October 31, 2024 Newsletter

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Tag day is THIS SATURDAY, so make sure you set aside the day to help out your team.

1. TAG DAY THIS SATURDAY, 11/2, 8:30AM

2. CRAFT SHOW NEXT WEEKEND, 11/9
A. CRITICAL NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS!!
B. BOREDOM RELIEF PROGRAM
C. VENDOR PREVIEW PAGE

3. LAST OPTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING, 11/6

4. WINTER CONDITIONING

5. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

WAIT – THERE’S MORE?


1. TAG DAY THIS SATURDAY, 11/2, 8:30AM
We need more adults and athletes to show up!! If you did not participate in Tag Day last weekend, please make sure you’re signed up for this weekend. Please sign up here – we need all hands on deck to make this event work!! Review THIS newsletter for all the information you need or the Tag Days webpage. Still have questions? Reach out to Tag Day Coordinator Patrick Obruba via Slack.

2. CRAFT SHOW NEXT WEEKEND, 11/9
A. CRITICAL NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS!!
There are tons of unassigned spots that MUST be filled. There will be 100+ vendors and thousands of shoppers in attendance, so we need lots of help to make this very popular regional show (that is also an important fundraiser for our team) a success. We don’t only need your time – we also need your BAKING SKILLS! Volunteer for a spot but also consider signing up to bring a baked good for us to sell. Sign up here: Craft Show Volunteer Sign Up.

    B. BOREDOM RELIEF PROGRAM
    Ms. Virginia North America, Taylor Ragano, will have a table set up to support her Boredom Relief Program. She will be collecting items (books, coloring books, games and other forms of entertainment) and raising funds and awareness for mental health patients in psychiatric hospitals and residential programs. Visit her website to learn more about how you can help. Get into the holiday spirit of giving AND maybe get your photo taken with a bonafide beauty queen!

      C. VENDOR PREVIEW PAGE
      New this year, we have a Vendor Preview Page on our website. Check out all of our amazing vendors, follow them on social media, and get ready to shop!

      3. LAST OPTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING, 11/6
      The last day of optional strength training will be Wednesday, November 6 at the Woodson weight room from 6:30-7:30a. There will not be optional strength training on Monday, November 4 because of the day off from school.

        4. WINTER CONDITIONING
        The team will begin winter Conditioning on Monday, December 2.
        BEFORE YOU CAN PARTICIPATE, all athletes must have:
        (1) a physical on file with the Woodson Athletic Dept.
        (hard copies delivered to Rm. C158, soft copies emailed to the athletic trainer).
        (2) Completed the Woodson Athletics Registration

        To learn more about why you should participate in winter conditioning, visit our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/winter-conditioning/. Participation is highly encouraged for all athletes to develop the cardiovascular fitness and camaraderie needed to make winning boats!

        5. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
        This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/

        NOVEMBER:

        DECEMBER:

        • Mon, 12/2: Winter Conditioning Begins
        • 12/23-1/3/25: Winter break.
        • 12/30-01/03: Tentative optional training. Stay tuned for more info.

        JANUARY 2025:

        FEBRUARY:

        MARCH:

        • Sat, 3/22: Polar Bear Regatta (Varsity Only), Sandy Run

        WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

        RECRUITMENT:

        Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].

        STAY UP TO DATE: Join the newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] or view the newsletter archives on our website.

        INTERESTED IN SPONSORING WOODSON ROWING?

        Visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Woodson Rowing Fundraising.

        Can’t sponsor but want to donate?Check out our Donors page for instructions and information on how your donations benefit our team!

        NEED SWAG?

        There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support! See our Spirit Wear Page for more info!

        VIEW AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos page for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!

        FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

        October 25, 2024 – TAG DAY SPECIAL

        SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER ON OUR UPCOMING TAG DAY!

        Our first Tag Day is coming THIS SATURDAY, OCT 26!! Here’s all the info you need on the team’s BIGGEST and MOST LUCRATIVE fundraiser of the year. We need LOTS of PARENTS and as many ATHLETES as possible to make this a success.

        1. WHAT EXACTLY IS A TAG DAY?
        2. GENERAL TIMELINE OF EVENTS ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
        3. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?¶
        4. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ALL DAY?
        5. WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN UP?
        6. WHEN IS TAG DAY AGAIN?
        7. WHY DO WE DO TAG DAYS?


        ACTION ITEMS

        • SIGN UP NOW! if you haven’t yet.
        • ATHLETES: PRINT, FILL IN AND BRING this form (signed by your parents)
        • PARENT DRIVERS: PRINT, FILL IN AND BRING this form

        1. WHEN IS TAG DAY AGAIN?
        Tag Days have been divided up into TWO FULL DAY (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM) events. The first day is THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26. The second day is NEXT Saturday, November 2.

