IMPORTANT INFO. & EVENTS
Student Safe Driving Reminders
As we work together to keep our school community safe, we need your help reinforcing an important safety message with our student drivers. Recently, we have noticed an increase in vehicles driving too fast and failing to yield to pedestrians in our parking lots and crosswalks.
If you have a student who drives to school, please take a moment this week to remind them to drive slowly on school grounds, stay off their phones, yield to everyone in the crosswalks, and follow signage and directions from any staff supporting traffic flow. We will continue to monitor our parking lot, but your conversations at home make the biggest difference in keeping all our students safe. Thank you for your support and partnership!
Student Parking Enforcement Message
Parking enforcement will resume starting this week. All students who park in a numbered asphalt spot must be in the correct spot with their hangtags facing outwards. Students with gravel lot parking passes need to have their hangtags visible. Parents, please remind your students of these expectations. If there is a car in their spot they should park in the gravel lot or a visitor spot and immediately let security know there is a car in their spot. They should not park in another student’s open spot. Cars that are parked in the wrong spots or lack hangtags will receive the following progressive consequences:
- 1st violation: A warning notice that will be left on the car window
- 2nd violation: A $25 fine
- 3rd and subsequent violations: A $50 fine. Cars that repeatedly violate parking expectations may be subjected to booting.
Student safety going to and leaving school.
Walkers
- Stay on the Path: Always use sidewalks and designated pedestrian walkways. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
- Cross with Care: Stick to crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and listen to crossing guards. Look left, right, and left again before stepping off the curb.
- Stay Visible & Unplugged: Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Put away phones and keep headphone volume low to stay aware of surroundings.
Drivers
- Obey School Zones: Slowdown in school zones and watch for lower speed limit signs. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and never double-park in drop-off zones.
- Respect the Stop Arm: Never pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roads.
- Eliminate Distractions: Keep eyes on the road and off mobile devices, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up hours.
Bus Riders
- Wait Safely: Arrive at the bus stop early and stand at least 5 giant steps back from the curb. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching.
- Mind the Danger Zone: Always cross in front of the bus, never behind it, maintaining at least 10 feet of distance so the driver can see you clearly.
- Practice On-Board Safety: Stay seated, keep aisles clear of backpacks, and talk quietly so the driver can focus on the road.
IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE TOWN OF VIENNA:
The Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation needs our help keeping community spaces safe and clean! Please note that e-bikes and e-scooters are strictly prohibited on all athletic fields, including Waters Field. Additionally, Waters Field is NOT permitted as an after-school hangout spot for students.
Recent misuse has led to safety hazards, litter, and turf damage, prompting local officials and police to increase preventive measures and lock field gates. We ask parents to discuss these rules with their students to help preserve these spaces for scheduled athletic use. Thank you for your support in keeping our community grounds safe!
🍎 Lunch Program Reminder!
A friendly reminder: Families must apply for Free/Reduced-Price Lunch every school year. Applications for the 2026–2027 school year must be submitted by October 1, 2026. Please take a few minutes to complete your application ASAP!
Need a little help with the application? No worries—we’re happy to help! Please come to the Main Office through Door 1 during school hours, and Mrs. Cunningham will be glad to assist you with completing the application.
Free Food & Personal Care Bags for Families
We’re happy to offer free bags of nonperishable food items and personal hygiene supplies for families who could use a little extra support.
Families are welcome to stop by the Main Office through Door 1 to pick up a bag. There’s no need to hesitate—we’re here to support our school community!
Bags will be available from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on the following Fridays:
- September 25
- October 30
- November 20
- December 18
- January 22
- February 26
- March 19
- April 30
- May 28
We look forward to supporting our families throughout the school year!
Picture Day and Yearbook Updates for Families
Underclassmen Portraits
- Picture Retakes: Scheduled for Friday, October 16.
- Images Available: Approximately two-three weeks after picture day.
Yearbook Pre-Orders (Lowest Price of the Year)
- Price Increase: Bumps to $75 starting September 19
- Action: Order early to lock in the lower rate.
STUDENT SERVICES & TESTING
PSAT/NMSQT, October 7
All 10th and 11th grade students will automatically be registered to take the PSAT/NMSQT on October 7. FCPS will cover the cost.
More information about October 7th will be available in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Frate at jlfrate@fcps.edu
World Language Credit by Exam (WLCBE): Registration Coming Soon!
The WLCBE assesses language proficiency in languages other than English for students in grades 7-12. This optional exam may be used to award credits towards graduation, determine course placement for language courses offered in FCPS, and fulfill the world language requirements for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy.
