Woodlawn Warrior Connection
Engage. Empower. Excel.

Stay Informed. Stay Connected.
Community Updates
Hello, families! There will be additional information coming, once the letter is approved to send. However, I did want to share that after a meeting with local law enforcement and executive leadership, we will have additional supports beginning Monday. There are community issues that we will not allow to overshadow the work and accomplishments of our scholars. Out of over 1,800 students, there is less than 1% that used this past week to incite major events that lead to even greater concerns. I am committed to recreating a space where students, parents and staff feel safe and excited to come. I am also committed to working with law enforcement in addressing the larger community issues that are seeking to ruin the Woodlawn community. I sincerely hope you all will join the schoolhouse in those efforts.
PSAT Day
Just a reminder that Tuesday, Oct 20th, is PSAT Day for 10th grade. Please be sure to read your grade level communication and messages sent by Mr. Matthews, our testing coordinator.
MARKING PERIOD 1 GRADES
We encourage all parents/guardians to log into Schoology and review your child’s current grades and academic progress.
Please do not wait until the end of the marking period to address academic concerns. If your child is not currently meeting with success in one or more classes, we strongly encourage you to reach out directly to your child’s teacher(s) to discuss their progress, missing assignments, areas of concern, and available supports. Conferences are by appointment only and may be held virtually or in person.
Our goal is to work together now so that every student has the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments and finish Marking Period 1 successfully. Thank you for partnering with us and for continuing to monitor your child’s academic progress.
NEED A SCHOOLOGY ACCOUNT?
Create A Parent FOCUS & Schoology Account
Please click the link: Focus Parent Portal and within your account, there's a Schoology link which allows you to view your child's current grades. We encourage you and your warrior to review grades in their Schoology courses and look for missing assignments. Many missing assignments will be identified with the “missing” code (an orange hexagon). To ensure your learner’s interim and report card grades are an accurate reflection of their abilities, please ensure they have completed all assignments in each Schoology course. Please see below for creating a parent account, which allows you to actively monitor your warrior's grades. Again, if you see that your child is struggling, please reach out to the teacher to schedule a parent/teacher conference. You may email the teacher directly to schedule a meeting.
The following resources will help you set up and navigate Schoology:
How to Create a Parent Account in Focus and Schoology
Learn how to access your child's account in Schoology.
Learn how to navigate your view on Schoology.
Learn how to navigate your child's view on Schoology.
Are you always on the go? Download the Schoology app!
JOIN THE WHS PTSA
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
Warrior Families, we want YOU to be part of the WHS PTSA! Your voice, ideas, and involvement help strengthen the partnership between our families, students, staff, and community.
Whether you have a little time or a lot, your participation matters. Join the WHS PTSA and help us continue building a stronger Woodlawn together!
Your Voice. Your School. Our Warriors. Better Together.
WARRIOR FALL FUN EVENTS
🕵🏾 Some Mysterious Fun Is Coming to Woodlawn…
From October 1–23, students will have the opportunity to participate in a special schoolwide experience designed to promote attendance, school spirit, engagement, and a little friendly fun.
Students may notice some unexpected activities and surprises happening around Woodlawn throughout the month. We are intentionally keeping many of the details under wraps so students can experience everything as it unfolds.
Participation is completely voluntary, activities will not interfere with classroom instruction, and students will receive the information they need at school as the experience progresses.
We are asking families to help us keep the surprise going! 🤫 If your student starts asking questions, encourage them to pay attention at school and see what happens next.
There may even be something special waiting for students who stay engaged through the end. 👀
October 1. It begins.
🎉 Schoolwide BINGO Has Started! 🎉
Encourage your Warrior to play! ...
Our BINGO game for the school year is officially underway!
Want to play? Stop by the School Store in the back of the cafeteria during your scheduled lunch to pick up your BINGO card.
Complete the activities on your card throughout the school year for a chance to earn prizes and incentives.
Get your card and start playing today!