        2. WHAT EXACTLY IS A TAG DAY?
        Tag Days are the most important athlete-driven fundraiser of the year. 

        On Tag Days, athletes (transported by volunteer parents) walk door-to-door in our local neighborhoods. They are given scripts to help them confidently tell Woodson families about the sport of rowing, how we receive no FCPS funds, that we rely on dues and donations — and then ask for their support.

        Athletes are always grouped together, so no one goes alone. Groups of 3 or 4 athletes (with at least 1 returning/seasoned athlete) will be paired with 1 parent volunteer driver. Each parent volunteer will drive to their pre-mapped route so that the athletes may canvas their designated area. Parent volunteers are responsible for safely transporting athletes, keeping eyes on them during canvassing for safety, and helping them keep track of the cash and checks they collect.

        3. GENERAL TIMELINE OF EVENTS

        TimeEvent
        8:30 AMArrive. Please park at the FRONT of Woodson (Door 1).
        Meet up in Woodson Cafeteria A.
        8:45 – 9:00 AMPaperwork drop-off/signing, Safety Briefing, Morning Route Map Distribution, Vehicle assignments
        9:00 – 12:00 PMPerform Morning Routes
        12:00 – 12:30 PMReturn to Cafeteria A for a break and LUNCH
        12:30 – 12:45 PMAfternoon Route Map Distribution if needed
        12:30 – 3:00 PMPerform Afternoon Routes
        3:00 – 3:30 PMReturn, tally results and update leaderboards!
        Tag Day Timeline of Events. Times are not exact, but we will hold to this schedule as closely as possible. Any changes will be discussed in-person at the event!

        4. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?¶

        ATHLETES
        ❖  MUST BRING this form signed by your parents. We will have some blank ones on-site, but prefer you to print and fill out in advance so that we don’t have to chase down your parents for a signature before you can go.
        ❖  A refillable water bottle. Stay hydrated and then you’ll have water at lunch.
        ❖  A positive attitude!
        ❖  Woodson Rowing Spirit wear, if you have it. If you have some extra you’re willing to share with a novice, please bring it. A limited amount of spiritwear will be available to borrow for the day, should you wish.

        PARENTS
        ❖  ALL DRIVERS must fill out this form to transport student athletes. We will have some blank ones on-site, but to speed up the process and get everyone out and about efficients, please print and fill out in advance.
        ❖  Anything you might like to have on hand while sitting in the car for a few hours (water, coffee, etc.).
        ❖  Patience. It can be challenging for athletes who have never canvassed before to speak to strangers. Your kind words and encouragement will go a long way.

        5. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE ALL DAY?
        We still need your help! While we are hoping for everyone to participate for the full day, if you can only make the morning or afternoon shift, please note that in the comments on the sign up genius. The AM shift will run from approximately 8:30a – noon. The PM shift will run from approximately noon – 3:30p.

        6. WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN UP?
        It is preferred that you sign up beforehand because this allows parent volunteers to PRE-ASSIGN groups to routes, meaning everything runs a little more efficiently. But that being said, the more participants we have, the more quickly canvassing can be completed so please show up whether you remembered to sign up or not. Make it easy on all of us; click this link to SIGN UP NOW!

        7. WHY DO WE DO TAG DAYS?
        ❖  Tag Days are our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year. So, while it might seem a time-consuming event, it helps us keep YOUR registration costs down, pay the coaches and maintain our equipment.

        ❖  A FULL DAY OF VOLUNTEERING (pre- and post-lunch shifts) fulfills TWO of your athlete and/or parent volunteer requirements.

        ❖  For more information and a direct donation link, visit our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/tag-days/

        So, what are you waiting for? SIGN UP NOW!

        Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media!¶


        October 24, 2025 Newsletter

        Stay tuned for tomorrow’s TAG DAY SPECIAL EDITION newsletter with all you need to know going into our first Tag Day this Saturday. Read below for more news and more opportunities to help out the team!

        1. KOKEE TEA FUNDRAISER THIS FRIDAY, OCT 25

        2. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS ASAP
        A. TAG DAY, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2
        B. 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, FRI 11/8 and SAT 11/9

        3. RENTAL ERG RETURN, THIS SAT 10/26

        4. ONLY 3 GREEN DAYS LEFT!

        5. ONLY 3 MORE OPTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING DAYS LEFT

        6. WINTER CONDITIONING

        7. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

        Celebrate the end of your week with a Hug in a Cup! This Friday, Oct 25 from 3-7p. Please mention Woodson Rowing to have a portion of your sale donated back to the team!

