This Week at Madison 10/13/2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/13/2026 03:05 PM EDT

Madison Families,

Looking back on our Homecoming festivities last week, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for our school and community. From start to finish, the energy, school spirit, and togetherness on display were simply unforgettable.

Our Spirit Week set the perfect tone, with students and staff showing up every day with energy and creativity. The parade down Route 123 captured the true hometown feel of Vienna, leading right into Friday's football game and Saturday's dance. 

Events like these don't just happen on their own. Thank you to all of our staff, families, and community members who showed up, participated, and lent a hand. Having such strong, dedicated support and school pride makes all the difference for our students, and it is what makes Madison so special!

Warmly,

Michelle

Interim Principal

IMPORTANT INFO. & EVENTS

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.

Underclassmen Picture Make-Ups & Retakes

Make-up pictures will take place this Friday, October 16.

  • First-time pictures: Students who missed the original picture day will automatically receive a pass to get their photo taken.
  • Retakes: Students who want a retake can simply go to the picture area during Advisory.

Support Block

Beginning in the second quarter, students who need additional academic support will be identified for Tier 2 intervention. These students will be required to meet with their teacher during the Support Block (9:50-10:25AM) to receive targeted assistance and reinforcement of key skills. Attendance will be taken through SIS, and participation will be monitored to ensure students are receiving the support they need to be successful. If you have any questions, please contact our MTSS Coordinator, Anna McDonald at abmcdonald@fcps.edu. 

Recognition of Sadie Goldman:

Madison High School Student Senior Sadie Goldman is the first high school student in the nation to earn the Advanced Civil Discourse Credential from the Close-Up Foundation, partnered with Mastery Transcript Consortium. Over the past three years, Sadie has been part of the Mastery Transcript Consortium pilot program, collecting and reflecting upon evidence of her work in multiple competencies, but especially focused on analyzing political and social issues, communication across differences and media literacy and digital citizenship. As founder of the “Save the Polls” organization, Sadie has worked on youth voter registration and publicizing the various ways that young people can influence local, state and federal decision-making processes, even before the legal voting age of 18. Sadie has conducted rigorous research, created civic media ad campaigns and even worked with philanthropic organizations like the Carnegie Young Leaders Organization to fund her work. This fall she helped design and facilitate two training workshops for FCPS teachers on how to incorporate the deliberation model as a student engagement strategy in the classroom. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she will receive an official letter of commendation from the United States Congress and will wear a special graduation cord to honor her work. Congratulations, Sadie!

Purple Star Designation 1st Award Notification for James Madison High School 

It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children voted on October 7, 2026, to approve James Madison High School as a recipient of the SY 2026-2027 Purple Star Award.  Your award designation is valid for a period of three school years beginning with this school year 2026-2027. 

 

STUDENT SERVICES & TESTING

SEL Screener

Students will participate in the SEL Screener during Advisory on Tuesday, October 13th. If a student’s family completed the opt-out process they will not take the screener. The SEL Screener gives students a voice to share either perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. Individual screener data will be shared with families following each assessment window.

For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its contents, visit the FCPS website. You may reach out to your child’s school counselor or to our assessment coach, Mrs. Frate with questions. 

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.

2027 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS) - interest meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9:45 AM

  • 10th and 11th grade students are invited to attend an interest meeting on Tuesday, October 20, during Advisory/Warhawk Time, in Warhawk Hall, to learn about the Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s schools (SRGS) in Academics and Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
  • To be considered for an academic or VPA governor’s school, students must complete an application process that begins at their school. 
  • Attendance at the interest meeting is optional but strongly encouraged. The application process will be discussed at the interest meeting. Students who are unable to attend the meeting will still be able to participate in the application process. Details of the process can be found in the JMHS Student Services Schoology course, following the interest meeting. 
  • For more information about SRGS opportunities, visit the VDOE website. 

Coalition for College: FAFSA 101: Where to Start & How to Finish (Virtual Event), Oct. 14, 8:00pm

  • Admissions and financial aid experts from Coalition member schools will break it all down - covering key terms, essential steps, and common mistakes to avoid. Register here. 

College Essay Guy (Free) Personal Statement Bootcamp (Virtual Event), October 15, 7:00pm, Register Here

  • This fall, American College Application Campaign (ACAC) is partnering with College Essay Guy to offer a free, one-day Personal Statement Boot Camp designed to help high school juniors get started on one of the most challenging parts of the college application process: the college essay. The session will be led by Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy), author of College Essay Essentials, a widely used resource among counselors and students.

College Access Fairfax, FAFSA Line-by-Line for Seniors (Virtual Event), October 17, 10:00am-12:00pm. Zoom link here.

  • This presentation is for seniors and their families and will provide an overview of the FAFSA, including the information needed to complete each section. College Access Fairfax schedule of events with Zoom links. 

FCPS College Fair,  Sunday, October 18, 4:00pm-6:00pm, EagleBank Arena, Register Here

  • The College Fair is designed to connect high school students with opportunities in postsecondary education. It is one of the largest College Fairs in the region. It features 200 colleges and universities from around the nation and representatives from the U.S. Service Academies. Each year the College Fair draws thousands of students and their families. 

 

FCPS Postsecondary Virtual Night, Monday, October 19, Sessions at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm

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.
    • 10/15: Bryn Mawr C (PA), Simmons U (MA)
    • 10/16: UNC Wilmington, West Virginia U, Colby C (ME), Lafayette C (PA), U of Oregon, St. John’s U, U of Maine, Villanova U
    • 10/19: Providence C, Lehigh U, u of Minnesota, Duquesne U, Rider U, Eckerd U (FL), Arcadia U (PA), Wake Forest U
    • 10/20: UVA, St. Mary’s College of MD, Wheaton C (MA), Oberlin C, St. Olaf C (MN), Smith C (MA), University College Dublin, Davidson C

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.

Update:

The standard bag policy for weapons screening at varsity football games has been updated. Fanny packs are no longer on the list of prohibited bags, provided that they fit within the measurements of a “small clutch bag.” 

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 

Thursday, October 15th- Madison Choir and Orchestra Fall Concert, 7pm, JMHS Auditorium

Saturday, October 17th- Marching Ensemble- Bands of America Mid-Atlantic Regional, University of Delaware, 8:15AM        Stream Live at:  https://box5tv.com/box5_events/

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. 

 

Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School

The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools. 

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.  

 

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. 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. Additional immunization resources are available. 

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:
    • Safe Routes to School Survey
    • Immunization Events
    • Celebrating Our Principals

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 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