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Marshall Parents, Caregivers, and Friends,
This will be my final newsletter message to you as your interim principal. Mr. Anthony Harris, Marshall’s new principal, begins on Friday, October 9. On Wednesday afternoon, he and I walked the building together to begin a smooth transition. It was great to see his immediate connection with students during our classroom visits. I am confident Marshall will continue to thrive under his leadership. I hope you will join me in welcoming Mr. Harris and supporting him as he begins his work at Marshall. My last day at Marshall will be Thursday, October 8.
Thank you for the opportunity to return to George C. Marshall High School as interim principal. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this school community and FCPS during the principal selection process. Together, we had a smooth opening of school for our 2,000 students. Our newly implemented Flex time is working well, giving students time to connect with teachers and teachers time to connect with students. Please continue asking your student how they are using Flex on blue days; these conversations can help them make the most of the time and support available. I am grateful for your partnership and for all you do to support Marshall students.
I will leave with deep appreciation for the students, staff, and families of George C. Marshall High School.
With gratitude,
Jay Pearson
Digital Literacy Resources for Families
As part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
Attendance Matters – Tackling Tardies!
Parents/Guardians: One of our goals this year is to reduce tardies across our school. We know that students are more successful when they are on time to class. One way you can help us, is to occasionally check your student’s period attendance in Parent Vue. When you log into your Parent Vue account, go to the Attendance tab, and you will see a calendar. If your student has been tardy, there will be a clock image to indicate they arrived tardy to one or more classes that day. You can then scroll down and see the totals by course and by period.
We appreciate you helping us support getting our students to class on time!
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Skyview High School and Wednesday, October 21, at Kingstowne Regional Library. View additional dates on the FCPS Family Academy webpage.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
Yearbooks For Sales
Yearbooks are now on sale
Click HERE for more details
World Language Exam
The World Languages Credit by Exam assesses a student’s demonstrated proficiency in a language other than English. Students may earn up to three high school world language credits. The assessment will occur at Marshall High School on November 6, 2026. You will miss class time to take the assessment.
More information about the exam and languages available for assessment
If you are interested in registering, follow the steps:
1) Check Course History in SIS to confirm you do not already have credits in the language
2) Download a registration form here and complete it. Hand the completed form to me so that I can register you in the system for the test, by October 15th!
3) I will register you in the portal and you will receive a confirmation e-mail
4) Review the Test Taker Guide
5) Check your e-mail in October for more information regarding testing location
Federal Student Aid Form Open
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans.
The 2027-28 FAFSA is now open.
Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Sessions
College Access Fairfax, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, will present virtual information sessions on the financial aid process for post-secondary education and scholarship information.
Sessions include:
Click on a date to participate. Visit College Access Fairfax for more information.
Preparing for Life After High School
To help Virginia students get ready for college, job training, or entry-level work, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) have developed resources and gathered important information to share with Virginia families.
Middle and high school students and families can learn more about preparing for college or a career by visiting the following websites:
Each site contains information on preparing, applying, and paying for college, as well as information on degree options and labor market career projections.
Football Game Safety and Security Update
As we prepare for another exciting fall sports season, FCPS is implementing additional safety and security measures at all varsity football games.
Beginning this season, all spectators will participate in security screenings using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our middle and high schools last school year. A standardized bag policy will also be in place to help ensure a safe, efficient entry process for everyone attending our games.
These enhancements are designed to support a safe and welcoming environment while allowing families, students, and community members to enjoy Friday night football. We encourage attendees to arrive a little earlier than usual to allow time for screening. Get more information about weapons screening at football games.
Please be aware of
Weekly Athletic Calendar
Please take a look at our events this week on our Athletic Website!
October 7: PSAT/SAT Day -- asynchronous for 9th graders
PTSA Newsletter
Please join our PTSA Newsletter.
Statesmen Standout
The PTSA loves to highlight the amazing staff that we have working here are Marshall. Please take some time to learn more about our amazing staff here.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- College Prep Resources
- Life in the Community Fair
- Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair
Students with disabilities and their families are invited to attend the Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair, which will be held Thursday, November 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School.
The fair is designed for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities who will need continuing support after leaving FCPS. It is an opportunity to connect with agency and vendor representatives to gather information about services for adults in need of ongoing support.
The exhibitor fair includes information on supported employment options, day support programs, recreation/leisure activities, residential provider options, travel training supports, advocacy, and funding.
Agency representatives will be available to share information on adult service providers, employment and training programs, Medicaid, Social Security, and residential options. Register to attend the resource fair.
Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place on this day.
A new school year calendar has been publishe | 