Woodson PTSO WeMail - September 5


Hello September

WeMail is distributed every Tuesday to update the Woodson community on PTSO news, school news, and upcoming events. 

  1. SCHEDULE REMINDERS
  2. PTSO NEWS
  3. WOODSON NEWS & EVENTS
  4. CAVS SPORTS 
  5. FUNDRAISERS
  6. RESOURCES FOR WOODSON STUDENTS, PARENTS & FAMILIES
  7. FCPS NEWS & EVENTS 
  8. RECURRING NEWS & RESOURCES

SCHEDULE REMINDERS


THIS WEEK

Wednesday, September 6th - Senior Deadline for SAT School Day Intent to Participate Form 

Friday, September 8th, 9:15-11pm - Cav Kickoff Dance, Aux Gym

Saturday, September 9th, 9am-12pm - Senior Parking Lot Painting

 

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, September 12th - Virtual PTSO Meeting 7PM - 8PM

Thursday, September 14th, 6-8:30pm - Back to School Night

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Saturday, September 23rd, 9am-12pm - Senior Parking Lot Painting

Monday, September 25th - School Holiday; Yom Kippur

Monday, October 9th - Student Holiday; Staff Development Day

Wednesday, October 11th - PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day

Saturday, October 21st - Homecoming Dance

Monday, December 18th-Monday, January 1st - Winter Break

Monday, March 25th-Friday, March 29th - Spring Break

Saturday, May 11th - Senior Prom

Thursday, June 6th, 2pm - Graduation for the Class of 2024 at EagleBank Arena, GMU

Wednesday, June 12th - Last Day of School

 

Woodson's Integrated Events and Activities Calendar

The complete FCPS 2023-2024 School Year Calendar


PTSO NEWS


Join the PTSO

Woodson PTSO Officer Board for 2023-24 School Year

Sara Mastro / Co-President / saralmastro@yahoo.com
Becky Daw / Co-President / tbzzdaw@gmail.com
Lena McGinn / Membership Director / wptsovp1@gmail.com
Diane Raffaele / Recording Secretary / dianecollinsva@hotmail.com
Kyle Durbin / Treasurer / wptsotreasurer@gmail.com
Sara Mastro / WTW PTSO Grant Program / saralmastro@yahoo.com
Nicole Spindler / Communications Director / WoodsonWeMail23@gmail.com
Amy Zganjar / Enrichment Director / azganjar@strength.org
Vacant / Fundraising Director / Would you like to volunteer? Contact the PTSO Co-President(s)


WOODSON NEWS & EVENTS


College Visits Flyer

National Honor Society Interest Meeting

Students in grades 10-12 who are interested in applying for membership in the Woodson High School chapter of the National Honor Society should plan to attend the interest meeting after school on Thursday, September 7th in Cafeteria B.

Members are required to have a GPA of at least a 3.5, be in good academic standing, and have community service and leadership experience. Applications will be due by September 28 at 3:00pm. Students who are unable to attend the afterschool interest meeting should see Ms. Austin (A232) or Ms. Oviatt (J112) as soon as possible to review application requirements.


Cav Kick-off Dance

The Cav Kick-off dance will happen on Friday, September 8th, immediately following the first home football game. 

The cost of the dance is $1 and it will take place in the outdoor basketball courts near door 9. This annual tradition celebrates the opening of school and is a great way to finish off a Friday night of cheering. 

The dance begins at 9:15pm or at the end of the football game (whichever comes first) and ends promptly at 11:00pm. 

Admission is collected at the door.


Back to School Night

Back to School Night is in-person this year on Thursday, September 14th from 6-8:30pm. 

At 5:30pm, School Board welcome back messages will stream in a loop in the Auditorium. 

Please arrive early as parking will be tight.


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.  Please mark your calendar for the Woodson seminars for 2023-2024.  Seminars will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will take place in the Woodson Auditorium.

Monday, September 18th
Wednesday, November 15th
Monday, February 12th
Monday, April 15th

Questions? Please contact David O'Hara at DGOHara@fcps.edu.


Woodson Career Day - Looking for Speakers

Passionate about your work? Interested in sharing your career path with students? Please consider speaking at our 2nd annual Portrait of a Graduate Career Day on Friday, November 3rd from 8:30am-12:10pm

On this day we are looking for guest speakers to share what they do, how they got started, successes, challenges, and what they learned in high school that they are still using on a daily basis. 

If you are available November 3rd and would like to know more about the day please email Katherine Stransky at kbstransky@fcps.edu. If you have already decided to speak that day please complete the speaker form linked here.


