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Everything you wanted to know about
George C. Marshall
High School
but were afraid to ask
Welcome to Marshall High School
This booklet has been created by members of the PTSA and staff to make your transition to GCM a little easier. GCM serves a cosmopolitan area of Fairfax County located near Tysons Corner, 12 miles from Washington D.C. Marshall sits on 48.8 acres of land, and has 240,563 square feet of floor space. It is located on Route 7 (Leesburg Pike). From the Beltway 495 take Exit 10 East toward Falls Church and turn right into the front parking lot before the second light. The first light is Lisle Avenue and the second light is George C. Marshall Drive. Turning right at George C. Marshall Drive would take you to the back parking lot.
Directions to Marshall High School and Davis Center
George C. Marshall High School is on Route 7 (Leesburg Pike). From the Beltway (495) take Exit 47B east toward Falls Church and turn right into the front parking after the first light (Lisle Avenue). Turning right at the second light (George C. Marshall Drive) will take you to the back parking lot.
Revised 2008 edition
GENERAL INFORMATION
How early does the school open? When does it close?
Marshall opens at 6:30 AM Monday-Friday. Administrative offices close at 4:00 PM. Classes begin at 7:20 AM, Monday through Thursday, and 8AM on Friday. Friday’s opening is slightly later to provide for teacher collaboration from 7 to 7:55AM. THE BUS SCHEDULE IS EXACTLY THE SAME MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. Dismissal is at 2:10PM every day. After school activities and night events generally end by 10:00PM.
Who is George C. Marshall?
General George C. Marshall was one of the greatest Americans of the 20th century. He served as chief of staff of the United States Army during World War II, earning five stars, the highest rank a soldier can attain. He also served as secretary of state from 1947 to 1949, and as secretary of defense in 1950 and 1951. General Marshall was the first professional soldier to become secretary of state. In 1947, while serving in that post, he proposed the European Recovery Plan, also called the Marshall Plan. Under this plan, the US spent billions to rebuild war torn Europe. George C. Marshall’s heroic foresight and generosity earned him the Nobel Prize in 1953, and the title of “Statesman.”
Is it true that we should never walk on the big tiled “M” on the floor by the front and back doors?
True, true, true! School tradition.
Who are our Business Partners?
We are very fortunate at GCM to have two business partners in Acacia Federal Savings Bank (AFSB) and Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH). AFSB has been a tremendous supporter of the school and PTSA activities/events. It prints out all the issues of the newsletter, a 5-star sponsor of the All Night Grad Celebration, supports the school through ads placed in the Rank and File student newspaper, Columbian yearbook, and the annual student directory. Its employees also provide assistance to the studentes in a variety of ways. AFSB also offers scholarships to graduating Marshall seniors who plan to continue their education at the collegiate/university level. BAH is one of the most prestigious and successful consulting firms in the world. The help they give us is too extensive to print here, but you will be hearing a lot about them while you are at Marshall.
The PTSA has partnered with Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions in helping our students to prepare for SAT and ACT tests. We do it twice a year, in September and in February. They provide materials for the SAT/ACT practice tests that we offer to all the students at $10 per person. These are actual tests given and are scored by the company but the results do not go on record. They provide a free test strategies seminar approximately 6 wks after the test is given in the school cafeteria. The company also offers $125 discount for all Marshall students interested in enrolling in a SAT/PSAT prep course or 10% discount for private tutoring. The SAT/ACT practice test is a PTSA fundraiser.
When is Back-to-School Night, and do students attend? What other activities happen that night?
It will be in September at 6:00 PM. Students generally do not attend. In our cafeteria, you will find volunteers manning tables for Yearbook sales, PTSA membership, The Blast, Activities Boosters sales, All Night Graduation Celebration sales, grocery rewards registration, School Directory distribution (if there is no delay in the production) and many other clubs … so bring a check book. There will be a brief program in the auditorium at 7:00 PM before the classroom visits.
How and when can I get a school directory?