        2. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS ASAP
        We are in dire need of your commitment to help with our TWO main fundraising events coming up: Tag Days and the Craft Show. The next 3 weekends are critical to the Spring season. Properly staffed, we make a predominant amount of the money we need for a successful season. We cannot do that without LOTS of help. All of our volunteering opportunities are always just a click away on our volunteering page. Visit and bookmark the site to stay up-to-date on how you can help the team! 

        A. TAG DAY, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2
        Tag Days are the Woodson Rowing team’s most important fundraiser of the year. Funds collected during Tag Days off-set many of your costs during the season! Novice athletes are strongly encouraged to attend Tag Days because: (1) it helps to knock out volunteer requirements, (2) they get to spend the day bonding with varsity athletes and (3) it teaches them how to “talk about” rowing (since it is a new sport to most). Please sign up here – we need all hands on deck to make this event work!! Our Tag Days webpage can answer lots of your questions but we will also send out a special edition Tag Day newsletter TOMORROW with all the specific details you may need. Still have questions? Reach out to Tag Day Coordinator Patrick Obruba via Slack. 

          B. 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW, FRI 11/8 and SAT 11/9
          Set up for the event will begin Friday, November 8 from 6-8p. Volunteers are also needed during  the event itself from 6:30a-4:30p on Saturday, Nov 9. Sign up to help to make this very popular regional show (that is also an important fundraiser for our team) a success. We will likely have 100+ vendors and, literally, thousands of shoppers on the day of the event. There are all types of volunteer spots available: help set up, provide baked goods, and get to know vendors on the day of the event. Sign up to help here: Craft Show Volunteer Sign Up.

            We only have spots for a few more vendors! If your favorite vendor hasn’t signed up yet, encourage them to do so ASAP! 2024 Craft Show Vendor Registration.

            3. RENTAL ERG RETURN, THIS SAT 10/26
            Return your rented erg to the Woodson Rowing Erg Shed (back of school near senior parking) any time during a 8a-12p window. If you can, plan to stay for the Erg Shed Workday going on at the same time!

            4. ONLY 3 GREEN DAYS LEFT!
            There are only 3 Green Days left, including today! (Thu – 10/24, Mon – 10/28, and  Tue- 10/29). This is the last opportunity this season to get some experience in the boats (or refresh your skills) until we officially go on-the-water in late February. Make sure you sign up for any and all days now! Green Days Sign Up Genius.

            5. ONLY 3 MORE OPTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING DAYS LEFT
            The last day of optional strength training will be Wednesday, November 6. The remaining strength training sessions will occur at the Woodson weight room from 6:30-7:30a on 10/28, 10/30 and 11/6. There will not be optional strength training on Monday, November 4 because of the day off from school. Coaches are in attendance to help you get stronger. Set your foundation for Winter Conditioning now! 

            6. WINTER CONDITIONING
            The team will begin winter Conditioning on Monday, December 2. BEFORE YOU CAN PARTICIPATE, all athletes must have:

            To learn more about why you should participate in winter conditioning, visit our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/winter-conditioning/. Participation is highly encouraged for all athletes to develop the cardiovascular fitness and camaraderie needed to make winning boats!

            7. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
            This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/

            OCTOBER:

            • Thu, 10/24: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
            • Fri, 10/25: Kokee Tea fundraiser, 3-7p
            • Sat, 10/26: Erg Shed Work Day and return rented ergs, 8a-12p
            • Sat, 10/26: First Tag Day, 8:45a – 4p
            • Sat, 10/26:  VASRA Dock Work day
            • Mon, 10/28: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                      Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
            • Tue, 10/29: Wendy’s restaurant fundraiser, all day long!
                    Last Green Day, 4:45p
            • Wed, 10/30: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a

            NOVEMBER:

            DECEMBER:

            • Mon, 12/2: Winter Conditioning Begins
            • 12/23-1/3/25: Winter break.
            • 12/30-01/03: Tentative optional training. Stay tuned for more info.

            JANUARY 2025:

            FEBRUARY:

            MARCH:

            • Sat, 3/22: Polar Bear Regatta (Varsity Only), Sandy Run

            WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

            RECRUITMENT:

            Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].

            STAY UP TO DATE: Join the newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] or view the newsletter archives on our website.

            INTERESTED IN SPONSORING WOODSON ROWING?

            Visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Woodson Rowing Fundraising.

            Can’t sponsor but want to donate?Check out our Donors page for instructions and information on how your donations benefit our team!

            NEED SWAG?

            There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support! See our Spirit Wear Page for more info!

