The Warriors' Call

Vol 3 - 2024 December
November 22, 2024

Greetings QMHS Community!

Thanksgiving Break is next week, so please accept this early publication of the December Warriors' Call Newsletter.

The holiday season is upon us! Please take some time during this pause in classes to spend some time together as a family and with your friends. Distance sometimes separates us, but it's not as big a barrier as it once was. There will always be things to do and places to go...but our relationships are the most important. 

We look forward to welcoming the students back on December 2 with renewed energy and enthusiasm. As usual, we will hit the ground running with holiday events and the start of our Basketball season.

Please read below for details about some of our upcoming events, and articles about some of our past ones. 

If you're on Facebook or Instagram, be sure to like/follow our pages. It's a great way to keep up with our events and activities.

Together, we are Warrior STRONG!

Your QMHS Administrative Team, 
Miles J. Shea, Principal, 703-459-3693
Ben Kolodziej, Assistant Principal, 703-459-3287

Quantico Middle High School - QMHS - Quality Mentoring Hastens Success

DoDEA's official photo of Mr. Miles J. Shea.

Mr. Miles J. Shea

3307 Purvis Road
Quantico, VA 22134-2198
United States

571-660-9555
DoDEA's official photo of Mr. Ben Kolodziej.

Mr. Ben Kolodziej

3307 Purvis Road
Quantico, VA 22134-2198
United States

571-660-9555

Calendars? We've got them!

QMHS School Website Calendar

The Calendar that is located in the "Calendar" section of this website shows all of our school activities, sports, special events, and days out of school. It is updated regularly and is very reliable. Click the "See Calendar" button to see the full "live" calendar.

Of note, all Winter and Spring sport events and other activities have been added. Please monitor this calendar for timely updates.

See Calendar

December 2024 At-a-Glance

Red = Red day classes
Yellow = Gold day classes
Orange = Orange day classes (all classes meet except R4)
Dec 5 - Accelerated Withdrawal date
Dec 9 - No Classes, Teacher Training
Dec 23-Jan 3 - No School, Winter Break
Looking ahead...
Jan 6 - Instruction Resumes, Orange Day
Jan 10 - No Classes, Teacher Training

Click the "QMHS Red/Gold Calendar" button to download the pdf.
 

QMHS Red/Gold Calendar

Attendance Requirements

If your child is absent from school, call (571-660-9555) 
or email (MHS.Attendance@DoDEA.edu) the QMHS Main Office

When your child or children return to school, please provide the main office with a written explanation. Please note that the written explanation, by itself, does not constitute an excused absence.

Additional Info:

  • A doctor's note is required after 3 consecutive days of illness.
  • An Extended Absence Form is required for absences of 5 or more days. This includes for isolation periods, planned trips, and emergencies.

If your child is absent from school, call (571-660-9555) 
or email (MHS.Attendance@DoDEA.edu) the QMHS Main Office.

QMHS Nurse News

Flu Vaccines

The annual Flu Vaccine is required for ALL enrolled DoDEA students.  Deadline is Dec. 2, 2024! 

Provide proof of vaccination to the QMHS School Nurse via email, anytime before Dec. 2, 2024.

Final reminders have been sent home with students and emails have been sent to parent email addresses.

FluShotDeadline.png

DoDEA SIS (Aspen) - Checking Grades AND Daily Announcements

Aspen for Grades

Parents, be sure to check your child's grades in the SIS (Aspen) Parent Portal. Your access credentials are the same ones you used when you registered your child(ren). 

In addition to checking grades, the Parent Portal gives you access to your child's attendance information, the public version of our live school Google calendar, and the daily announcements made over the intercom each morning!

Pro-tip: If you don't see this extra information and you're using your smartphone or tablet, try the "View Full Site" link.

Your child has their own access as well.
 

