This Week at Madison 9/28/2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/28/2026 03:00 PM EDT

IMPORTANT INFO. & EVENTS

Dear Madison Families,

We have seen focused and productive classrooms at Madison as students fully immerse themselves in their fall academic work. Our administrative team has been participating in regular classroom walkthroughs to see learning in action, check in with students on what they are learning, and support both our students and staff. Observing our students excited to learn and engaging in the work is one of our favorite parts of the day. We encourage you to take a moment to ask your child about their classes this week—it is a wonderful way to connect and hear their enthusiasm for learning and pride in what they are accomplishing. We appreciate your continued partnership in your child's school journey!

Warm Regards,

Michelle Makrigiorgos

Interim Principal

Student Portraits at Madison will be available soon

Great News! Your school photos are currently uploaded and will soon be available online. Families should have received an E-proof via email. Please remember to check your spam. For any questions about your students schools pictures please contact : underclass@yosphoto.com

The team at Victor O’Neil studios would like to visit James Madison High School for a great picture day! 

SR & R (Students Rights & Responsibilities) Forms

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.

Please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  Additional information about the SR & R is available on the FCPS website.

Superintendent Community Conversations

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:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

 

STUDENT SERVICES & TESTING

October 7: PSAT & SAT Day- 2 hour early release

  • 9th grade students: Unscheduled day, No School
  • 10th and 11th grade students: All 10th and 11th grade students are automatically registered for the PSAT/NMSQT. Students received their test tickets in Advisory on Monday, 9/28. Students without an Advisory will have their test ticket delivered to them in another class. Before October 7, students should login to Bluebook with their test ticket to complete the readiness activities. They are also encouraged to complete the test preview and practice test. Students must use their FCPS laptop for testing. 10th and 11th grade students will be dismissed at 12:55. If a student has their own transportation and turns in an early release form to the attendance office by October 6, they will receive a pass to leave campus after they complete their test. Students may pick up a form in the attendance office or print one out from the Madison All Students Schoology page (located in the Testing Information folder).
  • 12th grade students who signed up for the SAT School Day: Students received their test tickets in Advisory on Monday, 9/28. Students without an Advisory will have their test ticket delivered to them in another class. Before October 7, students should login to Bluebook with their test ticket to complete the readiness activities. They are also encouraged to complete the test preview and practice test. Students must use their FCPS laptop for testing.12th grade students will be dismissed as they finish their test. 
  • 12th grade students who did not sign up for the SAT School Day: Unscheduled day, No School

World Language Credit by Exam (WLCBE): Registration Open!

  • 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 Access Fairfax, Paying for College for Seniors (Virtual Event), September 26, 10:00am-12:00pm

Coalition for College: Ready to Submit: Final Steps for a Strong College Application, Sept. 30 at 8:00pm, virtual event:

Hear from Coalition member colleges during this live panel about practical advice on finalizing your applications, polishing your essays and supplemental responses, choosing the right application rounds, requesting recommendations, and avoiding common last-minute mistakes. Register here.

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, students register in Naviance:

9/29: Roanoke C, U of Alabama, DePauw U (Indiana)

9/30: Butler U, Syracuse U, Northeastern U, UC Berkeley, U of Rhode Island, GW

10/1: U of Southern California, DePaul U (Illinois), High Point U

10/2: SUNY Buffalo, VCU, UC San Diego, U of Arizona, Tulane U, Clark U

10/5: Eckerd C, Elon U, U of Mass Boston, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, U of Rochester, Swarthmore C

10/6: William & Mary, U of Mississippi, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Tufts U, NYU, Rutgers, Stevens Institute of Technology

Military Academies and Colleges Expo, Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia:

This event will bring together representatives from all U.S. Service Academies and Senior Military Colleges in one place, offering students and parents the chance to learn more about admissions, scholarships, along with both military and civilian career paths

Discover Your Path (Free) Expo, College & Career Fair, October 3 from 11:00am - 2:00pm at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church:

Hosted by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services for students to connect with colleges, employers, and trade schools. Details here, register here. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Now Open for Seniors:

Any college-bound high school senior, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. 

FCPS Weekly Enrichment Opportunities and Scholarships

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

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.

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:

  • 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
  • Warhawk Athletic Student Pass:  Electronic ticket for ALL regular season HOME events for Current Madison Students ONLY **Fastest entrance opportunity for Madison students
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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:

  • Warhawk Athletic Student Pass: $70 for all regular season home events. Purchase HERE
  • Regular Season games/events ticket prices: Students = $5 & Adults = $7
  • 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. 

New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here

The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.

In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.

Traffic Safety Near Our School

We understand that families may need to drive their children to school from time to time. If you need to, please familiarize yourself with our school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff. 

Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in other areas around the school or in nearby neighborhoods. Please also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of our school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school. 

Please follow all signs and directions posted at our school, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our school. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!! 

The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.

We all Belong

Each one of us is unique. And every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted  adult at school. There are solutions.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. 

The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

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 take 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.

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:

  • Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
  • Sign and Return the SR&R
  • Check Out New Menu Options

 

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

October 7:   PSAT & SAT Day- 2 hour early release, 9th grade students: Unscheduled day, No School

October 12: School planning day- Indigenous Peoples’ Day No School for Students 

October 18: FCPS College Fair

October 19: FCPS Postsecondary Virtual Night

October 30: End on 1st Qt- 2 hour early release

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