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Woodson Weekly -
February 10th |
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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 Woodson celebrated P.S. I Love You day today!
Important Upcoming Dates
Saturday, February 11th - Winter Dance, 8-11pm, Aux Gym
Wednesday, February 15th - Virtual Parent Substance Use Education Night, 7pm (see story #3)
Monday, February 20th - Presidents' Day Holiday; Spring Sports Tryouts Begin
Friday, February 24th - International Night, Auditorium
Thursday, March 2nd - Early Release
Friday, March 3rd - No School for Students; School Planning Day
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
Message from Dr. Floyd
Good afternoon Woodson Families:
Today is P.S. I Love You day! It is a day when we remind students that they are special, loved, and valued. Each student’s locker has a positive, friendly message on it reminding one another that they matter. Showing these acts of kindness are simple ways to make one another smile. I encourage families this weekend to remind one another that you are loved!
Last month the Woodson Pyramid offered an in person session on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This Wednesday night, February 15th, the Woodson Pyramid will again meet, this time virtually, for a virtual Parent Substance Use Education Night. I encourage everyone to attend, especially in light of the rise in fentanyl use locally. Registration information can be found in story #3.
Last night, I was watching the nightly news and saw this report. It hit me hard, especially in this era of social media. The videos and postings online are real. It happens daily. It is not acceptable. Please know we review safe online behavior with students, you review it with your kids – yet these incidents still occur within our community. I wish to once again remind our families, students and staff about the resources available if ever someone should feel bullied or harassed in school. REPORT IT.
We have received several tips over the years that have led to a resolution of situations. You can use the FCPS safety tip line or our own Woodson HS anonymous bullying reporting form which comes directly to administrators at Woodson HS. The Woodson form can be used for any inappropriate behavior. Also, our school counselors and administrators are available for situations you wish to report. Reach out with an email to any counselor or give them a call. Our administrators are the staff members who monitor phone calls and emails outside school hours most often. Find a trusted adult and tell them with the understanding that they will report it to the school. I value, respect and see our Cavalier family and we are here to support you.
The good news is that we are seeing an improvement in tardies! The bad news is we are seeing more bathroom vandalism. There are several toilets being clogged daily with a variety of items. This causes toilets to overflow with water pouring all over the floor resulting in having to close the bathroom and inconvience students and custodians.
Please see story #5 for information on Mental Health First Aid trainings for parents and a separate training for students. Register now as space is limited. This training can help save a life!
I hope everyone is able to enjoy the warmer winter weather these days.
Stay safe,
Dr. Floyd
Principal
Woodson's state winning boys cross country team was recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week.
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Report Cards Distributed
2. Winter Dance on February 11th
3. Virtual Parent Substance Use Education Night
4. Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo - next week!
5. Mental Health First Aid Training for Parents and Students
6. Academic Advising for 2023-2024
7. Mulch Sale
8. Woodson's Deaf Academic Bowl
9. Month of the Military Child - Purple Up! T-Shirt Vote
10. International Night Potluck Contributors Needed
11. Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity
12. College & Career Center News
13. Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
PAST News, but still important
14. Attendance Procedures
15. It's College Partnership Recruitment Season!
16. Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions for Students and the Community
17. Summer Enrichment Opportunities
18. 2023-24 College Financial Aid Forms Are Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to Help
19. Professional Resume & College Resume Writing Workshop
20. Tutor.com for Exam Prep
21. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
22. Class of 2023 News
23. Laptop Tech Support Hours
24. Woodson's PTSO
 AP Biology students working on a gel electrophoresis lab.
NEW News
1. Report Cards Distributed
Report cards were distributed during 7th period today Friday, February 10th. Students who do not have a 7th period class may pick up their report cards in Student Services.
Report cards are also available to view online in ParentVUE and StudentVUE.
2. Winter Dance on February 11th
The Winter Dance is tomorrow, Saturday, February 11th, from 8-11pm in the Aux gym. Please plan to pick up students promptly at 11pm. No tickets will be sold at the door.
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).
3. Virtual Parent Substance Use Education Night this Wednesday
Parents - Please register for this virtual substance use education night on Wednesday, February 15th at 7pm.
During this meeting, you will meet the Woodson Pyramid Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) and learn about rick factors for adolescent substance misuse, various drugs, prevention strategies and resources.
Contact FCPS SAPS De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil) dsmcneil@fcps.edu with any questions or for more information.
4. 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.
5. Mental Health First Aid Training for Parents and Students
Woodson is excited to announce the opportunity for parents and students to receive free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training.
This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers and students how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge, or is in crisis.
