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Woodson Weekly -
February 3rd |
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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 The MSA, MESA and For the Culture clubs collaborated this week in a joint club meeting.
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, February 6th - Academic Advising begins (through March 10th)
Monday, February 6th - Partners for Safe Teen Driving Seminar, 6:30pm, Auditorium (see story #5)
Monday, February 6th through Friday, February 10th - National School Counseling Week (see story #3)
Wednesday, February 8th - Sophomore Night, 6:30-8pm, Auditorium (see story #8)
Friday, February 10th - P.S. I Love You Day (see story #10)
Saturday, February 11th - Winter Dance, 8-11pm (see story #11)
Monday, February 20th - Presidents' Day Holiday
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
Message from Dr. Floyd
Good afternoon, Woodson Community:
Woodson celebrates many important events throughout the school year. And, next week we celebrate two: National School Counseling Week and P.S. I Love You Day.
Next week is National School Counseling Week 2023 (#NSCW23)! Students are encouraged to take time to thank THEIR school counselor, whether it's upon seeing them in the hallway, visiting their office, preparing a formal notecard or letter; or just sending them a nice email.
As part of a national movement to decrease bullying and promote mental health, Woodson celebrates P.S. I Love You day. On the second Friday of every February, Woodson students and faculty wear purple as an awareness that everyone can help students with concerns about depression or suicide. To report any incidences of bullying, please use the online anonymous bullying site.
On Friday, February 10th, encouraging notes are handwritten for every student at Woodson and posted on their lockers. Our student leadership greets students at the door with cheers and wrist bands and sells t-shirts to fundraise for anti-bullying activities. P.S. I Love You Day is a wonderful day at Woodson where we display kindness and a welcoming environment for all.
Coming soon: next Friday we will send out a sign up for staff, parent, and student opportunities for Mental Health First Aid training. Space will be limited, so sign up ASAP!
This week we have unfortunately had to close many bathrooms due to vandalism. All have been boys bathrooms and all have been because the toilets are being stuffed with various items and therefore causing flooding. If anyone has any information on these acts of vandalism please reach out to Mr. Mey at rsmey@fcps.edu or to me at cefloyd@fcps.edu.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Dr. Floyd
Principal
 Dessert on Broadway seniors!
In this Issue
ACTION Items
1. Back to School Night Survey
2. Deadline Extended - 2023-24 Draft School Year Calendar Options
NEW News
3. National School Counseling Week
4. Counselor Corner
5. Leadership Lab
6. Parents for Safe Teen Driving Seminar - This Monday
7. US Service Academy & ROTC Program Night
8. Sophomore Night for the Class of 2025
9. Are you interested in Nursing?
10. P.S. I Love You Day
11. Winter Dance on February 11th
12. Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo
13. It's College Partnership Recruitment Season!
14. International Night Potluck Contributors Needed
15. 2023 Regional Scholastic Art Awards
16. College & Career Center News
17. Eating Disorder Parent Information
PAST News, but still important
18. Attendance Procedures
19. High School Academy Open Houses
20. Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions for Students and the Community
21. Summer Enrichment Opportunities
22. 2023-24 College Financial Aid Forms Are Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
23. Professional Resume & College Resume Writing Workshop
24. Tutor.com for Exam Prep
25. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
26. Class of 2023 News
27. Laptop Tech Support Hours
28. 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. Deadline Extended - 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 Monday, February 6th at noon.
 Scholastic Gold Key winning digital art, "Management" by Temm Phan
NEW News
3. National School Counseling Week
February 6th-10th is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
We are so thankful for our Woodson School Counselors!
4. Counselor Corner
Over the last few weeks, Student Services has been busy getting ready for academic advising season! This past Monday, January 30th Woodson held our Curriculum Night. Students and their families heard from staff members about our curriculum, courses being offered next year, and other information to help everyone begin preparing for the 23-24 school year. If you were unable to attend, or want to go back and review the slides shared and other information discussed, please visit our Academic Advising & Curriculum website.
Also this week, counselors visited 11th grade 3rd period Learning Seminars and History classes to provide Juniors with an overview of the academic advising process. Juniors were reminded about how advising works, heard about new course offerings, and were given topics to think about before meeting individually with their counselors starting next week, February 6th.
Counselors will visit 10th grade Learning Seminar classes on Friday, February 10th, and 9th grade Learning Seminar classes on Monday, February 27th to present similar information before students in those grade levels begin their academic advising meetings with their counselors.
Please take the weekend to look at our academic advising padlet. You can review course offerings and speak with your student about the feedback they received from their mini conferences with their teachers this past week. It is important students are thinking about school/life balance when selecting classes for next year, along with focusing on classes geared towards their interests and aligned with their personal goals. We are excited to begin meeting with students for advising next week!
Academic Advising schedule:
- Rising Seniors (current 11th graders): February 6-February 16 (through US History classes)
- Rising Juniors (current 10th graders): February 17-February 24 (through PE10 classes)
- Rising Sophomores (current 9th graders): February 27-March 9 (through PE9 classes)
Science Fair!
5. Partners for Safe Teen Driving Seminars
Attention all 10th grade students and their parents. All new drivers and parents must attend a state mandated traffic safety seminar, Partners for Safe Teen Driving.
The next seminar is this Monday, February 6th. Please mark your calendar for the Woodson seminars for 2022-2023. Seminars will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will take place in the Woodson Auditorium. The program is 90 minutes and you must arrive on time and stay for the entire presentation to receive credit.
The last seminar for the year will take place on Monday, April 17th.
6. Leadership Lab
 Today our Leadership Class held the first ever “Leadership Lab” where students from SGAs/Leadership classes throughout FCPS joined together to share ideas and build relationships.