QMHS Information Center News

'DoDEA__InformationCenters_Icon'
DoDEA Library Services QMHS Library Info Ctr
Nov Warrior's Call.png

December is "Learn a Foreign Language" Month

  There are many reasons to learn a foreign language: 

  • It improves your understanding of your native language
  • Your understanding of other cultures improves
  • Your confidence improves
  • Boost your test scores
  • Increases out of the box thinking
  • It makes travel easier in countries where the new language is spoken

Check out the "Learn a Foreign Language" Collection in MackinVIA (click the button below) to see all the different languages available for you to learn.  

Students should check in with Mrs. Kaysak after winter break to share their new knowledge and receive a prize. 

Yearbook Info

QMHS SY 2024-25 Yearbook On Sale

Early Bird Extension.png

Get your yearbook NOW!!

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DEC. 20!

Visit:  https://ybpay.lifetouch.com               
Use Code:  8408425
 

Questions about the yearbook?  Email the Yearbook Sponsor.
 

Senior Tribute Ad_Amber Arvo.jpg

Senior Ads on Sale

Class of 2025 

Senior Tribute Ads for the yearbook are available for purchase.

Sales conclude on Jan. 6, 2025

Visit:  https://ybpay.lifetouch.com
Use Code:  8408425

Ed Tech Bits

Ed-Tech Bits.jpg
DoDEA Chromebook Info

Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts.png

Keyboard shortcuts are incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

  • Efficiency - They allow you to complete tasks much faster when compared to using a mouse.
  • Consistency - Many shortcuts are standardized across different applications and operating systems.
  • Accessibility - Users with mobility impairments can use a computer without relying on a mouse.
  • Reduced Strain - Keyboard shortcuts reduce the repetitive mouse movements and can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or the dreaded tennis elbow.

📃 Resource Folder - Shortcut Savvy

Note: Some Google Suite Shortcuts only work if you've turned them on. 

Credit:  Nicole McNealy - IT Specialist, PTCASC

Community News

If you have any community events questions, please contact the School Liaison Officer, Janet Benson at janet.a.benson.civ@usmc.mil
 

Turkey Trot 2024_Thumbnail.png

Turkey Trot

Two distances perfect for anyone!  Join us for a festive 10K or 1-mile course.

Nov. 23, 2024, Marine Corps Base Quantico

Turkey Trot Mile - 0930 or Turkey Trot 10K - 1000

Registration Link: https://www.marinemarathon.com/ or Events Hakuapp.com

Toy and Book Giveaway_from SLO_Thumbnail.png

Toy & Book Giveaway

FREE - - - FREE - - - FREE

Dec. 1, 2024,  1200-1400

Community Center
222 3rd Ave.
Quantico, VA

Visit the Lillian Carden Community Center to receive free toys, books, and board games. 
Free PokÄ—mon cards while supplies last!

Clubs & Activities

WarriorLearningAcademy.png
art club2.png

Activities

Sports Physical Requirement - All QMHS athletes must have a sports physical each school year from May of the current school year through June 30 of the succeeding year in order to try out for QMHS athletics.

See our DoDEA & QMHS School Handbook (link in the top banner) for information on Eligibility to Participate in Athletics and Clubs.

Click the Flyer button to access the QMHS Athletic Policy Handbook.

Ghostly Gala, 2024

Follow us on Social Media

DoDEA School Dress Code

Image showing dress code and location of armpit and mid-thigh

Students MUST wear:

  • Tops with sleeves (sleeveless tops/dresses are permitted for school sponsored formal events such as prom)
  • Solid clothing (not transparent or translucent) that fully covers the top and bottom from armpit to mid-thigh
  • Shoes (shoes must be safe for the school environment)
    • Bedroom slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal
    • Open toe shoes with a strap across the heel are allowed

Students CANNOT wear clothing with:

  • Language or images promoting violence
  • Language or images that depict, promote, or advocate the illegal use or sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products; violent conduct; curse words; pornography; that contain threats or expressions which are violent, discriminatory, lewd or obscene; or that advocate or promote any other illegal item or activity or the use of same
  • Derogatory speech/imagery targeting groups based on race/color, ethnicity/national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law
  • Headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance or health purpose); clothing items with hoods attached can be worn but must not cover the head

