Marshall High School Newsletter

Marshall Families,

Welcome to the final stretch of the semester and the holiday season! I’m still adjusting to how early it gets dark, but I’m looking forward to the holiday cheer.

As you may have heard, LAUSD is facing budget cuts that will affect schools, including Marshall. We will receive our budget allocations and enrollment forecast on December 1. While we do not yet know the full impact, I am preparing for different scenarios with our students’ needs and campus safety at the center of our planning.

School funding is closely tied to enrollment. This year, we were projected to have 1,855 students, started with 1,841, and currently have 1,825. These changes will factor into next year’s enrollment forecast and budget.

I will cover some of the budget outlook at Coffee with the Principal next Friday, November 13. Please join us to hear what we know so far, ask questions, and share your priorities. I will also send a needs assessment to gather input from our school community before submitting our budget ahead of winter break.

I have advocated with district leadership for additional campus aides and am working to bring in more revenue through filming and facility rentals. Every dollar counts as we work to support our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Marshall. I will keep you informed as we learn more.

Yours in service,

Juan Puentes
Principal, Marshall High School

Our Math Team, coached by Ms. Au, put their problem-solving skills to the test at the American Mathematics Competition at Cal State Los Angeles! Organized by the Mathematical Association of America, this national competition challenges high school students to tackle 25 math problems in just 75 minutes, using creativity, logic, and mathematical reasoning. Thank you to Ms. Au for supporting our students, and congratulations to our Barristers for taking on the challenge and representing Marshall!

Our Academic Decathlon team heads to a scrimmage this weekend! We have a young, plucky group of Barristers who look ready to make a run for the title. Academic Decathlon, or Acadeca, challenges students across ten events, including math, science, literature, history, the arts, economics, essay writing, speech, and interviews. It takes serious preparation, teamwork, and determination, and our students are bringing all three. Good luck, Barristers!

Marshall Cross Country dominated League Finals yesterday at Pierce College’s 3-mile course. The boys team tied with Bravo, but our 6th runner broke the tie and won the League title for Marshall. Sophomore Alex Swartz became League Champion with a time of 15:37.7, almost 30 seconds ahead of the next runner.

The girls team finished a strong second to Eagle Rock despite missing two from our usual varsity lineup. Freshman Vesper Hume delivered a nail-biting performance alongside Eagle Rock’s top competitor, but outkicked her in the final 100 meters to take the win with a time of 18:51.9. Frosh/soph and junior varsity teams competed as well, taking home 14 additional medals.

Teammates celebrated our seniors after the races with posters and In n’ Out burgers generously provided by parents.

Both teams will race at Pierce College again next Friday for CIF Prelims.

Our girls flag football team also earned a playoff berth, with a matchup against Kennedy on this week’s schedule. We’re proud of their hard work and determination!

Football’s historic season came to an end with tonight’s playoff loss. While this wasn’t the finish we hoped for, it does not take away from an incredible accomplishment: Marshall’s first undefeated, 10–0 regular season. Thank you to our players, coaches, cheerleaders, families, and fans for a season that brought our community together and gave us so much to celebrate. Heads high, Barristers!

Starting Winter Season, all student-athletes must be present in class on game day to be eligible to participate. Class attendance will be verified by classroom teachers using the daily attendance form. Student-athletes are responsible for ensuring that their forms are completed and signed by their teachers and submitted to their coaches on game day. Athlete Attendance Daily forms are available from coaches.

This Veterans Day, please take a moment to thank a veteran. We honor all who have served, including our new English teacher, Mr. Doute, who served in the U.S. Navy aboard the submarine USS Alaska. He has been a wonderful addition to our Marshall family, and I thank him for his service. As a veteran of the armored corps, I feel a kinship with anyone who has spent time in a big metal box!

There will be no school on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Classes resume Thursday, November 12.

We use campus service hours as an alternative consequence for school infractions, giving students an opportunity to take responsibility, contribute to our school community, and get back on track.

Students must have ZERO outstanding campus service hours to attend the Homecoming games and dance. Please check with your student now so they have time to complete any hours they owe.

Students can check Schoology for hours assigned through the Attendance and Deans’ offices.

Students can complete one hour after school each day, two hours on Tuesdays, or work off hours by attending Saturday School. Please contact Ms. Chavez in the Climate Office to confirm outstanding hours and get the list of available options.

Grade Improvement Tutoring Started Monday, September 28!

Ready to get caught up, get extra help, and improve your grades? We’re here to support you!

Location: Marshall Library
Dates: Oct. 3, 10, 17 • Nov. 7, 14 • Dec. 5
Time: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Check-in: Enter through the black gate by the Auditorium on Tracy Avenue

Bring your: Chromebook, classwork, assignments, and anything else you’ll need to work.

Before Saturday: Connect with your teacher so you know what you’ll be working on during your session.

Snacks will be provided!

Come ready to work, ask questions, and make progress. This is a great opportunity to get the support you need and take a positive step toward improving your grades.

Questions? Reach out to your teacher or counselor.

We’ll see you Saturday! 💙

📌 Please refer to the flyer for days, times, and location.

Weekday Grade Improvement Tutoring: Drop-in—no sign-up required!
Saturday Grade Improvement tutoring: Sign-up is required in advance.

We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity. We’re here to support you! 💛📚