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Woodson Weekly -
December 9th |
Woodson Weekly is published every Friday to provide the community with important information about school life at Woodson High School.
Mission Statement
Woodson High School’s mission is to empower our community to reach their individual potential by creating a healthy environment of mutual respect, responsibility, equity, and inclusion.
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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este mensaje en otros idiomas, podrán ver las traducciones automáticas en nuestro sitio web.
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 AP World History students conducted an “autopsy” of their land-based empire of the Pre-Modern World and present their findings to their classmates.
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday-Friday, December 12th-16th - Spirit Week (see photo below for themes)
Monday, December 19th - Monday, January 2nd - Winter Break Holidays; school and offices are closed.
Tuesday, January 3rd - School Resumes; Even Day
Friday, January 6th - Religious and Cultural Observance; Three Kings Day/Epiphany
Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30pm - Junior Night, Auditorium
Monday, January 16th - School Holiday; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
Message from Dr. Floyd
Good afternoon Woodson Community,
This week was a busy one! As Inclusive Schools Week draws to a close, we share some of our teacher's thoughts around inclusion in the collage below. Given the vastness of our school populations, we celebrate not only the inclusion of our students with special needs but the inclusion of all within the school community. I encourage all students to engage in some sort of extra-curricular activity or club to connect to the school. If you want to explore all that Woodson has to offer, please visit our page on student activities.
Today marks one week from the start of Winter Break! In typical Woodson fashion, we will have a spirit week full of PJs, interesting sweaters, jerseys and a battle of the classes on Friday. We conclude our week with our winter pep rally during third period. A festive week will be had by all; get involved, the spirit day themes are pictured in #1 below.
A quick reminder to share with your student - If during the school day, your student isn't feeling well, please have them go to the clinic in J111. Once in the clinic, our School Health Aide, Celeste Delahunty will evaluate your student and call if necessary.
Parents frequently ask about the best way to share information concerning their students with staff, or to ask questions of staff. I encourage you to reach out by email to your child’s teacher, counselor, or administrator if you have questions or concerns. However, given the large number of students each staff member has, we ask that you please allow 24-48 hours for a response.
While I am excited for some downtime with family over break, I am also very much aware of the different ways our families will spend this time off from school. I ask that we keep this in mind as we ask what others are doing over break or for the holidays. I’ve spoken with several students who have struggled with this response, struggled to be as “cool” as their friends (or whatever the “hip” term used these days) which leaves a sense of emptiness and loss when reminded that these two weeks may look different than their peers.
Please join us next week for one of the various concerts or activities we will be hosting. Check out the Woodson calendar to find out what events are coming up! Next Friday’s Woodson Weekly will be a look into the new year. The school offices will be closed over break, if you need anything please reach out to me (cefloyd@fcps.edu) or Mr. Smith (bdsmith@fcps.edu) who will be monitoring email throughout the time away.
May you all have a peaceful holiday season,
Dr. Floyd
Principal
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Winter Spirit Week
2. Upcoming Performing Arts Concerts
3. PSAT/NMSQT Scores
4. FCPS Winter Break Homework Expectations
5. Winter Break Office Hours
6. To Our Military Families
7. Alcohol & The Holidays
8. Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
9. Counselor Corner
10. College & Career Center News
PAST News, but still important
11. Attendance Procedures
12. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging (Multi-Language Translation) App
13. Jingle Your Way to a Safe Holiday Contest
14. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
15. Tutor.com
16. Class of 2023 News
17. Laptop Tech Support Hours
18. Woodson's PTSO
NEW News
1. Winter Spirit Week
2. Upcoming Performing Arts Concerts
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Performing Arts Winter Concerts. All take place at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium
Band - Monday, December 12th
Music Showcase - Thursday, December 15th
3. PSAT/NMSQT Scores
Score reports for the PSAT/NMSQT were released on December 6th, for 10th and 11th grade students who took the October 12th Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) at Woodson HS.
Scores are housed in the College Board’s student score portal. Students who reported an email address to the College Board should have an email with directions for accessing their scores. Students who did not provide the College Board with a working email address will have to create an account or log into a previous College Board account to view their scores. Students may be prompted to input an access code. Please email Woodson’s Assessment Coach, Kathleen Crosson (kpcrosson@fcps.edu) if you do not have an access code.
Once you have accessed your scores, you may find the College Board’s resources helpful for interpreting your scores, like this video.
Please contact your student’s school counselor with further questions.
 Students in Ms. Barry's biology class using Bromothymol Blue indicator solution to see how exercise affects the rate of cellular respiration and carbon dioxide production. How does exercise affect the rate of cellular respiration?
4. FCPS Winter Break Homework Expectations
As we move toward Winter Break, we want to communicate the guidelines we have shared with our faculty regarding schoolwork over the break:
FCPS has adopted the policy of limiting the work being assigned over extended breaks. Specifically, teachers are not to assign homework or projects that are due on the two school days following an extended break. There should also not be any assessments on the two days following extended breaks. This does not preclude teachers from assigning long-range assignments in the weeks before the break and tasking students to use their own time management skills to determine if they need to work during their holiday. Teachers should ensure that assignments are not due immediately following the break. Faculty must use their professional judgment to make determinations of reasonableness and efficacy.
