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Woodson Weekly -
January 14th |
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!
 Happy Principal's Week, Dr. Floyd! Thank you for all you do at Woodson HS!
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, January 17th - Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, School Holiday
Wednesday, January 19th - Religious and Cultural Observance Orthodox Epiphany
Thursday, January 20th - 2 Hour Early Release, End of 2nd Quarter
Friday, January 21st - Teacher Workday, No School for Students
Monday, January 24th - Staff Development Day, No School for Students
Monday, January 31st - Curriculum Night; 6:30-8:30pm
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
2. Calendar Reminders for Next Week
3. Preparing for Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days
4. Academic Advising and Course Selection for 2022-2023
5. FCPS Academy Open Houses
6. Administration Update
7. Vision, Mission, and Values - Need your input!
8. Congratulations, Woodson Staff!
9. Social Justice Book Club
10. Take the FCPS Superintendent Search Survey
11. CTE Summer Camp Information
12. College & Career Center News
PAST News, but still important
13. Virginia School Survey - Climate and Working Conditions
14. How do I check my Student out from School?
15. Order the 2022 WTW Yearbook
16. Laptop Tech Support Hours
17. Woodson's PTSO
NEW News
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
Good afternoon Woodson Families:
The second quarter and first semester of 2021-2022 is all but over! There are 3 days next week to wrap up any loose ends for the grading period.
With the possibility of inclement weather and possible alteration to the school schedule, our teachers will do the very best they can to close out the quarter within the grading guidelines. Should any alterations need to be made to category percentages in the gradebooks, teachers will be in touch next week and student grades will not be negatively impacted in this situation.
Between the snow last week, possible snow effecting Tuesday, Wednesday is a Cultural Observance day and Thursday is an early closing, I recognize the end of this quarter is unusual and we will communicate any changes that may need to be made to accommodate the end of the semester. We will remain flexible through this period of time.
Students are beginning the course selection process for the 2022-2023 school year. Please look for emails from Woodson's Director of Student Services, Mr. Peters and counselors as they engage in discussions about what classes to take next year.
Remember, we have a variety of opportunities in FCPS, including the academy programs and connections with NOVA as well as a plethora of options right here at Woodson. As always, I encourage our students to find a well-rounded balance in their course load that allows for a little challenge and a lot of passion!
I hope everyone is safe through whatever precipitation might come our way this weekend. Also, please remember to keep your kids at home if they are not feeling well in any way.
Stay safe, stay warm and stay connected, Cavs!
Dr. Floyd
2. Calendar Reminders for Next Week
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 17th, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Also, students will be dismissed two hours early (see schedule above) on Thursday, January 20th, the last day of the second quarter, and Friday, January 21st (teacher work day) and Monday, January 24th (professional development day) are holidays for students.
See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar.
 Woodson's Indoor track moves outdoor, even in winter months!
3. Preparing for an Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Day
This weekend's forecast includes the possibility of a significant snow event on Sunday and Monday. Because we used all of our traditional snow days during last week’s snowstorm, any future inclement weather days will include virtual learning whenever possible. FCPS's next snow day will be a virtual learning day.
In preparation for virtual, our teachers and staff will make sure students have the devices and accessories they need; teachers will also take the time to practice logging into Zoom sessions to ensure access for all students. Virtual learning will be synchronous or live, teacher-led instruction. However, teachers may prepare emergency asynchronous lessons that can be used if they have issues connecting due to loss of power or other unforeseen circumstances.
In anticipation of our next snow day, here is Woodson's anticipated bell schedule for a virtual day (note: school would begin on a two-hour delay to allow for family and teacher preparation time).
What to Expect on a Virtual Learning Inclement Weather Day Virtual learning will be synchronous or live, teacher-led instruction. However, teachers may prepare emergency asynchronous lessons that can be used if they have issues connecting due to power or other unforeseen circumstances.
Your school and teacher will share more specific information you need to prepare for success on an inclement weather virtual learning day.
Attendance Teachers will take attendance in SIS as they would on an in-person day. Students who are unable to connect will be marked absent, but given an opportunity to make up work.
4. Academic Advising and Course Selection for 2022-2023
Later this month, after the 2nd quarter concludes, Woodson staff will begin working with students on the course selection process for the 2022-2023 school year. Additional information about these events will be shared soon, but below is an overview of the academic advising timeline.
Academic Advising dates:
Tuesday and Thursday, January 25th and 27th – Students will receive information during their 3rd period Advisory lessons these days regarding the academic advising process and selecting the appropriate classes for next year.
Monday and Wednesday, January 31st and February 2nd – Students will have the opportunity to view videos and meet teachers of elective courses offered next year during 3rd period Advisory lessons.
Monday, January 31st at 6:30-8:00pm – Virtual Curriculum Night for parents and students; a Zoom link to join will be sent directly to parents before the event. Additional information for this virtual event will be shared soon.