Our Directory is put together by the PTSA and contains the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all GCM students who wish to be included. The directory also contains the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all the staff and faculty, the names of the department heads, the PTSA Board, a calendar, and a bell schedule. Each student receives one copy for free at Back to School Night. If it there is a delay in distributing the Directory, we will inform you through the Blast. After that additional copies will be available in the main office for purchase for a minimal fee. It’s a good idea…and extremely useful…to have more than one Directory available throughout the year, maybe one for the car and another for home.
How do I find my classrooms the first few days?
A Freshman/New Student Orientation is held each year before school begins. Maps are distributed then and are also available at the GCM school office to help you familiarize yourself with the school layout. Students are asked to bring copies of their schedules and to locate their classrooms after the welcome assembly in the Cafeteria. Please bring a pen or pencil and paper to take notes. Don’t hesitate to ask questions - Marshall students, faculty, and administrators are eager to help.
I know Marshall is great, but why is there a big “1” over the front door and other numbers over other doors?
The number over the door and over all the other doors was placed there by the Fire Department to improve communication in case of an emergency. But we can’t help agreeing—Marshall is number 1!
Where do parents drop off students when they drive them to school?
Students should be dropped off in the back of the school only. Keep in mind the driveway in front of the school is ONE WAY. Do not go into the front driveway when buses are arriving between 6:40 and 7:40 AM or in the afternoon between 1:45 and 2:40. The front parking lot is for faculty/staff and substitute teachers and visitor parking. There is almost always parking available in the back.
What is Block Scheduling? What is a Student Agenda? When will I get it?
Block Scheduling alternates between Red and Blue days. On Red Days, students attend class periods 1, 3, 5, & 7. On Blue Days, students attend periods 2, 4, 6, 7. With the exception of 7th period, which meets every day for 50 minutes, all classes are 93-94 minutes (Mon-Thurs) and 85 minutes (Fri). The schedule is set for the whole year and is designated in your student agenda (which you will receive as part of your school information packet that you pick up from school the week before school starts). The agenda is also an assignment book and is used as a hall pass.
For Example:
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
RED BLUE RED BLUE RED
1, 3, 5, 7 2, 4, 6, 7 1, 3, 5, 7 2, 4, 6, 7 1, 3, 5, 7
The next week the schedule is shifted with BLUE days on M-W-F and the RED days on Tuesday & Thursday. Each week the schedule alternates.
What is Lunch and Learn?
Lunch and learn is an innovative program at GCM that gives students an opportunity to get help from teachers, to make–up missed tests, go to the Library, work with other students, attend club meetings, and research colleges and careers in the Career Center... all in the middle of the day. It takes place Monday through Thursday from 10:41 to 11:41 , and Fridays from 10:58 to 11:51. Students eat their lunch, then use the time after lunch to improve their high school experience… and (we’ve discovered), their grades! Students must attend Lunch and Learn upon a teacher's request. Every day ask your child how they used Lunch and Learn.
When will I get my locker assignment?
Lockers and locker combinations will be assigned the first week of school to students who return their Emergency Care Information forms and pay outstanding fines. Report any problems with lockers to the Main Office by filling out a locker repair form.
Can I ride a different bus home with another student? Are there late buses?
Yes, students can ride a different bus home with another student, but each student needs a note from his/her parent or legal guardian. Also, there are late buses departing at 4:00PM every Monday and Wednesday. They are provided for students participating in an after school activity, working in the library, or staying after with a teacher. Routes are posted outside the main office.
Is extra academic help available from teachers or other Marshall students?
Yes, all teachers stay after school on late bus days to help students. They are also available during Lunch and Learn. Always ask your classroom teacher for help. It’s also fine to ask your guidance counselor for help too. Our National Honor Society members
How do students buy breakfast or lunch?
