Woodson Weekly - January 13th


Woodson Weekly

Woodson Weekly -
January 13th


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.


Worry Free Week

Leadership students planned a great "Worry Free Week" with stress relief fun.


Important Upcoming Dates

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 (see story #8)

The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar

Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar


Message from Dr. Floyd

Happy Friday Woodson,

I want to thank our community for their support of our students and families throughout the holidays as well as with our daily operations. A high school is often described as a small town with our nearly 2500 students and 300 staff. It is indeed a lot to manage and I am grateful to all who support us on a daily basis. THANK YOU!!

I’d like to bring a couple of items to your attention. First, the Family Engagement Survey results demonstrated a need to have parents in the building more often for different activities. While we have the sports and performing arts activities, we wanted to add additional ways to be involved.  We have held one of three Parent Advisory Councils and we will be starting a parent book club. Please see item #14 below and I am excited that we already have several parents interested. This is a great way to get to know other Woodson parents who share the love for reading.

Secondly, students are reporting that they are using gambling apps on their phones. You might see apps like Draft Kings Sportsbook or FanDuel Sportsbook and I am sure there are others. While you do have to be 21 to bet online and use these apps, apparently there are ways around this. Please be cognizant of the apps your kids are using. In the event we actually catch students in school on these apps, we will contact parents to let you know. While this is a violation of the appropriate technology use policy and SR&R, my greater concern is students engaging in gambling at such a young age and the implications that could have on themselves and their families. 

The end of the second quarter is nearing… please be checking SIS to see how to support your child and reach out to teachers if you need clarification or explanation. Let’s end the semester strong!

Have a great 3 day weekend of service,

Dr. Floyd
Principal


Free Hot Chocolate

Leadership students handed out free hot chocolate for "Worry Free Week."


In this Issue

NEW News
1. Calendar Reminders for Next Week
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service Opportunities
3. Dude. Be Nice. Week
4. International Night
5. Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs - Parent Presentation
6. High School Academy Open Houses
7. Woodson Chorus Presents - Dessert on Broadway
8. Curriculum Night and Academic Advising for 2023-24
9. 2023 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families
10. P.S. I Love You Day
11. Winter Dance on February 11th
12. 2023 Senior Honors District XI Orchestra
13. All-District Band Results
14. Woodson Parent Book Club
15. Tutor.com for Exam Prep
16. Are you interested in the rapidly growing fields of IT & Engineering Technology?
17. Professional Resume & College Resume Writing Workshop
18. US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night
19. Sophomore Night for the Class of 2025
20. College & Career Center News

PAST News, but still important 
21. Attendance Procedures
22. Cav Cruise Update
23. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging (Multi-Language Translation) App
24. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
25. Class of 2023 News
26. Laptop Tech Support Hours 
27. Woodson's PTSO


NEW News


1. Calendar Reminders for Next Week

As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 17th, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Also, students will be dismissed two hours early on Wednesday, January 25th, the last day of the second quarter, and Thursday/Friday, January 26th/27th are student holidays. 

See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.


2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service Opportunities

FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.


3. Dude. Be Nice. Week

Cavalier Families - Next week, January 17th-20th is our annual Dude. Be Nice. spirit week.

Dude. Be Nice. is designed to highlight anti-bullying and inclusiveness. Each day will have a different spirit theme for our students can participate.

In addition, we will be selling Woodson Dude. Be Nice. shirts for $10 during all lunches from January 17th-20th to raise awareness. Please help us spread kindness, inclusivity, and support throughout our Woodson community.

Dude. Be Nice.

4. 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 

International Night

5. 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.

Parent Seminar Flier

6. High School Academy Open Houses

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. Woodson Chorus Presents - Dessert on Broadway

Save the date: Woodson’s annual Dessert on Broadway production is coming at the end of this month! Tickets on sale in advance at woodsonchorus.org and at the door. 

Dessert on Broadway

8. Curriculum Night and Academic Advising for 2023-24

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: 

  • 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.


9. 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.


It's Academic

It’s Academic taped last weekend! Tune to NBC 4 oin May to see if Woodson takes the win!   


