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Woodson Weekly - January 19th |
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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Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, January 23rd, 6-8pm - Curriculum Night for all students returning to Woodson next year
Thursday, January 25th - 2 Hour Early Release, End of 2nd Quarter
Friday, January 26th - Teacher Workday, No school for students
Friday, January 26th, 7pm - 35th Production of Dessert on Broadway - Purchase Tickets Here
Saturday, January 27th, 2pm & 7pm - 35th Production of Dessert on Broadway - Purchase Tickets Here
Woodson's Events & Activities Calendar
The complete FCPS 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
2024-25 School Year Calendar
Making plans for next school year? Don’t forget FCPS’ 2024-25 School Year Calendar is already available.
In this Issue
NEW News
1. Message from Mr. Greata
2. It's Cookie Time
3. Academic Advising and Curriculum Night
4. Meditation and Reflective Space Updates (Formerly the Prayer Room)
5. SPIRIT Council Membership Drive
6. Library Service Learning Project
7. Calendar Reminder
8. What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
9. College and Career Center
Previous News but Still Important
10. Spring Sport Tryouts
11. Woodson Parent Book Club
12. Academy Open Houses
13. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging App
14. Laptop Tech Support Hours
15. Attendance
16. Class of 2024
17. Order Your Woodson Yearbook
18. Woodson's PTSO
19. Resources For Mental Wellness
NEW News
1. Message from Mr. Greata
Good Afternoon Woodson,
Due to the inclement weather, this past week was short, but packed with action! We had a full week of sports with boys basketball winning over Robinson and South County, while girls basketball and our rifle team both had wins against Robinson. The rifle team won by a mere 15 points (out of 436). We also had a wonderful evening celebrating our swim and dive seniors at their annual pasta dinner. Congratulations to all of our athletes!
Weather permitting, we have several events this Saturday. We hope you can make a morning of it and attend two events in the Springfield area. Our theater students will be performing The Elephant Man in the Patriot District One Act Play competition at 9:45 am at West Springfield High School. The performance is free and open to the public. While you are in the area, please stop by the Giant at Cardinal Forest (8320 Old Keene Mill Rd.) for Woodson Leadership’s STUFF THE TRUCK event, running from 9 am to 1 pm. All of the food donations go to the Annandale Food Site.
Times and locations of Saturday sporting events including rifle, wrestling, swim & dive, and basketball, can be found at www.woodsonsports.com. We will update this website if weather delays or cancelations occur.
Following this week’s disrupted schedule will be next week’s unusual schedule. I hope you find the following summary of events and school hours helpful:
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Tuesday, the 23rd, we will be hosting our community for our annual Curriculum Night from 6 pm to 8 pm.
- We are in need of 2,000 cookies for our leadership students, who will be handing out cookies at lunch on Tuesday, the 23rd. See below for more details and use this link to sign up.
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Thursday, the 25th, is the last day of the 2nd quarter and is a two hour early release day.
- On Friday, the 26th, there will be no school for students due to it being a teacher work day.
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7pm on Friday, the 26th, our talented students will be performing Dessert on Broadway, our high school broadway musical review. If you can’t make it on Friday for sweet tunes and sweet treats, they will be performing again at 2pm and 7pm on Saturday, the 27th.
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January 27th is the deadline for senior baby ad photos in the yearbook! Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and type in Woodson’s code – 5278.
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February 19th is the first day of spring sport tryouts. For more information on requirements, tryout times, and contacts, visit www.woodsonsports.com or stop by the Activities Office in C103.
I want to encourage families to discuss course selection with your students prior to attending Curriculum Night on Tuesday. The best schedules support a balance between academics and extracurriculars, and include a healthy mix of challenging classes, passion classes, and classes that meet graduation requirements. Two great questions for students to answer: Will you be challenged? and Will you have fun?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Stay warm, and enjoy the SNOW!
Kevin Greata
Principal
WoodsonConnect@fcps.edu
Audio Version of the Woodson Weekly
2. It's Cookie Time
Woodson Leadership classes need your help!
On Tuesday, January 23rd, student leadership would like to have a cookie handout for all students during all lunches. In order to do so, they are in need of about 2,000 donated cookies. Cookies can be dropped off in the main office all day Monday and before 9:30am on Tuesday. All types of cookies are needed, including gluten free, peanut free, or any other common allergen free. Please have cookies separated if they differ in ingredients, so we can make sure there is no cross contamination! Cookies will be distributed between cafeterias A and B from 11:15am - 1:20pm on Tuesday, January 23rd. Thank you for your help!
3. Academic Advising and Curriculum Night
Academic Advising and the course selection process for 2024-2025 has begun! For more detailed information, please review the e-notify that was sent out on Wednesday, January 10th to parents and guardians of current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students.