Cash is accepted in all lunch lines. Personal account numbers called “SNAP” accounts are issues to students by Marshall Food Services. Breakfast costs $1.50 and student lunches cost $2.50, many individual foods are available daily. Checks payable to “MHS Food Services” will open new accounts or add to existing debit accounts from your previous Fairfax County Public School. Bring checks to the Cafeteria Manager before or during the lunch period, or mail to Food Service Manager, Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. Checks should include the student’s first and last name, either the FCPS student identification or current SNAP account number if applicable. Never share your SNAP account number with other students. Questions about Food Services should be directed to Cafeteria Manager at 703-714-5434.
May I leave school for lunch?
NO. Marshall students do not leave school for lunch. The courtyard is open, when weather permits. All food and beverages must be consumed in the cafeteria or courtyard during morning break or lunch.
What is the policy about Cell Phones, iPods, and other electronic devices?
According to FCPS Student Responsibilities and Rights booklet, students can possess portable communication devices but CANNOT have them turned on or use them during the school day. They must be TURNED OFF and OUT OF SIGHT during the school day. If they have them on or if they are caught using them, they will be confiscated and returned only to the student’s parent or guardian.
Who may park in the student parking lot? Where do visitors park?
Seniors and juniors may obtain parking permits for $150 each for a reserved space for the year. The cost is prorated as the years go by.This permit must be visibly displayed in the windshield. All cars without a permit will be booted and fined $25.00. Applications are available in the main office. Visitor spaces are located in the front lot.
When can I go to the library? How can I obtain a library card? Are there fines for overdue books?
The library is open from 6:45 AM to 3:30 PM Monday-Thursday and 7:00 AM-2:30 PM on Friday. A pass from a teacher is required to enter the library during any of the seven class periods. All new students receive a library card number at the beginning of the school year. The student photocopy machine is located in the library at a cost of $0.10 per copy. The fine for an overdue library book is $0.10 per school day. The maximum fine per item is $5.00.
All students take Physical Education as freshmen and sophomores.
What do students wear during gym? Are students required to take a shower after class?
Students purchase a Marshall gym uniform from their PE teacher for $13.00. Be sure to bring sweatpants and a sweatshirt to wear outside on colder days. Showers after gym class are not mandatory.
Where are the public pay phones located?
a.) Inside of the school near the Main Gym & Cafeteria
b.) At the entrance of the Football Field
How do I get Marshall clothing, hats, etc.?
GCM Activities Boosters sell them at most athletic home events, Freshmen Potluck, Back-to-School Night, and Band/Orchestra Concerts.
STUDENT DRESS GUIDELINES
What can I wear to school? What should I not wear to school?
Regulation 2601 (“Student Responsibilities and Rights” Handbook): All students are expected to dress appropriately for a K-12 educational environment. Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable. Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats such as gang symbols is prohibited. (See page 13, sectionII.A.2.I for additional information regarding gang-related clothing). Clothing should fit, be neat and clean, and conform to standards of safety, good taste, and decency. Clothing that exposes cleavage, private parts, the midriff, or undergarments, or that is otherwise sexually provocative, is prohibited. Examples of prohibited clothing include, but are not limited to: sagging or low-cut pants, low-cut necklines that show cleavage, tube tops, halter tops, backless blouses or blouses with only ties in the back, and clothing constructed of see-through materials, and head coverings (unless required for religious or medical purposes). Parents of students requiring accommodation for religious beliefs, disabilities, or other good causes should contact the principal. Students not complying with this code will be asked to cover the non-complying clothing, change clothes, or go home. Repeated infractions will result in disciplinary action. The current revision of Regulation 2613 provides additional details.
Regulation 2610 (“Student Responsibilities and Rights” Handbook): Taking part in gang-related activities that are disruptive to the school environment, which include the display of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, tattoo, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior. If a student is suspected of being in a gang or has violated the provisions of this section, the principal shall notify the parent.
Please note that these regulations are subject to change at any time. Refer to the “Student Responsibilities and Rights” Handbook for more details and updates.
ATTENDANCE • GUIDANCE • CLINIC
What if I am sick, tardy to school, or need to leave early?
