MHS PTSA eNews 1-18-17

MHS PTSA black logo

eNews January 18, 2017

 

  

Your Source for News about the Highlander Community


PTSA updates

  1. Next PTSA Meeting: Thursday, February 2, 6:15 pm.
  2. Seeking 2017-2018 Treasurer: Ready for a meaningful role in the PTSA?  How about being the Treasurer for the 2016-2017 school year? Your help is needed to  develop and manage the PTSA budget, maintain accurate financial records of income and expenses, provide updates at PTSA meetings, makes disbursements and collect funds, and manage processes to retain our 501(c)(3) status through the VA PTA.  If interested, please contact Delia Swigart at treasurer@mcleanptsa.org.
  3. Seeking 2017-2018 President and President-Elect: McLean High School needs your leadership and vision! This is your opportunity to inspire and direct next year's PTSA programs and activities. Your participation enriches the educational excellence at McLean High School. The President and President Elect positions are supported by a strong and dedicated team of volunteer PTSA Officers, Committees, and the entire MHS Administration. Find out more by contacting Tracie Becker at president@mcleanptsa.org.
  4. Reflections: Thank you to all students who participated in our local Reflections art competition. Your talents are nothing short of extraordinary.  Students' whose artistic submissions did not advance to the FCCPTA level may pick up their submissions from Lidia Martin in the MHS front office.

Thanks for Giving!  

Ever wonder if your donations really make a difference?  The answer is a resounding "YES" for those of you who cared enough to donate during our holiday season Giving Tuesday campaign!  Compassionate MHS families donated $450 in gift cards!  Your donations went directly to families right here at McLean HS with significant financial needs.  (Info re: financial criteria for families who qualify for free or reduced-cost FCPS meals is at:  Eligibility for Reduced & Free FCPS Meals).

It's never too late to care! Struggles to afford basic necessities don't magically stop after the holiday season. Families right here at McLean HS are grateful for your much needed support all year long. Anytime is a good time to direct electronic gift card donations to: GivingTuesday@mcleanptsa.org. Many thanks to our MHS Social Workers and Counselors for coordinating these donations in a manner that respects the privacy and dignity of our school's families in need.    


Fairfax County Youth Survey Results Presented February 2nd, 6:30-8:00pm in MHS Auditorium 

The Fairfax County Youth Survey was administered to FCPS students in November 2016 by the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.  The survey is anonymous and no individual information is reported.

The survey collected data regarding students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors on health, health risks, substance use, eating disorders, obesity, and sexual behavior. Survey results are used to help gauge the extent to which youth engage in behaviors that pose a risk to their current and future health.  The results assist the community in developing appropriate education, prevention, and intervention programs.  

FCPS will present the Youth Survey results from the McLean High School pyramid on Feb. 2, 6:30-8:00pm in the McLean High School Auditorium.  Learn about trends in sleep, sex, drinking, drug use, depression and more. MHS School counseling staff and administrators will be on hand. This presentation is intended to give parents the facts they need to talk to their kids about healthy decision making skills. EVEN IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD IS GOOD AS GOLD, this information will help you understand their school environment and what they see and hear every day.


Volunteers Needed for June 15, 2017 All Night Graduation Party 

We're looking for help on June 15 (Fri.) with preparations for the All Night Graduation Party (ANGP). A volunteer or two is needed at the school on June 15 to coordinate with vendors as they deliver equipment for the ANGP.  Parents of juniors would be especially well suited and greatly appreciated. To hear more about your general schedule on June 15, contact Heather McCullough and Frances Wilson at: angp@mcleanptsa.org.


SAT/ACT Practice Tests offered by the PTSA

The PTSA is offering students the opportunity to take a practice version of the SAT as well as the ACT. This is a great opportunity for students to do a practice before taking the real test!

DateSaturday, February 4, 2017 9am-1pm*

Location: McLean High School Cafeteria

Tests offered: Either the SAT or ACT

Registration fee: $20 - proceeds benefit the PTSA. Bring check/cash on test day.

To Registerhttp://kaplan.formstack.com/forms/mhsfeb2017

After taking the practice test, participants will be able to enter their answers using their smart phones or a computer at home and immediately receive a detailed score report that highlights their personal strengths and weaknesses. For financial assistance, please contact Student Services.

