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Woodson Weekly -
March 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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 Seniors got to meet Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly and get a photo with him during the Capitol Field Trip.
Important Upcoming Dates
Saturday, March 11th - Fairfax County Teen Job Fair, 11am-1pm at West Springfield HS (see story #2)
Saturday, March 11th - FanQuest, 5:30-8:30pm, Main Gym (see story #1)
Monday, March 13th - FCPS Community Meeting on Opioid Awareness, 6:30pm at Fairfax HS (see story #7)
Tuesday, March 14th - Paying for College Virtual Presentation, 7pm (see story #4)
Tuesday, March 21st - Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall at Lake Braddock Secondary School (see story #14)
Wednesday, March 22nd - Religious and Cultural Observance Day - Ramadan (begins at sunset)
Thursday, March 23rd - Religious and Cultural Observance Day - Ramadan (continues through April 21st)
Monday, March 27th - Woodson Pyramid Art Show, 6-8pm in Cav Hall
Monday-Friday, April 3rd-7th - Spring Break, No School
Thursday, April 13th - 2 Hour Early Release, End of 3rd Quarter
Friday, April 14th - Religious and Cultural Observance Day - Orthodox Good Friday, Teacher Workday, No School for Students
The complete FCPS 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
 Students dissected a sheep's eyeball in Anatomy and Physiology to view the tapetum lucidum membrane.
In this Issue
NEW News
1. FanQuest on March 11th
2. 2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs
3. AP Exam Schedule
4. Paying for College Presentations
5. Varsity Dance Team Nationals
6. Counselor Corner
7. Opioid Awareness Meeting: The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community
8. Family-Facing Curriculum for Core Content Being Added to Public FCPS Website
9. Review Draft Goals for FCPS' New Strategic Plan
10. Spotlight on Trauma & Coping
11. College & Career Center News
PAST News, but still important
12. Attendance Procedures
13. Senior Class News
14. Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall
15. Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions for Students and the Community
16. Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
17. Summer Enrichment Opportunities
18. Mental Health First Aid Training for Parents
19. Tutor.com for Exam Prep
20. Order Your Cavalier Yearbook
21. Laptop Tech Support Hours
22. Woodson's PTSO
NEW News
1. FanQuest on March 11th!
Join us tomorrow, Saturday, March 11th for FanQuest, our Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament at Woodson High School. Come out and watch Woodson’s Unified team play Robinson Secondary School!
5:30 pm—Doors open for a Tailgate
6:45 pm – Pregame Activities
7:00 pm—Opening Ceremony and Tipoff between the Woodson Unified Cavaliers and the Robinson Rams in the Red Jenkins Gymnasium.
Join us for a night of spirited fun, celebrating our Special Olympics athletes and peers!
At the tailgate before the game, there will be moon bounces, carnival games, and prizes! During the game, look for a variety of TV timeout games and performances including one by Woodson’s dance team!
The event is FREE! But, bring cash for the 50/50 Raffle, concessions (including Jake’s Ice Cream), and t-shirts.
It’s going to be Out of This World! Our galactic FanQuest shirts will be for sale for $10 the week leading up to the event during all school lunches and at FanQuest.
2. 2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Series
High school students are invited to attend the 2023 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair Series, which kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Fairs will also be held Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at South County High School and Saturday, March 25, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Chantilly High School.
Each fair will feature employers offering part-time, full-time, seasonal, and volunteer positions. Students will also be able to attend career-building workshops like Resume Building and Interviewing 101. Most positions at the fair are geared toward students age 16+, but some opportunities for younger students may be available with parental consent. Visit the Teen Job Fair webpage to register.
3. AP Exam Schedule
Woodson's AP exam schedule can be accessed on the Advanced Placement site. Exams will take place the first 2 weeks of May 2023.
4. Paying for College Presentations
College Access Fairfax is holding 2 virtual Paying for College presentations.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 7:00 PM
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91726751009
OR
Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/94488865488
To access these presentations, simply click on the link for your preferred date. For questions or concern, please email: info@collegeaccessfairfax.org
5. Varsity Dance Team Nationals
This past weekend Woodson's Varsity Dance Team competed at the National Dance Alliance’s national competition in Orlando, FL. The Precisionettes advanced to Finals for all three of their routines, and then placed:
12th in the Nation in Small Varsity Pom
8th in the Nation in Small Varsity Jazz
7th in the Nation in Small Varsity Hip Hop
To place in the Top 15 in all of these categories is quite difficult, but to place in the Top 10 for the first time in school history is especially difficult in the Small Varsity Jazz division. Congratulations!
6. Counselor Corner
This past week, counselors wrapped up meeting with 9th graders for academic advising. At this point, counselors have met with most underclass students to select classes for next year. However, over the next week counselors will be reaching out to any student in any grade level that hasn’t selected classes yet to schedule a time for their academic advising appointment for next year. If you haven't already, please take the weekend to review your child's course selections in ParentVUE/StudentVUE. If your child would like to make a change to their selections for next year, they must contact their counselor by March 31st. Additional information about advising can be found on our Academic Advising Padlet.
Information on registering for summer classes can also be found on the Padlet. Please talk to your child about the courses they would like to take, and also ask about their meeting with their counselor if it has already taken place. It is important that 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. Counselors welcome the opportunity to talk with students and parents regarding any questions or concerns about rigor in scheduling, and how best to achieve balance between academic goals and ambition with personal interests, wellness, and health. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions, but please allow for a potential delay in response while counselors continue to hold academic advising meetings with students.
 Join us for the annual Woodson Pyramid Art Show on Monday, March 27th!