Parents are encouraged to call the Attendance Office answering machine 703-714-5447, the night prior to, or the morning of, their student’s absence.
If parents have not notified the school by 7AM on the day of the absence, they should call 703-714-5447 to speak directly with the attendance secretary.
If a student is tardy to school, they should report to the Attendance Office to check in and obtain a pass to class. In order for a student to check out of school early, a note with a parent or guardian’s signature and verification must be presented to the Attendance Office for verification before leaving the building. The student will be provided with a check-out pass to show his/her teacher if the student needs to leave during the instructional period. The check-out pass must be stamped by the Attendance Secretary before leaving the building. The Attendance Office is located in the Main Office. Truancy (skipping school) is taken seriously at all high schools, and can have a very negative affect on grades and sports eligibility.
Are there Detention and Suspension rules?
Every Marshall student and parent must review and sign the Fairfax County Public School Student Rights and Responsibilities “Rules of Conduct” distributed to all students the first week of classes, which outlines expected behavior and types of behavior for which students may be disciplined. Each high school has a school resource officer from the Fairfax County Police Department on duty. Security and safety is a very, very high priority.
Do I need a hall pass?
Any student outside of a classroom during a class period must have their student Agenda hall pass section signed by a teacher.
How are Guidance Counselors assigned?
Guidance Counselors are assigned alphabetically by students’ last names. Unless there are unexpected personnel changes, you should have the same counselor throughout your four years of high school.
How do I arrange to see my guidance counselor?
Appointments are made in the Guidance Office. You will receive a Guidance Pass, which will be initialed by your teacher before leaving class for the appointment. After seeing your counselor, you must go to the Attendance Office to have your pass stamped so that your class absence will be excused.
If I’m absent, how do I get my assignments?
Arrange for a homework buddy in each class to get your assignments for you is you are absent, or see your teacher as soon as you return to make up the work.
Where is the clinic in case I get sick? What authorization is needed for a student to carry or take medication?
The clinic is located near the front lobby stairs and the library. Except in cases of emergency, illness, or injury, students are not allowed to go to the clinic without a pass from their teacher. If the clinic is closed, students are to report to the Main Office.
Every medication requires an Authorization for Medication and Indemnification Agreement to be completed by the parent or guardian. This agreement form is available in the clinic. Using or possessing any nonprescription drug will result in disciplinary action and may require mandatory sanctions. Nonprescription medications include products such as aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, caffeine pills, and other over-thecounter medications intended to be ingested or inhaled. The distribution or sharing of non-prescription drugs shall result in a suspension of a length to be determined by the principal.
PUBLICATIONS
How do we get announcements?
Daily announcements, activities, schedule changes, and important information for students and teachers are announced via the PA at the start of the first block.
FCPS also has a Hot Line for emergency messages at 1-800-839-3277. If you have cable TV, Red Apple Channel 21 announces school closings. The Marshall Activities hotline is 703-883-4740. You can also sign up with FCPS “ Keep in Touch” system and the PTSA Blast.
What is the Marshall Internet Home Page?
The GCM home page is at www.fcps.edu/marshallhs Please refer to it regularly and put it on your favorites list. You can also click the GCM logo on the PTSA homepage to connect you to the website.
What are the student publications?
The Rank and File is the school newspaper published by GCM journalism students. The school literary magazine, Reville, is published in the spring of each year. The Columbian Yearbook is produced annually.
What are other ways GCM communicates with students and their families?
The PTSA gives a Student Directory to each student at Back to School Night. We will inform you through the Blast if distribution is delayed. Extra copies are available for sale in the office.
The PTSA also publishes an award-winning Newsletter 4-5 times a year that is mailed to each student’s home. This newsletter contains important information for GCM families, plus a detailed calendar of events. The newsletter is also available online at the GCM PTSA homepage.
