Woodson PTSO WeMail - November 21


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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-Friday, November 22nd-24th - Thanksgiving Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed

 

NEXT WEEK

Saturday, December 2nd, 2pm - Winter Wonderland at Woodson

Tuesday, December 5th - PTSO Sponsored Faculty Luncheon

 

LOOKING AHEAD

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


Ways to Support Woodson Teachers and Staff This Holiday Season!

The PTSO invites all Woodson families to celebrate and recognize our wonderful teachers and staff this holiday season.

Desserts?

Yes, please! The PTSO is hosting a holiday luncheon for our Woodson teachers and staff on Tuesday, December 5th. We would love to add some sweet treats to the event and are looking for volunteers to bring some in!

Sign up here.

 

Gift Cards!

The PTSO is collecting gift cards to raffle at the Annual Faculty Holiday Party on Monday, December 11th.  Parents, families, and students are invited to send in donated gift cards to the main office addressed to Alexa Pugnetti.

We kindly ask that we receive all gift card donations by Friday, December 8th.Please contact Alexa Pugnetti at alpugnetti@fcps.edu for more information.


Help Support our Families in Need During the Holidays

There are many families in our Woodson community struggling with hunger and food insecurity this year. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have been able to provide snacks for students in need during the school day and gift cards for meals during the holiday breaks.  In close coordination with school counselors, we are asking the parent community for help with two efforts: donations and/or gifts cards for families in need this holiday season,  and help stocking the Cav Cupboard. Please find more information below including easy links to donate directly or to purchase needed items via our Amazon wishlist. Thank you!

We are collecting donations between now and Friday, December 8th and there are three ways you can help:

  • Purchase and drop off gifts cards to local grocery stores (Safeway, Giant, Walmart, Target) in amounts ranging from $10 to $25 and drop them off in the front office (please give to Gina D’Angelo or Jackie O’Brien, and label them "Families in Need")
  • Help stock the Cav Cupboard (student and family pantry) using the Amazon wishlist link below. 

The Cav Cupboard will provide food and other household needs to our students and families in need and will be managed by the school counselors in a discreet and respectful way.  Click here to visit the Cav Cupboard Amazon Wishlist – all items that you purchase will be delivered directly to Woodson High School and directed to the Cav Cupboard.

Please consider helping with this important effort as we enter the Holiday season.


WOODSON NEWS & EVENTS


Winter Wonderland

Woodson Junior Class Council is hosting a Winter Wonderland event on Saturday, December 2 from 10am - 2pm. The event is for kids of all ages (but geared towards Kindergarten - 4th graders).

Winter Wonderland

Woodson Library Offers Community Service

If your student needs Community service hours for the National Honor Society or other service learning communities, the Woodson Library can help YOUR student. Students can participate in HATS for SOME in the Woodson library. Students will be making a hat or scarf on a round loom for the clothing closet located at SOME.org, a shelter in Washington DC. (Crocheting or knitting is also accepted.)

We meet each TUESDAY, from 3:00 pm- 4:00 pm in the Woodson Library. (If schools are closed or no late buses, we do not meet.)

Hats for SOME

Students can make hats/scarves at home if they cannot stay after school. **See Mrs. Muir for more details on working from home. **

Students can find more information and directions on the Woodson Library Google site under the tab COMMUNITY SERVICE/ Hats for S.O.M.E.

The Woodson Library is very pleased to announce our students made and donated 300 hats and scarves during the 22-23 school year.  Way to go WOODSON!

For the service learning to continue, the Woodson Library is currently in need of the following items: Looms- size 9.5 inch Crochet hooks sizes H to J Red Heart Yarn, weight # 4. (PLEASE No light-colored. No white yarn)

Please consider donating to our service learning project.

If you have any questions, please email Lisa Muir the Woodson Librarian at lkmuir@fcps.edu.


D.C. Summer Cultural Homestay Program

July 8 to July 30. 2024

Host a French student this summer

Host a French Student!

Don’t miss a fun summer opportunity to welcome fifteen French high school students to our community and make new friends. Volunteer to provide one of these students housing, meals, and exposure to the English language and American culture for one, two or three weeks. Go on day excursions with students to a Nationals baseball game, The National Mall, Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, Kennedy Center, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, White House and Arlington National Cemetery. Attend welcome and farewell parties for visiting students. Earn FCPS service hours, too. Visit www.compass-usa.net for more information. Contact Kathleen DeCarlo at kdecarlo@verizon.net if interested in helping with the cultural homestay program coming to the Woodson community this summer from July 8 to July 30, 2024. 


Summer Study Abroad 2024

Center for International Education and Exchange Visit - Merit and Needs Based Scholarship Available

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 - In-Person meeting at Annandale HS 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Are you interested in a summer study abroad in high school?  The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has international programs for language and culture, STEM, social change and arts and culture in 35 different countries around the world.  

