This Week at Madison 10/26/2026

IMPORTANT INFO. & EVENTS

Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

  • FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.
  • Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.  

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 29 and 30
  • 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, email our Senior Portraits Team at 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.

JMHS PTSA Winter Clothing Drive

  • The Madison High School/PTSA winter clothing drive is starting soon! Please consider signing up to support Madison students in need of winter clothing. Donations can be dropped off in the Madison High School main office on weekdays 8am-3:30pm from November 4th through December 14th. Interested donors may sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4EA4AB23A4FD0-66696940-madison#/.  Questions can be directed to Bethany Slingerland at bsslingerlan@fcps.edu. Thank you, as always, for the generosity and kindness the Madison community demonstrates towards our students! 

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. 

STUDENT SERVICES & TESTING

2026-27 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Forms DUE October 30

  • All tests for courses in which students are enrolled will be ordered if a student does not opt out by October 30. If a student exceeds their six exams paid for by FCPS they will be billed a $99 nonrefundable fee for each AP exam. Exam fees are nonrefundable if a student does not opt out by October 30, does not register for the exam in AP Classroom, or does not sit for the exam. Opt-Out forms have been provided to students in their advisory class. Additional information on FCPS AP/IB exam fee policies can be found on our website. 

PSAT/NMSQT & SAT School Day Scores Available

Career Speaker Spotlight: Clark Construction, Oct. 28 at 10:30am

  • Students are invited to join Clark Construction, one of the largest building companies in the United States, to explore exciting career opportunities in the building and construction industry! This guest speaker event will include information about skilled trades (electrician, drill operator, foreman, pipefitter, carpenter, etc.)  and careers connected to college majors (project development, construction management, field engineering, etc.) Students sign up here.

Coalition for College: Understanding the CSS Profile, Oct. 28 at 8:00pm, Virtual Event

  • Admissions and financial aid officers from Coalition member colleges will explain what the CSS Profile is, how schools use it, and tips for completing it successfully. Register here. 

College Access Fairfax, FAFSA Line-by-Line for Seniors (Virtual Event), October 29, 7:00pm-9:00pm

  • Explanation of what information is needed for each line of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) Leadership Academy

  • VYS is launching a leadership development program for high school students who are currently sophomores or juniors. The initial cohort of 12 students will take part in learning experiences and hands-on, practical application at VYS over a two-year cycle.

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.
    • 10/26: Shenandoah U
    • 10/28: Christopher Newport University, Saint Joseph’s U (PA)

Next Steps Day - Postsecondary Options for Students with Disabilities, November 13, 9:00am-2:00pm, Radford University, Register Here by October 30.

  • Next Steps Day is a FREE event designed to help students with disabilities explore college, career training, and other opportunities after high school. Sponsored by Level Up Virginia, Radford University, and VCU’s Center on Transition Innovations.

2027 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS) - initial applications due October 30, by 1:00 PM

  • Interested 10th and 11th graders are invited to apply to 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. 
  • Details of the process can be found in the JMHS Student Services Schoology course or on the JMHS website. 
  • For more information about SRGS opportunities, visit the VDOE website. 

FCPS Weekly Enrichment Opportunities and Scholarships


ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

Football Game Safety and Security Update

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 

Fall Play Tickets

Tickets for MAD Drama's production of Radium Girls go on sale Thursday, October 29th. Student pricing is $5 and adult is $10. Hope to see you there on November 12, 13, and 14! 

https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15627/


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. 

School Board’s Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP)

Applications for the SY2026-2027 cohort are now being accepted through 11:59 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026.  If you have a freshman, sophomore, or junior interested in a future in law, government, or public policy, this is the program for them! Like last year, the application is available only electronically and must be submitted via this application link. Please note that this year only the information submitted via the Google form application will be accepted; no additional attachments or information submitted beyond the electronic application will be considered. Below are relevant program dates for all interested students and should be considered by students when they apply:

  • January 12, 2027: Program Orientation
  • April 6, 2027: Mock Forum
  • May 6, 2027: Mock Work Session
  • May 25, 2027: Program Graduation

Interested students may find more information on the SLDP website. If they have any questions, they can email SBStudentLeadership@fcps.edu or call the School Board Office at 571-423-1075 (M-F; 8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

The Importance of the Flu Vaccination

The annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. 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 be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. 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.


FCPS NEWS/IN CASE YOU MISSED

IT (ICYMI)

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Literacy Resources
  • Return Your Impact Aid Survey
  • Download the New ParentVUE 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

October 30: End of 1st Qtr (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