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Woodson Weekly -
December 16th |
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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 Everyone enjoyed the Winter Pep Rally today!
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 19th - Monday, January 2nd - Winter Break Holidays; school and offices are closed.
Tuesday, January 3rd - School Resumes; Even Day
Wednesday, January 4th - Course Information Fair Lesson during 3rd Period
Friday, January 6th - Religious and Cultural Observance; Three Kings Day/Epiphany
Tuesday, January 10th - Course Information Fair
Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30pm - Junior Night, Auditorium
Monday, January 16th - School Holiday; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Thursday, January 19th - Religious and Cultural Observance; Orthodox Epiphany
Monday, January 30th - Curriculum Night, 6-8pm
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
Message from Dr. Floyd
Good afternoon Woodson Community,
We've had another wonderful week here at Woodson! Performing arts, sports, clubs, and academics come alive in our building every day and this week was extra spirited with this upcoming winter break. Thank you for sharing your teens with us; we truly have amazing and unique students at Woodson.
If you are planning to join us for this evening's home boys basketball game versus Fairfax HS, please read stories #9 and #10 for ticket information and spectator expectations.
I wish all of our families a safe, happy and healthy holiday season and remember Mr. Smith and I are the admin available over break should something arise for which you need school staff. We can be most easily reached at cefloyd@fcps.edu and bdsmith@fcps.edu.
May you all have a peaceful holiday season,
Dr. Floyd
Principal
 Michael Gouin receives a gift from the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band at the Winter Band Concert. (pictured - Mr. Brooks, Assistant Principal, Michael, Mr. Rice, Assistant Band Director, and Mr. Morgan, Band Director)
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Thank you, Parents!
2. Winter Break Office Hours
3. SIS Unavailable during Winter Break
4. FCPS Winter Break Homework Expectations
5. To our Military Families
6. High School Academy Open Houses
7. Student Services News
8. College & Career Center News
9. Woodson vs Fairfax Entrance Gate
10. Sportsmanship
PAST News, but still important
11. Attendance Procedures
12. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging (Multi-Language Translation) App
13. PSAT/NMSQT Scores
14. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
15. Tutor.com
16. Class of 2023 News
17. Laptop Tech Support Hours
18. Alcohol & The Holidays
19. Mental Health, Coping & Addiction
20. Woodson's PTSO
NEW News
1. Thank you, Parents!
On behalf of the entire Woodson faculty and staff, we want to sincerely thank our parents for their generous donations of gift cards for our holiday party. We were able to gift a majority of teachers with your thoughtful submissions.
Also this week's PTSO Winterfest luncheon was a smashing success. Cav Hall was transformed into a warm inviting holiday room and the food was delicious.
High School isn’t the same as elementary school where we had organized gift-giving and room parents. Thank you for recognizing and thanking the educators and support professionals that work with your children. This luncheon, the gift cards, simple notes of appreciation, emails of gratitude and letters in support of teachers, counselors, principal, and/or support staff have made an enormous, meaningful impact.
Many thanks,
Woodson Administration
2. Winter Break Office Hours
The Woodson administrative offices will be closed from Monday, December 19th through Monday, January 2nd.
Offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 3rd at 7:30 a.m.
3. SIS Unavailable during Winter Break
SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be unavailable for all users beginning Friday, December 16th at 5:00 p.m. and running through Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 6:00 a.m.
Also, note that auto-generated weekly Grade Book progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during winter break. They will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd.
4. FCPS Winter Break Homework Expectations
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.
 Students purchase fun items at Entrepreneurship's first annual Market Day!
5. 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!
6. High School Academy Open Houses
 FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.
A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
7. Course Information Fair for 2023-2024
Ahead of the course selection process for 2023-2024, which will begin at the end of the second quarter in late January, we are pleased to announce that we’re holding a Course Information Fair for students during 3rd period on Tuesday, January 10th. During this time students will have the opportunity to visit 4 classes to learn more about course offerings for next year directly from teachers to help students decide which classes they’d like to take next year. We will offer a mix of both core and elective classes for students to visit and learn more about.
