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Woodson Weekly -
Summer 2023 |
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.
 The combined bands of Woodson and Fairfax High Schools marched in the annual Fairfax City 4th of July parade. Woodson Band Director, Aaron Morgan and Fairfax Band Director, Noah Freeman.
In this Issue
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
2. Important Dates for 2023-2024
3. Rising 9th Grade Parent Information Session and Orientation
4. Transfer Student Orientation
5. Cav Kickoff: Open House
6. New Epinephrine Authorization Form
7. Student Schedules
8. Student Laptops
9. Student Parking Passes
10. Optional AP Summer Assignments
11. Lights, Camera, Emmy!
12. Woodson Student Earns Congressional Award
13. Fall Activities and Sports Information
14. Mental Wellness Summer Support
15. Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy Services
16. Immunization Requirements for Rising Seniors
17. Woodson's PTSO
1. Message from Dr. Floyd
Happy Summer Woodson Community!
I hope this special edition of this Woodson Weekly comes at a time of relaxation when you are not giving the new school year a single thought! We are here at Woodson preparing for the new year and I wanted to share a few pieces of information.
We welcome the rising 9th graders and transfer students this fall with a few special programs; Parent Information Sessions and Orientations. Please see stories 3 and 4 for full details.
Class schedules will be released in SIS by the morning of Thursday, August 17th.
While specific supply lists are not available until Cav Kickoff: Open House on Friday, August 18th, if you want to get ahead of the rush and take advantage of some deals that are out now, you can always purchase binders of various sizes, pens, pencils and paper but keep the receipts and return what is not needed after the 18th.
New this year, Woodson has adopted a new parent inquiry email - WoodsonConnect@fcps.edu. If you have questions or cannot find information on our website, please reach out via this email address.
Our school office will be closed on Friday, July 21st for deep cleaning.
I wish everyone a peaceful rest of the summer. Please apply sunscreen and be safe everyone!
Dr. Floyd
Principal
2. Important Dates for 2023-2024
Here are important dates for the 2023-2024 school year.
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Tuesday, August 1st OR Wednesday, August 9th, 7-8pm in Cafe A
Optional rising 9th grade parent information sessions (see #3)
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Thursday, August 17th, 4-5pm - Transfer Student Orientation (see #4)
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Thursday, August 17th, 5-7pm - 9th Grade Orientation (see #3)
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Friday, August 18th, 9-11am - Cav Kickoff: Open House for ALL (see #5)
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Monday, August 21st - First day of school
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Friday, September 1st - School Holiday
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Monday, September 4th - Labor Day Holiday
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Monday, September 25th - School Holiday; Yom Kippur
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Wednesday, October 11th - PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day
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Saturday, October 21st - Homecoming Dance
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Monday, December 18th-Monday, January 1st - Winter Break
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Monday, March 25th-Friday, March 29th - Spring Break
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Wednesday, June 12th - Last Day of School
The complete FCPS 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
3. Rising 9th Grade Parent Session and Orientation
We are offering an optional 9th Grade Parent Information Session where parents/guardians of rising 9th graders may come to learn more about the transition to high school and what to expect in the 9th grade year. Both sessions will be the same, please choose one or the other - Tuesday, August 1st OR Wednesday, August 9th, 7-8pm in Cafeteria A.
Due to low enrollment, the Freshman Academy originally scheduled for August 7th-9th is being replaced by these information sessions.
Rising 9th grade Student Orientation will take place on Thursday, August 17th from 5-7pm. Students entering grade 9 are invited to come and learn more about what high school is all about, tour the school, and become acclimated to the building.
Transportation will be provided from the following elementary schools to and from this event.
Canterbury Woods
Wakefield Forest
Little Run
Mantua
Olde Creek
Fairfax Villa
Oak View
Buses will depart elementary schools at 4:15pm and will depart Woodson to return to elementary school locations at 7:15pm.
4. Transfer Student Orientation
Transfer students and parents for grades 10 – 12 are invited to come for a parent and student orientation and information session on Thursday, August 17th from 4-5pm in the Auditorium.
This orientation will include student tours and parent engagement meeting with administration and student services.
5. Cav Kickoff: Open House
Friday, August 18th, 9-11am
Get excited, Cavaliers! The new school year is coming, and we invite the community to kick off the year with us on August 18th!
Open House sets an inviting atmosphere and welcoming tone for the school year.
All students and families may come during this informal event to tour the building, meet and greet teachers, meet new friends in class, get school supply lists, and have opportunities to sign up for clubs, activities and the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO).
- Visit student clubs and athletic teams, located throughout the school and outside entrance 19
- Drop off medication at the clinic
- Learn about Woodson’s PTSO and become a member
- Visit Performing Arts Booster tables
- Purchase Athletic Booster passes
- Purchase Woodson spirit wear in the main gym
- Get MySchoolBucks (for class fees and lunch money) and SIS ParentVUE assistance in the library
- Learn about our Library resources
Laptops will be distributed the first week of school and PE uniforms will be purchased online if families choose to purchase one. Information on how to order will be available during Cav Kickoff.
6. New Epinephrine Authorization Form
FCPS has updated its Epinephrine Authorization form and will be requiring the new form for 2023-24 school year. This form aligns with updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Health.
If you have any questions about this new form, please contact the school public health nurse, Amanda Yanchus, at ayanchus@fcps.edu.