If you have questions regarding specific assignments in a particular class, we always encourage students and families to reach out directly to their teachers for clarification and information.
5. Winter Break Office Hours
The Woodson administrative offices will be closed from Monday, December 19th through Monday, January 2nd.
Offices will re-open on Monday, January 3rd at 7:30 a.m.
6. To our Military Families
Do you have a family member who is deploying?
Student Services wants to provide support to your student before, during, and after the deployment. If you feel comfortable, please let your student’s counselor know about any current or upcoming deployments. Thank you!
 Congratulations to Kevin Crenshaw, Woodson's Outstanding Secondary Teacher!
7. Alcohol & The Holidays
The holidays usually involve family time, games, movies, food, and possibly drinks. The holidays may involve less family members this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean less alcohol for some. Alcohol consumption has increased during the pandemic and when ABC stores were deemed essential it didn’t help lower those rates (ABC News, September 29, 2020). Many people are still trying to figure out how to navigate our “new normal” since a global pandemic wasn’t on our to-do list in 2020, but we encourage you to consider a few things during these trying times.
Questions to consider when drinking with your family:
- What message am I sending if I drink in excess around my underage child?
- Have I had conversations about responsible drinking with them?
- Are the conversations I have about alcohol realistic?
- Do my conversations with others reinforce alcohol use as a coping skill during stressful times?
- What messages am I sending my underage child if I allow them to drink with me or another adult in the house?
Info to consider:
“One-third of Fairfax County students (33.7%) reported drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime, ranging from 18.8% of eighth-grade students to half of twelfth-grade students (49.4%). One in seven students (15.2%) reported drinking alcohol in the past month, ranging from 4.5% of eighth-grade students to 27.7% of twelfth-grade students.” (FCPS Youth Survey 2020)
“Female students reported higher rates of alcohol use in their lifetime (36.1% compared to 31.2% of male students), in the past month (17.1% and 13.1%, respectively), and binge drinking in the past two weeks (7.3% and 6.5%, respectively)” (FCPS Youth Survey 2020).
Resources:
Holiday Stress
Helpful Info to Quit Vaping
FCPS video on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Substance Abuse Prevention (Spanish)
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270 and be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
For further Information & support: De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil), Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, dsmcneil@fcps.edu.
8. Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety. Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.
Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Resources:
Substance Use Disorder info
FCPS Social Work
For further Information & support: De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil), Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, dsmcneil@fcps.edu.
 Congratulations to Alexa Pugnetti, Woodson's Outstanding Operational Employee!
(pictured Dr. Carlyn Floyd, principal, Ms. Pugnetti, and Ms. Megan McLaughlin, Braddock District School Board Representative)
9. Counselor Corner
Believe it or not, after winter break we’ll begin preparing for academic advising! Students should start thinking about the classes they would like to take next year (both core classes and electives). If your student is interested in any academy courses for next year, please see the open house info below with the links to their websites as well. More information to come on academic advising in January, and counselors will begin meeting with students at the beginning of February.
Last week counselors gave presentations to all 9th and 10 graders. Presentations can be accessed through the Freshman and Sophomore padlets. If you would like to see what information was shared with Freshmen and Sophomores, please click on the links above and look for “Class of 2026” lesson on the Freshmen padlet, and “Sophomore presentation Nov. 2022” on the Sophomore padlet.
Here are some important upcoming dates for Student Services related events:
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Wednesday, January 11th: Junior Parent Night, 6:30pm-8pm in Woodson Auditorium
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Thursday, January 19th: Chantilly Academy Open House: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
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Thursday, January 19th: Falls Church Academy Open House: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
The Student Services Padlets are always a great source of information and updates from Student Services!
If you need additional resources to help with organization, time management, study skills, etc., you can find them through our Academic Supports Padlet.
As always, students are welcome to visit Student Services or email their counselors at any time.
School Counselor Fun Facts:
School counselors help all students:
- apply academic achievement strategies
- manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
- plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force)
Cav Kudos! These students were recognized for helping Woodson build a great school culture one interaction at a time.
10. College & Career Center News
The Woodson College & Career Center will be closed for Winter Break from Dec 12, 2022 until Jan 3, 2023. College & Career Planning Resources can be accessed here. Please mark your calendar for the upcoming events listed below. Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season.
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NOVA Application Session with FAFSA Support for the Class of 2023 on Tuesday, 10 January, 2023, 10:15 – 11:15 am in the Career Center. Please go to Naviance to register or email cliebmosley@fcps.edu. Please file your FAFSA! Resources for FAFSA/VASA/CSS Profile Completion can be found on our Financial Aid Padlet. Visit the Financial Aid Page of your college to be aware of priority deadlines & requirements.