Students shared icebreakers, ideas for new events, discussed how their Leadership class works, did a t-shirt swap, and so much more, while their teachers also got to meet and share ideas from their schools. A special shout out goes to Leadership Seniors Kim McNamara, Noah Tajudeen, and Abby Hammond for putting together this entire event. We are so proud of how hard you worked for this, the passion you put into it, and how you have created something that will last for years to come.
Interested in joining Leadership and being part of incredible experiences like this? Application are available on your Class Schoology groups, and are due by Friday, February 10th. Email Schaefer and Schnebel with questions at djschaefer@fcps.edu and kaschnebel@fcps.edu or stop by Room A133 to say hi!
7. 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. Juniors who want to apply to a Service Academy or ROTC Program are encouraged to attend. This event is open to ALL grade levels!
8. 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 Resources and Next Steps for Rising Juniors. We will have Erin Slater, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UNC Greensboro, speak about how to find your Best Fit College, what role parents are playing and how colleges make their admissions decisions.
This event is for Sophomores & their Families. No registration required.
 Science Fair!
9. Are you interested in Nursing?
Please join us on Thursday, February 8th from 10:15 – 11:15 am in the Career Center to learn about the different pathways to Nursing.
Lyka Ante, an alumna of John Lewis High School, is a registered nurse working on a mother/baby unit. She completed her nursing degree through a dual degree program at the University of Mary Washington. Come and hear about her journey to nursing and the different pathways available to pursue your nursing career.
Please register for this presentation HERE. Open to all grade levels.
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.
 Scholastic Gold Key winning drawing, "A Souvenir" by Hannah Lee
11. 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 may be purchased in-person during all lunches between the cafeterias next week.
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.
12. Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo
 The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and school divisions across the region, are hosting a Career Fair with panel discussions with industry experts in multiple fields on Monday, February 13th through Thursday, February 16th, 2023. A virtual, but live, event, Instruction 2 Industry is free to all students currently enrolled at the high school level. Please join us, and learn where your future in NOVA can take you!
The regional event will offer a connection to more than 100 local industry professionals from in-demand career fields across the region. Employers and industry experts will be represented from highly sought-after career clusters.
High school students will be able to participate in the following ways:
- Learn about work-based learning (WBL) opportunities
- Attend industry panel discussions
- Learn about postsecondary education, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.
There is a schedule of events and the registration window is now open. We look forward to seeing you!
Email workbasedlearning@fcps.edu for more information.
13. It is College Partnership Recruitment Season!
The College Partnership Program is designed to systematically mitigate the impact of barriers to access, opportunity, and attainment and supports students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses including:
- Due to illness, FCPS ACE/Career & Technical Education Info Session cancelled their visit on Monday, February 6th. We will reschedule and send out the new date.
- Students who are the first in family to attend college in the U.S
- Black or African American
- Hispanic, of one or more race
- Students with disabilities
- English language learners
- Economically disadvantaged students
Students Meet Monthly to gain access to different college and career resources, speakers and tours. To apply please fill out this application by Friday, March 10th.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Jamie Korpacz (jlkorpacz@fcps.edu), Alaina Proffitt (aproffitt1@fcps.edu), and Lizzi Walter (ehwalter@fcps.edu) school counselors & CPP advocates.
Scholastic Gold Key winning digital art, "Sector 9" by Ashley Chi
14. International Night Potluck Contributors Needed
Woodson's International Night is looking for potluck contributors! This year, International Night will be held on Friday, February 24th. The event consists of a potluck in the cafeteria and a fashion show and performances in the auditorium. Organizers of the event would love teachers, families, and community members to help in contributing food for the event.
As a potluck contributor you are not required to attend rehearsals but please arrive at 4:30 on February 24 to either drop off your food or prepare it for serving. Please aim to bring 30 or more servings to feed a crowd and fill out this form.
If you have any questions, please email wtwfortheculture@gmail.com.
15. 2023 Regional Scholastic Art Awards
The 2023 Regional Scholastic Art Awards program has awarded 533 awards to 337 Fairfax County Public Schools students for outstanding artwork. Artworks were submitted and judged in categories including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, design, architecture, jewelry, fashion, film and animation, mixed media, and art portfolios.
The Gold Key and Silver Key artworks will be displayed at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center in Annandale from Friday, February 9, to Thursday, March 23, with an award ceremony on Wednesday, March 1.
Woodson students receiving Scholastic Art Awards are:
Gold Key Award Winners: Ieva Balunis, Ashley Chi (2), Nora Cook, Catherine Han (2), Reese Hoffman, Hannah Lee, Temm Phan.
Silver Key Award Winners: Ieva Balunis, Ashley Chi (2), Nora Cook (2), Catherine Han.
Honorable Mention Award Winners: Ieva Balunis, Ashley Chi (2), Lucie Cho, Amelia Grannis, Reese Hoffman, Allie Johnson, Allison Kim, Liana Kim (6), Hannah Lee, Kai Morales, Temm Phan, Carlos Ramirez, Vivian Vu.
 Scholastic Honorable Mention winning drawing, "An Attraction Without" by Lucie Cho
16. 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.
- US Service Academy & ROTC Info Night on Feb 7
- Nursing Presentation on Feb 8
- Sophomore Night 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.
17. Eating Disorder Parent Information
The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2, requires Virginia Public Schools to provide, on an annual basis, parent educational information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades five through twelve. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2022),
“Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.”
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a webpage with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at the following link: https://www.fcps.edu/node/37440
PAST News, but still important
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions for Students and the Community
Strategic Plan: Make Your Students’ Voice Count! 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.
21. Summer Enrichment Opportunities
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
 25. 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.
Thank you for your support of the Woodson Yearbook! For any questions, please email Staci Vega at slvega@fcps.edu.
26. 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.
27. 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
28. 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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