McLean HS: Week of April 15

Important Upcoming Dates

April 15 - April 19 - Spring Break

April 22 - 26 - Administrative Assistant Appreciation Week

April 24 - April 25 - AP Pre-Administration

April 27 - Prom - 8:00pm-12:00am - Westwood Country Club

April 29 - May 3 - Stress Less Laugh More Week

May 6 - May 17 - AP Exams 

May 6 - May 10 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 13 - SOL testing begins

May 23 - Annual Physicals Night

May 27 - Memorial Day

June 3 - Graduation - 2:30 - Constitution Hall

 

Happy Spring Break!  The faculty and staff at McLean High School hope you are all enjoying your Spring Break.  

As of today, I am back at McLean High School after completing my role as Acting Executive Principal for Region 2.  While I was at central office, I learned more about FCPS and visited numerous schools in our Region.  While I enjoyed my experience, I am definitely happy to be back at McLean.  I truly missed the students and staff and can't wait until everyone gets back from break.  Also, I wanted to thank Jeff Barham for the excellent job he did while I was away.  

I have decided to organize this News You Choose page to hopefully make it easier for everyone to read and find information.  The following sections will be highlighted in red and the topics that pertain to it will be highlighted in blue.  

  • General Information
  • Testing Information
  • Senior Updates
  • Summer Programs
  • FCPS Workshops

We will continue to send out the activities schedule on Sunday's and the PTSA will continue to send out their information on Wednesday's.  We will continue to share the successes of our students and staff at the end of every month in our McMentionables newsletter. 

Supervisor John Foust, Delegate Rip Sullivan and Delegate Kathleen Murphy will host a meeting regarding group homes in McLean. Staff from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, County officials, and representatives from Monroe LLC will attend. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the operations of the homes, licensing and permitting authority, relevant legislation and regulations, and resident concerns. Meeting Details  - Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m. McLean High School Auditorium.

Over the break, FCPS will be updating our lighting in our main gym and replacing trailers 1 and 2 with new trailers.  Lastly, the main office will be closed over Spring Break.

Regards,

Ellen T. Reilly

Principal, McLean High School

General Information and Upcoming Events Information

Driver Education Certification Completion - April 22

The state of Virginia requires all 10th grade students and their parent/guardian to attend a 90-minute traffic safety program entitled Partners for Safe Teen Driving as part of the classroom driver education instruction. This condition must be met before a student will receive a Driver Education Certificate of Completion (DEC-1 card).

The last date for this year's presentations are:

Monday, April 22

Attendance for all current 10th grade health & PE students is MANDATORY at one of these presentations in order to obtain their completion card for Driver Education.  Students must attend with a parent or guardian. (Parents/guardians, please bring a photo ID with you to the presentation.)  The doors are shut and locked at 6:30 p.m., so please plan to arrive early so that you are not locked out of presentation. Current 10th grade students do not need to pre-register. If you are not a current 10th grade Health & PE student, you must preregister and pay for this presentation.  Registration information can be found on the FCPS ACE website. (https://aceclasses.fcps.edu/) ATTENDANCE AT THIS PRESENTATION MUST BE IN FCPS. NO PRESENTATIONS AT OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS WILL FULFILL THIS REQUIREMENT.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Vivacqua - DJVivacqua@fcps.edu

Fire Alarm Testing - Week of April 15

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Fairfax County Office of the Fire Marshal require Fairfax County Public Schools to test your fire alarm system annually. This test is very extensive, as we must inspect and test each and every fire alarm device. This testing can only be performed when the building is unoccupied; therefore, the typical hours of testing are from approximately 10:00 P.M. until 5:00 A.M., Monday through Friday. System testing can range from 1 day to 5 days, depending on building size.

In an effort to minimize disruption to the citizens, the testing of the audible portion (horns) of the system is performed at the end of the total system test (the last testing day). The approximate amount of time that the audible portion (horns) are activated per site is one hour.

