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Dear Marshall Families and Friends:
We continue to prepare for students and staff to return for the upcoming school year. Each passing day brings more and more activity on campus. Falls sports have started. Golf kicked things off with the Statesmen Invitational at Bristow Manor Golf Club. Our Cheer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football and Volleyball programs began their seasons with practice on August 3rd with high participation numbers. The Marching Statesmen are working on their 2026 field show, “Event Horizon”. Next week they start their summer camp to produce the show. Catch the band at any halftime of home football games and competitions throughout Virginia. While our primary mission is teaching and learning, I encourage all students to find their niche at Marshall. For me, participating in band in high school created a lifetime of memories. Participating in the arts, athletics, or other school activities gives students a sense of belonging that enriches their high school journey at Marshall.
We are excited to announce that Marshall High School is certified to offer the International Baccalaurete Career-related Program. Marshall High School is pleased to announce that we have completed the authorization process to offer the IB Career-Related Programme (IB CP). This program is designed for students who want to combine rigorous academic study with career-focused learning. IB CP blends IB coursework with a career pathway while developing skills in communication, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and ethical leadership. Students also complete a reflective project, service learning, language development, and personal and professional skills coursework. The program is a two-year program that runs during a students junior and senior year at Marshall High School.
The IB Career-related Programme provides students with the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized IB education while gaining practical, career-ready skills and industry knowledge. It is an excellent option for students who have a clear interest in a career field, want to pursue college, technical training, or direct entry into the workforce, and thrive in learning that connects academic knowledge with real-world application. If you would like more information in the program, please reach out your student’s counselor or Shane Kellogg, the IB CP Coordinator, at sckellogg@fcps.edu.
As we enter the 26-27 school year, please take a minute to check out what’s new from FCPS here.
Thank you for your continued support of George C. Marshall High School.
Jay Pearson
Interim Principal
Back to School 2026-2027: Medication and Healthcare Supply Drop-Off Begins August 10
Beginning Monday, August 10, the Health Room will accept completed authorization forms, student medications, and related healthcare supplies Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Once the school year begins, medication and healthcare-supply drop-offs will be accepted on any school day during regular school hours. Additional drop-off opportunities will be available:
Statesman Start (Open House)
- Date: Thursday, August 20
- Time: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Rising 9th Grade and Newcomer Orientation
- Date: Friday, August 21
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Submit Authorization Forms in Advance
Please submit completed 2026–2027 authorization forms to Fatima Chughtai at fchughtai@fcps.edu as soon as possible, preferably before delivering medications or supplies. Early submission allows the health room to review the information, resolve questions, and prepare for your student’s needs before school begins. A new authorization is required each school year for every medication used in the school setting, including medication authorized for student self-carry or needed during an FCPS-sponsored activity. A new form is also required whenever the medication dosage or administration time changes. Current medication, asthma, anaphylaxis, seizure, and healthcare-procedure forms are available through FCPS School Health Services.
Before Bringing Medication or Healthcare-Procedure Supplies to School:
- Give the first dose of any new medication at home, except for rescue medication.
- Provide prescription medication in its original pharmacy-labeled container. The pharmacy label must match the authorization form. Bring no more than a 30-day supply at one time.
- Provide OTC medication in its original, unopened container. Bring no more than 100 pills, tablets, or capsules at one time. (When possible, the Health Room prefers no more than 25 at a time.)
- Submit the appropriate authorization and all necessary supplies for any healthcare procedure required during the school day.
Statesman Start
We will host our Statesmen Start back-to-school kick-off on Thursday, August 20th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria and around the building.
Statesmen Start is an opportunity for our community to reunite. Our PTSA and Athletic Boosters will be present to handle your membership forms, which can be found on the PTSA and Marshall High School websites. Spirit wear, yearbooks, and other items will be on sale. Clubs and organizations will also be present. School staff will be available to process ParentVue requests.
Marshall faculty and staff will be available to hand out Chromebooks for every rising 9th grader and every student new to Marshall. Once a student receives their Chromebook, they will need to turn it on and log in before they leave the building.
We will have parent and support stations to support you with signing up for ParentVUE and to aid in filling out free and reduced lunch applications.
