 |
|
Woodson Weekly -
January 6th |
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.
 |
|
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.
|
 Mr. Spero, Mr. Clark, Mr. Cogan and Mr. Miller - Woodson alums are now teachers at Woodson!
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, January 10th - Course Information Fair during 3rd Period (see story #3)
Tuesday, January 10th - PSTO Virtual Meeting with guest Mrs. McLaughlin, Braddock District School Board Member, 6pm
Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30pm - Junior Night, Auditorium (see story #4)
Monday, January 16th - School Holiday; Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Tuesday, January 17th - Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs, 6-8pm in Cavalier Hall (see story #9)
Tuesday, January 17th - Friday, January 20th - "Dude. Be Nice." Week
Thursday, January 19th - Religious and Cultural Observance; Orthodox Epiphany
Wednesday, January 25th - 2 Hour Early Release, End of 2nd Quarter
Thursday, January 26th - Staff Development Day; No school for students
Friday, January 27th - Teacher Workday, No school for students
Monday, January 30th - Curriculum Night for rising 9th,10th, and 11th graders, 6-8pm
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
Message from Dr. Floyd
Good Friday afternoon Woodson community:
Today marks the end of the first week of the new year and a busy week it was! Students were excited to get back into the groove of learning after a long break. I saw many labs, projects, and activities throughout the building.
Our English teachers welcomed administrators to their classes for the mid-year reminder of our Student Rights & Responsibilities. One topic of discussion was tardiness; this is a growing issue across the county for most schools. We will bring back tardy sweeps with consequences soon. Parents/families, please help us by reminding your kids of the importance of getting to class on time. We all, especially our teachers, appreciate your assistance with this matter.
Our For The Culture Club is bringing back International Night on Friday, February 24th. International Night is a chance for the Woodson community to come together and celebrate its many cultures. At this time students, families, and friends are heavily encouraged to sign up to participate in the show's potluck, fashion show, and performances. Students will be awarded service hours for all levels of participation. The sign up form is due on Monday, January 16th and rehearsals will take place Tuesday, February 14th (optional, but highly recommended), Wednesday, February 22nd, and Thursday, February 23rd (dress rehearsal) approximately 3:00-6:00pm. If you have any questions please email wtwfortheculture@gmail.com. This is a great way to showcase your culture and get to know other members of the Woodson community. I am looking forward to this year’s event being the largest and most comprehensive cultural experience Woodson has had!
Next week, our PTSO meeting will feature a visit from Mrs. McLaughlin, Braddock District School Board Member. A link to the meeting will be sent in the Tuesday PTSO wemail. The meeting is online, Tuesday, January 10th at 6PM.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Dr. Floyd
Principal
Cav Kudos! These students were recognized for helping Woodson build a great school culture one interaction at a time.
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Stuff the Truck Event
2. Esports State Champions
3. Course Information Fair for 2023-2024
4. Junior Night for the Class of 2024
5. Counselor Courner
6. High School Academy Open Houses
7. 2023 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families
8. International Night
9. Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs - Parent Presentation
10. Cav Cruise Update
11. College & Career Center News
12. New Year's Resolutions - A message from the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program
PAST News, but still important
13. Attendance Procedures
14. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging (Multi-Language Translation) App
15. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
16. Tutor.com
17. Class of 2023 News
18. Laptop Tech Support Hours
19. Woodson's PTSO
NEW News
1. Stuff the Truck event on Saturday, January 7th
Woodson Leadership students will be collecting food outside of Giant at Kings Park Shopping Center on Saturday, January 7th from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM for their annual “Stuff the Truck” event.
All food items will be donated to the Annandale Food site which has been serving the needs of 60-80 families per week for the past 15 years. Thank you in advance for your support.
2. Esports State Champions
 Congratulations to Woodson's Rocket League for winning the state championship in Esports! Members of Woodson's Rocket League Team are Greysen Berg, Chance Clayville, Connor Lane, and Andrew Wong. Mr. Shu and Mr. Kuykendall are the coaches.
Rocket League is a fantastical sport-based video game, developed by Psyonix (it’s “soccer with cars”). It features a competitive game mode based on teamwork and outmaneuvering opponents.
Players work with their team to advance the ball down the field, and score goals in their opponents’ net. Rocket League is a technical game which involves both high-level dexterity and fast-paced gameplay. While one of the most welcoming elements of the game is its accessibility and familiarity with traditional sport (soccer), the best players are highly advanced and have fine-tuned their mechanics.