Thursday and Friday, February 3rd and 4th – Teachers will conference individually with students during each class to provide feedback on course selections for next year.
Tuesday, February 8th – Counselors will begin holding individual academic advising meetings with each student to select classes for next school year during Social Studies (Juniors) and PE (Freshmen and Sophomores) periods. Juniors will meet with their counselors first, followed by Sophomores in mid-February, and then Freshmen in early March.
5. FCPS Academy Open Houses
Interested in learning more about FCPS Academy Courses? Academy courses offer advanced technical and specialized courses that successfully integrate career and academic preparation for students.
FOR STUDENTS: Students can use their fcpsschools.net account to visit FCPS Academies for information about the six academies of FCPS. On this site, you will find course descriptions and videos about the programs that are available.
FOR FAMILIES: Parents and students should access academy Open House flyers (links below) for lists of courses at each Academy and upcoming Open House dates. One of the best ways to determine if an Academy program is right for you is to attend their open house!
Open House Dates:
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Chantilly Academy: Thursday, January 20, 7:00-8:00pm
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West Potomac Academy: Wednesday, January 26, 6:15 - 7:30pm
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Edison Academy: Saturday, January 29, from 10:00am - 1:00pm
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Fairfax Academy: Tuesday, February 8, 6:30 - 8pm
Chantilly Open House Flyer
Edison Open House Flyer
Fairfax Academy Open House Flyer
West Potomac Academy Virtual Open House Flyer
6. Administration Update
As shared in the beginning the year, we have two Interim Assistant Principals filling our vacant position this school year for the alpha range Ron - Z (9th - 11th Grade) I Sb - Z (12th grade).
At the end of the semester, Ms. Laura Totoro will transition to our Systems of Support Advisor position where she will take on the support role around attendance and academic needs. We thank her for her time, energy and efforts to keep our students safe and educated. She did so with a caring and positive spirit!
Dr. Marvin Rodriguez (pictured), our current ESOL Chair, will transition into the Interim Assistant Principal position through June. He will support Math and World Languages as well as continue to assist our ESOL program. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Rodriguez to the team!
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 Save the date: Woodson’s annual Dessert on Broadway production is coming at the end of this month! Tickets on sale in advance at woodsonchorus.org starting early next week, and at the door.
7. Vision, Mission and Values - Need your input
Every 5-10 years, schools and organizations need to re-evaluate their vision, mission and values to ensure they still reflect who they are. In 2015, the Woodson community adopted this current Vision, Mission and Values:
Vision Statement
We are a school community where all students matter.
Mission Statement
To foster a culture of success by developing the academic, social, and emotional potential of all students.
Values
Our values guide us in the pursuit of our mission:
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Empowerment – We encourage students to discover their passions and make the right choices to develop their own path.
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Trust – We believe in each other and assume positive intentions.
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Honesty – We are committed to the truth.
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Collaboration – We are stronger as a group than as individuals.
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Diversity – We respect and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.
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Resiliency – We recognize that perseverance and hope are key to a fulfilling life.
This year we are inviting the Woodson community to share input based on YOUR ideas for Woodson High School's new Vision, Mission and Values.
Some things to think about as you answer include: Where do you want to see Woodson HS in 5 years? How do we get there? What are our fundamental beliefs of who we are? Please complete this Google Form to share your ideas.
 Congratulations Ms. Hamrock! She is the winner of the 2021-2022 Outstanding Teacher for the Woodson HS Pyramid.
(pictured l-r Dan Checkosky, Director of Student Activities, Susie Hamrock, PE teacher, Kathy Martin, Assistant Principal)
8. Congratulations, Woodson Staff!
Congratulations to our staff members on their nominations for Outstanding Employee awards for 2021-2022. Winners names of each category are in italics.
Outstanding New Teacher Nominees
Lindsay Crytzer, Michael Kuykendall, Sonya Sinclair
Outstanding Teacher Nominees
Kevin Crenshaw, Susie Hamrock, Hoon Kim, Maria Lopez, Kathy Marcos, Doug Oberle, Travis Pugh, Christopher Rushing, Jeremy Sargent, Diane Springer, Michael Viccora
Outstanding Professional Employee Nominees
Chris Hogge, Megan Howard, Christine Lieb-Mosley, Eileen Oviatt
Outstanding Operational Employee Nominees
Paul Akrasi, Mike Ferraris, Jackie O'Brien, Adel Soliman, Isa Sylvestre
Winners from each category progressed to the Woodson Pyramid level and we congratulate these staff members for winning Outstanding Secondary Staff for the Woodson Pyramid schools.
New Teacher - Michael Kuykendall
Teacher - Susie Hamrock
 Congratulations Mr. Kuykendall! He is the winner of the 2021-2022 Outstanding New Teacher for the Woodson HS Pyramid.