The PTSA has also compiled a data base of e-mail addresses of Marshall families and frequently sends out important information online through the Blast.This service is very popular, and representatives of the PTSA will be in attendance at the Freshmen potluck, Back to School Night, and Touching Bases to add your e-mail address to our database. THE DATA BASE IS PROTECTED AND IS NEVER
USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN PTSA AND SCHOOL NEWS.
STUDENT ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
When do sports and activities start? What forms do I need to have?
All students trying out for an athletic team must have 3 forms (all available from the GCM Main Office or Activities Office, or in electronic form on the GCM homepage) on file (completed and turned in) BEFORE tryouts begin.
(Marching Band does not need a physical.)
(1) The VHSL Athletic Participation Form (4 pages) includes athletic participation, parental consent, and physical examination. The physical exam portion is only valid for 1 school year and expires June 30 th of each year. May 1st is the earliest date for which the physical exam is valid for the succeeding school year.
(2) The Emergency Care Form (1 page) must be completed and turned in to each coach PRIOR to tryouts or before practicing with a team. A separate form is needed for each sport in which the student participates.
(3) The Extracurricular Participation Policy (3 pages) must be signed by each student (Participant’s Pledge or Acknowledgement) as a precondition of his/her participation. The student’s signature signifies their commitment to abide by the conditions of the Marshall High School Extracurricular Participation Policy and to remain free of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances. The parent’s signature signifies that the parent has read and understands the pledge.
Winter Sports are basketball, winter cheerleading, wrestling, girl’s gymnastics, indoor track, and swimming/diving. Tryouts begin in early November.
Spring Sports are baseball, softball, track, lacrosse, soccer, boy’s tennis, crew, and boy’s gymnastics. Tryouts begin in late February.
How much does it cost to attend athletic events? Will event schedules be distributed?
A single event ticket costs $4 to $5, depending on the sports season. All adults and students need to purchase tickets to attend athletic events. The Marshall Activities Boosters offer levels of seasonal passes for students or families.
Schedules of all athletic events are available in the Activities Office and the Main Office.
What clubs are available and how do I join?
Students will receive a Marshall Club and Activities list during Orientation.
Copies are also available in the Student Activities Office.
Is hazing a part of athletics at Marshall?
Hazing in any form is FORBIDDEN at Marshall. Any violation of this rule should be reported to a coach, teacher, or administrator.
When are Pep Rallies held?
Pep Rallies are usually held on the same day of a major sporting event, at the end of the school day. These school-wide assemblies are held in the stadium or the main gym, and last about 30-45 minutes. Students who choose not to participate may go to the cafeteria. Marshall PEP rallies are lots of fun and encourage school pride and spirit before certain sporting events.
What are the school colors?
GCM school colors are Columbian Blue and Scarlet Red.
Who (or What) is the Griffin?
The Griffin is our Marshall Statesmen school spirit mascot lion. The GCM cheerleaders introduce the mascot at the first fall pep rally.
What is Spirit Week?
Spirit Week plans will be finalized by the SGA officers. In the past, Spirit Week has included: after-school games and activities for all students, a T-shirt decorating contest, Color Day with each grade wearing matching colors, a school-wide carnival with booths organized by individual clubs and organizations, and a contest to determine which class or club has created the best banner to be displayed during the football game. The winner is announced during half-time at the Homecoming football game.
What do the initials SGA, SAC, and PTSA stand for?
They stand for Student Governmental Association, Student Advisory Council, and Parent Teacher Student Association. The Boosters club is made up of parent and student volunteers who are primarily involved in the athletic needs at GCM.
When are school elections held, and who is eligible to run for office?
Any Marshall student in good academic standing who has completed the required recommendation forms may run for office. Elections are held in early fall for freshmen, and late spring for upperclassmen.
What is the Weight Room, and when is it open to students?
The Weight Room is located in Room 144 near the Main Gym. It contains a great deal of exercise equipment. Any Marshall student may use the weight room and is encouraged to do so. It is usually open from 2:30-4:00PM Monday through Friday during the school year. To ensure safety, there MUST be an adult supervisor present at all times when students use the equipment.
How are deserving students given special recognition at the school?