Woodson Science Fair

Hey Parents! Are you a scientist, engineer, mathematician or medical professional who would be interested in judging the Woodson Science Fair? We’re looking for trained scientists in any of the following content areas to judge and provide feedback for our student projects. Your support and results will help send students to Fairfax County’s Regional Fair, where they can compete for a chance at the International Science and Engineering Fair!

Content areas include:

  • Micro & Macro Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Physics
  • Behavioral Science
  • Engineering
  • Material Science
  • Computer Science

The Woodson Science Fair will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024 during the school day if you’re interested in helping! (Snow date: Feb 1)

Already a science fair judge from last year? Don’t worry, we have your info!

Questions before signing up? Contact Laura Barry in K109 (lebarry@fcps.edu) or Sara Duarte in A145 (srduarte@fcps.edu). We will be contacting you in late September/early October to let you know the process!

Thank you for supporting our students and Woodson Science!


Follow Us on Social Media!

For the most up to date information on activities and ongoing events at Woodson, please follow us on Instagram at @woodsoncavalry AND @wtwoodsonhs.

You can also follow your class at: @wt_woodson2024 OR @wt_woodson2025 OR @wt_woodson2026 OR @wt_woodson2027. 

Athletics - @woodsoncavathletics

Student Services - @wtwstudentsvcs

College & Career Center - @wtwcareercenter

And, follow the Woodson PTSO on Facebook!


FUNDRAISERS


Woodson Marching Cavaliers Tag Day - Saturday September 9th, 2023

Tag Day for Marching Band

The Woodson Band will be “Marching” through the district neighborhoods on Saturday, September 9th for their annual Tag Day. Tag Day is a one-day-a-year fundraising event for the band and this event helps raise funds to support all Woodson Band ensembles throughout the year.

In the past, funds have been used to help replace marching brass instruments, purchase equipment/props to support the fall marching show and repair or replace uniforms.

Please consider donating and supporting your award winning Woodson Band (ensure any No Soliciting signs are covered or removed during the day) PLUS all donations are tax deductible!Be sure not to miss this fall’s marching show, Fabergé, coming soon to a half time show near you!


Class of 2024 Yard Signs

Class of 2024 Yard Sign

The 2024 yard signs are here! Please email woodsonangp@gmail.com to order. You will receive an email confirming your purchase, and where and how to pick up your order.

Attention Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Parents!

Do you have fun planning and organizing fun events? Ready to volunteer for a spectacular Woodson HS event? Your mad skills are needed for the Woodson All Night Grad Party at The St. James!! Underclass parents are needed to help senior parents focus on this big year.  Then one day, underclass parents will do the same for your soon-to-be senior. Everyone wins! Questions? Send an email to Katie Clinton at woodsonANGP@gmail.com.


Woodson Chorus Boosters

New Chorus Spiritwear!  Please click here to order shirts/sweatshirts and follow this link for new pj pants. Orders are due by Friday, 9/29/23.  If you would like to order other gear: Tumbler $15; Car/Fridge Magnet $7; Car Sticker $3, please contact Amy Quigley. amyquig@gmail.com

Uniform Fitting TODAY and 9/11:  Students should sign up for a time slot on the sign up sheet in the Chorus room.  Time slots are between 6:30 and 8:30 pm.  Every student needs a uniform. 

There are four steps to the uniform process: 

1) All chorus students must fill out the Google form. Use this link or the form in Schoology. 

2) Pay for the items you are renting or purchasing for your student from Woodson Chorus via My School Bucks.

3) Have your student sign up for their fitting appointment (either September 5 or September 11 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) in the Chorus Room. 

4) Help your student complete the fitting information form and make sure they bring it to their fitting appointment. 

We also need volunteers to help on 9/11 with the uniform fittings. Please use the Sign-Up Genius link

The next Booster Meeting for all Chorus Parents is Wednesday, September 20, 7pm in the Chorus Room.  Mark your calendars!


Senior Class of 2024 Legacy Bricks

Legacy Bricks Courtyard

Buy a Brick and create a Lasting Legacy for your Woodson Student!

The brick courtyard in front of the school between the main entrance and the auditorium still has plenty of room for bricks for you to honor your special student or alumni.  Individual bricks cost: $100.  They make great graduation presents for Seniors, or as a legacy for all the members of your family! 

To purchase, visit the Woodson PTSO PTBOARD website HERE. If you prefer, you can mail the brick order form (LINK HERE) to the school with a check. 

All orders are due no later than April 14, 2024.  Plan accordingly! 

If you have questions, or for more info contact Shane or Katherine Gilbert at wptsobricks@gmail.com 


STUDENT DRIVER MAGNETS

Student Driver Magnet

Magnets are $8.00 each or 3 for $20.00. You can order online HERE.  Magnets are delivered to your door contact free! We will also be selling magnets at all the Partners for Safe Teen Driving seminars which are held throughout the year at the Woodson Auditorium.