10. P.S. I Love You Day

The Woodson Leadership Class is hosting P.S. I LOVE YOU Day on Friday, February 10th. 

The goal of PS I Love You Day is to spread happiness and love to promote mental health awareness. We want to raise awareness among students about mental health in the hopes of making a difficult conversation easier.  

On Friday, February 10th, we encourage the Woodson community to wear purple to foster kindness and a welcoming environment.  Special PS. I Love You Day long sleeve shirts go on sale Monday, February 6th between the cafeterias for $20.


11. Winter Dance on February 11th

The Winter Dance is on Saturday, February 11th from 8-11pm

The winter dance, the Snow Ball, has returned after a two-year hiatus.  The theme is Fire and Ice and the dress is festive formal (a step below semi-formal).

Tickets for the dance go on sale Monday, January 30th and will be sold between the cafeterias during all lunches and online.  Tickets cost $10 and all proceeds from the dance benefit the Woodson Buddies.

Fire and Ice Dance

12. 2023 Senior Honors District XI Orchestra

Congratulations to the following students for winning their audition to participate in the Senior Honors District XI Orchestra.

Their concert is on Saturday, January 21st at 2:00pm at George Mason University Harris Theater.  We’d love to see you if you are around.  

9th Grade - Audrey Cochran, violin; James Ngo, violin (2nd in the District), Ethan Lee, violin; Kai McMurry, violin; Jacob Lee, viola; Maia Kim, cello; Camille Jo, cello; Sunny Wang, cello.

10th Grade - Catherine Han, Catherine, violin; Chloe Lee, violin; Cassie Liu, viola; Bomi Shin, violin; Chloe Choi, cello; Sean Cranford, bass.

11th Grade - Cosette Jo, violin; Meghan Hembree, violin; Cedar Baltz, viola.

12th Grade - Sophia Deng, violin; Clara Do, violin; Janice Lee, viola; Kate Liang, violin; Mallory Liang, violin; Kim McNamara, violin.


13. All-District Band Results 2023

Congratulations to the following 50(!) students for winning their audition to participate in the All-District Band.

The concert will take place on Saturday, February 4th at 2pm in the Woodson Auditorium.

Symphonic Band - Kathryn Lang, piccolo; Natalie Jiang, 5th chair flute; Patrick Lee, 6th chair flute; Maya Moses, 2nd chair oboe; Luke Sun, 3rd chair oboe; Abbey Moran; E-flat clarinet; Evan Chu. 3rd chair clarinet; Jordan Hershaft, 5th chair clarinet; Ty Rubinoff, 10th chair clarinet; Devon Ke, 13th chair clarinet; William Liu, 14th chair clarinet; Joanna Chappell, 16th chair clarinet; Andrei Sabula, 17th chair clarinet; Marta Scully-Bristol, 24th chair clarinet; Grant Kahler, 1st chair alto sax; Sabina Niedrick, 4th chair alto sax; Evan Bainer, 1st chair tenor sax; Ian Ahn, 6th chair F horn; Henry Owens, 7th chair F horn; Lex Koo, 10th chair trumpet; Colin Cunningham, 12th chair trumpet; Joseph Tso, 5th chair trombone; Jacob Spector, 6th chair trombone; Natalie Chandler, 4th chair euphonium; Ian Wallace, 1st chair tuba; Josh Park, 2nd chair percussion; Zoe Eng, string bass.

Concert Band - Nora Gilmer, 6th chair flute; Ein Lee, 7th chair flute; Amelia Kim, 9th chair flute; Julie MacDonald, 2nd chair oboe; Jack Day, 1st chair bassoon; Michael Burns, 3rd chair bassoon; Jameson Kim; 2nd chair clarinet; Emily Tang, 8th chair clarinet; Teresa Nguyen; 15th chair clarinet; Natalie Cradler, 2nd chair bass clarinet; Levi Thompson-Guldseth, 1st chair alto sax; Nate Valikit, 2nd chair alto sax; Shanti Sturgis, 6th chair F horn; Kellen Klein, 3rd chair trumpet; Evan Lorenz, 4th chair trumpet; Sean Stark, 5th chair trumpet; Ayden Becker, 11th chair trumpet; Cooper Thompson-Guldseth, 2nd chair trombone; Daniel Hess, 5th chair trombone; Benjamin Fitch, 3rd chair euphonium; Gabe Eib, 2nd chair tuba; William Pierce, 3rd chair percussion; Abigail Flynn, 8th chair percussion.