Questions? Please contact Kaplan Program Manager, Lorraine Eisenbraun at 703-662-3383 or lorraine.eisenbraun@kaplan.com with any questions.

Note: This practice test is for students to familiarize themselves in preparation for the SAT & ACT tests. Scores are not reported to the school or any reporting agency. Results are solely for the student's personal use.

* Students with IEPs can request the accommodation of a longer testing period.


FCPS Cares:  Recognizing Those Who Go Above and Beyond

Do you know a McLean High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way? Someone who goes beyond what is expected? Acts of kindness and caring are valuable. Take a moment to celebrate the acts of kindness and caring you've experienced from a member of our MHS staff.  Share your story by clicking here, or by picking up a card from the school's front office: FCPS Cares Program. FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize excellence in FCPS employees.    


McLean HS Girls Basketball Online Auction

congressional

Auction will run January 1st 'til February 5, 2017

Items Include:

  • An Autographed, Stephen Strasburg Washington Nationals Jersey
  • Golf at Congressional CC with Rod Langway, Hall of Fame NHL Player
  • VIP Package to Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Tickets for Airlines, Caps Games, Other Entertainment
  • Meals at many of DC area’s finest restaurants 
  • AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

https://www.32auctions.com/McHS2017

All proceeds to support the McLean HS Girls Basketball program. Thank you for your support!


Virginia PTA sponsors a Citizenship Essay Contest. The theme: We the people...Why vote? 

This essay contest encourages students to express their views on citizenship or character. This year's theme is "We the people...why vote?"  The deadline is February 1, 2017. 

The complete rules are HERE.  Essays from students in grades 9-12 must be a minimum of 750 words.  The first place prize is $250. 

Applications to participate in the essay contest can be found HERE.

Essays and completed applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2017 and mailed to: Debbie Kilpatrick, NOVA PTA District Director, 13301 Green Mallard Court, Clifton, VA  20124


Resources for parents of students with disabilities

The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) helps parents of students with disabilities. It sponsors workshops, has a lending library, and has Parent Liaisons to help parents solve problems. The PRC provides services relating to twice exceptional students, special needs life planning, parent stress, postsecondary education, resource fairs for students, access to support groups for students and adults, and many more! 

For all the current events, information, and groups: Click HERE (updated 1/3/2017).


The Arc's New Drop-In Support Group for Parents and Caregivers

Caring for a child or adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities is both rewarding and stressful. Don't go through it alone. Drop by the ARC of Northern Virginia for a once a month meeting of others in similar situations.  This drop-in support group is easy - no fee, no registration, no RSPVs, no commitments. Just come by and take care of yourself! The meetings are once a month, on Tuesdays from 11:30am-12:30pm. For dates, directions, and additional information, click here: Drop-In Support Group Info.


Join the PTSA and/or Donate Today!

Thank you to the nearly 600 MHS families that have joined to date!  It's never too late to become a member! We appreciate your support and welcome your membership anytime through the school year. Going forward, families who join will be able to access to the AtoZ Student Directory App. 

To JOIN the MHS PTSA, click here.

To DONATE to the MHS PTSA, click here.

Questions? Contact membership@mcleanptsa.org.


TGIF Tea Station

Thanks to everyone who has signed up so far! Our faculty and staff look forward to Friday treats! Get a jump on the new year and Click HERE to sign up. This is perfect for parents who want to help with PTSA programs, but can't find the time for hands-on volunteering.


Shopping through MHS Amazon Link Equals Free Money for PTSA

Don't forget to use our link when shopping at Amazon for the Holidays!!! Simply bookmark: http://www.amazon.com/?tag=mcleanhs.20

Use the link to access Amazon BEFORE you add items to your cart and check out promptly. Items that are left in your cart for 24 hours or more do not qualify. To save items to purchase later, please use your Wish List. Every purchase counts!

Get great gifts for family, friends, and yourself and earn money for MHS at the same time!!! 


calendar

Looking Ahead - January/February '17


Jan 1 - Feb 5: MHS Girls Basketball Online Auction  

January 26: Science Fair (Judges needed 3:30 - 8:30 pm)

February 2, 6:15 pm: PTSA General Membership Meeting, MHS Auditorium

February 2, 6:30 pm: FCPS presentation of findings Fairfax County Youth Survey, MHS Auditorium

February 4: ACT/SAT Practice Tests