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Statesmen Families:
We’re in the final countdown to the 2026–27 school year, and the anticipatory buzz is exciting! Today, I had a chance to briefly meet members of the color guard as they practiced in the main lobby. Their welcoming smiles were priceless—though I’m not sure if they were happy to meet me or if it was the pizza I shared with them! In either case, school buildings are always better when students are in them. (Note: If you missed it, I sent out our primary back-to-school communication last week, which contains important information and tasks for families to complete.)
Teachers return to the building on Monday morning. We’ll gather in the cafeteria to kick off the new school year with a strong instructional focus: clearly communicating to students what we want them to know and be able to do.
As administrators visit classrooms this year, we will be asking students:
- What are you learning today?
- How is this task or activity supporting your learning?
- How will you know if you are making progress?
At home, we encourage you to join in! Don’t be afraid to ask your high school student, “What did you learn today?”
Community Thanks & Administrative Updates
A huge thank you to the PTSA for sponsoring the Grab-and-Go Brunch for our staff on Tuesday. I know our teachers and staff deeply appreciate your kindness and generosity!
Regarding leadership, the selection process for Marshall’s next principal is still underway. The Region 5 Office will share an update as soon as the process is complete.
Looking Ahead
I look forward to seeing many of you next Thursday at Statesmen Start. If you plan to attend, please don’t hesitate to say hello if our paths cross!
Have a restful weekend with your family, loved ones, and friends.
Warm regards,
Jay Pearson
Interim Principal
Student Schedules
Student schedules will become available and go live in SISstudentvue on Thursday, August 20th at 9:00 AM.
New Student Device Requirement
Starting this school year, students may only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
Statesman Start
We will host our Statesmen Start back-to-school kick-off on Thursday, August 20th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria and around the building.
Statesmen Start is an opportunity for our community to reunite. Our PTSA and Athletic Boosters will be present to handle your membership forms, which can be found on the PTSA and Marshall High School websites. Spirit wear, yearbooks, and other items will be on sale. Clubs and organizations will also be present. School staff will be available to process ParentVue requests.
Marshall faculty and staff will be available to hand out Chromebooks for every rising 9th grader and every student new to Marshall. Once a student receives their Chromebook, they will need to turn it on and log in before they leave the building.
We will have parent and support stations to support you with signing up for ParentVUE and to aid in filling out free and reduced lunch applications.
9th Grade and New Student Orientation
Get ready, new Statesmen—this is your moment! On Friday, August 21th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. , we are rolling out the red carpet for all incoming 9th graders and students new to Marshall. This is your chance to walk your schedule, meet your teachers face-to-face, and connect in small groups with our incredible faculty and student leaders—all before the first bell even rings. You'll leave feeling confident, connected, and ready to own this school year.
Parents and guardians, you're invited too! Join us in the auditorium from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a special session designed just for you. Learn what it takes to help your student thrive at Marshall, get your questions answered, and become part of our community from day one. This program is optional, but we highly encourage you to come be part of the excitement!
Let's kick off this year together—strong, proud, and united as one Marshall Community. We can't wait to see you there!
Buses will pick up students at our feeder schools according to the following schedule:
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Freedom Hill Elementary – 8:40 AM
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Kilmer Middle – 8:40 AM
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Shrevewood Elementary – 8:40 AM
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Stenwood Elementary – 8:35 AM
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Thoreau Middle – 8:40 AM
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Westbriar Elementary – 8:40 AM
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Westgate Elementary – 8:45 AM
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Wolftrap Elementary – 8:35 AM
Students should report to the auditorium for the opening session. Please ensure that your student is at the respective elementary/middle school at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
At the conclusion of the program, buses will depart Marshall High School at 11:35 a.m.
NEW Bell Schedule
Red Day classes include Period 1 (8:10–9:37), Period 3 (9:43–11:14), Period 5 with lunch (11:20–1:20), and Period 7 (1:26–2:55).
Blue Day classes include Period 2 (8:10–9:37), followed by Homeroom (9:43–10:15) and Flex (10:15–11:14), then Period 6 with lunch (11:20–1:20), and Period 8 (1:26–2:55).
🎓 Fall College Night: Tuesday, Sept. 1
Planning for life after high school? Parents and students in grades 9–12 are invited to join us for Fall College Night!
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📅 When: Tuesday, Sept. 1 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
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📍 Where: Marshall Auditorium
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👥 Who: Students & Parents (Grades 9–12)
What We’ll Cover:
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The college search process & finding the right fit
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Key application components and deadlines
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How seniors can collaborate with counselors on their applications
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Community college pathways & transfer options featuring Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Interactive Breakout Sessions:
Note: Slides and audio will be posted on the school website after the event. Financial aid will be covered in depth during a separate virtual session later this fall.
📩 Questions? Contact Mr. Gardner Humphreys at gkhumphreys@fcps.edu.
New Counselor Alpha Caseload Assignments
As we prepare for the new school year, we are sharing our updated school counselor alpha caseload assignments below. While caseloads have shifted slightly to balance support across all grade levels, please rest assured that our counseling department continues to work as a team to ensure every Marshall student receives the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed.
George: A – BEA
Wess: BEB – DAH
Sawitzky: DAI – G
Terry: H – KI
Tsoi: KJ – MIN
Kirtner: MIO – RAJ
Burton: RAK – SRH
Mollura: SRI – Z
Request PSAT and SAT School Day Testing Accommodations and Multilingual Support
FCPS high schools will give the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) to 10th and 11th graders on Wednesday, October 7. That same day, 12th graders will participate in SAT School Day.
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual support. Families can view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about College Board accommodations on the FCPS website.
If you have a student with disabilities in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 3.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 27, if you wish to request ML support for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
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.
Weekly Athletic Calendar
Please take a look at our events this week on our Athletic Website!
Calling All Rising Seniors: Apply for the Fairfax Global Leaders Fellowship
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and around the world? The Fairfax Global Leaders Fellowship is now accepting applications for the Class of 2027!
Students must:
- Be a Fairfax County resident or attend Fairfax County Public Schools.
- Be a rising high school senior (Class of 2027).
- Have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Before applying, please have your resume (.doc or .pdf) and high school transcript (.doc or .pdf) ready to upload. Students will also answer several short questions as part of the application.
There is no cost to apply. Students admitted to the program pay a one-time $75 administrative fee to support program expenses. The fee will be waived for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals or who are experiencing financial hardship.
To apply, complete the Global Leaders Fellowship Application Form by Tuesday, September 1, at 11:59 p.m. (You must use a personal Gmail account to apply.)
Questions? Please email apply@fairfaxleaders.com.
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:
- New Student Device Requirements
- Math Textbooks
- Football Game Safety Measures
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Be First-Day Ready
The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start.
Also find out what will be new this school year.
Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology
A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.
Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information.
Bell Schedule
Attendance
- ParentVue
- Email Attendance: MarshallHigh.Attendance@fcps.edu
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Marshall Attendance Line: 703-714-5447
ParentVue Activation and Support
Cellphone Policy
Schoology Family Resources
FLE Content for Parents 2025-2026
FCPS How to Submit Immunization Documentation
Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Parent Digital Consent webpage
Family Information Phone Lines
Submit an FCPS CARES!
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