Aside from the Varsity letter, All “A” Honor Roll and “A”-”B” Honor Roll here are the other major awards:
The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school juniors enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National MeritScholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.4 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. For more information, go to http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.phpMAEF Academic Letter Award is sponsored by the PTSA and is awarded in the fall to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a grade average of 3.7 or higher from the prior year. First-time recipients will receive a Marshall Letter on which is the emblem of the Lamp of Knowledge. For the succeeding years, recipients will earn bars that they can pin on the letter. A list of all the awardees will be posted in the display case by the Guidance Department.
A plaque with the senior awardees’ names will be displayed at Michael Hall.
The underclassmen awardees’ names will be posted on a plaque.
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ACT/SAT Practice Test
In partnership with Kaplan Test and Admissions, the PTSA will sponsor an ACT/SAT practice test on Saturday, September 20, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The test is optional and open to all students and siblings.
The cost is $10 per student and preregistration is required. This is a PTSA fundraiser.
The practice test will be administered by parent volunteers and will be scored by Kaplan. All testing materials including proctor guides are supplied by the company.
We also have another practice test scheduled on February 21, 2009, at the same time.
The above tests should not be confused with the PSAT/NMSQT test that will be administered by the school on October 15 to students in grades 9, 10, and 11. The cost is $17. Parents can register their student(s) for the PSAT at Back to-School Night. Students can also register during lunch; dates TBA. Students with free or reduced lunch fees may register directly with their counselor. FCPS has arranged to administer the PSAT to 10th grade students without cost. Students in grade 10 will not need to register. They are automatically registered.
Details are in the letter/flier included in the school packet.
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All Night Graduation Celebration Recap
by Allie Felder
Well, the Class of 2008 had a spectacular All Night Graduation Celebration, and are on their way to the next stage in life. This gala event, which provided a secure, fun, all-night recreational experience at the Spring Hill Recreation Center for most of the class, was the result of a lot of hard work by parents from all four classes.
Now we must begin work to ensure that the Class of 2009 also has great experience. To that end, I have volunteered to chair the 2009 Committee.
We have volunteers to head most of the committees, but we still need volunteers to chair corporate fundraising, non-corporate fundraising, permission slips, security, pictures and prizes. We have a lot of work to do to get organized, raise the funds required to put on the event, solicit donations of goods and services, engage the Class of 2009 to get them to attend, and to generally do all the legwork to get this event going.
However, this is not just an event for Class of 2009 parents. Last year we worked hard to get parents from the Junior Class to shadow the Senior Class parents through the planning and execution processes so that they could "learn the ropes." That has given the Class of 2009 a cadre of experienced parents. Class of 2010 parents should plan to get involved early, with shadows for all the key positions on the ANGC committee, in order to build experience for the 2010 ANGC. And it's not too late for the sophomore and freshman class parents to get involved this year!
I look forward to working with you to make a great graduation evening event for the Class of 2009, and to work with the parents of the Class of 2010 to pass on the lessons and information we will gather in the course of putting on the 2009 ANGC.
For more information please contact me, Allie Felder, felderaaaa@hotmail.com, 703-409-3208.
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WANTED:
YOUR BUSINESS' ADVERTISEMENT!
The Marshall High School PTSA is looking for businesses to advertise in our student directory.
Marshall has more than 1,300 students who live in Tyson’s Corner, Vienna, and Falls Church, and this is a very inexpensive way to get your business’ name out in front of hundreds of area homeowners.
The fees are as follows:
$100 – Full Page Ad (8”-10”)
$55 – Half Page Ad (4”-6”)
$35 – Business Card-Sized Ad (2”-3 ½”)
This is a tax deductible contribution and all money raised goes directly to benefit the students
ASAP please email goodingrssa@cox.net or send your camera-ready ad and check made payable to Marshall High School PTSA to:
Marshall High School PTSA
Directory Advertising
7731 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043
If you have any questions, please contact Sue Gooding at 703-903-8951. The directory will be distributed to the students at Back to School Night, September 25. Thank you for your consideration!
