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Woodson Weekly -
January 27th |
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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Important Upcoming Dates
Friday-Saturday, January 27th-28th - Dessert on Broadway, Auditorium (see story #4)
Monday, January 30th - Curriculum Night for rising 9th,10th, 11th, and 12th graders, 6-8pm (see story #5)
Wednesday, February 1st - Gap Year Fair, 6:30-9pm at West Springfield HS (see story #6)
Wednesday, February 8th - Sophomore Night, 6:30-8pm, Auditorium (see story #9)
Friday, February 10th - P.S. I Love You Day
Saturday, February 11th - Winter Dance, 8-11pm (see story #10)
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
Message from Dr. Floyd
Hello Woodson Families:
Happy Friday! We made it to the end of the first semester. The class of ’23 is nearing the finish line and we are beginning to prepare for next school year. Curriculum Night is Monday, January 30th, please come! Visit our site and story #5 for more information.
I spend a great deal of time listening throughout my days and evenings here at Woodson. In doing so, I have seen patterns around some of the changes throughout COVID that we need to revisit. I invite you to take this Back to School Night (BTSN) Survey to share your thoughts on what works best for your family and what you want to see in BTSN this Fall.
We are also looking at how to revamp Cav Kickoff, bring back some activities that have gone away while tweaking some others. Thank you to the parents who have been participating in the Parent Advisory Council for providing lots of good brainstorming and input on various Woodson topics.
Parents! Did you know many students are taking screen shots of their work and sending it to their peers? There are actual class wide texts out there with kids work floating around. Please know that this is not what we aspire to with the Portrait of a Graduate attributes. Collaboration is demonstrating the ability to work interdependently within a group to promote learning, increase productivity, and achieve common goals. It is analyzing and constructing arguments and positions to ensure examination of a full range of viewpoints and seeking and using feedback from others to adapt ideas and persist in accomplishing difficult tasks. It is NOT sending around text message pictures of work. We will continue to have conversations with students around this and I ask parents to also engage in this discussion with your children. Working together, I am confident that we will foster effective collaborators!
Science Fair is coming and we need your help. On Tuesday, January 31st from 9AM – 1PM we still need judges! Please email Ms. Duarte or Ms. Barry directly at: srduarte@fcps.edu or lebarry@fcps.edu if you can assist!
I wish our community a lovely weekend and looking forward to seeing what the Groundhog sees or doesn’t see on Thursday.
Dr. Floyd
Principal
 Woodson’s Scholastic Bowl team participated in the VHSL tournament at Edison HS this past weekend. The team were District champions and Regional runners-up!
In this Issue
ACTION Items
1. Back to School Night Survey
2. FCPS Wants Your Feedback! Draft 2023-24 School Year Calendar Options
NEW News
3. SIS Availability
4. Woodson Chorus Presents - Dessert on Broadway - This Weekend
5. Curriculum Night and Academic Advising for 2023-24 on Monday
6. 2023 Gap Year Fair for Students and their Families
7. High School Academy Open Houses
8. US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night
9. Sophomore Night for the Class of 2025
10. Winter Dance on February 11th
11. Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions for Students and the Community
12. Honors Senior Orchestra
13. Woodson Presidential Scholars
14. College & Career Center News
PAST News, but still important
15. Attendance Procedures
16. P.S. I Love You Day
17. Lost and Found
18. International Night
19. 2023-24 College Financial Aid Forms Are Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
20. Professional Resume & College Resume Writing Workshop
21. Woodson Parent Book Club
22. Tutor.com for Exam Prep
23. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
24. Class of 2023 News
25. Laptop Tech Support Hours
26. Woodson's PTSO
ACTION Items
1. Back to School Night Parent Survey
As promised, the Woodson Administration is open to feedback for SY2023-24's Back to School Night (BTSN).
I invite you to take this Back to School Night Survey to share your thoughts on what works best for your family and what you want to see in BTSN this Fall.
2. FCPS Wants Your Feedback! Draft 2023-24 School Year Calendar Options
Your feedback is important! FCPS is seeking community feedback on the draft calendar options for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years.
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form. The form will be open through Tuesday, January 31st at 1 p.m.
NEW News
3. SIS Availability
FCPS Weekly Progress Reports will not be sent to parents through Monday, February 6th during second quarter grading and report card generation.
Additionally, the Grade Book and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed until Monday, February 6th at 6 am.
4. Woodson Chorus Presents - Dessert on Broadway - This Weekend
Woodson’s annual Dessert on Broadway production is THIS weekend! Tickets are on sale online at woodsonchorus.org and at the door.