If you have any questions contact Shane or Katherine Gilbert at wptsomagnets@gmail.com


CAV SPORTS


Volleyball

Football Feeder Night

This Weeks Schedule

Tuesday, September 5th

Field Hockey @ Lake Braddock 6:15/7:00pm (Away)

Wednesday, September 6th

Volleyball vs. Alexandria City 5:00/6:00/7:15pm (Home)

Thursday, September 7th

FR/JV Football @ Oakton 5:30/7:00pm (Away)

Golf @ Laurel Hill vs. South County 4:00pm (Away)

FR Field Hockey vs. Oakton 5:00pm (Home)

Friday, September 8th

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night:

Varsity Football vs. Oakton 7:00pm (Home)

Come out to help Support Pediatric Cancer

https://team.curethekids.org/team/520709

Saturday, September 9th 

Cross Country Monroe Parker @ Burke Lake 9:00am 


Varsity Field Hockey Highlights

The Cavs prevailed over Marshall 4-0 on Monday. Amanda Lee, Astrid Maslin, Reese Cuviello, and Siena Niedrick tallied goals while goalkeepers, Molly Billingsley and AJ Ingson, prevented Marshall from scoring. Kelby Lennen was stellar in disrupting Marshall’s penalty corners and Allie Leonard helped control the right side in the second half.

On Tuesday, the Cavaliers defeated the Washington-Liberty Generals 6-0 via a hat trick by Amanda Lee and goals from Allison Um, Eva Lennon, and Siena Niedrick. Julia Oleyar and Reese Cuviello patrolled and controlled the midfield, leading to each contributing an assist.

The Cavs achieved a split playing in the SoCo Stickoff tournament, losing their first game to Stafford 3-1, but beating Hayfield 5-0 in their second game. Ella Mathias scored on a penalty stroke in the first game and Katie Robertson, Siena Niedrick, Eva Lennon, Alex Walrath, and Julia Oleyar scored goals in the second game.


RESOURCES FOR WOODSON STUDENTS, PARENTS & FAMILIES


Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.

Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.

Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.


FCPS NEWS & EVENTS


FCPS Annual Public Notice: Career and Technical Education

CTE Photo

FCPS’ Career and Technical Education Program offers a variety of career and technical programs to all middle and high school students. The program areas include the following:

For more information about Career and Technical Education call 571-423-4526 or visit the Career and Technical Education webpage. Visit ADA accommodations for more information or request accommodations.


September 11 National Day of Service

Patriot Day

With the upcoming 22nd anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL. 

Get started this fall with two great opportunities: Public Lands Day (September 23) and Volunteer Fairfax’s VolunteerFest (October 21). Information on service projects can be found on the Volunteer Fairfax website.


Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series

Join Dr. Erin Berman, a Clinical Psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland for these important sessions helping children cope with anxiety, depression, and stress.

Part 1 Highlights:

  • How to identify a child with anxiety or depression
  • The science and biological roots of anxiety in children
  • Interventions and considerations in dealing with children with anxiety and depression
  • Current treatment options (medications & CBT: cognitive behavioral therapy)
  • Strategies and tips for supporting your children with anxiety and depression

Part 2 Highlights:

  • Identify stress in children of all ages
  • Explain common sources of stress
  • Provide strategies for lowering stress levels so that all caregivers can benefit

Part 1: 10/27/23 10-11:30 a.m Share this event with others.

Part 2: 11/10/23 10-11:30 a.m Share this event with others.

Register for Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: A Two-Part Series


Building Family and School Partnerships for Twice Exceptional (2e) Students K-12

When schools and families collaborate all children succeed. Join Nonye Oladimeji, FCPS Educational Specialist for AAP Twice Exceptional (2e) children as she explores successful ways schools and families can collaborate.

Webinar Highlights:

  • How to use your child's strengths and challenges to identify and advocate for their needs
  • How to work with your child’s school team to develop strategies to help them feel safe while helping them stretch, struggle, and grow.
  • How to collaborate with multiple experts to identify activities both in and out of school that build on your child’s strengths.
  • How to partner with school staff to address your child’s social and emotional needs

Friday October 6, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m. Share this event with others.

Register for Building Family and School Partnerships for Twice Exceptional (2e) Students K-12


SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

Monday, October 9, 2023, 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.

Register for: SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 


What Your 11th & 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them *presented in English

Students in grades 11 and 12 will receive drug lessons about substance misuse. Join Tiffany Jones, FCPS Senior Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist as she helps you understand the curriculum and how you might communicate with your child.

