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eNews February 14, 2017
Happy Valentines Day!
Your Source for News about the Highlander Community
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When a Whisper Becomes a Weapon: The Children’s Hour at TheatreMcLean, Feb. 16-19
In 1934, playwright Lillian Hellman did the unthinkable -- she revealed the bitter truth. Through her beautifully written play The Children’s Hour, Hellman challenged not only the mid twentieth century stigma against homosexuality, but also publicized a powerful message about the danger of gossip and lies. McLean High School’s accomplished theatre department (TheatreMcLean) dives into the transcendent world of The Children’s Hour as its second production of the 2016-2017 season.
The Children’s Hour runs in McLean High School’s Burke Theatre February 16 through 19. Appropriate for mature audiences, tickets are $12-$15, and may be purchased online HERE.
Mental Health Awareness Week - Feb 13th - 19th
Hosted by Sources of Strength & TheatreMcLean
Thanks to a generous grant from Strength in Our Voices, a local mental health awareness program, and additional financial support from the PTSA, Dr. Reilly was able to bring Sources of Strength (SOS) to McLean. This is a pilot program for FCPS during the 2016-17 school year. This year McLean students are leaning how to identify and grow their strengths through Sources of Strength, an evidence-based mental health awareness and suicide prevention program. Click HERE to read about the planned activities for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mon. (2/13) - Mental Health Day "I Pledge to be a Voice"
Tues. (2/14) - Healthy Activities Day
Wed. (2/15) - Positive Friends Day
Thurs. (2/16) - Mentor Day
Fri. (2/17) - Family Support Day
2/16 - 2/19 - Theatre McLean's Play, The Children's Hour
After the Matinee on 2/19 - SOS sponsors a talk-back with guest speaker to discuss mental health themes in the play as well as identify resources
The Clan - MHS's Award Winning Yearbook
The 2016 edition of The Clan was one of just 29 high school yearbooks in the nation to be on both the NSPA Pacemaker list and the CSPA Crown list this year, the two highest honors in scholastic journalism.
McLean’s yearbook is one of only 62 high school yearbooks nationwide to be announced as a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist. Since 1927, NSPA’s Pacemaker competition has been considered by many to be student journalism's highest honor. Pacemaker Awards will be announced on April 8 at the NSPA convention in Seattle. Info HERE.
McLean’s 2016 yearbook was also recognized by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in their Crown competition. On March 17 The Clan staff will learn if they will win a Silver or Gold Crown at the CSPA convention in NYC.
It’s not too late to purchase your 2017 yearbook!
You can pay by cash or check in the main office or by credit card online at: yearbookordercenter.com (Use school code 5024)
Senior yearbook ad sales are wrapping up – contact mcleanhsyearbook@gmail.com TODAY if you haven’t yet reserved your space!
PTSA General Membership Meeting
March 9th, 7:00-8:00 PM MHS Lecture Hall
Mark your calendars!
Agenda Includes:
1. 7:00-7:20pm Presentation of and Vote for Candidates for Executive Committee (2017-2018)
2. 7:20-8:20pm Wellness Presentation by Duffy Counseling
Patrick Ryan is a professional counselor at Duffy Counseling Center of McLean. In partnership with the MHS Athletic Boosters, our PTSA proudly hosts Duffy's empowering presentation that offers guidance through our journey of becoming our best selves. As a cancer survivor, Patrick Ryan shares his personal and candid insights on what it takes to make every day count. Patrick demonstrates how we can achieve our life's ambitions through physical health, emotional well-being, time management, setting goals, and coping with anxiety. It's an experience that will empower students and parents alike.
Cross-Cultural Student Wellness Forum
March 4th from 2-5 pm at TJHSST - open to all
TJHSST’s PTA is hosting a Cross-Cultural Student Wellness Forum on March 4th from 2-5pm. The Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness was founded in 2014 by three physicians who recognized a tremendous need to support the emotional health of students from non-Western cultural backgrounds. Cofounder Justin Chen, a TJ alumnus, will lead a discussion inviting parents, students, counselors and community members to participate. Click Forum for more details.
There is no cost to attend, but we request you Register in advance. TJHSST Lecture Hall (2nd Floor), 6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria VA.
Volunteers Needed for PTSA Exec Committee!
The PTSA is looking for volunteers to fill the following positions in the 2017-18 school year:
- President
- President-Elect (assumes Presidency for 2018-19 in June of 2018)
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- V.P. of Fundraising
Click HERE to read the job descriptions of all positions. No experience is necessary. Just a desire to make a significant contribution to the MHS community.
Email Alison Senold at alisonsenold@gmail.com for questions and/or to volunteer.
McLean Crew Club Mulch Sale!
Order your bags of high quality double-shredded hardwood mulch in large 3 cubic feet bags to be delivered March 18th-19th. Just in time for spring cleanup and as low as $4.75 a bag. Your order supports the hard-working rowers of McLean Crew Club (who receive no funding from McLean High School or Fairfax County).
Orders must be received by March 9th for delivery.
You can order online HERE and pay with credit card, Paypal or mail a check. More information, and print a paper form if needed, at www.mcleancrew.org.