5. 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, 11th, and 12th graders 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:
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Monday, January 30th: Curriculum Night: 6-8pm (for rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students and their families)
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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)
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Friday, February 3rd: Academic Advising for Juniors begins
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Wednesday, February 8th: Sophomore Night, 6:30pm-8pm in Woodson Auditorium
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Friday, February 17th: Academic Advising for Sophomores begins
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Monday, February 27th: Academic Advising for Freshmen begins
Students interested in courses requiring applications (SGA/Leadership, Sports Leadership, Yearbook, Buddies, etc.) for the 2023-2024 school year need to see their counselor for more information.
6. 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.
Woodson orchestra students were honored to receive the invitation to perform at the Board of Supervisors Chairman McKay’s New Year Reception, held at Fairfax Government Center, Friday, January 20.
7. High School Academy Open Houses
 FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning this month. Learn more and find the calendar of all Academy Open Houses.
View the YouTube playlist of academy videos.
Edison Academy: Saturday, February 4th 10am-1pm
Fairfax Academy: Tuesday, February 7th 6:30-7:30pm
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.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. Winter Dance on February 11th
The Winter Dance is Saturday, February 11th, from 8-11 in the Aux gym.
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 cost $10 and all proceeds from the dance benefit the Woodson Buddies. Tickets for the dance go on sale on-line Friday, January 27th. Tickets may also be purchased in-person during all lunches between the cafeterias beginning on Monday, January 30th.
Purchase tickets online here: Purchase Tickets Here
Students bringing a date/friend from another school must complete the guest form. Guest forms can be picked up in the main office.
11. Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions for Students and the Community
Strategic Plan: Make Your Students’ Voice Count! Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Please encourage your students to participate in this unique opportunity to share their voices.
FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan focus group. This focus group provides an opportunity to share feedback in a small group with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. FCPS is hosting four virtual focus groups for secondary students in February and March:
Thursday, February 9th, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
Thursday, March 16th, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID, so their parents/caregivers can be identified and contacted to ask for consent to participate.
If you have any questions about the student focus groups or you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact strategicplan@fcps.edu.
Register Now to Attend a Community Forum!
Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.
12. Honors Senior Orchestra
 23 Orchestra students represented Woodson at the District XI Honors Senior Orchestra, held at George Mason University, Friday-Saturday, January 20-21. BIG kudos to each student for going above and beyond!
Violins: James Ngo (2nd in the District), Kate Liang, Clara Do, Cosette Jo, Ethan Lee, Mallory Liang, Kai McMurry, Sophia Deng, Bomi Shin, Meghan Hembree, Kim McNamara, Chloe Lee, Catherine Han, and Audrey Cochran
Violas: Cedar Baltz, Cassie Liu, Jacob Lee, Janice Lee
Cellos: Maia Kim, Chloe Choi, Camille Jo, Sunny Wang
Bass: Sean Cranford
13. Woodson Presidential Scholars
We are excited to share that Woodson seniors Evelyn Nelson-Pennebaker and Yilin Tan have been named candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program!
Scholars are chosen for leadership and service to school and community, and they demonstrate exceptional scholarship; visual, creative, and performing arts talent; and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Congratulations to Evelyn and Yilin on this recognition.
 AP World students debating which figure of the enlightenment era was most significant in preparation of assembling a periodic table of the enlightenment era.
14. College & Career Center News
Please see College & Career Events listed below. Please access the live Calendar for event information & registration links. Scholarship Opportunities & Extracurricular Enrichment Programs can be found on the Woodson College & Career Padlets.
- 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
- Nursing Presentation on Feb 8
- FCPS Virtual Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo, Feb 13 - 16
- Fire & Rescue/EMT Career Presentation on Feb 21
- Resume Workshop on Feb 27
Please access the live Calendar for event information & registration links.
PAST News, but still important
15. 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.
16. 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.
 FCPS Superintendent Dr. Reid visited Woodson this week for the Student Advisory Council meeting.
17. Lost and Found
Your student's stuff is missing them!!! The Lost and Found is overflowing with water bottles, lunch bags, and winter coats/sweatshirts.
Please have your student ask in the Main Office to visit the Lost and Found to claim any missing items.
18. 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.
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
19. 2023-24 College Financial Aid Forms Are Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
It’s time for high school seniors and their families to complete college financial aid forms. Most colleges require that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be completed by Saturday, March 1st, to receive the maximum financial aid possible in fall 2023. Some schools have earlier priority deadlines, so check the individual college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and specific forms to complete. To begin the FAFSA, you will need to create a FSA ID.
A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA—the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website for help in determining which aid option is right for you.
College Access Fairfax's website offers recordings, virtual workshops, and other resources. Their Financial Aid Champions also provide help completing the financial aid forms. To request a one-on-one appointment, please email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org.
Families can also contact their high school's college and career specialist or school counselor if they need additional help.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. Tutor.com for Exam Prep
 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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
26. 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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