Webinar highlights:

  • Find out what your children are learning about drugs in the 11th and 12th-grade drug lessons at their schools.
  • Prepare yourself to discuss what they are learning in school about substance misuse.
  • Gain practice skills to have important conversations about substances

Friday, October 13, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m. Share this event with others. *presented in English

Register for What Your 11th & 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them - presented in English


What Your 11th & 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them *presented in Spanish

Students in grades 11 and 12 will receive drug lessons about substance misuse. Join Bryan Villalobos and Diana Vera, FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists as they help you understand the curriculum and how you might communicate with your child.

Webinar highlights:

  • Find out what your children are learning about drugs in the 11th and 12th-grade drug lessons at their schools.
  • Prepare yourself to discuss what they are learning in school about substance misuse.
  • Gain practice skills to have important conversations about substances

Friday, October 20, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m. Share this event with others. *presented in Spanish 

Register for What Your 11th & 12th Graders Are Learning in School About Drugs and How You Can Talk with Them - presented in Spanish


RECURRING NEWS & RESOURCES


Woodson Calendar for ALL Events

Did you know Woodson has an integrated calendar where you can find ALL school events? From the Odd/Even calendar to sports events, testing schedule to club meetings, this calendar has all you need to know!

You can select a category of events you want to see and then filter to target events that interest you. Categories include - Senior Class, Testing, 3rd Period, Athletics, Fine & Performing Arts, etc.

Bookmark this link to quickly access Woodson's events!

Calendar Wiz

Attendance

Attendance is critical to student success in the classroom.

If your student will be absent from school, a parent/guardian must notify the attendance office.

Parents/guardians must contact the attendance office (703-503-4800) to report attendance; emails and online forms will no longer be accepted to notify our school of your student’s absence.  Woodson is not monitoring or accepting any absences submitted via email. Due to an excessive number of forgeries, the online attendance form is currently disabled. 

Below is a quick guide for reporting all-day absences, late arrivals, and early check-outs from school.

Attendance Quick Guide

Student Parking

Student parking on the Woodson campus is by permit only.

Students may submit their parking permit applications for the 2023-2024 school year online. Permits will be issued once Woodson High School can verify your application is complete and all outstanding school obligations have been paid.

Students may park on campus through September 5th while waiting for their application to process. After their application submission, students may pick up their permit in E116 only during their assigned lunch period.

Click for more information


Order Your Woodson Yearbook NOW

Purchase your yearbook at the lowest price of the year!

Yearbooks for the 23-24 school year are available to order starting Friday, August 18th.

Last year, our yearbooks sold out!!! Reserve your copy now at the early-bird price of $70. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter Woodson’s code, 5278.

Don’t miss out!


Hazel Health: Virtual Therapy Services

Hazel Health

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


Immunization Requirements for 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 Darlene Sheppard at dmsheppard@fcps.edu­­ as soon as possible:

  1. An updated immunization record showing that the student has received the Meningococcal vaccine.
  2. A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Meningococcal vaccine was given.
  3. A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  4. 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 Darlene Sheppard at dmsheppard@fcps.edu if you have any questions.


Updates on Grading Policies

FCPS’ Grading Policy has been updated for the 2023-24 school year. The following changes were based on input from students, teachers, parents/caregivers, principals, and staff:

  • FCPS will maintain the current late work policy. Teachers must accept major assignments up to two weeks late. The maximum deduction for that time period is 10%. The current policy, when applied correctly, balances accountability and flexibility.
  • Teachers may now give zeroes for assignments that are not turned in. Students who make a reasonable effort to finish an assignment will get a minimum grade of 50%. 
  • A rolling gradebook gives students more chances to show they understand material. Teachers who use a rolling gradebook must use reassessment and grading replacement practices that allow students to update learning from past quarters.
  • For teachers using a traditional gradebook, the lowest quarter grade that can be issued is 50%.

In the 2024-25 school year, all grades will be on a 100-point scale, with 50% as the minimum grade for submitted assignments. All high school credit-bearing classes will use the new scale next school year.


Updates to High School Transcripts

In order to increase transparency on high school transcripts, FCPS has updated high school course titles for courses that receive additional 0.5 or 1.0 weighting. 

For all enrolled high school students in the 2023-24 school year and beyond, high school course titles will now reflect:

  • An HN (Honors) for any course that has a 0.5 additional weighting. 
  • An AV (Advanced), AP (Advanced Placement), DE (Dual Enrollment), or IB (International Baccalaureate) for any course that has a 1.0 additional weighting.

The new AV label was created to address several college-level courses that previously had a 1.0 additional weighting without a designation. The course title changes will apply to all weighted courses across all high schools. 

Seniors who have already started to enter their senior year course lists through any college applications should review their course list to ensure they include appropriate course titles. 

For additional information, including how to access transcripts, please visit FCPS’ website. 


Parent Information Lines Available in Eight Languages

Communication Icons

Parents who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


Quick Links to Additional Resources