Important upcoming dates for Academic Advising related events:
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Tuesday, January 23rd: Curriculum Night: 6-8pm (for all students, and their parents/guardians, who plan to attend Woodson HS next year)
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Monday, January 29th: Academic Advising for current Juniors begins
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Monday, February 12th: Academic Advising for current Sophomores begins
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Monday, February 22nd: Academic Advising for current Freshmen begins
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Thursday, March 14th: Last day for students to make changes to course requests for next year (after this date, students will be placed on a waitlist for any course request changes)
Much of the information shared during our events related to Academic Advising can be found on our Academic Advising website. Additional detailed information about the academic advising and course selection process can be found on the Student Services Academic Advising Padlet as well. Please bookmark these sites and refer back to them throughout the next couple of months as you have conversations at home with your students regarding course selections for next year.
This week was Virginia School Principal Week!
Thank you, Mr. Greata, for your leadership, dedication, and passion.
4. Meditation and Reflective Space Updates (Formerly the Prayer Room)
Starting in the 3rd quarter, we will be updating our procedures for the Meditation and Reflection Space (formerly the prayer room). We are adding a parent permission component and setting a common time for the space to be used. The space will be available between roughly 1:10 pm and 1:40 pm each day. The rationale is that this will minimize the amount of time students will be out of any single class. Only students with an approved pass will be able to use the space. To obtain an approved pass, students must fill out this form. Parents will then be contacted by an administrator. Once parent/guardian permission has been granted, students will receive a pass for the space.
5. SPIRIT Council Membership Drive
Our SPIRIT Council is looking to increase their numbers and impact at our school. The SPIRIT Council resulted from our participation in a program developed by the Department of Justice Community Relations Service, namely the Student Problem Identification & Resolution of Issues Together (School-SPIRIT) program. Our SPIRIT Council collaborates with other student and staff leaders in the school to have a positive impact on our school climate by identifying and addressing school conflicts. Our SPIRIT council will not only work in committees to fulfill that important mission, but it will also take the lead in collaborating with other clubs and leaders to support the recognition of heritage months. We are very excited about their leadership and the leadership opportunities this will provide prospective members in helping our school lead with our diverse strengths. The SPIRIT Council will be sending out an interest form this week to students, and they will be holding their new member meeting after school on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
6. Library Service Learning Project
Woodson Library proudly announces that our Library Service Learning project of making hats and scarves will now include ECHO. ECHO is a non-profit organization that helps provide clothing to the Burke and Springfield community.
The Woodson Library collected 48 knitted, crocheted, and round-loom knitting items, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of Woodson students. Their handmade creations will surely bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most. This project is a fantastic way for Woodson students to participate in service learning and contribute to their community.
Parents if your student needs Service Learning hours please contact Lisa Muir at lkmuir@fcps.edu.
For the most up to date information on activities and ongoing events at Woodson, please follow us on Instagram at @woodsoncavalry and @wtwoodsonhs.
Other helpful Instagram Woodson accounts: Athletics - @woodsoncavathletics | Student Services - @wtwstudentsvcs Seniors - @wtwclassof2024 | Juniors - @wtwclassof25 Library @woodsonlibrary | College & Career Center at @wtwcareercenter PTSO is on Facebook
7. Calendar Reminder
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Thursday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Friday, January 26, for a teacher work day.
See the complete school year calendar. |
8. What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse
FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.
What can families do?
- Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
- Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
- Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
- Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
- Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”
Visit the FCPS website for more information.
Woodson athletes take on Frost MS at the Unified Special Olympics basketball game.
9. College & Career Center
Resources for College & Career planning can be found on the Woodson College & Career Padlets. All upcoming events with registration links are listed in the Woodson Wide School Calendar. Please see highlights below.
January 22 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance Lunch Info Table
January 23 | NOVA Application Session for Seniors
January 30 | FCPS Gap Year Fair @ Marshall HS
February 13 | U.S. Service Academy & ROTC Program Info Night @ Madison HS
Newsletters are posted HERE. Please see highlights for this week’s newsletter below.
Highlights: Aviation Institute of Maintenance Lunch Visit, Gap Year Fair, FAFSA Support, Children's Science Center LAB Stem Summer Internship.
Scholarships: Self-nomination Scholarships, Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal, Denise Dowse Drama Scholarship, Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, UCB Family Epilepsy, Northern VA Community Foundation, Global Public Health, Plein Environmental Fund, Fairfax Civitan & more.
Enrichment: AMIGOS Summer Volunteer, White House Summer Youth Photography Program, Leadership in STEM, FLEET Engineering Competition, Arctic Ops Conference, Vet Med Careers, VCU Pre-Health Program, Olde Creek ES Volunteer Opportunity & more.