            VIEW AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos page for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!

            FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

            October 17, 2024 Newsletter

            Big thank you to the folks that have signed up to work the concession stand at the Woodson Homecoming football game this Friday! We appreciate you representing our team and hope you have a great time at the game.

            1. VOLUNTEERING UPDATES
            A. CRITICAL NEED: TAG DAY, SAT 10/26.
            B. VASRA DOCK REBUILD, SAT 10/19 or SAT 10/26
            C. 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

            2. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/26

            3. ONLY 6 GREEN DAYS LEFT!

            4. ARE YOU ON SLACK?

            5. WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WOODSON ROWING

            6. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

            WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

            ACTION ITEMS
            Please sign up here for our first Tag Day.

            1. VOLUNTEERING UPDATES
              All of our volunteering opportunities are always just a click away on our volunteering page. Visit and bookmark the site to stay up-to-date on how you can help the team! 

            A. CRITICAL NEED: TAG DAY, SAT 10/26.
            Tag Days are the Woodson Rowing team’s most important fundraiser of the year. Properly staffed, Tag Days off-set many of your costs during the season! Novice athletes are strongly encouraged to attend Tag Days because: (1) it helps to knock out volunteer requirements, (2) they get to spend the day bonding with varsity athletes and (3) it teaches them how to “talk about” rowing (since it is a new sport to most). Please sign up here – we need all hands on deck to make this event work!! Our Tag Days webpage can answer lots of your questions, but also feel free to reach out to our Tag Day Coordinator, Patrick Obruba, via Slack.

              B. VASRA DOCK REBUILD, SAT 10/19 or SAT 10/26
              VASRA has asked for help in rebuilding docks at Sandy Run! No experience necessary, but know that this is a labor intensive job. Wearing CLOSED-TOE, sturdy shoes is a MUST. Make sure you note your affiliation with Woodson when you sign up: VASRA Dock Work Days.

                (Note: Tag Days should be the priority on Oct 26, but if you have multiple family members that want to help crank out most of your volunteer credits in one weekend – divide and conquer!)

                C. 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
                Set up for the event will begin Friday, November 8 from 6-8p. Volunteers are also needed during  the event itself from 6:30a-4:30p on Saturday, Nov 9. Sign up to help to make this very popular regional show (that is also an important fundraiser for our team) a success. We will likely have 100+ vendors and, literally, thousands of shoppers on the day of the event. There are all types of volunteer spots available: help set up, provide baked goods, and get to know vendors on the day of the event. Sign up to help here: Craft Show Volunteer Sign Up.

                  We only have spots for about 9 more vendors! If your favorite vendor hasn’t signed up yet, encourage them to do so ASAP! 2024 Craft Show Vendor Registration.

                  2. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/26
                  Return your rented erg to the Woodson Rowing Erg Shed (back of school near senior parking) any time during a 8a-12p window. If you can, plan to stay for the Erg Shed Workday going on at the same time!


                  3. ONLY 6 GREEN DAYS LEFT!
                  Including today’s Green Day, there are only 6 more opportunities to get some experience in the boats (or refresh your skills) until we officially go on-the-water in late February. Make sure you sign up for any and all days now! Green Days Sign Up Genius.

                  4. ARE YOU ON SLACK?
                  Slack is a communications tool combining the best elements of text messaging and email. We use Slack for more immediate communications than this newsletter. There are 2 separate Slack spaces: one for coach and athlete communications and a separate space for parent/guardian communications. 

                  Parent / Guardian Slack: In addition to push notifications for team related information such as weather or other cancellations, Slack creates a space for parents to be able to coordinate carpools, and other team related logistics. If you are a parent or guardian and are not yet on Slack, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information: (1) your name, (2) your email address, and (3) the full name of your athlete. Once your request is processed, you will receive a separate invite link from Slack to join. There is an app you may download on your mobile devices to access Slack or you may log-in using any browser.  

                  Coach / Athlete Slack: Coaches will ensure that all athletes are added to this Slack space. Athletes not currently on Slack should let coaches know at green days or optional strength training. Please note that you must have a NON-FCPS email to join this space. Parents and guardians do not have direct access to this space. This is your athlete’s responsibility and an opportunity for them to learn to communicate more readily and effectively with their teammates and coaches.


                  5. WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WOODSON ROWING
                  Before the season even kicks off, we have Green Days, optional strength training and winter conditioning. If you are interested in trying out Woodson Rowing, here’s what you need:

                  A. Have a physical on file with the Woodson Athletic Dept

                  B. Complete Woodson Athletics Registration (this is separate from the rowing team registration that will come closer to the season start)

                  C. Pass a swim test with Woodson Rowing. If you are a new athlete and have not done a swim test, please reach out to [email protected] to be placed on a list for future swim tests. We will have another round of swim tests in the fall/winter before on-the-water practices begin in late February.