3. Course Information Fair for 2023-2024
Ahead of Academic Advising and the course selection process for 2023-2024, which will begin later this month, we are pleased to announce that we’re holding a Course Information Fair for 9th through 11th grade 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.
Details and instructions were shared with students during 1st period Returns on Wednesday, January 4th. Students were given an overview of how the Course Information Fair will work, and they had 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.
If students have questions about the Course Information Fair, they are welcome to visit or contact their counselor. During the fair on Tuesday, if students have any questions or need any help they can come to Student Services.
Seniors – during the Course Information Fair, seniors will attend a presentation in the Auditorium. Items to be covered include a presentation on drug/alcohol awareness and prevention from our school Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, information from Student Services on the college application process and mid-year transcript submission, as well as mental health resources in the community, and updates on Class of 2023 events including prom, graduation, and Cav Cruise.
4. Junior Night for the Class of 2024
Junior Night for the Class of 2024 will be held on Wednesday, January 11th at 6:30pm in the Woodson Auditorium. This event is for Juniors and their families. No pre-registration required.
Please join us to learn about post-secondary planning and supports for Juniors to include: understanding PSAT scores; college planning and the application process; information on exploring options related to the workforce, military, apprenticeships, and trade schools; and general college and career planning resources.
We’re excited to help Juniors and families learn more about what you need to know for your student’s post-secondary planning and next steps!
5. Counselor Corner
Student Services provides different levels of support for students and families throughout the school year. We deliver classroom lessons, meet with students individually, and work with parents and teachers collaboratively to further help support our students. With the end of the quarter approaching, our annual academic advising process will soon begin. During this time, students will meet individually with their counselor to select classes for next school year. Dates for when each grade level will begin their advising meetings with their counselor can be found below.
On Tuesday, January 10th, students will participate in our Curriculum Information Fair to learn more about courses being offered at Woodson next year. Additionally, on Monday, January 30th, we will be hosting Curriculum Night where teachers will be available to discuss course options with students and families. This event is for rising 9th, 10th and 11th grade students and their families, and will run from 6-8pm. We understand there are a lot of decisions to make when selecting classes, on our Student Services Padlet we created a section specially for academic advising resources.
Here are some important upcoming dates for Student Services related events:
-
Tuesday, January 10th: Course Information Fair during 3rd Period (seniors attend a presentation in the Auditorium)
-
Wednesday, January 11th: Junior Parent Night, 6:30pm-8pm in Woodson Auditorium
-
Monday, January 30th: Curriculum Night: 6-8pm (for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students and their families)
-
Wednesday and Thursday, February 1st and 2nd: Teacher feedback meetings during all classes (teachers will conference individually with students during each class over these two days to provide feedback on course selections for next year)
-
Friday, February 3rd: Academic Advising for Juniors begins
-
Wednesday, February 8th: Sophomore Night, 6:30pm-8pm in Woodson Auditorium
-
Friday, February 17th: Academic Advising for Sophomores begins
-
Monday, February 27th: Academic Advising for Freshmen begins
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.
6. High School Academy Open Houses
 FCPS high school academies are holding open houses this winter.
Chantilly Academy: Thursday, January 19th 6:30pm-8pm
Fairfax Academy: Tuesday, February 7th 6:30-7:30pm
Falls Church Academy: Thursday, January 19th 6:30-8:30pm
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. 2023 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, February 1st at West Springfield High School from 6:30 to 9:00pm. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities.
The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:30 to 7:15pm, by Julia Rogers, Founder of EnRoute Consulting and Gap Year Association Board President. Immediately following, the program fair will be in the cafeteria from 7:15 to 9:00 p.m., with representatives from over 40 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are invited to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available.
Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event.
8. International Night
International Night will take place on Friday, February 24th! This night offers a chance for the Woodson community to come together and celebrate its many cultures. At this time students, families, and friends are heavily encouraged to sign up to participate in the show's potluck, fashion show, and performances.
Students will be awarded service hours for all levels of participation. The sign up form is due on Monday, January 16th and rehearsals will take place Tuesday, February 14th (optional, but highly recommended), Wednesday, February 22nd, and Thursday, February 23rd (dress rehearsal) approximately 3:00-6:00 pm.