Further details and instructions will be shared with students during 1st period Returns on Wednesday, January 4th. Students will be given an overview of how the Course Information Fair will work, and they’ll have a chance to view in advance the list of sessions being offered so they can think about which classes they’d like to visit ahead of the fair on the 10th. We are excited to provide this opportunity for students, and look forward to kicking off our academic advising season after winter break.
Here are some important upcoming dates for Student Services related events:
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Tuesday, January 10th: Course Information Fair during 3rd Period
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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
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Monday, January 30th: Curriculum Night: 6-8pm
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Tuesday, February 7th: Fairfax Academy Open House: 6:30-7:30pm
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)
 Woodson Band Winter Concert
8. 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!
9. Woodson vs Fairfax Entrance Gate
As we prepare for our Varsity Boys Basketball Game, December 16th @ Woodson High School we want to remind you that the following guidelines are in effect to ensure that all of our patrons, students, and parents enjoy the true spirit of the event:
- All Woodson Fans must park in the front parking areas outside Door #1, 2, and 3. No fans are permitted to park along the softball side of the building.
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The game will start at 7:30pm. All Woodson Fans must enter Door #3 Cost of tickets are $5, and can be purchased at the gate (Cash, credit or QR Code).
- Woodson Students will remain on our side of the gym at all times
- We welcome all members of the community to attend our games, but parents are needed to attend and monitor middle and elementary aged students. All attendees, regardless of age, are expected to behave responsibly.
- For varsity basketball games, once you pay and enter, you may not leave the school building and reenter. Please plan accordingly.
- Woodson HS students and parents are asked to demonstrate good citizenship and spirited sportsmanship to our opponents and their fans. Any clothing that includes negative references to opposing teams/schools will not be tolerated. The Woodson Cavalry is considered the best fans in Virginia! Let’s show everyone that we are #Cavstrong.
Thank you in advance for making this a great event for all! We are #oneWoodson!
Sincerely,
WTW Administration
 Dr. Floyd enjoying the Winterfest luncheon sponsored by our wonderful PTSO!
10. Sportsmanship
Woodson fans are the best of the best. Woodson Athletics always expects all guest to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner before, during and after the competition. We expect all guests to treat other guests, players, coaches and officials with courtesy. Please join us in creating a fun, safe, family atmosphere at Woodson High School by:
- Cheering with class. Be a good sport. Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity.
- Not encouraging unsportsmanlike conduct toward players, coaches, and officials.
- Encouraging your team regardless of their play.
- Treat all competitors fairly. Don’t show excessive displays of anger or frustration. Have the strength to overcome the temptation to demean others.
Cavalier Fans WILL:
- Cheer with respect and in the spirit of good sportsmanship for our team and not against the other team.
- Be a positive role model for those around them by treating others with courtesy and respect.
- Comply with any directions given by game management.
- Promote sportsmanship through the use of positive sports related chants.
Cavalier Fans WILL NOT:
- Ridicule, criticize, or show any signs of disrespect to officials, players, coaches, or other spectators in victory or defeat.
- Display vulgar, racial, culturally insensitive or abusive language or threatening gestures.
- Use names and numbers of individual players.
- Enter the playing area at any time, including after the game.
FCPS does not condone offensive, hateful language on the sports fields, in the school buildings or anywhere on premises or while under the supervision of FCPS personnel. We will hold anyone found to have used such language accountable for their words and actions. To eradicate any of the behavior referenced (or perception of such), there are actions that will be taken.
- We are all here to compete with the other team, not against them
- The stadium is a place to highlight and showcase the work all athletes and coaches have done to get here, be respectful and cheer for your team.
- Do not disrespect your school, your community, or the other team by behaving in an un-sportsman-like manner. Honor the sport, the players, the coaches and the officials.
- What you say matters. On the field and off, and we are all accountable.
- There is no reason to engage in any banter or conversation with a player from the other team.
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.
 Ms. Aplanalp and Mr. Annear participate in a rap-off between the Math and English departments during the Winter pep rally.
13. 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.
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
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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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