Prom Tickets Information

The 2019 Prom, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will take place on April 27, 2019 at Westwood Country Club from 8pm to 12am.

Purchase tickets through MySchoolBucks from now until April 25.  After purchasing tickets please print or take a screenshot of your receipt and bring it to the main office to pick up your tickets either before school, during all lunches, or after school. If you are bringing a guest that is not a McLean HS student, please print out the guest form on MySchoolBucks and bring the completed form when you pick up your tickets.

Mike Zook Memorial 5K

This year McLean is hosting the 2nd annual 5K in honor of our former assistant principal, Mr. Zook.  Mr. Zook was a huge supporter of sports and activities and devoted to helping all students.   All proceeds from this event go towards activities at McLean!   In hopes that it will bring all of our communities together, we are offering a discount for all students and staff members in FCPS and our area schools. 

Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/McLean-Zook-5k

Date: Saturday May 11th

Time: 8:00am

Location: The Run/Walk will begin and end in the McLean HS stadium

*Please register by April 15th  to be guaranteed a race t-shirt.

Annual Physicals Night - May 23

Mark your calendars for May 23rd! This is the date for our annual Physical Night. Any athlete planning on playing a sport for the 2019-2020 school year can get their physical done at McLean HS that night, and the physical will be good for the next school year. You can now register by going to:

https://www.fcps.edu/athletic.preparticipation.screenings

Family Engagement Survey

On March 24, you received an FCPS Family Engagement Survey!

Please complete the survey letting us know how we are doing in the areas of

  • communicating,
  • providing you opportunities to partner,
  • developing positive relationships,
  • ensuring student success and more.

The information we learn from you will help us strengthen family engagement and continue fostering a Caring Culture throughout FCPS.  There are 3 ways you can complete the survey.

  1. Check your email for an invitation sent with a survey link from Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent with subject line: FCPS Family Engagement Survey.
  2. Ask the front office staff for a paper survey. You can complete it right there on the spot.
  3. Complete the online survey using one of the school iPads or computers. The office staff would be happy to show you an available computer for you to complete the survey electronically at the school.

For a direct link to the survey click HERE

We honor your opinion and commitment to your child and our schools. We strive to make it a better place for ALL!

Testing Information

AP Exam Invoices

In early April, AP exam invoices will be sent via MySchoolBucks to the parents/guardians of students who are testing beyond the first six exams paid by FCPS.  Parents and guardians can pay the fees using a debit or credit card through www.myschoolsbucks.com.  Please see the FAQs below for questions regarding AP exam billing.  https://www.fcps.edu/testfees-questions.  

AP Pre-Administration

10th grade AP World History students will complete pre-administration through their AP World History classes on April 9th and April 10th.   All other AP students will complete pre-administration on Wednesday, April 24th and Thursday, April 25th in the cafeteria.

Wednesday April 24th (Red HT1): Seniors (12th Grade students) will report to the cafeteria at 9:40 for pre-administration.

Thursday, April 25th (Silver HT2): Juniors (11th Grade students) will report to the cafeteria at 9:40 for pre-administration.  Any underclassman taking an AP who is NOT enrolled in AP World History, should also complete pre-administration at this time.

The expectation is that all students will complete pre-administration during break, Highlander Time and finish by 10:30.  If you have any questions or concerns, please email Sara Wheeler.

SOL and AP Testing Schedule Link

SAP Testing begins Monday, May 6th, and SOL testing begins on May 13th.

Here is the link to find both schedules:

  https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/announcements/sol-and-ap-testing-schedule 

For AP testing, Students should report for morning exams at 8:00am.  Students should report for afternoon exams at 12:00pm.  Students taking afternoon exams will not finish testing until 3:45 – please plan your transportation accommodations accordingly.   

Standards of Learning Test Schedules for Students Observing Ramadan

This year, the main Standards of Learning (SOL) testing window has significant overlaps with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month marked by daily fasting. The SOL testing window begins for high schools on Monday, April 29. All schools must complete SOL make-up tests and retakes by Friday, June 7. Ramadan begins the evening of Sunday, May 5, and ends with Eid-al-Fitr on Wednesday, June 5.

