WTW PTSO WeMail for November 29

WeMail is distributed every Tuesday to update the Woodson community on PTSO news, school news, and upcoming events. 

1. SCHEDULE REMINDERS
2. PTSO NEWS
3. WOODSON NEWS & EVENTS
4. WOODSON CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
5. CAVS SPORTS
6. FUNDRAISERS
7. RESOURCES FOR WOODSON STUDENTS, PARENTS & FAMILIES
8. FCPS NEWS & EVENTS
9. REPEAT INFORMATION FOR REFERENCE

SCHEDULE REMINDERS

THIS WEEK

Thursday, December 1 - Deadline to submit the 2023-24 School Year Calendar Survey (optional) - Details under FCPS News & Events

NEXT WEEK

Wednesday, December 7 - Last day to donate gift cards for teacher/staff holiday party giveaway - Details under PTSO News

LOOKING AHEAD

Tuesday, December 13 - PTSO-hosted Winterfest Staff Luncheon - volunteers needed - Details under PTSO News

Monday, December 19, 2022 - Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - Winter Break

Tuesday, January 10, 2023 - PTSO Meeting

FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar

Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar

PTSO NEWS  

Update from PTSO Community Outreach Coordinator, Amy Zganjar

We’re excited to share that the PTSO purchased over $4,200 in grocery gift cards to support 22 families in our school community this Thanksgiving. Josh Peters, Woodson’s Director of Student Services, shared his appreciation, “I just wanted to say thank you to all of you, and the PTSO, for your generosity and efforts to help support our families in need for Thanksgiving. This goes such a long way and is a really meaningful way to positively impact our community, so thank you again!”

The PTSO thanks the Office of Student Services, Adrienne Wood and the rest of the school counselors and clinicians for helping to identify families and distribute grocery cards. Thank you also to PTSO Treasurer Kyle Durbin, who visited multiple stores across two weekends to purchase all of the gift cards for this outreach project.

PTSO also continues to stock the school’s food pantry with healthy and filling snacks, which the school has reported  is much needed and appreciated. Additional food donations will be requested prior to the long winter break. Stay tuned for details.

Lastly, as we prepare for the holidays, the PTSO is working with school counselors to purchase grocery and retail gift cards for Woodson families in need. Please donate by Thursday, December  8^th. There are two ways that you can help:

1. Donate directly to the PTSO PayPal holiday drive account here –https://www.paypal.me/woodsonfooddrive
2. Purchase gifts cards to local stores (Safeway, Giant, Target, and Walmart) in amounts ranging from $10 to $50, and drop them off in the front office (please give to Gina D’Angelo or Jackie O’Brien) 

Thank you for your ongoing support of our community members in need, especially during the holiday season.

Gift Card Collection for Teachers and Staff

The PTSO invites all Woodson families to celebrate and recognize our wonderful teachers and staff this holiday season.

Additionally, Woodson PTSO is collecting gift cards to raffle at the Annual Holiday Party for the Teachers and Staff on Monday, December 12th.  Parents, families, and students are invited to send in donated gift cards to the front office in an envelope addressed “Attn: Celeste Jones, Holiday Party Raffle Prizes.”

We kindly ask that we receive all donations by Wednesday, December 7th.  Please contact Celeste Jones at cbjones@fcps.edu for more information.

PTSO Needs Your Help with the Staff Winterfest Luncheon

The PTSO is bringing back the wildly popular Staff Winterfest Luncheon on Tuesday, December 13th. 

Many hands will make light work! Please consider helping us pull off this well-deserved party for our staff. Volunteer opportunities include donating food, helping decorate, loaning/donating holiday decorations, DJing holiday music, setting up, serving, and cleaning up after the event. 

Click here to sign up! 

Questions? Contact Kristi Irvin at kristi.t.irvin@gmail.com 

Next PTSO Meeting

There will be no December PTSO meeting. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Megan McLaughlin, our Braddock District representative to the School Board, is scheduled to speak at the meeting,

Cav Cruise Tickets On Sale Now!

What is Cav Cruise?  It's the fancy Woodson name for our All Night Grad Party! The class of 2023 will be celebrating in style at The St. James in Springfield, 11 pm June 6 - 5 am June 7. 

What will you be able to do there? Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, yard games, obstacle course, swimming, climbing structures, trampolines, ropes course, nerf battle zone, caricature artists, photo booth and, of course, the famous Casino!  Fabulous food and drinks are also included!

Tickets are $80 through February 28, price goes up to $100 March 1-May 31.  The ticket price includes entry to The St. James, $25,000 in Cav Cash to be used at the Casino and 3 raffle tickets for fabulous prizes!  Click HERE to purchase tickets!

