ROCKET FAMILY,
September has been an awesome first full month at John Marshall! Our students have truly settled into the rhythm of the school year, and it’s been exciting to see classrooms buzzing with energy and learning. As we look ahead, fall activities will be wrapping up at the end of October, and Winter activity registration will kick off soon after. We’re especially looking forward to seeing families at Fall Fest on October 4th, and we can’t wait to see the streets filled with Rocket pride during the Homecoming Parade on October 10th. Don’t forget — our first round of parent-teacher conferences will be held October 21st from 4–7 PM. This is a crucial time to check in and make sure your student is on track — that means earning C’s or better, maintaining great attendance, and staying involved in at least one extracurricular activity. We’re off to a strong start, and I couldn’t be more proud. Let’s keep the momentum going — together, we will make this a year to remember.
Love you all, and Go Rockets!
John Marshall High School
A Message from Principal Ruzek
Matt Ruzek
Principal
John Marshall High School
Important Dates & Reminders
Saturday, Oct 4: JM Fall Festival 4PM - 7PM
Tuesday, Oct 7: Flu Clinic (pre-registration was required)
Friday, Oct 10: Homecoming Parade & Game 4PM - 10PM
Oct 7 - 14: Winter Sport Registration
Monday, Oct 13: College Fair @JM 9:30 - 11:30AM
Thursday & Friday, Oct 16 & 17: MEA Break - NO School
Tuesday, Oct 21: Parent/Teacher Conferences 4PM - 7PM
Wednesday, Oct 29: JM Dental Clinic (pre-registration required). Contact ervasquez@rochesterschools.org for information
November 26 - 28: Thanksgiving Break - NO School
JM College Fair
On October 13, from 9:30 - 11:30AM, John Marshall will be hosting its own College Fair. Over 50 colleges will be in attendance to answer questions and share information. Join us. Register in advance.
https://app.strivescan.com/registration
Rocket Boost!
Every month we hold Rocket Boost during all three lunch periods. This is an event designed to bring together the Rocket Community to Boost Connections, Boost Mood, and Boost Overall Health. The events are always free & open to all students and staff. In September, we had a fan-favorite...an on-site Petting Zoo at JM. On October 23, we will host a Fall Harvest Festival ... fall-themed snacks, music, pumpkin events, and a fall photo shoot. Encourage your student to join us outside that day!
Academics & Opportunities
There are many ways we work to support your student at JM. This section will highlight a couple each month.
Rocket Community Room
The Rocket Community Room is a space open to any JM student in need. The space offers clothing, winterwear, hygiene items, school supplies, shelf-stable food, footwear and more. The space is completely stocked by community donations.
Questions? Reach out to Erin Vasquez at ervasquez@rochesterschools.org
Chemical Health Specialist, Megan Wilgenbusch
Megan Wilgenbusch is the Chemical Health Counselor at John Marshall High School. She is able to work with students and families to support healthy decision-making around substance use and prevention. Her goal is to provide education, early intervention, and confidential support to help students thrive both academically and personally. Please feel free to reach out to Megan with any questions or concerns. She wants to be a resource to students and parents. Also, watch for a Special Parent Event in early November around what every parent should know about teen substance use today.
Email: mewilgenbusch@rochesterschools.org
Phone: 507-328-4080.
Attendance Matters
This school year, there is an increased focus on student attendance. Research shows that freshmen that are involved in a school extracurricular activity are nearly 150% more likely to graduate in four years. Have you checked out all of the opportunities to participate in clubs, sports or activities at JM?
Accessing Skyward for Attendance, Grades & More!
Do you know how to access Skyward to check your student's attendance, grades & more?
Skyward can be used on a mobile device or a computer. Here are a collection of short videos to help you use Skyward - currently available in English & Spanish.
Student Life & Activities
There are a multitude of ways for students to be involved in activities at John Marshall. The best way for students & families to be informed about these opportunities is by checking the JMHS Website.
Athletics
Winter Sport Registration is happening October 7 - 14. You must have an active Sport Physical on file with the JM Activities Office before you can register.
https://www.johnmarshallrockets.org/
Boys Soccer Going Big!
Boys Soccer is making another run at the BIG 9 Championship, following a second-place conference finish in 2024.
Want to see them in action? Check on the Rockets v. Panthers game on Thursday, October 2nd @JM at 7PM.
Celebrations & Spotlights
Dynamic Duo, Together At Last!
For brothers, Mohammed and Hussein, this is a special year, as it is the first year they have gone to the same school. Four years separate them, but common interests bind them together. Their favorite shared activity is going to see anime movies. Independently, Mohammed loves all things Pokémon and Hussein is an avid reader, currently enjoying Frankenstein. Hussein says his favorite thing about going to school together, is his brother's huge smile when they see each other in the hallway. At school, Mohammed most loves his teachers, and Hussein shares it is the people of JM that makes this a happy place for him. We're happy to have these brothers as part of our JM community!
Tips & Helpful Information
Location & Links to Access JM Information
Attendance Guidelines & Reporting
Information for This School Year
Visit Us:
1510 - 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Contact Us:
Phone: 507.328.5402
Attendance: 507.328.5510
Fax: 507.328.5295
Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
School Hours:
8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