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Marshall Parents (all grades):
The annual GCM high school All Night Grad Celebration (ANGC) will be held Friday, June 13 from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the Spring Hill RECenter. It takes more than 100 volunteers to decorate the facility, run all the games, serve the food, check everyone in and out, give out the prizes, and manage the crowd. (See below for a full description of all volunteer opportunities.)
We need your help! Please send an email indicating your availability and preferred assignment to Marcia Wise at sevenwiseguys@hotmail.com. If possible, please consider signing up for the 2nd shift (2 a.m. to 5 a.m.) as it is always the hardest to fill. Thanks in advance for making this a safe and memorable night for our graduating seniors.
Marcia Wise
ANGC Volunteer Chair
* * * * *
List of ANGC Volunteer Opportunities
Decorations
The decorating crew will be working for several days during the week leading up to the event to turn the RECenter into a beach resort. This is a great assignment for those who are unable to work the night of the ANGC but still want to help. Please indicate what day(s) you are available and whether you prefer a daytime or evening shift. You must commit to at least one three-hour block.
Check-In
Help check-in students and volunteers or work the bag area where student belongings (e.g., swimsuits and towels) are kept during the event. Shifts are 11pm-2am and 2am-5am.
Activities
Help run one of the rides or games such as skeeball, bowl-o-rama, bungee run, music video mania, and diving for dollars. All jobs are fun and require no special skill. Shifts are 11pm-1:30am and 1:30am-4am.
Casino
We need blackjack dealers, bingo callers, and bankers. Students play for chips; not money. A professional pit boss will be on hand to teach you the games. Shifts are 11pm-2am and 2am-5am.
Food
Volunteers are needed to serve food, replenish drinks, run snacks to people at other stations, and keep the food area clean. Shifts are 11pm-2am and 2am-5am.
Prizes
Supervise the prize bins and help give out raffle prizes and other goodies. Shifts are 11pm-2am and 2am-5am.
Security
Man the exits, sit by the fire alarms, or serve as a parking lot escort. (Bring a book.) Shifts are 11pm-2am and 2am-5am.
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"Reality Check" is a joint parent/student safe teen driving program offered at Inova Fairfax Hospital.
This is a 2.5 hour program offered on periodic Saturdays that gives teens a real-life look at the consequences of unsafe driving behavior and poor decision-making. The parent portion of the program offers parents information on coaching and mentoring teen drivers, talking to children about drugs and alcohol, and implementing a parent-teen driving safety contract.
For more information on this program, please see the brochure HERE. If you have further questions, you may also call 703-776-3259. A date for the upcoming Reality Check has not yet been set; however, one will be offered this summer. Check the Inova website periodically (www.inova.org) for upcoming program dates or call the number above.
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Project Hospitality Tackles Underage Drinking
-to inform parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol to teens.
-to increase awareness of and compliance with the 2006 revised Virginia underage drinking laws.
Project Hospitality is an initiative of the Safe Community Coalition and a key component of the “Parents Who Host” campaign in Fairfax County. Through this community-wide education program, the program urges parents to plan alcohol-free post-prom parties for their graduating seniors. Founded 13 years ago by Margi Vanderhye, a McLean parent and current member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Project Hospitality each spring brings together area hotels, motels, restaurants, the public and private schools of Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria, and the police to promote safe prom nights for high school seniors. Through this initiative the project hopes to persuade parents to chaperone the parties they host and discourage unchaperoned post-prom parties in hotels. Because many parents are unaware that the legal age for drinking is 21 parents are informed that there are legal consequences for them and their teens if they permit underage drinking.
Parents are also made aware that if they rent a hotel room for a post-prom party, the hotels require them to be there chaperoning the party the whole time. If there is an accident, the adult signing for the room is legally liable. The program warns parents about the dangers of teens driving under the influence of alcohol that night, and urges parents to offer their own teens and their friends a ride out of any risky situation with no questions asked. In circulating the dates and places of the proms to area hotels, restaurants, and the Arlington and Fairfax County police, the whole community is united in promoting common sense and safety for area youth on prom night.