                    Still feeling unsure? Check out the 2024 Parent Info Session Slides to see what the season is all about. Please also check out the Novice Tips page crafted by parent, Cindy Tomlinson to learn more about what the first year looks like.

                    6. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
                    This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/

                    OCTOBER:

                    • Thu, 10/17: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                    • Fri, 10/18: Football concessions
                    • Sat, 10/19: VASRA Dock Work day
                    • Mon, 10/21: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                              Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                    • Tue, 10/22: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                    • Wed, 10/23: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                    • Thu, 10/24: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                    • Fri, 10/25: Kokee Tea fundraiser, 3-7p
                    • Sat, 10/26: Erg Shed Work Day and return rented ergs, 8a-12p
                    • Sat, 10/26: First Tag Day, 8:45a – 4p
                    • Sat, 10/26:  VASRA Dock Work day
                    • Mon, 10/28: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                              Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                    • Tue, 10/29: Wendy’s restaurant fundraiser, all day long!
                            Last Green Day, 4:45p
                    • Wed, 10/30: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a

                    NOVEMBER:

                    • Sat, 11/2: 2nd Tag Day, 8:45a – 4p
                    • Wed, 11/6: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                    • Fri, 11/8: Set up for the craft show, Sign up to help
                    • Sat, 11/9: 31st Annual Craft Show, 10a-4p, Sign up to help
                    • Wed, 11/13: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                    • Mon, 11/18: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                    • Wed, 11/20: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                    • Mon, 11/25: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a

                    DECEMBER:

                    • Mon, 12/2: Winter Conditioning Begins
                    • 12/23-1/3/25: Winter break. Tentative optional training during the week of 12/30-⅓.

                    JANUARY 2025:

                    FEBRUARY:

                    MARCH:

                    • Sat, 3/22: Polar Bear Regatta (Varsity Only), Sandy Run

                    WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

                    RECRUITMENT:

                    Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].

                    STAY UP TO DATE: Join the newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] or view the newsletter archives on our website.

                    INTERESTED IN SPONSORING WOODSON ROWING?

                    Visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Woodson Rowing Fundraising.

                    Can’t sponsor but want to donate?Check out our Donors page for instructions and information on how your donations benefit our team!

                    NEED SWAG?

                    There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support! See our Spirit Wear Page for more info!

                    VIEW AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos page for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!

                    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

                    October 11, 2024 Newsletter

                    We have many volunteer opportunities that are on the horizon. Please sign up for any and all opportunities you (and your athlete) are available for. They are a great way to get to know other families on the team and to help the team kick off the season! Don’t feel intimidated or worried about not knowing how to do things – there will be plenty of experienced folks there to guide you. Get out of your comfort zone and volunteer now!!

                    1. CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – PLEASE SIGN UP NOW!
                    A. 2 MORE FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, FRI 10/18
                    B. HELP VASRA REBUILD DOCKS, SAT 10/19 and SAT 10/26
                    C. EVERYONE IS NEEDED FOR TAG DAYS, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2
                    D. HELP MAKE THE 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW A SUCCESS, SAT 11/9

                    2. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/26

                    3. NO OPTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING ON MON, OCT 14

                    4. REMINDER RE: GREEN DAYS

                    5. ARE YOU ON SLACK?

                    6. WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WOODSON ROWING

                    7. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

                    WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

                    ACTION ITEMS
                    Please sign up for any and all volunteer opportunities you can! 

                    1. CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – PLEASE SIGN UP NOW!
                      Listed below are all the current volunteering needs we have, but all of our volunteering opportunities are always just a click away on our volunteering page. Visit and bookmark the site to stay up-to-date on how you can help the team!

                    A. 2 MORE FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, FRI 10/18
                    Big thank you to all the folks that have already signed up to work the concession stand at the Woodson Homecoming football game! We still have 2 spots in the 2nd shift (8:00-9:45 PM) available. This is a fun opportunity to get some volunteer credits early, meet some other parents on the team AND get to watch the game. Sign up here: Football Concessions Sign Up.

                    B. HELP VASRA REBUILD DOCKS, SAT 10/19 and SAT 10/26
                    VASRA has asked for help in rebuilding docks at Sandy Run! No experience necessary, but know that this is a labor intensive job. Wearing CLOSED-TOE, sturdy shoes is a MUST. Make sure you note your affiliation with Woodson when you sign up: VASRA Dock Work Days.