For additional questions please see or message Ms. Esther Santos on schoology or stop by F014
Meet Our WHS Alumni Faculty and Staff
There is something extra special about serving the school that once served you! Woodlawn High School is proud to have an incredible group of faculty and staff members who are also proud WHS alumni. From the Class of 1976 to the Class of 2025, our alumni staff represent generations of Warrior pride, and now they are giving back to the very community that helped shape them.
Among them is our proud principal, Mrs. Yalonda Booker, a member of the Woodlawn community for more than 50 years and a proud graduate of the Woodlawn High School Class of 1993! Her connection to Woodlawn has truly come full circle. Over the years, Mrs. Booker has served WHS as Staff Development Teacher, AVID Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Today, she has the tremendous honor of serving as Principal of her alma mater.
For Mrs. Booker, leading Woodlawn is more than a position. It is personal. Woodlawn is home. It is the community that educated her, supported her, and helped shape the person and leader she is today. She is incredibly proud to now give back to the students, families, staff, and community that have given so much to her.
And she is not alone! Throughout our building, WHS alumni are teaching, leading, mentoring, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of Warriors. Our students get to see every day what it means to come back, give back, and invest in the place that helped you become who you are.
Graduation Year & WHS Alumni Staff Member
1976- Carmen Alloca
1982- Wanda Durham
1988- Donna Jones
1990- Adrienne Lee
1992- Allison Fowlkes
1993- Yalonda Booker
1993- Augustus Thornton
1998- Catrice Sneed
2002- Nichelle Dixon
2005- James Gamble
2006- Yorell Johns
2006- Victoria Bell
2007- Darereis Montgomery
2008- Anton Blackwell
2011- Timira Johnson
2011- Michael McNeill
2016- Elisha Howard
2023- Nasean Waymon
2025- Joselyn Gomez
Warrior Connection: Family Newsletter
Thank you, Warrior Families, for partnering with us and helping us start the school year strong! We look forward to a highly engaging homecoming season with our Warriors.
Students should arrive to school at 7:15 am everyday and are considered late at 7:31am Students arriving after 8:00 am need to be signed in by a parent/guardian or have a signed note from a parent/guardian. Check the WHS website for detailed information: Students - Woodlawn High *Please review behavior expectations below, under Culture & Climate Corner.*
We also ask for your partnership in monitoring your child's phone use, text messages, social and social media activity, to ensure that it does not impact the school house. If your child has access to a cell phone or social media, we encourage you to actively supervise their online interactions. Please remember that the schoolhouse is not a place for text message or social media drama. While we are committed to supporting students' social-emotional well-being and helping them resolve conflicts, parents and guardians play the primary role in monitoring their child's digital activity and friendships.
Our school is a place for teaching, learning, and growth. To ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and disruption-free learning environment. Students who engage in behavior that disrupts teaching and learning will be subject to the appropriate consequences outlined in the Student Handbook. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we look forward to a successful 2026–2027 school year.
To ensure a daily smooth and safe entry and dismissal process, we kindly ask that parents refrain from picking up students for early dismissal before 9:00 am and after 1:00 PM. This helps minimize disruptions to instruction and prevents congestion during our beginning and end-of-day procedures. Also be reminded that food cannot be delivered nor dropped off for students. Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s work together to make this a successful and empowering year for our Woodlawn Warriors, on purpose and with purpose! Please review and sign the Student Handbook with your scholar:
🔗 Student Handbook Review & Acknowledgment
The full BCPS Student Handbook can be reviewed here:
2026–2027 BCPS Student Handbook: https://cdnsm5-ss3.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_2744/File/Students/StudentHandbook/StudentHandbook.pdf
Please review the handbook with your child and complete the electronic acknowledgment in the FOCUS app.
Upcoming Event Dates
*Also be sure to check out your grade level communication for grade level specific events.*
Date Event Details
October 5th–10th Homecoming Week A week of Warrior spirit, activities, and fun! Additional details will be shared with students and families.
October 15th & 19th Picture Day – Grades 9–11 School pictures will be taken by CADY. Seniors receive separate information directly from CADY regarding senior portraits.