FCPS welcomes and encourages engagement with parents and guardians of students affected by this overlap. School staff will work with parents and guardians to make schedule adjustments or determine how best to address students’ needs. For example, it may be possible to schedule testing early in the day when energy levels are likely to be highest.

If you have a child in an SOL grade-level who will be fasting to observe Ramadan this year, notify your school counselor to take advantage of possible scheduling options.

View more ideas and tips to prepare for upcoming testing during Ramadan.

Senior Updates

Upcoming Dates for Seniors

May 21 - May 24  - Senior Exams

May 28 - Senior Trip

May 29 - Graduation Rehearsal #1

May 30 - HIP Presentations/Convocation

May 31 - Gradation Rehearsal #2

June 3 - Graduation

Senior Letter Information

The end of year senior letter, along with All Night Grad Party and Baccalaureate information are now available on the McLean High School senior events page. All information was also mailed home April 1 to families. The information can be found here: https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/student-life-activities/senior-events

All Night Graduation Party

The All-Night Graduation Party (ANGP) will be held on Monday, June 3rd from 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. at Spring Hill Recreation Center.  This is a fun and safe way for the seniors to get together one last time after graduation.  There will be entertainment (casino, hypnotist, henna artists, massages, family feud, laser tag, pool activities, and more), a gift bag for each senior, food, and lots of raffle prizes!  Doors open at 11 p.m. and the students have until 12 a.m. to check-in.

You can buy your graduate's ticket today for $75, but prices for the ANGP will go up on April 1.  Here is a link to the form to order tickets.  Please note the permission section must be signed by both the parent and student, including complete emergency care information on the back. Forms and checks can be dropped off at the MHS front office or mailed to ATTN: Nancy Rider at 6818 Dean Drive Mclean, Va. 22101 Tickets must be purchased in advance of the party.  NO tickets will be sold at the door.

Summer Programs

Freshman 101

McLean High School will hold two programs for students from July 22, 2019 - July 25, 2019. 

Our Freshman 101 program is available to all rising 9th graders, designed to help freshmen transition to high school by focusing on note-taking and study skills, time management, utilizing technology in an educational setting, and navigating high school. 

AP Boot Camp

Our AP Boot Camp program focuses on Teamwork, Communication, Organization, Reading, and Problem Solving (T-CORPS).  This program is available to all students in grades 10 - 12 who are taking AP courses for the first time.  This hands-on, cooperative team-building program will actively engage students in the development and use of these skills, while demonstrating their importance to AP-level rigor.

Both programs will take place during the morning and transportation will be provided.  More information on how to register will be provided after Spring Break. 

Madison Summer Academy

Madison High School will host the Madison Summer Academy from Monday, June 24 through Thursday, July 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., daily. 

The Madison Summer Academy provides summer acceleration in Honors Geometry, Health & PE 9, or Health & PE 10 for eligible FCPS students who are current or incoming students at Madison, Marshall, McLean, and Oakton High School.

Registration: Monday, April 29 — Friday, June 14

FCPS Workshops

High School Students Invited to Fairfax County 2019 Teen Job Fairs: Final Job Fair Will Be at Mount Vernon High School on April 27

Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways are invited to attend one of five teen job fairs and résumé-building workshops in Fairfax County. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students.

Volunteer opportunities and résumé-building workshops will be available for younger students. Free booth spaces are provided to local businesses. The final job fair will be held on Saturday, April 27, at Mount Vernon High School from 10 a.m. to noon.

Learn more about the teen job fairs.

FCPS Cares

FCPS Cares

Do you know a McLean High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.

My School Bucks

Learn more about this online payment portal for many school fees.  Parents can set up an account which they link their student(s) to so there is one account per family.  Course fees, lunch funds, some ticket events can be taken care of online. MySchoolBucks eliminates the need for students to carry cash to school and for multiple checks to be written. Learn more and sign up at https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home