9th Grade and New Student Orientation
Get ready, new Statesmen—this is your moment! On Friday, August 21th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. , we are rolling out the red carpet for all incoming 9th graders and students new to Marshall. This is your chance to walk your schedule, meet your teachers face-to-face, and connect in small groups with our incredible faculty and student leaders—all before the first bell even rings. You'll leave feeling confident, connected, and ready to own this school year.
Parents and guardians, you're invited too! Join us in the auditorium from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a special session designed just for you. Learn what it takes to help your student thrive at Marshall, get your questions answered, and become part of our community from day one. This program is optional, but we highly encourage you to come be part of the excitement!
Let's kick off this year together—strong, proud, and united as one Marshall Community. We can't wait to see you there!
Buses will pick up students at our feeder schools according to the following schedule:
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Freedom Hill Elementary – 8:40 AM
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Kilmer Middle – 8:40 AM
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Shrevewood Elementary – 8:40 AM
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Stenwood Elementary – 8:35 AM
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Thoreau Middle – 8:40 AM
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Westbriar Elementary – 8:40 AM
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Westgate Elementary – 8:45 AM
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Wolftrap Elementary – 8:35 AM
Students should report to the auditorium for the opening session. Please ensure that your student is at the respective elementary/middle school at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
At the conclusion of the program, buses will depart Marshall High School at 11:35 a.m.
NEW Bell Schedule
Red Day classes include Period 1 (8:10–9:37), Period 3 (9:43–11:14), Period 5 with lunch (11:20–1:20), and Period 7 (1:26–2:55).
Blue Day classes include Period 2 (8:10–9:37), followed by Homeroom (9:43–10:15) and Flex (10:15–11:14), then Period 6 with lunch (11:20–1:20), and Period 8 (1:26–2:55).
New Requirement for Student Device Use During the School Day
Starting this school year, students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use their personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
We’re Eager to Welcome You Back to School!
As summer winds down, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Use the following list to help make sure your child is ready!
☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at [email/phone number] if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE. Also, download the new ParentVUE mobile app so you can access your child’s records easily from anywhere!
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts.
☑️ Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy.
When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.
☑️ Learn About School Meals
Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.
☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.
New Counselor Alpha Caseload Assignments
As we prepare for the new school year, we are sharing our updated school counselor alpha caseload assignments below. While caseloads have shifted slightly to balance support across all grade levels, please rest assured that our counseling department continues to work as a team to ensure every Marshall student receives the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed.
George: A – BEA
Wess: BEB – DAH
Sawitzky: DAI – G
Terry: H – KI
Tsoi: KJ – MIN
Kirtner: MIO – RAJ
Burton: RAK – SRH
Mollura: SRI – Z
Request PSAT and SAT School Day Testing Accommodations and Multilingual Support
FCPS high schools will give the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) to 10th and 11th graders on Wednesday, October 7. That same day, 12th graders will participate in SAT School Day.
Because these exams are operated by the College Board, students do not automatically receive testing accommodations or multilingual support. Families can view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about College Board accommodations on the FCPS website.
If you have a student with disabilities in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the accommodations request process and return forms to the high school by Monday, August 3.
If you have a multilingual learner (ML) in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade this school year, please review the ML support request process and return forms by Thursday, August 27, if you wish to request ML support for the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT or SAT School Day.
Find out more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.
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 screening using the same weapons detection technology introduced in our 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. The following items are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Purses
- Fanny packs
- Tote bags
- Outside food and beverages
- Sporting equipment (balls, bats, sticks, etc.)
- Any item prohibited by FCPS policy, or determined by event staff to present safety concerns
Approved bags are limited to:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12”x6”x12”
- Small clutch bag no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Medical and diaper bags permitted but subject to inspection
As a reminder, middle school students and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains with the student(s) at the event.
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.
Weekly Athletic Calendar
Please take a look at our events this week on our Athletic Website!
PTSA Newsletter
Please join our PTSA Newsletter.
Statesmen Standout
The PTSA loves to highlight the amazing staff that we have working here are Marshall. Please take some time to learn more about our amazing staff here.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Back-to-School Checklist
- Stay Up to Date with the FCPS Mobile App
- New Menu Platform
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Bell Schedule
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