The Warrior's Call
Happy Holidays QMHS Community!
Winter Break is upon us, so please accept this early publication of the January Warrior's Call Newsletter.
This newsletter is one of many modes of communication we offer, but since we aim high, we would like to have your feedback regarding our communication efforts. When you have time, and if you haven't done so already, please take a moment to give us your thoughts by answering 3 easy questions at this link: Quantico MHS Communication.
Your children have a couple of weeks off from school and there are many ways to spend that time. Some families have big celebrations and some have quiet gatherings. Further, QMHS high school students have exams after the break, so we know they'll want to prepare. During this pause in classes, don't forget 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.Â
We look forward to welcoming the students back on Monday, January 6 (an Orange Day) with renewed energy and enthusiasm.Â
Please read below for details about some of our upcoming events, and articles about some of our past ones.Â
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,Â
Miles J. Shea, Principal, 703-459-3693
Ben Kolodziej, Assistant Principal, 703-459-3287
Quantico Middle High School - QMHS - Quality Mentoring Hastens Success
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.
February 2025 At-a-Glance
| Red = Red day classes Yellow = Gold day classes Orange = Orange day classes (all classes meet except R4) |
| Feb 5 - Early Release, Students attend R1-R3 only Feb 12 - No Classes, Teacher Training Feb 17 - No School, Presidents' Day Feb 26 - No Classes, Teacher Training |
| Looking ahead... Mar 5 - Early Release, Students attend R1-R3 only |
Click the "QMHS Red/Gold Calendar" button to download the pdf.
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If your child is absent from school, call (571-660-9555)Â
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)Â
or email (MHS.Attendance@DoDEA.edu) the QMHS Main Office.
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).Â
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.
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January is National Hobby Month
 What do you like to do in your spare time? Reading, make crafts, design things, paint, draw? Looking for a new hobby? Check out the display in the IC and in MackinVIA.Â
Don't forget...ebooks are available over Winter Break! Not sure what to read—check out the links below.
Don’t forget the Base Library is open if you need a new print book over the break! The librarians there have a great selection!
QMHS SY 2024-25 Yearbook On Sale
Get your yearbook NOW!!
DEADLINE to purchase for $40 is EXTENDED TO JAN. 8, 2025!
Price increases to $50 on Jan. 9, 2025!
Visit:  https://ybpay.lifetouch.com        Â
Use Code: Â 8408425
Â
Senior Ads on Sale
Class of 2025Â
Senior Tribute Ads for the yearbook are available for purchase.
Sales conclude on Jan. 6, 2025
Visit: Â https://ybpay.lifetouch.com
Use Code: Â 8408425
Questions about the yearbook? Please email the yearbook sponsor.
Adobe Express
What a fun and useful tool!
You may be aware that access to Canva.com is now not permitted on our student devices. The reality is that it's never been on our DoDEA Approved Resources list, and it likely won't be since we already have a premium version of Adobe Express available.
Adobe Express has some powerful image and video editing features and a wide variety of templates and free-to-use assets.
If your teen or tween is running out of things to do over the winter break, perhaps you could point them in this direction. As they discover the powerful integrated text-to-image generative AI, they'll be busy for a while.Â
Students gain access to Adobe Express through ClassLink and can log in with their school google credentials. Teachers can also gain access through ClassLink. Just find the Adobe Express icon that says "Azure" in the title. There's even a promotion running right now for the "12 Days of Creativity" in which students can learn many of the things they can do in Adobe Express.Â
It's a great tool to use for class projects or creative expression!
If you have any community events questions, please contact the School Liaison Officer, Janet Benson at janet.a.benson.civ@usmc.mil
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How to High School
Workshop for students in Gr. 7-8
Hosted by St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Sat. Jan. 11, 2025, 1200-1600
(Snow Date: Jan. 25, 2025)
Free! Â Lunch is included!
Learn how to: Â Make the team, Ace the test, Manage money, Organize your planner, Enjoy high school, Find your "thing", Explore your brain, Achieve great things
Register at: www.jpthegreat.org, or email admissions@jpthegreat.org, or call 703.445.0246
17700 Dominican Dr, Potomac Shores, VA 22026
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School Procedures
DoDEA School Dress Code
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
Related regulations
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:
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| *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.Â
- 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
- Â 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.Â
- 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 gamesÂ
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
Contacts
| Name | Position Details | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| School Webmaster | School Webmaster |
