Dear Marshall Family,

Below, please find this Friday’s announcements.

COVID Case Update

This week was particularly challenging as we have seen a large uptick in COVID cases across FCPS. This week, Marshall HS had 21 reported COVID cases. two staff members and 19 students. There does not appear to be any apparent pattern to these cases. I have heard that a rumor was circulating that we were allowing COVID positive students to continue to come to school. I can assure you that this is false.

We ask that you please continue to do your part to keep our school safe: wear your mask, get vaccinated if you are eligible, practice healthy hygiene, and keep your child home when you they feel sick. This last one is particularly important as we continue to have students coming to school that simply should not have given how they present when they arrive. Please keep your child home if they do not feel well.

Upcoming Schedule

Today is the last day before winter break. We look forward to seeing all of our students back in school on Monday, January 3^rd.

When we return from break, we will begin the process of helping students choose classes for the 22-23 school year by holding our in-school event known as Course Kick-Off. This will occur on January 26^th during 4^th period. Students will get to choose three classes or elective courses to explore with the teacher(s) who teach them.

In addition, rising 9^th Grade Orientation will be held at GCM in the beginning of February.

Protest Today

Approximately 350 of our students walked out of class at 2:30 pm this afternoon. Students informed me of the protest ahead of time and indicated that they wanted to support the students at Fairfax High School who protested yesterday.   Staff members directed them to Door #13 in the front of the building where they were supervised by several teachers and administrators.   Students exited in an orderly fashion, were outside for 25 minutes, and proceeded to go home or to practice when the bell rang at the end of the school day.

FCPS respects the rights of our students to engage in peaceful protest and express their opinions through speech and other ways as long as it is done respectfully, does not interfere with the rights of others, and does not disrupt learning in the school.   Our school is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to help others.  

Our teachers, administrators and staff continue to reinforce a sense of positive school community and we ask for your partnership in working with your child to discuss meaningful actions that they can take to engage in their community.

Reflection

Thus far, this school year has brought many challenges, but it has also brought even more exciting times and events. I cannot express how happy we are to have our students back in the building and actively participating in so many different sports, activities, electives, and clubs.

I want to wish each and every one of you a wonderful, relaxing, and fun break filled with family and friends.

We will see you in January!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey D. Litz

Principal