October 16th- NO SCHOOL
October 20th PSAT Administration Grade-level-specific testing information will be shared with participating students and families prior to testing.
PURCHASE YOUR WARRIOR GEAR HERE!
SHOW YOUR WARRIOR PRIDE
Are you looking for Woodlawn Merch? Woodlawn Athletics offers an online store where you can purchase anything Woodlawn and customize to your liking. Click the following link and begin shopping: Warriors Sideline Store
PE Uniform Information
Resources for Our Spanish-Speaking Families
Stay Connected: Resources en Español
Staying connected is important! BCPS has created a one-stop resource for Spanish-speaking families with helpful videos, links, community resources, and information about health, legal, and educational services for parents and students. Scan the QR code or click the link below to explore these resources—all in Spanish!
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Please follow the directions in the above attachment, to locate your bus stop in FOCUS. If you are a walker, you will not have bus stop information.
Please visit the FOCUS portal to access your child's transportation status. All assignments are assigned directly from the BCPS Office of Transportation. If your child is a bus rider, the bus stop location, pick up and drop off times will be listed. Families with questions and/or concerns regarding your child's transportation status, can access that information by clicking the link below. Be advised your child's status is not determined by local schools. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding morning/afternoon bus transportation status, parents are advised to consult the BCPS website daily using the link below. For all other transportation concerns please contact BCPS Office of Transportation at 443-809-4321.
BCPS TRANSPORTATION STATUS: https://www.bcps.org/parents/transportation_status
CULTURE & CLIMATE CORNER: Daily Behavioral Expectations
Woodlawn is NOT an open campus. Student may not leave for lunch and food may not be dropped off nor delivered to students.
Critical Safety and Conduct Expectations for All Warriors
The Warrior Way: Safety First, Learning Always
At Woodlawn High School, we are committed to providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment for our scholars and staff. We know: “If we want better, together, we must do better.”
Please review the following critical safety and conduct expectations that all students must follow:
No Ski Masks, Hoods, or Hats Inside the Building
Students may not wear ski masks, hoods, or hats inside the building. These items block facial visibility and present a serious safety concern. If a student refuses to remove face/head coverings, the item will be confiscated, and disciplinary consequences will follow. Per BCPS policy, face/head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons (Student Handbook, p. 5).
Cell Phones & Earbuds: Off and Away
The schoolhouse is not a place for social media and text message drama. It is the responsibility of parent/guardians to monitor their child's cell phone use. Phones and earbuds must be off and away during instructional time. Cell phone use during class disrupts learning and school safety. No recording of incidents or fights; students who record or interfere with staff during emergencies will be suspended. See: Category II Offenses, Code of Conduct – p. 17 and Technology Acceptable Use – p. 6
Woodlawn is NOT an Open Campus
Students may not leave the building during the school day. When students arrive in the mornings, they may not leave campus. If a student leaves campus, they will not be permitted to re-enter. Parents/guardians will be notified and required to pick up their child. See: Attendance Responsibilities, p. 4 and Unexcused Absence/Truancy, p. 16
Arriving Late to School
Students who arrive late must have a note from a parent/guardian or doctor. Repeated lateness may result in disciplinary action. See: Attendance Policy 5120, p. 4
Fighting and Interference
Fighting is strictly prohibited. Students who fight, record fights or obstruct staff from intervening will be suspended. See: Category I & II Offenses, p. 16-17
No Food Deliveries or Balloon Drop-offs
Due to safety and operational concerns: Food deliveries (Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.) are not permitted. Parents may not drop off food or celebratory items (balloons, etc.). These disruptions compromise school security and instructional time.
Student Lockers
Lockers are available by request only. Lockers are for school-appropriate items only. Scholars should bring only the materials needed for daily instruction. We will be implementing a clear backpack policy for the next school year, and you will be learning more about those requirements in spring 2026.
Kudos to Our Committed Warriors
We commend students who consistently contribute to a positive and productive learning environment. Thank you for upholding the Warrior Way every day!