Students who wish to take the exam should be able to proficiently understand and communicate in the testing language, and will be asked to listen, read, speak, and write/type or, for American Sign Language, sign/interpret.
If you would like for your student to participate in the WLCBE this fall, please complete this form and submit it to your student’s counselor. Registration is open from September 8 to October 16. LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
College Visits This Week (for Juniors and Seniors): These approximately 30-minute sessions give students the opportunity to learn more about colleges, ask questions, and connect with admission representatives. Students must ask their teacher for permission at least 24 hours in advance of a visit, attendance is at the teacher’s discretion. Students are responsible for missed assignments. Upcoming visits:
9/15: Brown U, Washington C, Radford U, Hampden-Sydney C
9/16: Auburn U, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), U of Vermont, U of Florida, SUNY Binghamton
9/17: Chapman U, Catholic U, Clarkson U, U of Mary Washington
9/18: U of Tennessee
9/22: U Mass Amherst, Purdue U, Boston U, West Virginia U (WVU)
Coalition for College: Standout Supplemental Essays, Sept. 16 at 8:00pm, virtual event: Join admissions counselors from Coalition member colleges as they share how to research schools authentically, avoid generic answers, and make every word count. Bring your questions and leave with a clear plan to make your application stand out. Register here.
FCPS Weekly Enrichment Opportunities and Scholarships
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
Football Game Safety and Security UpdateAs 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.
Logistics:
- There will be 2 entrances set up for "weapon detection" and "bag check." 1 will be just past the Booster pass gate close to the baseball field and 1 will be located near the rock.
- All fans/spectators MUST enter through these screening stations before heading to the ticket gate.
- Please note expectations related to bags and items being brought into the event and plan ahead.
Tickets:
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Booster Passes: entrance will remain at the Pass gate between the baseball field and main gate. Members will be asked to verify their last name when entering Varsity Football games. **Fastest entrance opportunity for Madison families
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Warhawk Athletic Student Pass: Electronic ticket for ALL regular season HOME events for Current Madison Students ONLY **Fastest entrance opportunity for Madison students
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Online Sales: Adult tickets ($7) will be available at 8am the morning of the game and student tickets ($5) will be available at 3pm the day of the game. **Next fastest entrance opportunity for adults
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Cash & Credit sales at the Gate: We will sell tickets at the gate. Cash and CC (swipe ONLY) options are available **NO ApplePay, Venmo, etc e-payment methods
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Entrance into the game will be CLOSED at the start of the 4th quarter. This is a hard stop due to demands of personnel working the weapons detection/bag check systems.
View the Warhawk Sports website for upcoming Athletic Events
Concorde District info - www.concordedistrict.com
Northern Region info - www.novahsathletics.com
Madison Athletics info - www.warhawksports.org
Madison Athletic Boosters - www.warhawkboosters.com
2026-207 Athletic Participation Requirements UPDATE: Click HERE
Ticket Info:
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Warhawk Athletic Student Pass: $70 for all regular season home events. Purchase HERE
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Regular Season games/events ticket prices: Students = $5 & Adults = $7
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Post Season games/event ticket prices: Students = $5 & Adults = $10 (District & Region) States = $12
- Acceptable payments at the gate: Cash or Credit Card (no Apple Pay or tap payments accepted)
- To save time at the gate, advanced tickets can be purchased here.
- Advanced tickets for away games can be found here
FCPS DIVISION MESSAGES
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
FCPS supports twice-exceptional students and their families.
Our school division offers specialized programming to assist twice-exceptional (2e) learners who display high academic potential alongside unique learning or attentional needs requiring tailored assistance. The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee for 2e Programming developed a website.
Importance of Strong Attendance HabitsSeptember is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
FLE Opt-out
Information about Family Life Education and Opt-out procedures can be found here.
FCPS NEWS/IN CASE YOU MISSED
IT (ICYMI)
FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Review and Sign the SR&R
- Your Child Belongs at School
- What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
LOOKING AHEAD
September 21- No School Yom Kippur
October 18: FCPS College Fair
October 19: FCPS Postsecondary Virtual Night
QUICK LINKS
JMHS Website
2026-2027 School Calendar
Reporting an Absence
Academic Policies and Forms (Information tab)
JMHS Academic Advising Page
Parent Technology Help Desk
Archived Editions of This Week at Madison (TWAM)
Visit PTSA Website
Together We Rise
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