County law enforcement, business, and community leaders strongly support SCC’s program of uniting the community in an effort to keep seniors’ special night free from accidents and tragedy.
Colonel David M. Rohrer, Fairfax County Chief of Police, has endorsed the initiative, stating, “During the 2008 Prom Season, the Fairfax County Police Department has reaffirmed our partnership with Project Hospitality. It is through community partnerships like this one that we can have a positive effect on underage drinking and promote a safe and memorable prom experience.”
Jim Wordsworth, the Virginia Director Emeritus of the National Restaurant Association and Chairman of the Small Business Council of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, expressed his enthusiasm for Project Hospitality, commenting, “This program has two measurable goals – the immediacy of further reducing the incidents of underage drinking and bringing the Hospitality Industry, local law enforcement and parents together on this life threatening issue with our young people.”
Paul Giovanini, General Manager of the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, agreed with Project Hospitality's objectives and stated, "Our hotel, like many in the Northern Virginia area, will be host to a number of local High School Proms. Under no circumstances will prom attendees or non- prom party crashers be allowed to rent guestrooms or suites without full-time parental attendance and supervision. We will also screen all reservations prior to the event and monitor check-in registration for absentee parents."
As Margaret Vanderhye, Project Hospitality’s founder, points out, “In the happy and expectant atmosphere surrounding prom season, students may easily blur the distinction between adult settings and privileges that accompany prom night with adulthood itself. Parents should communicate clearly that the consumption of alcohol, the use of hotel party rooms, or the total suspension of rules and expectations are not acceptable. Our goal is that students and their parents remember Prom 2008 as a special highlight of the school year.”
For Further Information, Contact Sherry Wells, SCC Project Hospitality Committee Chair
sbwells@cox.net; 703-241-0335
For information on “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” contact Sara Freund, co-chair of the Countywide Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking at sara.freund@verizon .net
Note: the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Carrier Section will provide verification that the limousine companies available for prom night hire have proper operating authority in the state. (Call toll free: 1-866-878-2582)
For additional resources to help keep our youth safe during prom season, check:
www.sadd.org: Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) has a Contract for Life between parents and children.
at 6:42 am
Teacher/Guidance Counselor of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Awards
The PTSA board is now collecting recommendation letters for the 2007-2008 PTSA Teacher/Guidance Counselor of the Year Award and Support Staff of the Year Award.
This year criteria/guidelines have been established to help assist in the recommendation process. All letters of recommendations will be reviewed and considered with regard to the suggested criteria.
Recommendations must be in no later than Tuesday, April 29.
The PTSA Board will review and vote on the candidates at their next board meeting on Monday, May 5. The awards will be announced at the End-of the-Year Awards Ceremony on June 11. You may send your letter to Malou Rennert via the office or in an email attachment to gcmptsa@gmail.com All correspondence is confidential. Individuals who have received this award in the past 4 years are not eligible.
Criteria -- Teacher/Guidance Counselor
-- Is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled teacher/counselor
-- Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities
-- Has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues
-- Is a good role model to students and colleagues
-- Plays an active and useful role in the community as well as the school
-- Has a length of service at Marshall over two years
-- Demonstrates high motivation, initiative, integrity, leadership skills, commitment, and judgment
-- Is a great team player and collaborator
-- Is an effective communicator-responsive to parents/students
Criteria -- Support Staff (administrative assistants, library staff, custodians, instructional assistants, food service, security personnel, clinic aides, and bus drivers)
-- Interacts with co-workers, students, teachers/counselors, and administrators in a positive, responsive, and cheerful manner.
-- Is a positive role model for others and a good ambassador of the school
-- Demonstrates motivation, integrity, resourcefulness, and leadership
-- Is a dedicated and hard worker
-- Has a length of service at Marshall over two years
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