Students are invited to choose 3-4 week-long experiential learning programs that run in over 30 study centers worldwide in Summer 2024! All Language and Culture (L&C) programs are educationally aligned with the ACTFL standard of language learning in secondary school. Students participating in L&C programs can opt-in for 4 college credits for only $150.00. CIEE School of record is fully accredited by Tulane University.

You can view the Summer 2024 Flyer to see what opportunities are available. A CIEE representative will be at Woodson High School to meet with students after school on Wednesday, November 8th in room E 126 and there will also be an evening meeting session via Zoom (see link above). We hope students and parents can attend one of the information sessions to learn more about this opportunity.

There are two different types of scholarships available. The first is needs based scholarships, which are available for language programs for students in grades 9-11.  Merit scholarships are available for students of all levels.

For more information, please visit the CIEE website and watch this video to see what a summer abroad experience is all about.  If you are interested in learning more about the program, fill out this interest form.  If you have any questions contact Mr. Lee Hedrick at lrhedrick@fcps.edu


Travel to France and Spain - Spring Break 2024

The trip - The ten day spring break 2024 trip combines the best of art and culture of Paris, Monaco and Barcelona along with the small town charm of Provence and the French Riviera.  There are multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites stops along the way including the Roman Pont du Gard, the Roman arena in Arles, the fortified town of Carcassonne and the architectural works of Gaudi in Spain.  There is also a boat ride on the Seine in Paris, biking in Barcelona and free time to explore along the way.  Here is a link to the trip website for more information: https://webapp.acis.com/api/v1/group/get_group_pdf?year=2024&group=28337

The cost - The trip includes flights to and from Washington DC to Europe, all transportation in the country by bus and a flight from Paris to Nice, daily breakfast and dinners, all lodging, tips for the guide and bus driver, a tour guide that stays with us on the bus and tour guides at the different sites. What is not included? You will need to purchase your own lunch for the day, your ice cream, and any souvenirs you wish to purchase. 

The organizers - The trip is not an official school trip, but it is being organized by Woodson teachers and ACIS. ACIS is leader in overseas student travel and has been used by Woodson teachers for more than 24 years. 

Additional information - How to register for the trip: https://acis.com/tripsite-trip-overview/?key=MjAyNHwyODMzNw

Frequently asked questions - https://acis.com/parents/faqs/#registration

If you have any questions contact Mr. Lee Hedrick at lee.hedrick@yahoo.com or stop by room E 126 at Woodson.


Woodson Chorus

Congratulations to our Seniors who represented Woodson at the VMEA Senior Honors Choir in Richmond this past week. Jordan Hershaft, Chiara Sale, Brielle Steeves and Alyce Visioli were selected to perform in this prestigious choir. (Pictured below with Ms. Moir)

Woodson Chorus Seniors attend VMEA Senior Choir in Richmond

December 12th: Hold the date for our fabulous Woodson Chorus Winter Concert!

The 35th production of Dessert on Broadway has begun!  Parents are needed for Committee Chairs. Spots still open are: Backstage Chaperones, Publicity, Set Construction and Clean Up Crew. Once we have the Chairs/Co-Chairs established, we’ll put out a call for committee spots and show volunteers. Watch this space for future needs!


Senior Baby Ads for Yearbook

Senior Ads for Yearbook

Deadline: January 27, 2024

Celebrate your senior with a baby ad in the yearbook! Visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and type in Woodson’s code – 5278. Select the option to “Start your Ad” and create your own ad celebrating your 2024 grad. 

The photo above is a half-page baby ad.


College & Career Center Information

For more information, registration links & additional events, please visit the live Calendar

Resources for College & Career planning can be found on the Woodson College & Career Padlets. Students must go to Naviance to sign up for our College Rep Visits and then create their own E-Hall Pass to the Career Center. Visit Notes and Rep Contact Info can be accessed on our College Rep Visits Padlet.

Questions? Please email cliebmosley@fcps.edu.


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, February 12th
Monday, April 15th

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


Follow Us on Social Media!

Instagram Facebook images

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

Juniors and Seniors can also follow your class at: @wtwclassof2024 OR @wtwclassof25

Athletics can be followed at - @woodsoncavathletics

Follow the Woodson PTSO on Facebook!

Follow the Woodson Library @woodsonlibrary

Follow Woodson Student Services at @wtwstudentsvcs

Follow Woodson College & Career Center at @wtwcareercenter


FUNDRAISERS


Class of 2024 Yard Signs

Class of 2024 Yard Sign

The 2024 yard signs are here! Click HERE to purchase one online! 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.


