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Congratulations to Mr. Melton and the Yearbook Staff!
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Marshall HS One of the FCPS High Schools to Make Significant Gains on 2007 SAT Scores
Several Fairfax County high schools—including South Lakes High, Mount Vernon High, Marshall High, and Stuart High—have made large, statistically significant gains on their 2007 SAT scores, according to figures released today by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Jack D. Dale. Overall, FCPS students earned a combined average score of 1639 for the total SAT I: Reasoning Test (SAT), posting an average score of 545 on the Critical Reading section, 559 on the Mathematics section, and 535 on the Writing section. The average scores represent tests taken by FCPS seniors from the class of 2007 and include the scores of students who are not enrolled in FCPS but take the test in Fairfax County high schools.
Students at South Lakes High made the most impressive SAT gains, raising their school's average Critical Reading score by 15 points, their school's average Mathematics score by 12 points, and their school's average Writing score by 19 points. Mount Vernon High students improved their school's average score in Critical Reading by 28 points, their school's average Mathematics score by 9 points, and their school's average Writing score by 15 points. Students from Stuart High improved their school's average Critical Reading score by 20 points, their school's average Mathematics score by 4 points, and their school's average Writing score by 11 points, while Marshall High students improved their school's average Critical Reading score by 10 points, their school's average Mathematics score by 9 points, and their school's average Writing score by 12 points.
According to figures compiled by the College Board, which administers the SAT, FCPS students once again scored much higher on the Mathematics section than students across the nation and in Virginia, with an average score of 559, compared to 515 nationally and 511 statewide. On the Critical Reading section of the SAT, FCPS students also scored significantly higher than students in the nation and in Virginia with an average score of 545, compared to 502 nationwide and 511 statewide. On the Writing section—in its second year as part of the SAT—FCPS students also scored significantly higher than students in the nation and in Virginia with an average score of 535, compared to 494 nationwide and 498 statewide. The Critical Reading and Writing average scores for FCPS in 2007 stayed the same when compared to 2006, and the Math scores showed a decrease of four points compared to 2006.
"The majority of our high schools posted gains in at least one section of the 2007 SAT," said Dale. "Several of our high schools made gains in multiple sections, an impressive accomplishment. Our Asian students' scores have risen in all three sections, and our Black students have improved their Critical Reading scores."
Following are highlights of the SAT results for FCPS, using College Board-reported data:
Source: FCPS website
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What is OMDR?
OMDR stands for Online Membership and Data Reporting. It is the National PTA's new online membership roster program. VA PTA is one of only nine states selected to implement this national program.
What are the benefits of using OMDR?
Local units are required to maintain membership lists. Many units maintain these lists on Excel-type spreadsheets and must update this information every year. OMDR makes this unnecessary. Information entered into the secure OMDR system stays there. So, in subsequent years, members can be renewed, instead of having to be reentered into a spreadsheet. Additionally, macro features in OMDR allow you to only have to enter some information once.
Is OMDR required?
OMDR use is being mandated by National PTA as part of their initiative to meet IRS guidelines as well as providing better service to PTA members. It is required of all VA PTA units beginning this year. While there is currently no penalty if you do not use this system, this may soon change. Any information a member discloses will neither be used to send promotional materials nor shared with anyone else.
Source: FCCPTA newsletter January 2007 issue
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2007 Yearbook Pickups
Students who did not pickup their 2007 yearbook can come to room 235 the first week back at school to retrieve their book. Unretrieved yearbooks will be delivered by the yearbook staff as time permits. Not sure whether you ordered a yearbook? Send an e-mail to eston.melton@fcps.edu with your and your student's full names.
2008 Yearbook Purchases
Information on purchasing the 2008 yearbook is forthcoming, and will be in students' and parents' hands by mid-September.
2008 Yearbook Advertising Space
Seniors' back-to-school packets include information on publishing a student ad in the yearbook. The information soon will be posted to Marshall's website, along with information on placing a business ad for those companies interested in supporting GCM's nationally-awarded yearbook.
Newspaper subscriptions
Subscriptions to Rank & File, Marshall's nationally-awarded student newspaper are available for $15 (and prorated throughout the year). To subscribe, send a $15 check payable to "Rank & File" to Rank & File
Subscriptions / 7731 Leesburg Pike / Falls Church, VA 22043.
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What is Parent View?
Parents now have the opportunity to create an FCPS 24/7 Learning account of their own. The parent's access into FCPS 24/7 Learning is called Parent View. The Parent View account gives parents the opportunity to view their childrens' course information (that is, announcements, course syllabus and weekly assignments) online. Parent View accounts will also give parents access to other important features like weCare@schools. weCare@schools is the online system that allows parents to submit emergency care information for their children online.
Parent View Registration Opportunity
for Marshall Pyramid Parents!
Schools in the Marshall Pyramid are sponsoring a joint registration event to
assist busy parents in connecting to Parent View (Parent access to
FCPS 24-7 Learning):
Marshall High School
Pimmit Hills High School
Kilmer Middle School
Freedom Hill Elementary School
Lemon Road Elementary School
Shrevewood Elementary School
Stenwood Elementary School
Westbriar Elementary School
Westgate Elementary School
When:
Wednesday, August 29
2:00-6:00 p.m.
Where:
Marshall High School
7731 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043
You must bring photo identification in order to complete the Parent View
registration. You can save time by bringing your unique registration key
by following these directions:
* Use your internet browser to go to fcps.blackboard.com
* Log on using username: parentreg and password: newuser
* Under the Parent Portal Registration heading click on Click here
* Fill out the online form and follow the prompts
* At the end of the process, print or write down your unique registration key
Computer access will be available so that you may complete this step at
Marshall, if necessary.
