Marauder Update
8/17/26
Nope! Not the End of Summer
TL;DR
- Prep Day is August 27 — see the Marauder Must-Knows section below for times and details.
- School starts September 8.
- Fall sports are officially underway with several early competitions this week.
- Senior families: graduation recognition updates and yearbook deadlines are included below.
- Counseling has several important fall dates and opportunities — check the Counseling Update.
- Plan ahead: the Attendance Matters section includes all half days and no-school dates for the year.
Marauder Must-Knows
Dates to Know!
- Aug. 27 — Prep Day
- Sept. 8 — First Day of School
- Sept. 15 --- Open House, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
- Oct. 16 — Homecoming Game
- Oct. 17 — Homecoming Dance
Meet a Marauder: Mrs. Shultz
The Work at Carlson
This year, our work continues to focus on two big things: making sure students feel connected, engaged, and on track to graduate, and strengthening instruction so students continue to grow and master what they are learning. We’ll build on the engagement work we started last year while making our systems of support clearer and more connected when students need additional help.
Carlson in Action
Carlson is already in motion. Our Marauders are building skills, preparing for the season, and getting ready for the year ahead, while work continues throughout the building to make Carlson even better for students and families (thank you to our community for supporting all of these upgrades!).
Counseling Update
🎒HFC Classes Begin 8/19/26
This includes dual enrollment, middle college, and DCTC programs. Check your HFC email for details. If questions, reach out to your counselor.
💻CHS Virtual Courses
All students with CHS online courses must attend the prep day meeting on 8/27. There will be 4 opportunities on the August 27th Prep Day for this meeting in room 210 as follows:
12th grade 9:15am - 9:45am
11th grade 10:30am - 11am
10th grade 11:45am - 12:15pm
9th grade 1:45pm - 2:15pm
Michigan Virtual classes start BEFORE 9/8. Check your email for details.
All students taking an online course must have the 21f agreement and location form completed before Friday, 9/11.
🏫Fall College Fair 9/30/26
- All Students grades 9-12 -- SAVE THE DATE! Carlson High School will be hosting our annual college fair September 30th from 6-7:30 pm in the main gym.
- Over 50 colleges, universities and trade schools are scheduled to be present to answer all of your post-secondary questions about the programs that are available to our students.
📩Counselor Contacts
Last names A -G: Ms. Palazzolo, palazzm@gibdist.net
Last names H - O: Ms. Trush, trushj@gibdist.net
Last names P - Z: Mr. Duperon, duperod@gibdist.net
Fall Sports Underway
Fall sports are officially underway at Carlson! This week marks our first competitions for boys soccer, girls swim, volleyball, girls golf, boys tennis, boys and girls cross country, sideline cheer, and football.
⚽ This Weekend
If you caught World Cup fever this summer, come check out the speed and agility of our soccer team this Saturday at their home invitational, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
🏐 Under the Lights
Our high-flying volleyball team will showcase its skills at an outdoor event in the Allen Park football stadium on August 22.
🏃 Night Race
Cross country opens its season with the exciting Lamplighter Run in Livonia on August 21.
🏠 Homecoming 2026
Homecoming falls a little later on the calendar this year:
Game: October 16
Dance: October 17
💙 Marauder Pride
We can’t wait to welcome our families out to support all of our Marauders this school year.
Senior Information - Class of 2027
Graduation Changes
This year begins Carlson’s gradual transition to a new graduation recognition system. For the Class of 2027, valedictorian and salutatorian will remain in place and both will continue to speak at graduation. We will also begin recognizing students through new scholar categories based on academic performance and rigorous or pathway-aligned coursework. More detailed information will be shared directly with seniors and families throughout the year.
Graduation Rehearsal is June 2, 2027 and is mandatory!
Attendance Matters
Being here matters because learning, relationships, and momentum are built one day at a time. When you’re making family decisions about appointments and vacations, please be mindful of our school calendar whenever possible. If attendance starts becoming a challenge, our goal is to understand what’s getting in the way and help early.
Plan Ahead: Days Off and Breaks
Half Days (Dismissal at 10:50 am)
- Tuesday, 9/8
- Wednesday, 9/30
- Friday, 11/6
- Thursday, 1/28
- Friday, 1/29
- Friday, 4/16
- Wednesday, 4/28
- Wednesday, 6/16
- Thursday, 6/17 — Last day of school
No School
- Monday, 10/19 and Tuesday, 10/20
- Tuesday, 11/3
- Wednesday, 11/25 through Friday, 11/27
- Monday, 12/21 through Friday, 1/1
- Monday, 1/18
- Friday, 2/12
- Monday, 2/15
- Monday, 3/29 through Friday, 4/2
- Monday, 5/31
Whenever possible, these are great days to consider for appointments or other commitments that might otherwise require a student to miss school.