Magruder News

If you have a senior who is even considering going to college, MC or trade school, your family needs to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)!

• The FAFSA application opens October 1st and is essential for ALL families regardless of income level. Many colleges will not even award merit-based aid (scholarships and grants based on academic record) without a FAFSA on file.
• Maryland's priority deadline to submit FAFSA (and the final-no-exceptions-allowed deadline for MDCAPS) is March 1st. Maryland also offers financial aid to students without social security numbers.
• Magruder supports your FAFSA application and the Maryland state financial aid platform, MDCAPS, through in-person evening monthly sessions and ongoing virtual events.
• Check out Ms. Lyons' financial aid resources in the Money for College section of the CCIC website (Spanish section!!).
• Reach out to Jennifer_Lyons@mcpsmd.org with questions and set up a time to meet in her online scheduler.

All Class of 2028 Grade 11 students will take the PSAT at Magruder HS on Wednesday, October 14th as part of the MCPS PSAT School Day initiative.

• Students and parents do not need to do anything to register for the test and there is no cost to families.
• Please read the PSAT Community Letter letter from MCPS for more information on the PSAT and the Student Survey Consent Form.

Are you interesting in volunteering at a school event to earn SSL hours? We need student ambassadors and translators to help out at our Fall Showcase on October 5th from 5:30-8:00PM.

• Jobs will include passing out maps, showing families around, translating, and more.
• If you are interested in the October event, please reach out to counselor Jodie_M_Ackerman@mcpsmd.org or see her in the Counseling Office by September 25th.
• Students will earn SSL hours for the time they serve!
• Students may also submit the Student Translation Interest form linked here to serve as language interpreters for other events at Magruder and Magruder cluster schools.

Bilingual students are encouraged to serve as election workers.

• Students earn up to $750 or receive 75 SSL hours by working during Early Voting weekend (October 24–25) and on Election Day (November 3).
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old and registered to vote. Individuals under 18 must obtain parental consent.
• For more information, text the word SERVE followed by a non-MCPS student email address to 77788 (for example: SERVE email@email.com).

The Montgomery County Forensics League is looking for judges on Saturday, October 24, December 5, and January 16.

• This paid opportunity allows you to see some of the best public-speaking talent across MCPS's high schools.
• Competitions are at Richard Montgomery HS and typically run from 8 AM to 4 PM.
• For more information, email katie.l.sconce@mcpsmd.net.

The Magruder community has access to half-priced tickets to the D.C. United Major League Soccer international match vs. Germany's SC Paderborn 07 on September 30th at 7:30pm.

• Use this link to access our back-to-school offer: D.C. United vs SC Paderborn 07.
• This offer is available to all schools, staff, friends, families, and the general public.

Senior Class of 2027, there is still time to take your senior photos!

• The third and FINAL round of senior photos will be held on October 28-30. If you have not signed up for attended a previous session, please sign up now!
• Photos are by appointment only at this link: https://www.vosphoto.com/magruder
• Click here to view the letter from our photo vendor, Victor O'Neill, for additional information.
• Please email seniors@vosphoto.com with any questions.

Magruder's Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, October 10 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

• You can purchase your ticket NOW at School Cash Online, cash, or check. The deadline for purchasing a ticket is October 7.
• If you would like to bring a non-Magruder guest, pick up a permission slip from the main office and return it by October 2. If you would like to pay for another Magruder student using School Cash Online, complete this Google Form.
• We are looking for donations & volunteers for the Homecoming Dance! If you are able to help, please sign up using this link.

The MCPS application window is open Wednesday, Oct. 7 - Friday, Nov. 6 for students in grades 9-11 who are interested in Career & Technology Education (CTE) programs, Apprenticeships & Early College.

• The MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs At-A-Glance provides more details about each program and Open House information.
• Check out the CTE Information Handout for information specific to Magruder HS & MCPS CTE programs, including locations and open house details. Students should apply during Round 1 for the best chance of acceptance (lottery system). Contact Ms. Jen Miehle for more information.
• The MCPS & Montgomery College (MC) Early College program is offered at each MC campus and provides the opportunity of earning an associates degree. Students complete 11th & 12th grade while simultaneously completing their first two years of college as a full time MC student. Register for upcoming info sessions at MC Rockville 10/7 & MC Germantown 10/13 and contact your school counselor with questions.
• The Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP) is a CTE Program of Study that allows students to work during the school day and summer to earn high school credit and earn industry recognized credentials. Contact Ms. Lesley Stroot with questions.

The Magruder Athletics Booster Club is excited for another year of supporting student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs.

• Concession stand volunteers may sign up for a shift at this link.
• Join Boosters today at this link to help fund athletic equipment, facility improvements, recognition programs, & events.
• Local businesses may become a corporate sponsor and support athletes while gaining visibility in the community on banner at boostersmhsathletics@gmail.com.

Thank you to everyone that was able to join the recent PTSA meeting.

• Click here for the slides and resources shared during the meeting.
• Please join principal Ascienzo and PTSA President Shivaun Wilkinson in welcoming the new school year. Click here to join the PTSA!

Magruder is also looking for members of our NAACP Parents' Council.

• The NAACP Parents’ Council empowers African American and other minority parents to take a more proactive role in school.
• Click here for more information and contact Irene Johnson, Magruder NAACP Parents Council Representative, with questions and interest.

The National Honor Society will have an interest meeting for prospective members on Tuesday, September 29th during lunch in the Media Center.

• We look forward to meeting you then!
• Please email or see Mr. Daigle for more information.

Join the National English Honor Society today!

• See the flyer for details - applications are in Enlgish clasrooms!

• Students are not permitted to utilize personal mobile devices from 7:45am-2:30pm. This includes during lunch and in the hallways as students transition to class and use the restroom.

• MCPS has updated the Grading & Reporting policy. Students who intentionally skip a class or school without authorization WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE eligible to make up missed work once the absence is determined to be skipping by an administrator.

• Students must wear their ID visibly upon entry and at all times in school. Students that are chronically tardy, absent, and/or in violation of the Code of Conduct may lose their privileges to participate in and attend athletics & extracurricular activities.
• A new Free Meal Application must be submitted online at www.Myschoolapps.com. Families may add funds for lunch purchases at www.myschoolbucks.com or by check payable to ‘Magruder Cafeteria’. Breakfast is free to all students at Magruder!

• All MCPS families should register for a ParentVUE account and update contact information using these links: English, Spanish, French,

MHS Administrative Roles/Responsibilities

Follow Mr. Ascienzo for updates and links to the weekly newsletters at X (Twitter): @MHS_principal and Instagram: magruderhs_principal.

Administrator Email Contact Information:

Chris Ascienzo, Principal

Karla Barrow, Assistant Principal

Nicole Kimball, School Business Administrator

Brian Gertzen, Assistant Principal

Marie Koch, Assistant Principal

Kristi Ricca, Assistant Principal

Scott Zanni, Athletic Director

Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/magruderhs/
Location: Col. Zadok Magruder High School, 5939 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD 20855, USA
Phone: (240)740-5550
X (Twitter): @MHS_principal & @Magruder_HS

Instagram: MagruderHS_Principal & MagruderColonels