Crew Restaurant Night Fundraiser

Crew Restaurant NightFundraiser Information

Chorus See's Candy Fundraiser

Need some holiday chocolate? No problem - the solution is here! The Woodson Chorus See's Candy Store is full of gifts. Check it out! But hurry - the store closes on December 1st.

Chorus See's Candy Store

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


Woodson Athletic Booster Student Pass Sale

Click Here to Purchase Spiritwear!

 

This Weeks Schedule

Monday, November 20th

Girls Scrimmage @ John Paul the Great 4:30/5:45/7:30pm 

Tuesday, November 21st

Boys Basketball Scrimmage @ Madison 4:30/5:45/7:30pm

Wednesday, November 22nd

No Events Scheduled

Thursday, November 23rd

Happy Thanksgiving 

Friday, November 24th 

No Events Scheduled

Saturday, November 25th 

No Events Scheduled 

 

Important Woodson Athletics Links

Activity Registration - wtwoodson-ar.rschooltoday.com

Woodson Athletics - www.woodsonsports.com

FCPS Student Athletics - www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

NFHS Network Live Streaming- https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/w-t-woodson-high-school-fairfax-va

E-Tix Link- https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/16311/wtwoodson-high-school-athletics


RESOURCES FOR WOODSON STUDENTS, PARENTS & FAMILIES


C2 Education of Fairfax - Woodson Family Promotion!

C2 Education

We're thrilled to announce our annual Month of Thanks promotion at C2 Education! This November, we're dedicated to supporting new families on their educational journey with an exclusive offer. You can enjoy a significant discount of up to 30% during this promotion. Plus, to express our gratitude to Woodson families, we're pleased to offer additional discounts exclusively for all new and enrolled Woodson families. Here's how it works: for every 100 hours of tutoring, get an extra $100 off, for 200 hours, enjoy an additional $200 off, and for 300 hours, benefit from an extra $300 off, and so on. This is our way of saying thanks and providing extra value to our Woodson community.

This special promotion is available until 11/22. Don't miss the chance to kickstart your academic journey with these significant savings. During your consultation, we will explore the best enrollment options and discuss how to fully take advantage of your savings.

Schedule your meeting with Center Director Meng Liu today and find the ideal program and savings for your family!

 

C2 Education of Fairfax 

9650 Main St Unit 12, Fairfax, VA 22031

Phone & Text: (703) 978-7600

Email: Fairfax@c2education.com

Business Hours: Monday - Thursday 1PM - 9PM  

                             Saturday   9AM - 5PM


Woodson Math Center

Woodson Math Center

The Woodson Math Center opened on Wednesday, September 20th. Peer math tutors are available after school Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00-3:45pm in B208. Look for the Math Center Flag. Tutors are excited to help students!


FREE Virtual SAT/PSAT Math Prep:

Rick Neifeld is again offering free weekly Zoom sessions for SAT/PSAT Math preparation. See his signup sheet for more details and to get on the weekly email notification list, here:   

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qk1Hq_y-nIuxLC_eZVqhhe2mye0AYZ1DYub5eDB-F_w/edit#gid=717310232

Next will will review problems from released test 10, here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/sat-practice-test-10.pdf


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!


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

From the desk of Congressman Gerry Connolly, Virginia’s 11th District:

Congressional Art Competition

Though this event will not take place until Spring of 2024, I want to take this opportunity to bring the Congressional Art Competition to your attention as well. This competition is open to all high school students who are residents of the 11th Congressional District, regardless of where they attend school. Public, private, and home-schooled students are all invited to participate, and I encourage any student who may be interested to submit an entry.

I look forward to hosting this event every year, as it affords students in our district the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent and creativity. Students do not need to create a new piece of art specifically for this competition – they are welcome to submit any piece from their portfolio.  Past years’ competitions have included paintings, photographs, drawings, digital art, and more.

The winning piece will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year, and with the permission of the artists, additional high-ranking pieces will be displayed in my Capitol Hill and district offices.

Individual arrangements will be made for the collection of the Best in Show piece to be transported to DC. Only the winning piece will be required to meet the established framing guidelines.


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.

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


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.


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.


Free Tutoring from Tutor.com

All FCPS students continue to have unlimited access to live, 24/7, one-on-one online tutoring services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Student participation is optional and parents/caregivers can opt their student(s) out of accessing the services. Get more information on the Tutor.com Online Tutoring Services webpage.

Students can access Tutor.com via a link in Schoology. Additional information about how to log in and access a tutor is provided to families via the following: Middle & High - How It Works. Questions not answered in the posted resources may be sent to onlinetutoring@fcps.edu.


Join the PTSO

Join the Woodson High School PTSO! https://wtwoodsonptso.ptboard.com 

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)


Quick Links to Additional Resources