Attention ALL Parents!



Let's face it -getting into Virginia's top universities — like UVA, Virginia Tech, and JMU — is more competitive than ever, especially for students from Northern Virginia. So how can your student rise above thousands of other strong applicants? And what if those "big name" schools aren't the right fit? Parents of underclassmen, it's time to start planning smart.

Join guest speaker Bernadette Smith from NovaStar Prep at our PTSA Community Meeting THIS Wednesday, October 15, at 7:30 PM via Zoom.

Zoom link will be emailed the day of the event.

Let’s Show Our Thanks!

Marshall has a little over 75 bus drivers and cafeteria food service staff who serve our students every day. We’re thanking them with gift bags—donate now to be part of it! Donations accepted through THIS WEDNESDAY!

Every Form of Art. One Powerful Theme — “I Belong.”

Enter your original work in one or more of six categories: Dance, Film, Literature, Music, Photography, or Visual Arts. Marshall winners will advance to District, State, and even National levels — with scholarships up to $800!

🗓️ Deadline: November 14

📩 Teacher Sponsor: Ms. Makalla Shernick – mcshernick@fcps.edu

🌐 Learn More: Visit gcmptsa.org and click the “Reflections” tab for contest details, forms, and updates.

❓ Questions? Email reflections@gcmptsa.org

Step up. Stand out. Express yourself — because your art belongs.

Attention Sophomores & Juniors!

Your student just took the PSAT/SAT — now it’s time to find out if the ACT might be their stronger test! Novastar Prep is offering the new Enhanced ACT in a mock test setting on October 25th at Marshall High School from 9 AM - 12:30 PM. This updated version is shorter, with 44 fewer questions, and offers more time per question, as well as an optional Science section.

✅ Practice only – no scores reported

✅ Digital workbook with hundreds of Practice questions

✅ Free consultation with a Test Prep Advisor — includes score analysis and personalized prep plan

Price: $39 — Use code TESTREADY25 to pay just $25!

Register by October 23rd to reserve your spot.

Academic Letter Committee Needs Help

We need 2–3 helpers to hand out Academic Letters to Juniors and Seniors on Tuesday, 10/21, during all lunch periods (11 AM–1:30 PM). Join us and help celebrate our students’ achievements! Click on the link below to email Sandy if you are available to help.

Support Marshall Orchestra

Did you know that GCM has four orchestras, consisting of 140 Statesmen who have won the highest state rates year after year? Or that they perform 4 free concerts and tour elementary and middle schools throughout each school year. All this is possible with donations that support supplemental instruction, extracurricular activities, and scholarships! Please see our website to learn more about Marshall Orchestras and to become a sponsor!

Rebecca Fenton

Automotive Instructor

My favorite part of being an automotive instructor is giving students real-world, hands-on skills they can carry with them for life. Every day is different; we're always moving, working on new projects, and solving problems. It keeps me on my toes and constantly challenged, which is exactly what I love about it.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? If I could travel anywhere in the world, I'd go to Ireland. The landscapes, the history, and the culture all really draw me in. I'd love to explore the countryside, visit old castles, and take in the atmosphere, maybe even catch some live music in a local pub.

What's one thing you hope students take away from your class or role? One thing I hope students take away from my class is that even if they don't go straight into the automotive industry, these skills will always be valuable. Whether it's talking to a service writer, diagnosing a problem, or buying a new or used vehicle, this knowledge will serve them for life, and the door is always open if they decide to come back to the trade later on.

If you could give one piece of advice to Marshall's parents, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to Marshall's parents, it would be to encourage your students to try hard things. A surprising amount of science and problem-solving in the automotive field, and taking a class like this can really help them understand how the world around them works, even beyond cars.

Read the full story about Rebecca Fenton's award on the FCPS website. HERE

CLICK BELOW TO RECOMMEND A TEACHER, STUDENT, OR PARENT WHO IS MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE IN OUR MARSHALL COMMUNITY.