🔗 Student Handbook Review & Acknowledgment
The full BCPS Student Handbook can be reviewed here:
2026–2027 BCPS Student Handbook: https://cdnsm5-ss3.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_2744/File/Students/StudentHandbook/StudentHandbook.pdf
Please review the handbook with your child and complete the electronic acknowledgment in the FOCUS app.
DRESS CODE POLICY
Creating & Maintaining a Respectful Learning Environment
All students are required to adhere to the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) dress code. The BCPS dress code mandates that student attire is suitable for an academic environment. This includes prohibiting clothing with offensive phrases, language, or insinuations, and ensuring that clothing is of appropriate length. Pants cannot hang below the waist, the length of shorts and skirts should below the fingertips when arms are extended, and midriffs should remain covered. Thank you for supporting us in maintaining an environment where everyone can remain focused on learning. Please refer to BCPS Policy and Rule 5520 for specific language and details.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS
Students should arrive to school daily at 7:15 am. Students are considered late at 7:31 am. For early dismissals, please avoid picking up students before 9:00 AM or after 1:30 PM to ensure a safe and smooth process and minimize disruption to the learning environment. Students with an Early Dismissal must give their teacher the signed and excused Early Dismissal note from their parent during the class period when the dismissal occurs. The teacher will send the student to the main office at the noted dismissal time and keep the note for school records. Let’s work together to make this a successful and empowering year for our Woodlawn Warriors, on purpose and with purpose!
The WHS Attendance Team is dedicated to ensuring consistent and accurate attendance data for our school. Accurate data allows us to respond to families who may be facing needs unknown to the school or provide students supports in getting to school and remaining academically successful. In the attendance email you receive weekly, the FOCUS Student Information System provides you a current report of your student's attendance for the school year. Please take time to review the report and have any conversations with your student, that might be appropriate. Click the following links to help you read the report accurately: How to Read Your Students Attendance Report! The Different Codes You Might See on the Attendance Report
If you believe there is an inaccuracy on the report with the Daily Attendance, please contact the school's main office as soon as you can. If you believe your student's Classroom Attendance is incorrect, please contact the student's teacher. The main office or attendance team will not change a student's classroom attendance without the teacher authorizing the modification.
For any absence that you wish to have reviewed and excused after the fact, a note from a parent/guardian, medical provider, or appropriate agency is required. Absences that have not been addressed for a prolonged period of time may not be able to be excused. It is critically important that notes for absences be turned in quickly as the new grading policy stipulates that students who are unexcused absent from school may not be permitted to make-up missed classwork. We hope this report will be useful to you.
BCPS CHROMEBOOK EXPECTATIONS
BCPS is proud to offer students a one-to-one technology-based learning environment. All students are expected to bring their assigned BCPS device, fully charged and in working condition, with them to school every day. Students are responsible for the proper use and care of their BCPS device. A short video on Device Use & Care and information on device use and expectations is available at: https://innovationhub.bcps.org/device-care-use.
If a student's BCPS device is experiencing a problem, you must promptly report the issue using the Technology_Support Request form on the BCPS website or by calling the BCPS Help Desk at (443)809-4672, Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. to create a service ticket. Directions for creating a ticket are available at https://www.bcps.org/tech _ support. Service tickets will be addressed by BCPS computer technicians.
Visitor Information
Parents/Guardians requesting a meeting with a staff member must make an appointment. Prior to initiating any school or school system-related business, visitors to any BCPS school or office are required to:
1. State the purpose for the visit when greeted via the intercom system.
2. Present a driver’s license or government issued photo.
3. If granted access, wear a visitor’s pass or BCPS identification badge at all times during the visit.
DENIAL OF ACCESS: An authorized employee may deny access to BCPS property to any person who:
1. Is not a bona fide, currently registered student or a BCPS employee assigned to the site and who does not have lawful business to pursue at the site.
