MHS PTSA eNews 4-25-17

Mclean PTSA

eNews April 25, 2017

                                           

Your Source for News about the Highlander Community


Register for the Highlander 5K

The race will be held this Saturday, April 29th and it will begin and end at McLean High School. Follow this link to register. Online registration closes on Thursday, but you can still register on race day!

Are you interested in sponsoring the Highlander 5K?  Check out the benefits here!  

Proceeds from the race will go to supporting mental and physical wellness programs at McLean HS. Our first initiative is new water fountains. Email questions to Ms. Barcus.


Highlander Staff Appreciation Luncheon Friday, May 5

We will be celebrating ALL our Highlander staff -- Teachers, Administrators, Bus Drivers, School Nurses, Janitors, Counselors, Cafeteria Staff, Activities Office Staff and Security Staff -- during our Highlander Staff Appreciation Week, Monday, May 1st through Friday, May 5th. There will be daily reminders for the staff of how much we appreciate all their hard work on behalf of our students. In order to make this week a success, we will need help from parents both in food and gift card donations as well as a few volunteering opportunities. Please click on the link below to access the Sign-Up Genius website for more details.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0444aca82fa5f58-2017


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Security Camera Campaign

Our Security Camera Campaign still needs your help!  Please consider giving a donation to upgrade our security cameras around the school, and the data system that operates them, by clicking on this easy PayPal link. Your taxable-deductible contribution is greatly appreciated!


National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Safely dispose of unused medicine at locations throughout the county on April 29, from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be a box at the McLean District Police Station Front Parking lot at 1437 Balls Hill Road. Find other locations at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ drug_disposal/takeback.


Clare and Don's Beach Shack TONIGHT! 

Support the award winning McLean Band by having dinner at Clare and Don's Beach Shack on Tuesday, April 25. Mention the Band, and Clare and Don's will generously donate 15% of your meal to the Band!


Netflix Series: 13 Reasons Why

McLean High School's Student Services Department would like to bring the recent Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, to the attention of parents and caregivers. This series is based on the popular book by Jay Asher, and follows a group of students as they piece together a story left behind by a classmate and friend who died by suicide. While the series touches on important topics, it is critical for children to process this information with a trusted adult if they have had the opportunity to view this series. As is always the case, we encourage you to talk with your children about what they are watching both at home or in the company of friends.  We also want to share with you these talking points https://www.save.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/13RW-Talking-Points-Final_v5.pdf, which may be of assistance as you engage in these conversations. Your child’s counselor is available if you have additional questions or concerns. Finally, we want to remind parents of the language we use with students during our yearly Wellness Screenings. This acronym, ACT, is taken directly from the organization Screening for Mental Health, Inc. When concerned about a friend, we want all students to take the following actions:
ACT
• Acknowledge that they are seeing warning signs and that it is serious
• Care: Show the person your concern
• Tell a trusted adult 


Ethics Day

We need your help with McLean High School's annual Ethics Day on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Each year our Seniors participate in a mock trial run by a local judge, as well as small group discussions about tough ethical dilemmas. Marymount University is our generous host. To make the day a success we need your help with facilitating small group discussions and getting breakfast for the seniors. Don't worry, it's easy and interesting to hear what our students are thinking. See the Sign Up Genius here for more details. 


AP Exam Proctors:  Parent Volunteers Wanted!

If you would like to volunteer your time to help proctor an AP Exam, please see the Sign-Up Genius link below. Primary responsibilities include monitoring test takers and assisting with material distribution/collection. Please be advised that parent volunteers CANNOT proctor their own children (if your student is taking an AP exam, you cannot proctor that specific test). Thanks in advance for your help!  Click here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f44adaa2da4f94-approctor


It’s Time to Order your Spring Plants at TheatreMcLean's Spring Plant Sale!  

McLean High School Theatre Boosters is partnering with Meadows Farms to provide the best spring flowers and plants for your garden! You have many choices: Begonias, Petunias, Vinca, Impatiens, Marigolds, Hanging Baskets, Geraniums, Basil, Rosemary, Tomato, Bell Pepper, and more! Delivery is available for a fee. All profits support McLean HS' award-winning productions of TheatreMcLean. 

