Something to be Proud of!

Posted by: DMK

at 10:15 pm

Congratulations to Mr. Melton and the Yearbook Staff!

Marshall Gains on 2007 SAT Scores

Posted by: DMK

at 10:12 pm

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:

• FCPS Asian students' scores increased from 2006 to 2007 by 7 points on the Critical Reading section, and 1 point on the Math section, as well as 4 points in Writing.
• FCPS Black students' scores increased by 2 points on the Critical Reading section, decreased by 3 points on the Math section, and went up by 4 points in Writing.
• FCPS Hispanic students' scores decreased by 2 points on the Critical Reading section, remained the same in Math, and decreased by 4 points in Writing.
• FCPS White students' scores decreased by 3 points on the Critical Reading section and 6 points on the Math section as well as 1 point in Writing.
• When compared with 2006 scores, the FCPS average Critical Reading score remained constant, the average Math score decreased 4 points, and the average score remained the same in Writing.
• The national Critical Reading average decreased by 1 point from 2006 to 2007; the Math average decreased by 3 points and the Writing by 3 points.
• In Virginia, the average Critical Reading score decreased by 1 point, the average Math score decreased 2 points, and the average Writing score decreased by 2 points.
• FCPS students exceeded the national average in Critical Reading by 43 points, in Math by 44 points, and in Writing by 41 points.
• FCPS students exceeded the statewide average in Critical Reading by 34 points, in Math by 48 points, and in Writing by 37 points. 
• Critical Reading, Writing, and Math scores for all FCPS ethnic groups exceeded all national and state averages for ethnic groups.
• FCPS Asian students' scores exceeded national Asian students' scores by 22 points on the Critical Reading section, by 20 points in Writing, and by 16 points on the Math section.
• FCPS Black students' scores exceeded national Black students' scores by 37 points on the Critical Reading section, 32 points in Writing, and 35 points on the Math section.
• FCPS Hispanic students' scores exceeded national Hispanic students' scores by 36 points on the Critical Reading section, 31 points in Writing, and 40 points on the Math section. 
• FCPS White students' scores exceeded national White students' scores by 38 points on the Critical Reading section, by 36 points in Writing as in 2006, and by 36 points on the Math section.

Source: FCPS website

Online Membership and Data Reporting (OMDR)

Posted by: DMK

at 7:43 pm

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

Yearbook and Newspaper Subscriptions Info

Posted by: MR

at 2:17 pm

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.

Parent View

Posted by: MR

at 9:08 am

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.

All Night Graduation

Posted by: MR

at 5:22 pm

GCM Class of 2008

All Night Graduation Celebration!!!

June 13, 2008

Register your 2008 Graduating Senior Now!

Sign up early! Win more prizes!

About the All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC)!

• Friday, June 13, 2008 will be one of the most important days in the life of your George C. Marshall High School’s graduating senior. You can help make it even more special!
• The tradition of ANGC began in Fairfax County in 1987 in an effort to change what had become an annual tragedy – losing our youth to the deadly mix of alcohol, drugs and driving. Let’s keep your senior safe on this very important day!
• The ANGC will be held at Spring Hill Recreation Center in McLean,VA. In addition to the Olympic size pool, the facility provides extensive space for games, attractions, great food, great memories and great prizes! Attendance is strictly limited to GCM graduating seniors who arrive between 11pm and midnight and depart at 5AM on June 14th.
• Over 300 volunteers help to make this event a success. GCM parents, staff, and teachers will manage and chaperone the event, and provide security throughout the night.

What’s the cost?

• $40, if you register by April 1, 2008 (Registration form attached!)
• $45, if you register after April 1, 2008

Why register early?

• We will be holding monthly raffles at school with great prizes for those who have already signed up. The earlier you reserve your space, the more chances you have to win!

More Information?

• For complete information go to www.GCMPTSA.org or http://gcmhsboosters.org/index.php
• Contact ANGC Chairs:

Sonia Guzman at guzmans@cox.net or Ronnie Taylor at vtaylor115@gmail.com

Directory Ads

Posted by: MR

at 3:40 pm

Student Parking Passes

Posted by: Malou Rennert

at 2:02 pm

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.

A Million Thanks!

Posted by: Malou Rennert

at 1:38 pm

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.

Important Announcement

Posted by: Malou Rennert

at 1:46 pm

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