WOODSON NEWS & EVENTS

Winter Clothes Drive

If you have a coat to give, your student can drop it off at E-114 or contact Maria Giuliani.

Family Liaison | Enlaces de Familia

703-503-4792 | mggiuliani@fcps.edu

Community Service Hours Opportunity

If your student needs Community service hours, the Woodson library can help.

Woodson students can participate in HATS for SOME in the Woodson library. Students will be making a hat or scarf on a loom for the clothing closet at SOME.org, a shelter in Washington DC. 

We meet each Wednesday, from 3:15pm-4:15pm in the Woodson Library. Students also have the opportunity to work on their hat, with teacher permission, during Learning Seminar.

Can’t stay after school? Students can make hats/scarves at home and credit will still be given. **See Mrs. Muir for more details on working from home. **

The Woodson library is currently in need of the following items:

Looms: 36 peg size only, Crochet hooks size G, H, I, K, J Red Heart Yarn, weight # 4. (No light colored or white yarn.)

If you have any questions, please have your student go to Schoology and look for Woodson Library. Details about our service learning can be found in the folder labeled Woodson Service Learning Project: Hats for Some.

Any questions or if you would like to donate yarn, looms or supplies, please email Lisa Muir at lkmuir@fcps.edu.

Woodson Student Services

Here are some important upcoming dates: 

• Wednesday, November 30th: 10th grade lesson (Career Planning) during 3rd period
• Wednesday, November 30th: Apprenticeship application deadline. See the Career Padlet for details.
• Friday, December 2nd: 9th grade lesson (High School Essential Skills) during 3rd period
• Tuesday, December 6th: 11th Grade Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Lesson during 3rd period
• Tuesday, January 10th: 11th grade lesson (Post Secondary Planning) during 3rd period
• Wednesday, January 11th: Junior Parent Night, 6:30-8pm in Woodson Auditorium

Students are welcome to visit Student Services or email their counselors at any time.

Senior Photos - Last Chance

This is the last chance for your senior to take their senior portraits and make it in the yearbook! The last portrait session at Woodson is on Wednesday, December 7th in Cav Hall. You must register for a time. Walk-ins are not allowed. To sign up visit: https://pickatime.com/vosphoto/Woodson2023.

If you have questions about ordering, please email seniors@vosphoto.com.

WOODSON CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Woodson Band

Woodson Chorus

Choral student dress rehearsal is this Wednesday, November 30, from 3:15-4:30 for all choristers and 4:30-5:15 for members of Chorale. 

Frost chorus concert is this Wednesday, November 30 at 7 pm. Woodson choral students that attend can earn a music point towards their chorus letter. 

Woodson choral concert: The Gifts We Give, is this Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm. The performance is free and open to the public. Performer call time is 6 pm. Performers should arrive in concert attire and ready for the concert. 

Chorus Parents: The December Booster Meeting will be a Dessert on Broadway (DOB) planning meeting on Saturday, December 3 at 10 am in the Chorus Room.  Parents of the DOB cast are expected to attend; all parents who want to help with the show are welcome, too.

CAVS SPORTS

Ice Hockey

Both JV and Varsity have games this Friday night, December 2.

- Varsity:  9:50 pm at the St. James against West Springfield

- Junior Varsity:  6:30 pm at Mount Vernon against Hayfield/South County

Cavalier Sports This Week

Tuesday, November 29th

No Activities

Wednesday, November 30th

No Activities

Thursday, December 1st

Red Jenkins Tip-Off- Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Centreville 7:30 PM (Home)

JV Wrestling Jamboree @ Lewis 6:00pm (Away)

Friday, December 2nd

Red Jenkins Tip-Off- Boys Varsity Basketball vs. National Cathedral 7:30 PM (Home)

Swim and Dive vs. Fairfax @ Oak Marr 8:30pm (Away)

Gymnastics vs. Oak/Chan/W&L/Madison @ Madison 6:00pm (Away)

Saturday, December 3rd 

Red Jenkins Tip-Off- Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Herndon 2:45PM (Home)

Red Jenkins Tip-Off- Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Osbourn 7:00 PM (Home)

Varsity Wrestling @ Bishop Ireton Classic TBD (Away)

Woodson Booster Spirit Wear Store

Tis the Season!  Looking for a holiday gift? Visit our Woodson Athletic Boosters spiritwear store! Items purchased will be available for pickup within a few days of ordering. You will receive an email when ready. Orders will be available for pick up in the main office, or you can pay for shipping/delivery on the website.  If you want spirit wear in time for the holidays, your order must be placed by 3pm on Dec. 14 and must be picked up in the main office by 3pm on Dec. 16. New Items!! ¾ sleeve baseball shirt Comfort Colors crewneck Cavaliers t-shirts in mens/womens sizes CAVS white out shirt We also have our classic spirit wear including hoodies, flannels, sweatpants, hats, and t-shirts! Click here to shop now!