2. Is a bona fide, currently registered student at the school and has been suspended or expelled from the site, for the duration of the suspension or expulsion
3. Is an employee or student who has been denied access to the site as a result of an administrative action.
4. Acts in a manner that disrupts or disturbs the orderly conduct of the activities, administration or classes of the school.
5. Molests or threatens with bodily harm any student, employee, agent, or any other individual who is lawfully on school grounds or in the immediate vicinity of the school, on a school vehicle, at a school-sponsored activity or on any property owned by the
school system and is used for administrative or other purposes.
6. Is a registered sex offender, unless permission has been requested and granted prior to visiting a school in accordance with state law.
Any school or office visitor who refuses to follow procedures for visitation or who refuses to leave after being asked to do so may be denied access to the building and the school grounds. Similarly, a student who leaves school without prior authorization may be denied re-entry into the school building as a safety precaution. Students who let unauthorized students and/or unauthorized visitors into the building may be disciplined for creating an unsafe environment.
While serving a suspension, students are not permitted on school property. At no time should students visit another school without prior authorization. Students who visit BCPS property without authorization are guilty of trespassing and may be charged by the Baltimore County Police Department as well as face disciplinary consequences.
WARRIOR SPORTS CENTER
Baltimore Ravens Coach of the Week
Woodlawn Athletics would like to spotlight Coach Gamble as he was named Baltimore Ravens Coach of the Week!
WEEK 5 | COACH OF THE WEEK 🏈
Congratulations to Coach James Gamble of Woodlawn High School on being recognized as the Ravens High School Honors Coach of the Week!
Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to developing young men on and off the field deserve to be celebrated. This recognition is a testament to the impact you make through the game of football and the lives you continue to influence.
Show Your Warrior Pride & Purchase Warrior Gear!
Are you looking for Woodlawn Merch? Woodlawn Athletics offers an online store where you can purchase anything Woodlawn and customize to your liking. This store is always open, and the link is below.
This Week in Sports...
Sporting Event Procedures & Expectations
- Doors Open 30 minutes prior.
- The event is open for Woodlawn HS students and students of the opposing team. Schoology accounts will be checked at the door. Students must have at least a 2.0 and no more than 1 E for the quarter.
- No backpacks or large bags.
- Spectators will be greeted and instructed to walk through the Open Gate system (Metal Detector).
- Elementary and middle school students attending athletic events must be accompanied by an adult (18 years and older) and remain with the adult for the entire event.
- Only the following types of bags are allowed:
- Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" or approximately the size of a hand. These bags may be subject to search prior to entry.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags. These bags may be subject to search prior to entry.
- Attendees will be greeted and instructed to walk through the Open Gate system (Metal Detector).
- If an attendee cannot be cleared by staff personnel, the attendee will be denied entry into the event and offered reimbursement for ticket purchase.
- Reimbursement will be processed at the conclusion of the game and be issued by the GoFan platform.
- Once spectators have entered a game, there will be no readmittance if they choose to leave before the game has ended.
- Anyone engaging in violent or criminal behavior at a sporting event will be removed from the premises immediately and not be permitted to return to any BCPS campus for athletics or extra-curricular activities for a period of no less than 90 days.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOL
HOW DOES OUR SCHOOL RESPOND TO A CRISIS?
BCPS has adopted The "I LOVE U GUYS" Foundation as our crisis response protocol. Click the link above and read the response protocol below to be in the know. Please take a moment to refamiliarize yourself with the Standard Response Protocols (SRP) used at all BCPS schools, developed by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation. These safety procedures—Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter—help ensure that all students and staff know how to respond in an emergency. If the school is ever operating under one of these modes, families will not be permitted to enter the building until an official “All Clear” is given. Your understanding and cooperation help us maintain a safe and secure learning environment for every Warrior.
WHS Administrative Team
Principal
Mrs. Yalonda Booker
Assistant Principals
Mr. Mark Matthews
12th Grade Administrator
Ms. Madeline Reyes
11th Grade Administrator
Ms. Tyrah Scott
10th Grade Administrator
Mrs. DuWyn Goldring
9th Grade Administrator