If you have any questions please email wtwfortheculture@gmail.com
9. Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs - Parent Presentation
On Tuesday, January 17th from 6-8pm in Cavalier Hall, FCPS's Student Safety & Wellness Office is presenting an ADULTS ONLY program, "Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol Drugs."
What knowledge and information do you have to engage in meaningful conversation with your children about drugs? In this presentation you will understand basic information about alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids; learn what you can do as a caregiver; and, identify & connect with community resources.
If you are unable to attend this in-person event, a similar virtual presentation will take place on Wednesday, February 15th. Additional information on how to access the virtual presentation will be shared closer to the event.
For additional information, please contact the Student Safety and Wellness Office at 571-423-4270.
The Woodson Cavalier Cruise Committee (Al Night Grad Parrty) cordially invites you to celebrate the graduating class of 2023 by taking part in a fundraiser like no other!
Join us for a fabulous evening of fundraising… Any night you choose. In the comfort of your home. Relaxing in your favorite chair. Wearing your comfiest clothes.
All you need is your checkbook!
What you DON’T have to do: sell anything, buy anything, eat anything, bake anything or talk to anyone
What you DO have to do: sit back, relax, binge-watch Netflix and write a 100% tax deductible check to the Woodson Cav Cruise. Oh, and hope you are the winner of wonderful Great American Restaurant gift cards!
The Cav Cruise is an FCPS sanctioned alcohol and drug free ALL-NIGHT GRAD PARTY for the Woodson class of 2023 graduates. The party is held the night of graduation, June 6th, from 11:00pm – 5:00am on June 7th at The St. James in Springfield where the kids enjoy a night of fun, food, games and prizes galore!
For more information about this amazing event and to purchase tickets, click HERE!
11. College & Career Center News
Please see College & Career Events listed below. The Woodson College & Career Padlets (Bulletin Boards) can be accessed HERE.
-
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.
-
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Visit has been rescheduled! Please join us on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 10:15 - 11:15 am, in CAV Hall to learn about the Career Opportunities within the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department. STUDENTS: Please complete this Google Form with your fcpsschools.net to register. All Grade Levels are welcome!
-
Scholarship Workshop for the Class of 2023 in the Career Center on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, 3 – 3:30 pm: How to find scholarships in Naviance and navigate the scholarship application process. Please register HERE.
-
Are you interested in the rapidly growing fields of IT and Engineering Technology? Please join us for the NOVA IET Visit on Monday, 23 Jan 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!
-
The FCPS Gap Year Fair will be held on Wednesday, Feb 1, 2023, 6:30 - 9 pm at West Springfield High School. Register HERE. Open to ALL Grade Levels!
-
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.
-
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.
-
US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night on 7 Feb 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!
Please click HERE to access live Calendar.
12. New Year’s Resolutions - A message from FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program
In December, many people will head to their local Target or Michaels to find a new planner. The crisp, fresh feeling of new paper to write new and improved goals gets some of us excited. When thinking of your goals consider making them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound), this method breaks your goals down into specific objectives and makes it easier for you to track your progress. What goals would you like to share with your child, to show them examples of healthy adult introspection? Introspection, looking within, is necessary to learn how to manage stress in a healthy manner. What regular coping skills can be implemented into your daily/ weekly routine? Some goals may be physical, spiritual, financial, or emotional. Would it be easier to have serious conversations over a family dinner? Or maybe regular family dinners, spark joy and connection that’s often missing.
Research has shown that family therapy is the best treatment option for young people who misuse drugs and alcohol (SAMHSA). Many people use drugs to manage life’s hardships when they feel disconnected from themselves or others. The opposite of addiction is connection, and young people benefit from connection with their families. Families who have a common mission based on autonomy and openness instead of secrecy and silence thrive. Families teach young people how to manage stress when they communicate honestly and openly with one another. Learning how to manage stress early in life could be a major factor in whether a young person decides to use drugs.
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Sources & Resources
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Difference
SMART Goals Quick Overview
Knowing the Signs: Substance Abuse & Today’s Youth
For further Information & support: De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil), Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, dsmcneil@fcps.edu
PAST News, but still important
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Laptop Tech Support Hours
If students need FCPS laptop technical support at Woodson HS, please submit a ticket using the FCPS Parent/Student Tech Support Portal.
Our walk-in hours in Room A114 are:
- Odd Days during Learning Seminar
- Monday - 7:45am - 8:10am
- 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
19. Woodson's PTSO
Our mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. 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)
|