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Junior Night for the Class of 2024 will be held on Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30 pm in the Woodson Auditorium. Please join us to learn about Supports for Juniors, Understanding your PSAT Score, Postsecondary Planning and Best Fit Options, and College & Career Planning Resources. Discover what you need to know for your postsecondary research and Next Steps! This event is for Juniors and their Families. No pre-registration required.
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Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Visit: Please join us on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 10:15 - 11:15 am, in CAV Hall to learn about the Career Opportunities within the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department. Please complete this Google Form to register. All Grade Levels are welcome!
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Scholarship Workshop for the Class of 2023 in the Career Center on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 3 – 3:30 pm: How to find scholarships in Naviance and navigate the scholarship application process. Please register HERE.
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Are you interested in the rapidly growing fields of IT and Engineering Technology? Please join us for the NOVA IET Visit on Monday, January 23, 2023, 10:15 - 11:15 am in CAV Hall. The programs found within NOVA IET are aligned to the needs of industry, infused with opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials, and targeted at high growth areas that show significant job demand within the Northern Virginia Region. Please complete this Google Form to register. Open to ALL Grade Levels!
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The FCPS Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 6:30 - 9 pm at West Springfield High School. Register HERE.
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FCPS ACE/Career & Technical Education Info Session on 6 Feb 2023, 10:15 -11:15 am in the Career Center. Please join us to learn about training and credentials that lead to high-skill, high-wage careers in Business and IT/Health and Medical/Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships. Open to ALL Grade Levels! Please complete this Google Form to register.
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Sophomore Night for the Class of 2025 on February 8, 2023, 6:30 - 8 pm in the Woodson Auditorium. Please join us to learn about College & Career Planning and Next Steps for Rising Juniors. We will have a College Director of Admissions speak about how “College is a Match to be made and not a Prize to be won”. This event is for Sophomores & their Families. No registration required.
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US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 7 pm at Oakton HS. Presentation will include a panel of experts from all military service academies and each branch of ROTC as well as a representative from a Congressional Office. Students have the opportunity to meet individually with the representatives, ask questions and pick up materials. Open to ALL Grade Levels!
PAST News, but still important
11. Attendance Procedures
Please review Woodson's attendance procedures to ensure accurate reporting for your student.
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.
12. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging (Multi-Language Translation) App
FCPS has recently adopted TalkingPoints, a two-way messaging app that allows parents and caregivers to communicate with teachers and schools. Look for messages from your child’s school on how they are implementing the app.
The app translates messages, so teachers can input messages in English and parents can respond in their preferred language. TalkingPoints supports 125 languages, making it easier and faster for our FCPS families to connect with their schools.
If you need to update your preferred correspondence language, contact the Woodson's registrar Casey Delaney at cdelaney@fcps.edu.
For more information, visit the FCPS TalkingPoints webpage.
 Students in Ms. Barry's biology class using Bromothymol Blue indicator solution to see how exercise affects the rate of cellular respiration and carbon dioxide production. How does exercise affect the rate of cellular respiration?
13. Jingle Your Way to a Safe Holiday Contest
Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) is excited to share the 2022 Jingle Your Way to a Safe Holiday: Buckle Up and Celebrate Responsibly Contest with your school! The goal of this educational and fun initiative is to keep our teen drivers and passengers safe during the high-risk holiday season.
The contest will focus on seat belt use and celebrating and driving safely throughout the holidays. As part of the contest, students will compete individually or in groups by creating a safe driving jingle (short song or tune) in video format that promotes a seat belt and/or safe driving message for the teen audience. For contest guidelines, prize information and more, refer to the attached Contest Overview and Letter. More information is also available on our website at www.yovaso.org/jingle-contest or on this flier.
14. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
Purchasing a Yearbook:
Don't miss out - reserve your student's copy of the yearbook today! We print a limited quantity of yearbooks every year and we WILL sell out. Preordering is the only way to guarantee a copy of the yearbook. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and type in Woodson's code - 5278.
The early bird price is in effect until January 1st, so preorder today!
Parents of Seniors:
Baby Ads: Celebrate your senior with a baby ad in the yearbook! Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and type in Woodson’s code – 5278. Select the option to “Start your Ad” and create your own ad celebrating your 2023 grad.
Thank you for your support of the Woodson Yearbook! For any questions, please email Staci Vega at slvega@fcps.edu.
15. Tutor.com
 Did you know? Students who’ve used Tutor.com have provided positive feedback. Unless they’ve been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet the needs of the student from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is on the following webpage: Middle & High - How It Works.
16. Class of 2023 News
Want to know all the important news and upcoming events for the Class of 2023? Visit the Senior Class News website for everything you need to know.
17. 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.
Thank you, 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. Whether you are a new or returning WTW parent, please get involved in any way that works for you.
2022-23 PTSO Board -
Miklos Kiss - President
Lena McGinn - VP Membership
Diane Raffaele - Secretary
Kyle Durbin - Treasurer
Jill Battaglia - Communications
PTSO website https://wtwoodsonptso.ptboard.com/annlist
We look forward to a great school year!
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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