                      (Note: Tag Days should be the priority on Oct 26, but if you have multiple family members that want to help crank out most of your volunteer credits in one weekend – divide and conquer!)

                      C. EVERYONE IS NEEDED FOR TAG DAYS, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2
                      We are still in need of LOTS of athletes and parent drivers for both Tag Days. This is THE opportunity for novice athletes to spend the day with varsity athletes! Tag Days are the Woodson Rowing team’s most important fundraiser of the year. Please sign up here – we need all hands on deck to make this event work!! Stay tuned for more information as the dates get closer, but if you have general questions please see our Tag Days webpage for information.

                        D. HELP MAKE THE 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW A SUCCESS, SAT 11/9
                        Our annual craft show is back! Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, November 8. In past years, we have had 100+ vendors and 2000+ shoppers!! We need lots of help to make this very popular regional show (that is also an important fundraiser for our team) a success. You can help set up, provide baked goods, and get to know vendors on the day of the event. Sign up to help here: Craft Show Volunteer Sign Up.

                          We are always looking for new and returning VENDORS for the Craft Show! Vendors can register here: 2024 Craft Show Vendor Registration.

                          2. RENTAL ERG RETURN, SAT 10/26
                          Return your rented erg to the Woodson Rowing Erg Shed (back of school near senior parking) any time during a 8a-12p window. If you can, plan to stay for the Erg Shed Workday going on at the same time!

                          3. NO OPTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING ON MON, OCT 14
                          There will NOT be optional strength training on Monday, October 14 because of the teacher workday. There WILL be a Green Day, however. So, plan to come to green days since you’ll have all day to catch up on school work. Sign up here: Green Days Sign Up

                          4. REMINDER RE: GREEN DAYS
                          When in doubt about whether a Green Day is happening or not, you should first check the Sign Up Genius to see if the date is listed. If the date is listed but you’re concerned about cancellation, check the #general channel in Slack for any last minute changes.

                          NOVICES: you should come to ALL the green days you can for the rest of the month!  You are not limited to attending on Mondays. The coaches prefer that a novice come to their FIRST green day on a Monday so that they can give them ample orientation time. After that, please attend any or all days you can to get more experience in a boat.

                          There WILL be Green Day on Monday, 10/14 since that is a teacher workday and not a holiday.

                          5. ARE YOU ON SLACK?
                          Slack is a communications tool combining the best elements of text messaging and email. We use Slack for more immediate communications than this newsletter. There are 2 separate Slack spaces: one for coach and athlete communications and a separate space for parent/guardian communications. 

                          Parent / Guardian Slack: In addition to push notifications for team related information such as weather or other cancellations, Slack creates a space for parents to be able to coordinate carpools, and other team related logistics. If you are a parent or guardian and are not yet on Slack, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information: (1) your name, (2) your email address, and (3) the full name of your athlete. Once your request is processed, you will receive a separate invite link from Slack to join. There is an app you may download on your mobile devices to access Slack or you may log-in using any browser.  

                          Coach / Athlete Slack: Coaches will ensure that all athletes are added to this Slack space. Athletes not currently on Slack should let coaches know at green days or optional strength training. Please note that you must have a NON-FCPS email to join this space. Parents and guardians do not have direct access to this space. This is your athlete’s responsibility and an opportunity for them to learn to communicate more readily and effectively with their teammates and coaches.

                          6. WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WOODSON ROWING
                          Before the season even kicks off, we have Green Days, optional strength training and winter conditioning. If you are interested in trying out Woodson Rowing, here’s what you need:

                          A. Have a physical on file with the Woodson Athletic Dept

                          B. Complete Woodson Athletics Registration (this is separate from the rowing team registration that will come closer to the season start)

                          C. Pass a swim test with Woodson Rowing. If you are a new athlete and have not done a swim test, please reach out to [email protected] to be placed on a list for future swim tests. We will have another round of swim tests in the fall/winter before on-the-water practices begin in late February.

                            Still feeling unsure? Check out the 2024 Parent Info Session Slides to see what the season is all about. Please also check out the Novice Tips page crafted by parent, Cindy Tomlinson to learn more about what the first year looks like.