Winter Sports Updates Coming Soon!

FUNDRAISERS

Woodson Chorus - See's Candy Fundraiser - 

Order window closes this Friday, December 2

Woodson Chorus is selling See's Candies!  Go to our online storefront and place your order before December 2, and between 20%-50% of the sale will go to support the choral program.  Items from our storefront are available now for shipping.

Get delicious stocking stuffers and gifts for friends and family this Holiday season AND support Woodson Chorus. Thank you! Click here to access the Woodson Chorus online See’s Storefront

Order Your 2022-23 Woodson Yearbook

Early Bird Pricing ends January 1, 2023

Don't miss out - reserve your student's copy of the yearbook today! A limited quantity of yearbooks is printed every year and they WILL sell out. Preordering is the only way to guarantee getting a copy. 

Click here to order and type in Woodson's  code - 5278

Mock SAT, ACT and PSAT - All Proceeds Benefit Woodson PTSO

Tests are administered either in-person or online and can be scheduled Monday through Thursday from 1pm to 9pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Sign up here to take a mock SAT, ACT, or PSAT with C2 Education - available online or in-person!!  (Requires an existing or new Woodson PTSO login)  Cost is $20 to register for your mock test, all proceeds will benefit Woodson C2 Education Fairfax will contact you to schedule your test and results assessment.

Woodson Logo Boys Lacrosse Fundraiser

Woodson Boys Lacrosse is painting Woodson’s famous W and sabers logo as a fundraiser. By getting your own customized “W”, you can support the team and show your school spirit at the same time!

Click this link for more information.

Woodson Garden Flags

Garden Flag Dimensions - 12"x17"

Available options —

Non-Personalized $15 OR Personalized $20 

Personalization - Add your family name or get creative and celebrate your student with their name and graduation year! (For example: The Smith Family; Congrats Emily Class of 2023; Woodson Class of 2023)

Click here to purchase your flag! 

For more information, contact Melissa Fabrizio at woodsongardenflag@gmail.com.

Senior Yard Signs

Show your Senior pride by displaying a Class of 2023 Yard Sign! Cost is $25.00 each. All proceeds support the Class of 2023, including the Cav Cruise (all night graduation party). Click here to purchase online! Questions? Contact Cheri Brown brown22003@gmail.com

Senior Class of 2023 Legacy Bricks

Buy a Brick and create a Lasting Legacy for your Woodson Student!

The brick courtyard in front of the school between the main entrance and the auditorium still has plenty of room for bricks for you to honor your special student or alumni.  Individual bricks cost: $100.  They make great graduation presents for Seniors, or as a legacy for all the members of your family!  To purchase, visit the Woodson PTSO PTBOARD website HERE. If you prefer, you can mail the brick order form (LINK HERE) to the school with a check.  All orders are due no later than April 17, 2023.  Plan accordingly!  If you have questions, or for more info contact Shane or Katherine Gilbert at wptsobricks@gmail.com.

STUDENT DRIVER MAGNETS

Magnets are $8.00 each or 3 for $20.00. You can order online HERE.  Magnets are delivered to your door contact free!  If you have any questions contact Shane or Katherine Gilbert at wptsomagnets@gmail.com

RESOURCES FOR WOODSON STUDENTS, PARENTS & FAMILIES

College & Career Center News

The College & Career Center is open from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm in E 109. Students are welcome to come by before or after school, during Returns/Lunch, or send an email to schedule an appointment at cliebmosley@fcps.edu. Christine Lieb-Mosley, College and Career Specialist, 703-503-4661

Click here for all College & Career Center news and upcoming events

Free SAT Math Prep Sessions

Woodson dad, Rick Neifield, is offering free SAT math prep sessions to Woodson students via Zoom. 

Sign up here. Direct inquiries and questions to Rick at richardneifeld@gmail.com

Woodson Math Center

Student math tutors are available during 5th period return, 5th period lunches and after school Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00-3:45pm.

All sessions take place in B208. Look for the Math Center Flag. Tutors are excited to help students!

Free Online Tutoring

FCPS students will continue to have unlimited access to 24/7, on-demand, online tutoring support services through Tutor.com. Students are able to use Tutor.com to review and/or practice in subject areas of interest or need.

In-person Tutoring Options

The tutor list contains the names of current FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia. These employees have contacted the Parent Resource Center to offer their services. The tutor list is updated monthly during the school year.

For a list of tutors, please email The Parent Resource Center prc@fcps.edu

FCPS NEWS & EVENTS

FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar

FCPS Strategic Improvement Survey

FCPS Calendar Survey: Make Your Voice Heard!