Take advantage of this "one-stop shopping" opportunity to establish access to
all of your children's FCPS 24-7 Learning accounts prior to the start of the
2007-08 school year!
If you are unable to participate on August 29, you will need to stop by your
child's school to register for Parent View at a later time.
Questions? Please contact your child's school.
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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 over 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 e-mail to 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. Thank you for your consideration!
Deadline for submission of ads: Friday, September 14th
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Applications for Seniors Only, will be accepted on Tuesday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Security Office. Forms are available in the main office from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Underclassmen may only submit applications for parking passes after August 31st. Only checks or money orders are accepted, no cash. Parking spaces will be assigned during the first week of school.
Parking Permit - Full Payment | |
| Full Fee - 1st Quarter | $150.00 |
| Full Fee - 2nd Quarter | $112.00 |
| Full Fee - 3rd Quarter | $ 75.00 |
| Full Fee - 4th Quarter | $ 38.00 |
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The assembly of Back to School Packets was successfully done today. There were about 50 parent and student volunteers who came out and helped. We had stuffed approximately 1500 envelopes in three hours! Thank you very much to all the volunteers. We could not have done it without your support.
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New IB Coordinators-
Mr. Asheesh Misra Asheesh.Misra@fcps.edu 703-714-5580
Mrs. Carlota Bernal- Shewchuk Carlota.Shewchuk@fcps.edu 703-714-5580
New Director of Student Services -
Mrs. Cindy Blakeley Cindy.Blakeley@fcps.edu 703-714-5424
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EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW
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.
This map shows the location of G. C. Marshall High School and Davis Center . It does not reflect the school boundaries (attendance area) and should not be used to interpret such information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
How early does the school open? When does it close?
Marshall opens at 7:00 AM Monday-Friday. Administrative offices close at 4:00 PM and the library closes at 3:45 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 7:55 . AM THE BUS SCHEDULE IS EXACTLY THE SAME MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. Dismissal is at 2:10 PM every day. After school activities and night events generally end by 10:00 PM . All other times, the school is closed, and TRESPASSERS may be charged.
Who is George C. Marshall?
General George C. Marshall was one of the greatest Americans of the 20 th century. He served as chief of staff of the United States Army during World War Two, 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 and Booz Allen Hamilton. AFSB has been a tremnedous 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 ina 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 test. They provide materials for the SAT 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 was given at the school cafeteria. The company also offers $125 discount for all Marshall students interested in enrolling in SAT/PSAT prep course or 10% discount for private tutoring.
When is Back-to-School Night, and do students attend? What other activities happen that night?
It will be in September at 6:30 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, directory distribution (if there is no delay in the production) and many other clubs … so bring a check book .
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 family receives one copy for free hopefully at Back to School Night. If it there is a delay in the production, 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 7 th 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, 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!
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 and the employees of our school-business partner, Booz Allen Hamilton will tutor students.
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 $1.00 and student lunches cost $1.70, 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?
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 NOT USED during the school day. If they have them on or if they are caught using them, it 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 6:30 AM to 3:45 PM Monday-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 $11.50. 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, trade-mark, 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-the-counter 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.
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
How do we get announcements?
Daily announcements, activities, schedule changes, and important information for students and teachers will be televised during 2 nd block each day. 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 family hopefully at Back to School Night. We will inform you through the Blast if it's not possible due to the delay in the production.Extra copies are available for sale.
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 1 st 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.
Fall Sports: Practice for football, fall cheerleading, field hockey, cross-country, girl's tennis, golf, girl's volleyball, and Marching Band begin in August.
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?
& even more!
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. (Here's a photo of the mascot with our school logo painted on the gymnasium wall.)
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.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
How are deserving students given special recognition at the school?
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 Merit Scholarship 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.php
MAEF 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 during their senior year (as long as they have received an academic letter award at Marshall HS).
The Statesmen Star Award is a prestigious award given each semester to four students from each grade level and four faculty or staff members who exemplify the five stars/traits of the Statesmen Code of Honor: Respect, Responsibility, Community, Honesty, and Spirit. The awardees will be presented with a gold pin engraved with the Marshall "M" at a luncheon in the 5 Star Eatery.
Rising Star Award is for students who have shown improved performance in their course work during the semester. These include, but are not limited to, academics, participation, homework, assignment completion, teamwork, cooperation, and attitude. Each teacher may recognize one student per semester who will be honored with a certificate at a pizza luncheon.
The George C Marshall Faculty Award is presented at the June Awards Ceremony to 2% of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, as well as 5% of the seniors. The faculty selects and vote for students based on the following criteria: academics, attendance, citizenship, activities, and service to the school and the community. The senior who receives the most votes from the faculty will be acknowledged at graduation by a representative from the George C. Marshall Foundation.
Debbie Witherow Award, named after a former student and PTSA president, is the "Silent Soldier" award presented at the End-of-Year Awards Ceremony. This student is selected by the PTSA as the senior who both cares about Marshal by showing an abundance of school spirit and volunteerism, but who, generally, goes unrecognized.
The Sarah Bradley Memorial Award is named after a deceased former student. A plaque presented at the June Awards Ceremony to a senior, who has already received a Statesman Star pin and who exemplifies Sarah's ideals and characteristics: shown an interest in athletics and other extracurricular activities, cared about the well-being of others, and inspired others through a demonstration of personal courage, friendship, and respect. The student will be recognized in the graduation program, and a plaque bearing the student's name will be on permanent display in the main office.
The Sarah Bradley Scholarship is presented to a senior who plans a career in medicine as a doctor, nurse, or researcher in some medical field, such as biology, or pursues some medical endeavor to help humankind in the struggle to overcome a major illness.
Any more questions?
Please don't hesitate to ask! Everyone at Marshall - the faculty staff and volunteers - is committed to making your experiences at GCM the best they can be!
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