9. Social Justice Book Club
Please know that our Social Justice Book Club is currently reading So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo. We will be having a zoom conversation at 7pm on Wednesday, January 19th. If you are interested in joining our conversation please log into Zoom.
Want more information? Please contact Paula DiSalvo pdisalvo@fcps.edu, Jordan Black jnblack@fcps.edu or Margie Shapiro msshapiro@fcps.edu
10. Take the FCPS Superintendent Search Survey
FCPS is conducting a nationwide search for a new superintendent to lead the school district when Superintendent Brabrand's contract expires at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Your input is an important part of the search process!
Please attend a Superintendent Search Virtual Town Hall to provide feedback on the characteristics and personality traits you would like to see in the new superintendent. The next town hall will be hosted on Zoom on January 18. Visit FCPS’ Superintendent Search webpage to register.
FCPS parents/guardians, staff, and high school students were sent their own survey link via an email from “FCPS and GR Recruiting.”
If you are an FCPS community member and would like to take the survey, click here. Then scroll down the webpage for the link to the Superintendent Search Survey for Community Members.
The survey deadline is Tuesday, January 18.
11. 2022 CTE Summer Camp Information
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) office is once again planning an engaging summer enrichment program for students!
For our current 7th to 11th grade students, FCPS has CTE Summer Academy opportunities. Registration is open from February 1st through June 10th.
Please visit the website for more details!
12. College & Career Center News
The Woodson College & Career Center is located in E 109. Office hours are 7:30 am until 3:30 pm. Please join the Woodson College & Career Center Course in Schoology – Access Code 3M8B-S8X4-N2H55 to access important announcements, upcoming events/opportunities, padlets, newsletters & more.
Please mark your calendar for the following events:
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National USA Gap Year Fair will be held virtually on Tuesday, January 18, from 6-8:30pm. Register here.
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Senior Café in the Career Center on Wednesday, Jan 19, 7:30 – 8:00 am – a Q & A for Seniors
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Coast Guard Recruiter Visit Cafeteria A and B on Wednesday, Jan 19, ALL LUNCHES
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NOVA Application Session for Seniors in the Career Center on Feb 2, 10:15 – 11:15 am (with FAFSA Support). Please sign up in Naviance or email cliebmosley@fcps.edu.
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Virtual College 101 Presentation for Sophomores & Juniors on Feb 2, 7 pm – 8 pm. Zoom link will be shared out closer to the date.
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US Service Academy/ROTC Program Info Night on Feb 15, 7:00 pm in the Woodson Auditorium (snow date Feb 22)
For Seniors who are not college bound: FCPS Adult & Community Education (ACE) is partnering with schools to provide continued education to students who are not college bound. To this end, ACE is offering unique programs: Celebrate your Plan! All students deserve to Celebrate their Plan for after high school. ACE has launched an early enrollment option for students to commit to an ACE apprenticeship program before or shortly after graduating. Apprenticeship Opportunities! Students are also able to enroll in ACE Apprenticeship classes (offered in the evenings) to get a jump start on their trades education. ACE offers apprenticeship programs that lead to an NCCER credential, in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Attached is information for apprenticeship and scholarships for ACE classes and the ACE “Celebrate Your Plan” early enrollment program.
Questions? Please email cliebmosley@fcps.edu
PAST News - but still important
13. Virginia School Survey - Climate and Working Conditions
This spring our school, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education, is conducting the Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions of students, classroom instructors, and staff. The purpose of this survey is to measure student support, student engagement, school discipline, and safety conditions in each school. This information will be used to guide educational practices that produce a safe and supportive school environment.
The online survey will be administered to all students grades 9-12, on February 4th, 2022 during 3rd period. The survey does not ask for your child’s name and all answers are anonymous (no one will know how your child answered the survey). Parents and guardians will not have access to their child’s survey answers. You may review the student survey at this website: https://tinyurl.com/VaSchoolSurvey.
The survey will ask questions such as how students feel about their school, how students get along with one another and their teachers, how students feel about school rules, and their perceptions of their teachers’ willingness to help them. Students will also be asked what kinds of bullying they may have observed during school and whether they have been bullied themselves.
All students in your child’s grade level will be eligible to participate in the survey. Students participating in remote instruction and in-person instruction are both eligible to participate. The survey is voluntary and your child can decide not to participate. No action will be taken against you, your child, or the school if your child does not participate. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please notify the school office by email to jtobrien1@fcps.edu by January 31st, 2022.
Your child will not receive any immediate benefit from participating in the survey, but the survey will help us to maintain a safe, inviting, and supportive learning environment for your child.
14. 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.
15. Order the 2022 WTW Yearbook!
Let’s celebrate our Woodson Cavaliers in 2021-2022! 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!
16. 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
17. 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 Facebook, Instagram 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)
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