7. Student Schedules
Beginning Thursday, August 17th at 6:00a.m., all students and parents will have access to class schedules in SIS StudentVUE and ParentVUE. SIS (Student Information System) is the application to see attendance, class performance, and demographic data.
8. Student Laptops
Student laptops will be distributed during the first week of school.
If your student needs tech support over the summer, Woodson's Tech Team is available Monday-Friday from 9am-12pm for walk-ins. Email WoodsonTechTeam@fcps.edu with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Students using laptops for summer programs - PLEASE return your FCPS issued laptop ASAP to room A112.
9. Student Parking Passes
Parking passes for the 2023-24 school year will be available for purchase online only. Information on how to purchase parking passes will be released in mid-August.
For planning purposes, the cost for a full-year parking pass is $200.00.
10. Optional AP Summer Assignments
Students interested in optional summer enrichment assignments for next year's AP courses can find more information on Woodson's Advanced Placement site.
11. Lights, Camera, Emmy!
 Congratulations to Robinson SS alum and FCPS video producer Mark F. Jones, who won his first Emmy for the entry "To the Beat of His Own Drum" in the "Video Essayist" category. The video follows Woodson student Michael Gouin's experience as a drummer who is deaf. Read more about Mark's big win. https://bit.ly/3rfQ5Nc
Last year, a former Woodson band parent and current FCPS employee noticed an ASL interpreter working with FCPS student drummer Michael Gouin during a band performance.
Sitting in the stands, she recognized not only Michael’s passion, but also the importance of FCPS’ commitment to inclusion for all students. She shared the story with FCPS’ Office of Communication and Community Relations (OCCR), and, FCPS Video Producer Mark F. Jones won his first Emmy for his video about Michael's captivating story! Congratulations to Mark and to Michael! Many in the FCPS community helped make Michael’s story shine, from the ASL interpreter and bandmates who supported Michael’s passion to the Office of Communication and Community Relations editorial team, photographers, and videographers. A small moment made mighty!
12. Woodson Student Earns Congressional Award Gold Medal
The Congressional Award is Congress’s only charity. Established to law in 1979, the Congressional Award was created to honor, encourage, and inspire America’s youth. Any interested, motivated student, aged 14 through 24 years old, may participate in the Congressional Award by setting and achieving individually challenging goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration.
Zahra Ramakdawala has earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal. To earn the Gold Medal, each participant must complete at least 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, which means sharing their time and talent for the betterment of the community, 200 hours of Personal Development, which can include exploring or improving upon a talent, skill, hobby, or interest, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness, spent in any way that improves their health and quality of life. Additionally, they must spend at least five days and four nights exploring a new environment or culture. Zahra has been consistently working to achieve this award for over 2 years, the minimum time frame to earn the Gold Medal. Zahra also earned a STEM Star in conjunction with their Gold Medal.
Zahra was recently formally recognized during the 2023 Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C. If you would like to learn more about the Congressional Award, including what Zahra did to earn it and how we can get more of your students involved, please contact our office at (202) 226-0130 or information@congressionalaward.org.
13. Fall Activities and Sports Information
Fall sports tryouts will take place on Monday, July 31st for all Fall sports (Golf, Cheer, Football, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Cross Country).
Students interested in Fall sports can visit the Woodson Athletics website to find out more information or contact the Activities Office at 703-503-4681.
14. Mental Wellness Summer Supports
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer virtual Mental Wellness Consultations through August 4. Any FCPS parent or secondary student can schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or video conference. Consultations will be offered in two ways:
- Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
- Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time management.
All parents and secondary students are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Consultations can be requested online or by calling 703-503-2520 and leaving a message.
Additional community resources for mental health services:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax/finding-supportive-services
https://peacefulmindsolutions.com/
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-servicesboard/publications/community-resources-list
15. Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy Services
Teletherapy services will continue to be available for all FCPS high school students at no cost this summer. Sessions can be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hazel’s highly-qualified therapists specialize in speaking “teen.”
Caregivers must first opt in their students to access Hazel Health. Then, a caregiver or school counselor, social worker, or psychologist can refer the student to Hazel for services. Learn more on the FCPS teletherapy webpage.
 The combined Woodson/Fairfax Marching Bands marching in the Fairfax City 4th of July parade.
16. Immunization Requirements for Rising Seniors
The Code of Virginia requires all students to be immunized against certain communicable diseases prior to entrance into Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
All students entering twelfth grade will be required to receive one dose of Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) administered at age 16 or older, and prior to the beginning of school.
Twelfth grade students cannot begin school in August without proper Meningococcal documentation.
Please provide one of the following documents to Woodson Registrar, Casey Delaney at cdelaney@fcps.edu as soon as possible:
- An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the Meningococcal vaccine.
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Meningococcal vaccine was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available online
Immunizations are available from your student's healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department clinic locations and hours are available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/school or by calling 703-246-2411.
Please contact Woodson Registrar, Darlene Sheppard at dmsheppard@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
17. 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.
PTSO meetings take place the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the Library at Woodson HS.
Whether you are a new or returning WTW parent, please get involved in any way that works for you. Here are some quick links to get you started:
Join our PTSO
Make a Donation
Sign up for one of our Volunteer Opportunities
Ask a local business to become a Business or Community Sponsor
Find WT Woodson on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Go shopping! Amazon, Office Depot, groceries, etc. Link your accounts and a portion of your sales will go to our school!
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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