The class is limited to 30 members. There will be a waitlist for any registrations over the limit.
Woodson Training Dates and Registration Links:
Parents: Tuesday, April 11th from 8am-4pm in Cav Hall
Click here to register for the parent training. (Class limit is 30)
Students: must be able to attend all 3 sessions during Return periods: Wednesday, March 8th (1/3), Friday, March 10th (7/5), Thursday, March 16th (3/3)
Click here to register for the student training. (Class limit is 30)
6. Academic Advising for 2023-2024
Academic Advising for next school year has begun! 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. To help with this, students and parents can view the Curriculum Night presentations and information regarding courses being offered at Woodson next year on our Advising & Curriculum website.
For additional information on the overall academic advising process, please visit the Student Services Academic Advising Padlet.
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)
 Mr. Wright’s AP World History students created a Periodic Table of the Enlightenment, ranking the figures of the era by whose contributions were most significant.
7. Mulch Sale
The annual Woodson Mulch Sale has arrived. Freshen up your flower beds and support the Woodson High School Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes at the same time. The Leadership Classes are once again offering high quality shredded hardwood mulch for purchase.
Orders for 3-cubic foot bags of mulch must be received by Thursday, March 9th, for pick-up at Woodson or delivery to your home on Sunday, March 19th. When placing an order for 10 or more bags, delivery is an option. All mulch will be delivered on Sunday, March 19th, beginning at 8:30am. The proceeds benefit the Woodson Leadership and Sports Leadership Classes and support their activities. For more details or for an order form, please check out our web link.
This year you can also order and pay on-line at MySchoolBucks. Browse all items and select the Mulch Sale Fundraiser.
Need more info? Send an email to DJSchaefer@fcps.edu
8. Woodson's Deaf Academic Bowl Team
 The Gallaudet University Academic Bowl was established in 1996 to foster academic excellence, healthy competition, and sportsmanship among deaf and hard of hearing youth. Woodsons (Deaf) Academic Bowl Team participated in Model Secondary School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University's Youth Programs on their campus for the Beltway League Scrimmage Saturday, February 4th. There were 4 teams, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA, Frederick County Public Schools, MD, Maryland School for the Deaf, Frederick, MD and Model Secondary School for the Deaf, D.C. This year our team has three students, Karine Jelalian, Maggie Smallwood, and Sonan Sahgal. Coached by Julie Clinch and Shan Pillai. This is the first time since 2019 we are back in person. The Battle of the Beltway helps the teams and the Gallaudet staff learn how to run and play the game.
Our team made Woodson proud, with great teamwork and passion. We are excited to go to our regional competition in Austin, Texas from February 16 - 19, 2023.
9. Month of the Military Child - Purple Up! T-Shirt Vote
April is the Month of the Military Child, and Purple Up! Day will be celebrated throughout Virginia on April 19, 2023.
Please take a moment to vote for this year's FCPS Purple Up! t-shirt and show your support for military-connected youth by participating in Purple Up! Day! The voting ends Friday, February 17th.
Let's turn FCPS purple in support of military-connected youth for one day!
10. 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 4:30pm on February 24th 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.
11. Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity
Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives.
Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.
12. College & Career Center News
Please mark your calendar for the upcoming events below. Newsletters, Scholarship & Enrichment Opportunities, Military Resources & more can be found in the Woodson College & Career Padlets.
- FCPS Virtual Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo, Feb 13 - 16
- Fire & Rescue/EMT Career Presentation on Feb 21
- Resume Workshop on Feb 27
- Virtual Paying for College Presentations for 9 – 11 graders by College Access Fairfax on March 14 & 18
- FCPS Virtual Military Night on March 20
- Northern Virginia Regional College Fair at George Mason University on April 4
Please access the live Calendar for event information & registration links.
 Woodson alums, Jackson Miller, Alex Clark, Seth Spero, and Will Cogan are now teachers at Woodson! Watch this Fox 5 and Yahoo story to hear how their journey from students to teachers.
13. Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases and planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult, but vital, for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and wellbeing. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive.
There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships help decrease the chances of people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for.
Common values to develop in healthy relationships include:
- honesty
- reciprocity
- effort
- respect
- safety & security
- laughter
- acceptance
- healthy boundaries
- unconditional love
- friendship
- non-judgmental
As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe.
Resources: Healthy Relationships Substance Abuse & Intimate Relationships
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support: De’Ja Ruffin (McNeil), MSW, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, dsmcneil@fcps.edu.
PAST News, but still important
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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 virtual focus groups for secondary students in March:
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.
17. Summer Enrichment Opportunities
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
 21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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
24. 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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