math Center Hours & Locations DURING school:

  • Learning Seminars - B208 & B107
  • 5th period Lunch - B208
  • 6th period Lunch - B107

Math Center Hours & Locations AFTER school:

  • 3:00 - 3:45pm Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday - B208

Bring your notes and your assignment!


18. Laptop Tech Support Hours

If students need FCPS laptop technical support at Woodson HS, please submit a ticket using the FCPS Parent/Student Tech Support Portal.

Our walk-in hours in Room A114 are: 

  • Odd Days during Learning Seminar
  • Monday - 7:45am - 8:10am
  • Tuesday and Wednesday - 11:25am - 1:20pm (lunches)
  • Wednesday - 2:55pm - 4:00pm (when late buses start)

Any other time you should try to make an appointment.

Thank you, W.T Woodson HS Tech Support Team


19. Woodson's PTSO

Our mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

PTSO meetings take place the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the Library at Woodson HS. 

Whether you are a new or returning WTW parent, please get involved in any way that works for you. Here are some quick links to get you started:

Join our PTSO
Make a Donation
Sign up for one of our Volunteer Opportunities
Ask a local business to become a Business or Community Sponsor
Find WT Woodson on FacebookInstagram  and Twitter
Go shopping! Amazon, Office Depot, groceries, etc. Link your accounts and a portion of your sales will go to our school!


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)