                            7. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
                            This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/

                            OCTOBER:

                            • Mon, 10/14: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Tue, 10/15: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Wed, 10/16: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                            • Thu, 10/17: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Fri, 10/18: Football concessions
                            • Sat, 10/19: VASRA Dock Work day
                            • Mon, 10/21: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                      Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Tue, 10/22: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Wed, 10/23: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                            • Thu, 10/24: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Fri, 10/25: Kokee Tea fundraiser, 3-7p
                            • Sat, 10/26: Erg Shed Work Day and return rented ergs, 8a-12p
                            • Sat, 10/26: First Tag Day, 8:45a – 4p
                            • Sat, 10/26:  VASRA Dock Work day
                            • Mon, 10/28: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                      Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                            • Tue, 10/29: Wendy’s restaurant fundraiser, all day long!
                                    Last Green Day, 4:45p
                            • Wed, 10/30: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a

                            NOVEMBER:

                            • Sat, 11/2: 2nd Tag Day, 8:45a – 4p
                            • Wed, 11/6: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                            • Fri, 11/8: Set up for the craft show, Sign up to help
                            • Sat, 11/9: 31st Annual Craft Show, 10a-4p, Sign up to help
                            • Wed, 11/13: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                            • Mon, 11/18: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                            • Wed, 11/20: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                            • Mon, 11/25: Optional Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a

                            DECEMBER:

                            • Mon, 12/2: Winter Conditioning Begins
                            • 12/23-1/3/25: Winter break. Tentative optional training during the week of 12/30-⅓.

                            JANUARY 2025:

                            FEBRUARY:

                            MARCH:

                            • Sat, 3/22: Polar Bear Regatta (Varsity Only), Sandy Run

                            WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

                            RECRUITMENT:

                            Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].

                            STAY UP TO DATE: Join the newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] or view the newsletter archives on our website.

                            INTERESTED IN SPONSORING WOODSON ROWING?

                            Visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Woodson Rowing Fundraising.

                            Can’t sponsor but want to donate?Check out our Donors page for instructions and information on how your donations benefit our team!

                            NEED SWAG?

                            There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support! See our Spirit Wear Page for more info!

                            VIEW AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos page for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!

                            FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

                            October 3, 2024 Newsletter

                            CONGRATULATIONS to the athletes that passed the second swim test. Keep reading for more pre-season information and volunteer opportunities!

                            1. CLARITY ON GREEN DAYS

                            2. JOIN SLACK

                            3. WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WOODSON ROWING

                            4. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
                            A. 2 MORE FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, FRI 10/18
                            B. 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR ERG SHED WORKDAY, SAT 10/26
                            C. SIGN UP NOW FOR TAG DAYS, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2
                            D. HELP MAKE THE 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW A SUCCESS!

                            5. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE

                            WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

                            ACTION ITEMS
                            1. Join our Slack Community
                            2. Review Volunteer Opportunities and Sign Up!

                            1. CLARITY ON GREEN DAYS
                            When in doubt about whether a Green Day is happening or not, you should first check the Sign Up Genius to see if the date is listed. If the date is listed but you’re concerned about cancellation, check the #general channel in Slack for any last minute changes.

                            NOVICES: you should come to ALL the green days you can for the rest of the month!  You are not limited to attending on Mondays. The coaches prefer that a novice come to their FIRST green day on a Monday so that they can give them ample orientation time. After that, please attend any or all days you can to get more experience in a boat.

                            There WILL be Green Day on Monday, 10/14 since that is a teacher workday and not a holiday.

                            2. JOIN SLACK
                            Slack is a communications tool combining the best elements of text messaging and email. We use Slack for more immediate communications than this newsletter. There are 2 separate Slack spaces: one for coach and athlete communications and a separate space for parent/guardian communications. 

                            Parent / Guardian Slack: In addition to push notifications for team related information such as weather or other cancellations, Slack creates a space for parents to be able to coordinate carpools, and other team related logistics. If you are a parent or guardian and are not yet on Slack, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information: (1) your name, (2) your email address, and (3) the full name of your athlete. Once your request is processed, you will receive a separate invite link from Slack to join. There is an app you may download on your mobile devices to access Slack or you may log-in using any browser.  

                            Coach / Athlete Slack: Coaches will ensure that all athletes are added to this Slack space. Athletes not currently on Slack should let coaches know at green days or optional strength training. Please note that you must have a NON-FCPS email to join this space. Parents and guardians do not have direct access to this space. This is your athlete’s responsibility and an opportunity for them to learn to communicate more readily and effectively with their teammates and coaches.


                            3. WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WOODSON ROWING
                            Before the season even kicks off, we have Green Days, optional strength training and winter conditioning. If you (or a friend! Keep up the recruiting!!) are interested in trying out Woodson Rowing, here’s what you need:

                            A. Have a physical on file with the Woodson Athletic Dept

                            B. Complete Woodson Athletics Registration (this is separate from the rowing team registration that will come closer to the season start)

                            C. Pass a swim test with Woodson Rowing. If you are a new athlete and have not done a swim test, please reach out to [email protected] to be placed on a list for future swim tests. We will have another round of swim tests in the fall/winter before on-the-water practices begin in late February.