Alternates - Nina Wheeler, 1st alternate flute; Yilin Tan, 2nd alternate flute; Maya Pendleton, 2nd alternate bassoon; Joshua Sun, 1st alternate bass clarinet; Dylan Ahrens, 1st alternate bari sax; Zachary Miranda, 2nd alternate F horn; Charlotte Kao, 3rd alternate F horn; Jalil Hemphill, 4th alternate trumpet.


14. Woodson Parent Book Club

The Woodson Library is interested in hosting a parent book club. Our goal is to read Young Adult fiction or nonfiction titles followed by a discussion of the book titles in connection with Woodson’s High School Values. 

Parents can select a book of their choice with the only requirement being that it is a Young Adult title. 

Date and time are to be determined if there's interest from the Woodson community. Please contact Lisa Muir, Woodson Librarian, lkmuir@fcps.edu if you are interested.

Potential Meeting times: Last Thursday of the Month. 7pm. Woodson Library or via ZOOM.


15. Tutor.com for Exam Prep

Tutor.com

Did you know Tutor.com can help with more than just homework? This free, on-demand tutoring service also offers a comprehensive range of resources that include exam prep for AP, SAT, and ACT tests. 

Students can take practice quizzes at any time, and if they struggle in particular areas, they can immediately connect to a live tutor through voice or chat options for help. Learn more on the FCPS Tutor.com website


16. Are you interested in the rapidly growing fields of IT & Engineering Technology?

Please join us for the NOVA IET Visit on Monday, January 23rd from 10:15-11:15am 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!


17. Professional Resume & College Resume Writing Workshop

Please join us on Monday, February 27th from 10:15–11:15am in Cav Hall to learn how to write a winning resume.  Please complete this Google Form to register. Registration closes on Friday, February 24th. All grade levels are encouraged to participate.

You will learn

  • How to build up your resume
  • The sections of a resume
  • Resumes for Summer jobs, internships, scholarships, etc.
  • How to draft your College Resume

This workshop is presented by Ann McFadyen. Ann is a professional career coach and resume writer, trained and certified in Federal Resume writing. She has worked internationally as an employment advisor and resume writer and for college and graduate school counselors as an essay and personal statement editor. With an MFA in creative writing, Ann loves to help clients and students to discover and tell their own stories to advance their personal and professional development.


18. US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night

Woodson's US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night is on Tuesday, February 7th at 7pm at Oakton HS.

The 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.

No pre-registration required. Open to ALL Grade Levels!


Junior Night

Thank you to all the students and families who joined us for Junior Night!


19. Sophomore Night for the Class of 2025

Sophomore Night for the Class of 2025 will take place on Wednesday, February 8th from 6:30-8pm 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.


20. College & Career Center News

Please see College & Career Events listed below. Please access the live Calendar for event information & registration links. The Woodson College & Career Padlets can be accessed HERE.

Upcoming events in chronological order:

  • Scholarship Workshop for the Class of 2023 on Jan 18
  • NOVA IET Info Session on Jan 23
  • FCPS Gap Year Fair on Feb 1
  • FCPS ACE/Career & Technical Education Info Session on Feb 6
  • US Service Academy & ROTC Info Night on Feb 7
  • Sophomore Night on Feb 8
  • Fire & Rescue/EMT Career Presentation on Feb 21
  • Resume Workshop on Feb 27

Please access the live Calendar for event information & registration links.

College & Career Center Calendar

PAST News, but still important


21. 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.

Attendance Document

22. Cav Cruise Update

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


23. 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.


24. 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.


25. 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.


26. 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


27. 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)