Questions contact mulch@mcleancrew.org. Thanks for your support!
Attention Senior Parents:
The senior class would like to offer an opportunity to show your support! For $20, you can purchase a durable, weather resistant yard sign to show your student just how proud you are of their graduation from MHS! Double sided signs measure 15" x 22" and are personalized with your student's name.
Proceeds will go towards senior spring events, including catered breakfasts.
$20 per sign. Order by May 1st! Use the order form HERE.
You will be notified by phone or e-mail when you order is ready for pick-up! Show your Highlander pride and support the Class of 2017!
McLean HS Juniors
& Junior Parents:
Junior class dues, along with
fundraising activities, help pay for class events enjoyed by the students, which are not covered by the County.
Junior class dues are $35 per student.
To pay class dues, please enclose cash or
check payable to: “McLean High School Class
of 2018” in an envelope marked “Attn: Ms. Emmons - Class of 2018,” as well as the
student’s name on the envelope.
- Payment can
be dropped off in the main office.
- Dues can also be mailed to the school - Attn: Ms. Emmons - Class of 2018, McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, VA 22101
- Donations
are always welcome too!
GIRLS INSPIRED and READY to LEAD INC. (GIRL)
5TH ANNUAL CAREER CONFERENCE
For girls in grades 6th-12th
Saturday, March, 18, 2017
9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center
$25 registration fee (includes lunch & swag bag)
Register online at www.girlsinspiredinc.org
AP Exam Schedule Information
AP exams will take place May 1-12, 2017. Please see the College Board’s website for a detailed information, including a list of AP dates/times.
https://apstudent. collegeboard.org/ takingtheexam/ap-calendar
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
What: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Where: Providence Community Center
When: Feb. 25th and March 11th from 9:00-1:00
Who: Instructors: FCPS Senior Psychologists
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour interactive course, resulting in certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.
To RSVP: maturpin@fcps.edu with your name and school name.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2017
Virginia PTA is proud to offer $1,000 scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students based on a demonstrated commitment to and engagement in, community service, plus academic achievement and financial need. Complete details are HERE.
The Institute for the Arts Summer Program
Register now for FCPS Institute for the Arts (IFTA). IFTA is a popular arts enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select 4 classes which they choose from over 80 courses in dance, music, theatre and visual art. This program will be held Monday, July 10–Thursday, August 3 at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 am to 2 pm daily, Monday through Friday. FCPS buses typically provide round trip transportation for IFTA students. Pick-up and drop-off is at McLean High School. Parents and guardians are responsible for providing transportation to and from McLean High School. Registration is open and runs through Friday, June 2, 2017.
Information about additional FCPS summer enrichment camps and learning programs is available here.
 The ANGP is the best way to safely celebrate the end of a
successful high school experience; the party will take place at McLean High
from 11:00 pm to 4:30 am and is filled with entertainment, food, games, and
prizes.
Purchase your ticket now before April 30, when the ticket price
increases to $90. To purchase a ticket, click HERE.
Please note this ticket form must be printed out, legibly completed, and signed
by both the parent and student. Forms
and checks can be dropped off at MHS front office or mailed to the following
address (ANGP Ticket, Attn: Kim Holland, 1443 Laurel Hill Road, Vienna, VA
22181). Your cancelled check will be
proof of purchase; no physical ticket will be issued.
Tickets must be purchased in advance of
the party, so parents please take the opportunity to purchase your senior a
ticket now before things become too hectic. And perhaps you are wondering how
you as a senior parent can support this celebration? We welcome your help in
the ways below:
Donations can be made on the ticket form or online with
a credit card through the ANGP page of the PTSA website.
Volunteer - We need about 200 volunteers to work before,
during and after the party. If you would like to volunteer, contact Frances
Wilson. We're also looking for help on Friday, June 15 with preparations for ANGP. A volunteer or two is needed at the school on June 15 to coordinate with vendors as they deliver equipment. Parents of juniors would be especially well suited and greatly appreciated.To volunteer or hear more about the general schedule on June 15, contact Frances Wilson.
For more information on the ANGP, contact Chair Heather
McCullough.
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.
PTSA Funds Enhance Student Learning
Did you know that all McLean staff members can apply for PTSA grants to enhance the learning experience at McLean HS? Your PTSA donations and membership fees make the grants program possible. Some of the grants awarded so far this year include:
- a live performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
- telescopic eye pieces for the MHS Observatory's main telescope to support astrophotography and imaging
- tools for a CNC routing station to complement existing 3D printers and create a fully functional "maker space"
- supplies to build a greenhouse and support a new Design/Tech course for the Special Education department
- bilingual dictionaries and a vocabulary phone app to assist ESOL students
- funding to enable MHS students to compete in Botball, Science Olympiad and National Debate tournaments
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 1/22/2017).
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!!!
 February 2017
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February 13-17: Mental Health Awareness Week - Sources of Strength
February 16-19: TheatreMcLean presents The Children's Hour
February 20: President's Day, student and staff holiday
All February: Mulch sale for McLean Crew - order by March 9th for delivery
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