Previous News, but Still Important
10. Spring Sport Tryouts
Spring Sports Tryouts will start on Monday, February 19th. Please note this is Presidents' Day. In order for an athlete to be eligible to participate in tryouts, they must have Activity Registration submitted online and also have a VHSL Sports Physical turned in to our Athletic Office, prior to February 19th.
Questions? Visit our Athletic Website or have your student stop by the Activities Office C103.
11. Woodson Parent Book Club
The Woodson Library is interested in hosting a parent book club. Our goal is to read Young Adult fiction or nonfiction titles followed by a discussion of the book titles in connection with Woodson High School Values.
Parents can select a book of their choice with the only requirement being that the book is a Young Adult title.
Please RSVP to Lisa Muir at lkmuir@fcps.edu if you are interested. Potential Meeting times: The Last Tuesday of the Month via Zoom at 7pm. The first meeting will be held via Zoom and we can move to meet in person if preferred.
What Woodson High School Values:
D - Diversity: We celebrate one another’s positive contributions to the common good and seek a full understanding of what it means to be human.
I - Inclusion: We prioritize providing everyone with an environment where they feel welcome, wanted and valued.
V - Voice: We foster an environment that inspires and empowers individual creativity and uniqueness while hearing and valuing each story.
E - Engagement: We encourage students to discover and establish their academic and extra-curricular passions in individual and communal contexts.
R - Resilience: We traverse difficult journeys utilizing resources to navigate personal, physical, and academic challenges.
S - Strength: We support one another and are stronger as a group than as individuals.
E - Ethical Behavior: We hold each other in positive regard, interacting with one another ethically and uplifting those around us.
12. Academy Open Houses
Is your child interested in architecture and construction, information technology, or health science? FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.
An Academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses. More than a dozen career fields can be explored through FCPS academies.
Learn more and find the calendar of Academy open houses.
The snow didn't stop our school from showing kindness for "Dude. Be Nice."
week this week. Mr. Greata, Woodson Principal, braved the cold after the dismissal bell on Thursday and passed out bracelets and lollipops to students.
13. TalkingPoints: 2-Way Messaging (Multi-Language Translation) App
Woodson Administration will be sending out new communication updates via TalkingPoints, a two-way messaging app that some have already been using, which allows parents and caregivers to communicate with teachers and schools.
The app translates messages, so teachers and staff can input messages in English and parents can respond in their preferred language. TalkingPoints supports 125 languages, making it easier and faster for our FCPS families to connect with their schools.
There are two ways families can use TalkingPoints.
- School and teacher messages will come directly to the phone number that is registered in our system as a SMS text or through the TalkingPoints Parent App.
- You can reply by text or through the app.
If you need to update your preferred correspondence language or phone number, contact Woodson's registrar Darlene Sheppard at DMSheppard@fcps.edu.
For more information, visit the FCPS TalkingPoints webpage.
14. 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 A112/A114 are:
- Odd Days during Learning Seminar
- Monday - 7:45am - 8:10am
Any other time you should try to make an appointment using a ticket from the Support Portal.
Thank you, Woodson HS Tech Support Team WoodsonTechTeam@fcps.edu
15. Attendance
Attendance is critical to student success in the classroom.
Parents/guardians must contact the Woodson attendance office (703-503-4800) to report all attendance matters.
Emails and online forms will no longer be accepted to notify our school of your student’s absence, late arrivals or early dismissals. Woodson is not monitoring or accepting any absences submitted via email, due to an excessive number of forgeries.
For more information on attendance procedures, please visit the Woodson Attendance wepage.
703-503-4800 Attendance Office Message Line
E107 Attendance Office location
16. Class of 2024
Visit the Class of 2024 webpage.
Parents and Guardians of Seniors - Please check your email for an important information message that went via E-Notify on Wednesday January 10th. This message reviews Senior Dues, Cap and Gown Sizing, important dates for the remainder of your seniors' school year, and other information.
Parking Passes for the 2023-2024 school year are completely sold out!
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Purchase a Class of 2024 Yard Sign Here! |
17. Order Your Woodson Yearbook
Deadline for Senior Baby Ads is coming up - January 27th!
Celebrate your senior with a baby ad in the yearbook! Go to 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.
Reserve your copy now at the early-bird price of $70. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter Woodson’s code, 5278.
18. 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 7pm online. The link to join will be sent out in the PTSO WeMail on Tuesday afternoons.
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!
19. Resources For Mental Wellness
All FCPS high school students can access virtual therapy sessions with licensed counselors from Hazel Health at no cost.
Hazel’s therapists — who specialize in working with teens — can help students address mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss, anxiety, peer and family relationships, and academic stress.
For high schoolers to participate in teletherapy services, caregivers must:
Students must be referred to therapy by a caregiver or designated school staff member.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
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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