Two Ways to Order Plants:

  1. Click on the Order Form (https://goo.gl/forms/Vi0qxengyogld2YA3). Fill out and submit the order, and you will receive an invoice via Paypal.  
  2. Or, print the order form at www.TheatreMcLean.org and mail/send in the completed form with your check payable to: MHS Theatre Boosters, McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Rd., McLean VA 22101

ALL ORDERS AND PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE BY WEDNESDAY, MAY 3rd! All plant orders will need to be picked up, or delivered on Saturday, May 13, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at McLean HS.


TheatreMcLean presents Seussical the Musical!

Tickets ($12 - $15):                http://seussicalmclean.bpt.me  

For more information:             http://www.TheatreMcLean.org

Evening shows at 7:00pm:      April 28, April 29, May 6

Matinees at 1:30pm:               April 29, April 30, May 6 & May 7

TheatreMcLean’s Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza for families of all ages to enjoy! Our narrator, the Cat in the Hat, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he also must guard an abandoned egg left in his care. 

This fast-paced, 105-minute show (including intermission) is filled with singing, dancing, silly characters, and colorful costumes. 


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Parenting in the Digital Age Speaker

The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age with Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair

The statistics are staggering, and screen time isn't going anywhere. So let's talk about it.

Dr. Steiner-Adair will offer insights and advice that can help parents of students from preschool through high school age achieve greater understanding, authority, and confidence as they face the tech revolution unfolding in their living rooms.

Wednesday, May 17, 7:30 pm at Temple Rodef Shalom, Q&A and book signings will follow the presentation.

Tickets on sale at Brown Paper Tickets. Click HERE for more about the program and speaker and HERE for more about the SCC. 


Orchestra Car Wash

Come support the MHS Orchestra Parents Association on May 6, 8am - 2pm at Lutheran Redeemer Church in McLean. All proceeds go to support our German Exchange, Trips and Music/Instrument Purchases.


One More PTSA Committee Chair Needed for 2017/18 School Year

Would you like to find a way to make a contribution to the MHS community? Here is your to opportunity to share your time and talents in ways that benefit students and staff at our school. Help make MHS the best it can be!

  • All Night Grad Party (ANGP) Committee Chair: Plan and Coordinate the annual ANGP on graduation night. This committee is typically run by a senior parent, but all grade levels are welcome.

Contact Alison Senold alisonsenold@gmail.com to volunteer or to get further details on each position


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Senior Parents – Last Week For $70 ANGP Tickets!

Purchase a $70 ticket to the All-Night Graduation Party (ANGP) today before prices go up to $90 on May 1. ANGP follows graduation on June 15th and 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.

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. 

And perhaps you are wondering how you as a senior parent can support this celebration? We welcome your help in the following ways:

Donate – Your monetary donations supplement ticket income to pay for the entertainment, food, decorations, and prizes. Monetary donations can be made on the ticket form or online with a credit card.

Have a business or know a business that might donate funds or merchandise?  Parents can personally donate gift cards to businesses seniors enjoy. To donate or for questions contact Cam Donelson.

Volunteer – We need about 200 volunteers to set-up, work during, and after the party. Don’t think you can stay up all night? You don’t have to. There are several shifts to accommodate your schedule and it really is a lot of fun.  Email Frances Wilson to be sent the e-mail sign-up when it is time to select jobs and shifts.

For more information on Class of 2017 events, please go to the McLean High School website senior page.  


Now Forming: Special Education PTA for FCPS  

Parents are organizing the new Fairfax County Special Education PTA for parents and guardians of students receiving special education services in Fairfax County Public Schools. The organization will meet on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 pm at Fairfax Circle Church, 3110 Chichester Lane in Fairfax.  Members will vote on bylaws and the executive board at this meeting. Contact info@fairfaxsepta.org for more information.  


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 4/24/2017).


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 to support McLean!!! 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!!! 


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Upcoming Events

 

April 25: Clare and Don's Beach Shack dinner night to support McLean Band

April 28-May 7: Seussical the Musical

April 29, 8 am: McLean 5K 

April 29, 10 am - 2 pm: Prescription and OTC Drug Take Back Day

April 30: Last day to purchase ANGP tickets before price goes up to $90!

May 3: TheatreMcLean Plant Sale deadline

May 5: Staff Appreciation Luncheon

May 6, 8 am - 2 pm: Orchestra Car Wash, Lutheran Redeemer

May 17: Ethics Day, volunteers needed

May 17, 7:30 pm: SCC's Parenting in the Digital Age presentation