This Week at Madison 10/5/2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/05/2026 03:05 PM EDT

IMPORTANT INFO. & EVENTS

Homecoming Events

10/9    Early release from school 12:55pm please see early release schedule.

           Homecoming Parade from 2pm -2:30pm. 

           Homecoming game vs. Westfield H.S. at 7pm. (Red Out)

10/10  Homecoming dance at Madison 8pm-11pm

Senior Photo Session

Victor O'Neill Studios, your school's official photographer, are excited to see you on the following date(s) for your senior portraits at your school:

Session C: October 29th and 30th

Don't miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school's yearbook pose

are traditional tuxedos and drapes; provided by us! You can also choose to wear your own formal attire; we suggest

an all black attire. In addition to the free yearbook session, we also offer sessions that include casual/personality

portraits and cap and gown portraits.

Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time:

www.vosphoto.com/jamesmadison

As a friendly reminder, appointments are needed for Senior Portraits.

If you have any questions, please email our Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com. Please kindly include

your senior's First and Last Name and "James Madison HS Class of 2027" when emailing, for faster assistance.

Thank you!

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 published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings. 

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 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.

Free Coursera Learning for FCPS High School Students

  • FCPS high school students can explore careers and learn new skills for free through the FCPS DIT Career Academy with Coursera. Students can try topics like coding, business, video editing, and more. They can learn at their own pace after school, on weekends, or during school breaks.
  • To get started, students must complete the Coursera Student Interest Form. FCPS will then contact a parent or guardian for permission before creating an account.
  • The program is optional. Courses do not count toward high school graduation or meet Virginia’s industry credential requirements.

Clark Construction Crafting Futures - Behind the Fence, Oct. 17, 8:30am-11:00am, Washington, D.C. 

Clark Construction, in coordination with the Washington Area Transit Authority, invites you to an exclusive, guided and behind the scenes tour of the Northern Bus Garage jobsite featuring a historic 400-foot brick façade, massive steel structure, and advanced electrical systems to showcase the vital role skilled trades play in bringing it to life. For students (ages 14-20) interested in the skilled trades. Registration deadline October 14.

Free Financial Aid Webinars and Resources for Students and Families hosted by  Level Up Virginia

This free webinar series helps students and families understand each step of the financial aid process, from completing the FAFSA and finding scholarships to reviewing financial aid offers and preparing for college costs.

Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Sessions hosted by College Access Fairfax

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:

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.

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.

  • 10/6: William & Mary, U of Mississippi, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Tufts U, NYU, Rutgers, Stevens Institute of Technology
  • 10/8: Franklin & Marshall C, Wellesley C, Denison U, Princeton U, U of South Carolina, JMU
  • 10/13: Longwood U, Kenyon C, Appalachian State U, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Duke U, Allegheny C, Jacksonville U, Case Western Reserve U

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 and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia 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.

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 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. 

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.  

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. 

Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at HomeSocial-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. 

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:

  • 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.  

LOOKING AHEAD

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

November 2 -3: School planning and teacher work day- No School for Students 

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