7. Opioid Awareness Meeting: The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community
Substance abuse and related behavioral health problems can have a major impact on students, families, and communities. These impacts have become even more serious because of the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in drugs and other substances. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous opioid. Small amounts of fentanyl can easily lead to life-threatening overdoses. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of U.S. adolescent overdose deaths.
There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and communities.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to join her for a community meeting on opioid awareness, Monday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School.
Dr. Reid will be joined by Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department in welcoming the community to engage in this important conversation. Major Thea Pirnat of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau will share information about drug trends in Fairfax County.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative: Outreach on Invisible Dangers, led by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, medical experts, and law enforcement representatives.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about how Fairfax County agencies are working together to address these opioid issues in our community.
Watch the video and learn more on our website. Register for the March 13 event.
8. Family-Facing Curriculum for Core Content Being Added to Public FCPS Website
On March 9, 2023, the curriculum overviews and unit standards from the planning and pacing guides will be posted on the FCPS public web and shared with the School Board. Over 86 web pages are being developed to reflect the scope and sequence of core content areas across K-12. The goal is to provide families a comprehensive overview of what students are learning and when they are learning it.
An introductory paragraph on each grade level or course page includes the following statements: “The objectives and outcomes for each unit are common across FCPS and based on the Virginia Standards of Learning. The pacing by quarter and by week provides an example of how the curriculum can be organized throughout the year. Teacher teams may adjust the pacing or order of units to best meet the needs of students.”
Information will be updated at the start of each school year to reflect curriculum updates. Grade level and content links to the family-facing pages will be included in the Schoology Curriculum Groups for teacher’s easy access beginning March 9, 2023, through March 17, 2023. To access the grade level and/or course web pages directly, first search for the level within the Academics page, select grade level or content, and click on Year at a Glance.
 Sophomores in Ms Holsinger’s and Mr. Wright’s AP World History classes took a mock AP Test in the cafeteria on Saturday.
9. Review Draft Goals for FCPS’ New Strategic Plan
Please take a moment to share your perspectives on the draft work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.
FCPS emailed the survey link to all parents and caregivers on Monday, March 6. Please check your email, if you haven't had a chance to take the survey yet. If you are a community member who does not have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, and Vietnamese. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Information from the survey will be shared with and analyzed by Performance Fact, Inc. (PFI), the company FCPS hired to help create our Strategic Plan. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.
10. Spotlight on Trauma & Coping
There is an intersection between trauma, coping, and substance misuse. Studies show that about 61% of adults have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) according to the CDC. Childhood trauma manifests in many ways and when carried into adulthood, it can create a cycle of adverse experiences that affect future generations.
Trauma prevention and intervention strategies are more important than ever post-COVID. During the height of the pandemic there were heightened feelings of unsafety and struggles with increased time spent in stressful family environments. Earlier ACEs studies highlighted traumatic events in the household as primary factors leading to future substance abuse, misuse, and lack of feeling safe and secure. Current ACEs studies have expanded the categories of traumatic events to include experiences such as exposure to racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. Effective coping skills or a brilliant strategy increases levels of resilience and feelings of wellbeing.
Coping strategies include:
- Developing healthy relationships (internal and external support)
- Teaching self-regulation skills
- Encouragement
- Increasing self-esteem
- Promoting independence and strength
- Modeling healthy behavior when dealing with difficult situations
- Early intervention and mental health care
Resources:
Why Historical Trauma is Critical to Understanding Black Mental Health
Addressing Childhood Trauma Starts with Family Support
Violence Prevention
ACEs and Minorities
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, MSW, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, dsmcneil@fcps.edu.
 Our two brightest neighbors, Jupiter on the left, Venus on the right, shining in the West over the Auditorium. Photographer: Tom Frazier
11. 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.
- Virtual Paying for College Presentations for 9 – 11 graders by College Access Fairfax on March 14 & 18
- Fairfax County Teen Job Fairs on March 11, 18, & 25
- FCPS Virtual Military Night on March 20
- Northern Virginia Regional College Fair at George Mason University on April 4
Please access the live Calendar below for event information & registration links.
PAST News, but still important
12. 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.
13. Senior Class News
There's a lot of new information on the Senior Class webpage - Final exam schedule, graduation rehearsal, senior awards ceremony, prom, and more!
14. Braddock and Springfield District Town Hall
 Join Springfield District Representative Laura Jane Cohen, Braddock District Representative Megan McLaughlin, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, and Student Representative to the School Board Michele Togbe for a town hall. All Braddock and Springfield District parents/guardians, staff, students, and community members are welcome. We hope to see you there!
When: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Braddock Secondary School (Little Theater), 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
*If American Sign Language or language interpretation is needed, please submit your request by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023.
15. 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.
 Students practicing CPR compressions in Sports Medicine class.
16. Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
Each year, in accordance with FCPS Policy 1802, FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply, and they do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC).
The application involves 2 components. Both are required to be considered for the Election.
- Written Applications are due March 17, 2023. 2023 Student Representative to the School Board
- A thirty second candidate statement via Flip Video is due March 31, 2023. Candidates will be emailed a link to record their video on March 20, 2023.
The 2023 election will consist of two parts:
- The first part of the Election is a virtual Primary Election held on April 17, 2023, using FCPS zoom. Candidates have the option to attend the Primary Election. Candidates will be notified by email regarding the Primary Election results.
- The second part of the Election is a General Election held in person on April 19, 2023, at Thomas Jefferson High School. Candidates who advanced from the Primary Election are required to attend the General Election on April 19, 2023.
Additional information and details regarding both the Primary and General Elections will be shared with candidates.
17. Summer Enrichment Opportunities
18. 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 - registration is FULL. Please email Jackie O'Brien at jtobrien1@fcps.edu to add your name to the wait list.
Click here to register for the student training. (10 spots left)
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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
22. 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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