* Teachers/courses can require certain attire as part of the curriculum (for example: physical education, culinary) that may include specific dress

* DoDEA issued athletic uniforms and athletic practice attire outside of the DoDEA school dress code is permitted when worn by participants during athletic practices and sports events

QMHS - Dress Code Clarifications

QMHS and DoDEA believe that a student's attire can affect their attitude, behavior, and achievement. Adherence to the DoDEA School Dress Code ensures that student's clothing and overall appearance meets basic standards for health, safety, cleanliness, and decency. Dress or appearance which disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school will not be tolerated. The administration reserves the right to prohibit an item of clothing that may not be specifically covered by this policy if it threatens the wellness, safety, and security of our school. The DoDEA dress code policy also pertains to all after-school activities and school-sponsored events.

Related regulations

QMHS Activities Outside of School Hours

School Sponsored Nights

QMHS sponsors several programs and activities that occur outside of normal school hours. Often these are referred to as After-School Activities or School Sponsored Nights. These programs and activities are for current QMHS students and are supervised by the administration, staff members, parent volunteers, and the School Resource Officer. If a student is assigned Out of School Suspension, they remain ineligible to attend any School Sponsored activity until 7:20am on the following school day. This time period spans the weekend if the Out of School Suspension is assigned for a Friday. Examples of QMHS School Sponsored Nights could include:

  • College and Career Family Night
  • International Festival
  • Dances*
  • Talent Show
  • Sporting and Athletic Events*
  • Homecoming
  • Family Reading Night
  • National History Day
  • AP and Honors Night
  • Music Concerts
  • Drama Productions
  • Art Shows
  • Inductions into Honor Groups
*See below for details

QMHS Dances

QMHS Dances are open to current QMHS students only. No other students may attend unless special permission is given by the administration. A student wishing to bring a guest must obtain a guest pass from the dance sponsor at least one week prior to the date of the dance. QMHS administration will issue final approval. Further rules include:

  • All school rules, regulations, and policies are in effect while students attend dances
  • Students who attend a dance must have been present at school on the day of the dance unless a waiver is granted by the administration.
  • Transportation to and from the dance is to be provided by the parents or students have permission to drive to school.
  • Students who attend a dance must be picked up (or leave) within 15 minutes of the ending time of the dance. 
    • Students who are picked up late will be restricted from attending the next dance.
  • Parents who wish to retrieve their child early from the dance must either,
    • Pick them up in person, by entering the dance venue and verifying with a chaperone
    • Provide written permission in advance to the dance sponsor
  •  Students who are removed from a dance for any reason will be ineligible to attend future dances unless approved by administration
  • Inappropriate dancing is not allowed. Always be courteous and considerate of fellow students and chaperones.
  • Middle school students may not attend high school dances and high school students may not attend middle school dances.

QMHS Activities and Athletics

All middle school and high school sports, clubs, and organizational meetings will be advertised during the school year.

Eligibility to Participate in Athletics and Clubs

Besides being present at school on the date of the Athletic or Club event, students must meet grade eligibility. Students who meet eligibility requirements have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and no more than one "F" as a course grade. Grades are checked and eligibility is met according to the following procedure:

  • Student grades will be checked by a school counselor every Wednesday morning at 0700. 
  • The eligibility period is from that time (Wednesday morning) through the following Wednesday morning. Students will not be removed from the list mid-week.
  • Students with grades that do not meet these criteria (above) are considered "Ineligible." Until the student brings their grade into compliance, ineligible student athletes:
    • Cannot be in uniform
    • Cannot participate in any game
    • Cannot travel with the team to away games 

Eligibility for athletic and club activities occurring in Semester 1 is determined by student grades from Quarter 4 of the previous school year. Students who complete summer school may use those grades to count toward eligibility.

Related regulations
Name Position Details Phone
School Webmaster School Webmaster

School Hours

  Start Time End Time
Office Hours 7:00 am 3:30 pm
Student Hours 7:20 am 2:15 pm
Open modal Return to top