FCPS parents/caregivers, employees, and students in grades 7-12 were emailed an invitation to take the 2023-24 School Year Calendar Survey. This survey is part of an annual process to gather input from the community to help develop the school year calendar for the following year.

Please complete the survey by Thursday, December 1, and make your voice heard! For more information or help filling out the survey, please visit our website.

REPEAT INFORMATION FOR REFERENCE

WeMail

This communication is emailed out every Tuesday of the school year and also posted on the PTSO Facebook page and webpage. 

Have something to share? If you have information you’d like to be considered for inclusion in WeMail, contact Jill Battaglia (PTSO Communications) at BattagliaWTW@gmail.com

Sports and Activities Resources

Activity Registration - wtwoodson-ar.rschooltoday.com

Woodson Athletics - www.wtwoodsonsports.com

FCPS Student Athletics - www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

Woodson Clubs & Organizations

Click here for a complete list and details of Woodson's clubs & organizations 

Contact the sponsor listed for more information.

Attendance

Attendance is critical to student success in the classroom.

If your student will be absent from school, a parent/guardian must notify the attendance office. Below is a quick guide for reporting all-day absences, late arrivals, and early check-outs from school.

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
• Wednesday - 2:55pm - 4:00pm (when late buses start)

Any other time you should try to make an appointment using a ticket from the Support Portal.

Late Buses Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Late buses are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays through spring. Students may stay after school to participate in clubs/activities and/or receive academic intervention with teachers.

Tuesday and Wednesday late buses start loading around 4:45pm and depart from Woodson at approximately 5:15pm. Students who access the smaller bus runs need to sign up for a bus in Room F122 before lunch each late bus day. 

Please note, students may NOT go across the street to the shopping center after school and then return for the late bus.

Student Parking Passes 

There are 2 steps to purchase a student parking pass: 1) Complete the Parking Permit Application  2) Pay on MySchoolBucks. Navigate to the School Store, select the option for a parking permit, and check out.  Bring your printed receipt with you when picking up your permit. Click here for the Woodson Student Parking website

Rainbow Fentanyl Warning

The DEA has issued a public warning educating the community about rainbow fentanyl. These particular pills are targeted to youth and young adults with its colorful candy-like appearance making them look harmless. Rainbow Fentanyl resembles playground chalk before it is pressed into pills.

The trend is to crush the pills, smoke it off of a piece of aluminum foil, with the theory that it is “safer” than snorting. When burned, it often gives off a distinct odor of burned rubber. While we have not seen Rainbow Fentanyl yet, Perc 30’s or Blues are popular among adolescents and young adults in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas. Fentanyl is also found in counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, Xanax, and other licit and illicit drugs.

The Medical Examiner from the Virginia Department of Health recently released its 1st quarter data for 2022 stating 483 people have died from fatal fentanyl overdoses in the state. For Fairfax County data and additional information on youth substance use, please see the Fairfax County Youth Substance Trends webinar.

Please see Woodson admin or counselors for any assistance you may need!  We are here for our community and want to keep everyone SAFE!

FCPS COVID Protocol 

FCPS will continue to follow the guidance of national, state, and local health experts when determining the layered prevention strategies that are needed to keep our schools safe and open for learning. It is important that we all work together towards this goal.

Detailed information can be found in the Health and Safety Guidance Document.

Staying Home When Sick

FCPS continues to require families to review the Daily Health Screening before sending students to school. The 5 Day Isolation Period will also continue for COVID positive students and staff.

Quick Links to Additional Resources 

• 2022-23 Standard School Year Calendar
• COVID-19 Dashboard.
• FCPS Features.
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information.
• FCPS Parent Resource Center
• Educate Fairfax. 
• FCPS Cares.

2022-23 PTSO Officers 

Miklos Kiss - President 

Lena McGinn - VP Membership

Diane Raffaele - Secretary 

Kyle Durbin - Treasurer

Jill Battaglia - Communications

Sara Mastro - Grants Coordinator

Ways To Get involved 

Join our PTSO 

Make a donation to PTSO   

Some of the many ways PTSO memberships and donations enrich the lives of our school community:

• Teacher support and supplies
• Fall & Spring Grants 
• Teacher/Staff Appreciation luncheons & events
• Special school events 
• And so much more!

Attend monthly PTSO meetings on Google Meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month

Ask a local business to become a Business or Community Sponsor

Go shopping! Amazon, Office Depot, groceries, etc. Link your accounts and a portion of your sales will go to our school! Amazon Smile  

Volunteer opportunities email miklos.c.kiss@outlook.com 

For more information visit the Woodson PTSO Website 

Find Woodson PTSO on Facebook 

W. T. Woodson PTSO