Welcome
Principal Msg.
School Profile
Mission
Directions/Map
Administration
Bell Schedules
Bus Routes
Staff (Alpha)
Staff (Dept)
Security
JMHS Policies
FCPS Directives
Our Namesake
Alumni

Mark A. Merrell Principal 2001-Present JMHS Class of '79

January 13, 2006

The coming of the New Year signifies the midpoint in the school year and an opportunity to explore where we have been as a school,l as well as plan for the second semester.  Our seniors have begun to see the light at end of the tunnel and are getting anxious and restless as they begin to plan for graduation and beyond.  Many of our seniors have submitted college applications or are beginning to explore other avenues for their post-high school experiences.   The juniors have recently participated in a college night that was held on January 11, 2006, and as the number of sophomores turning sixteen increases so does the demand for parking as they get their driving permit.  The freshmen are completing their adjustment to high school, and after a semester are beginning to settle in and focus on the academic rigor of their studies. 

   Madison continues to be committed to raising achievement in all of our students.  Our curriculum teams meet weekly to discuss content, skills, assessment strategies, as well as best teaching practices.  The January 10, 2006 early school closing was designed to give these teams the opportunity to address the achievement issue, review their progress during the first semester and explore strategies to assist students with content and skills during the second semester.  I invite all parents to examine the Madison web site for additional information regarding the Professional Learning Communities process, as well as to explore curriculum goals for our teams.

    Finally, if you are the parent of an underclass student who might need academic support I encourage you to direct your student to visit Warhawk Hall during the Student Assistance Period.  During this block of time the National Honor Society provides student tutors to further assist students who might benefit form one-on-one attention from a tutor.  The program is designed as an additional support strategy for core classes.  If you have additional questions concerning the peer tutoring process please feel free to call the guidance office for additional information.  We will continue to explore strategies to provide students with additional support, as well and enrichment, in areas where a need has been identified.  As I have mentioned on a number of occasions, when we are able to provide a student with additional time and support in any subject area we believe we can have a positive impact on that student’s performance in the classroom.

Thank you for your continued support of Madison High School.  

Mark A. Merrell
mark.merrell@fcps.edu
(703)319-2311