                              Still feeling unsure? Check out the 2024 Parent Info Session Slides to see what the season is all about. Please also check out the Novice Tips page crafted by parent, Cindy Tomlinson to learn more about what the first year looks like.

                              4. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
                              Listed below are all the current volunteering needs we have, but all of our volunteering opportunities are always just a click away on our volunteering page. Visit and bookmark the site to stay up-to-date on how you can help the team! 

                              A. 2 MORE FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, FRI 10/18
                              Big thank you to all the folks that have already signed up to work the concession stand at the Woodson Homecoming football game! We still have 2 spots in the 2nd shift (8:00-9:45 PM) available. This is a fun opportunity to get some volunteer credits early, meet some other parents on the team AND get to watch the game. Sign up here: Football Concessions Sign Up.

                              B. 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR ERG SHED WORKDAY, SAT 10/26
                              Yes – this is the same day as Tag Day. Athletes should plan to return their erg and then join Tag Days. Parents – if you’re not driving for Tag Day, please stick around to help with the erg shed workday. Many hands make light work for servicing these critical pieces of equipment!! Location will be the erg shed at the back of the school (near the senior parking lot). Erg Shed Workday Sign Up

                              C. SIGN UP NOW FOR TAG DAYS, SAT 10/26 and SAT 11/2
                              We are still in need of LOTS of athletes and parent drivers for both Tag Days. This is a great opportunity for novice athletes to spend the day with varsity athletes! Tag Days are the Woodson Rowing team’s most important fundraiser of the year. Please sign up here – we need all hands on deck to make this event work!! Stay tuned for more information as the dates get closer, but if you have general questions please see our Tag Days webpage for information.

                              D. HELP MAKE THE 31st ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW A SUCCESS!
                              Our annual craft show is back! Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10a-4p. Set up for the event will begin Friday, November 8. In past years, we have had 100+ vendors and 2000+ shoppers!! We need lots of help to make this very popular regional show (that is also an important fundraiser for our team) a success. You can help set up, provide baked goods, and get to know vendors on the day of the event. Sign up to help here: Craft Show Volunteer Sign Up.

                                We are always looking for new and returning VENDORS for the Craft Show! Vendors can register here: 2024 Craft Show Vendor Registration.

                                5. CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE
                                This calendar is constantly updated as events are added. Scroll here for a quick rundown of what’s up and coming. Where relevant and/or available, links are provided for more information. You can also see a visual representation of our calendar on our website: https://woodsonrowing.org/calendar/

                                OCTOBER:

                                • Mon, 10/7: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                        Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Tue, 10/8: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Wed, 10/9: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                • Thu, 10/10: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Mon, 10/14: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                          Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Tue, 10/15: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Wed, 10/16: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                • Thu, 10/17: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Fri, 10/18: Football concessions
                                • Mon, 10/21: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                          Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Tue, 10/22: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Wed, 10/23: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                • Thu, 10/24: Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Fri, 10/25: Kokee Tea fundraiser, 3-7p
                                • Sat, 10/26: Erg Shed Work Day and return rented ergs, 8a-12p
                                • Sat, 10/26: First Tag Day, 8:45a – 4p
                                • Mon, 10/28: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a
                                          Green Days at Sandy Run, 4:45p
                                • Tue, 10/29: Wendy’s restaurant fundraiser, all day long!
                                        Last Green Day, 4:45p
                                • Wed, 10/30: Strength Training at Woodson, 6:30a

                                NOVEMBER:

                                DECEMBER:

                                JANUARY 2025:

                                FEBRUARY:

                                MARCH:

                                • Fri, 3/21: First team dinner, directly after practice, place TBD
                                • Sat, 3/22: Polar Bear Regatta (Varsity Only), Sandy Run

                                WAIT – THERE’S MORE?

                                RECRUITMENT:

                                Direct interested athletes and their parents to our interest form or have them send an email to our membership team at: [email protected].

                                STAY UP TO DATE: Join the newsletter by sending an email to [email protected] or view the newsletter archives on our website.

                                INTERESTED IN SPONSORING WOODSON ROWING?

                                Visit our Sponsorship Page or contact Woodson Rowing Fundraising.

                                Can’t sponsor but want to donate?Check out our Donors page for instructions and information on how your donations benefit our team!

                                NEED SWAG?

                                There are many ways for you to shop and benefit the team all while sporting your support! See our Spirit Wear Page for more info!

                                VIEW AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: Visit our Woodson Rowing photos page for more information on how you can help protect our legacy with photographs!

                                FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA