Important Upcoming Dates
March 3 - Student Holiday
April 3 - End of the 3rd quarter
April 6-10 - Spring Break
April 13 - Student Holiday
April 20 - Safe Teen Driving Presentation
May 25 - Memorial Day
General Information
Highlander Community:
The main topic in the news these days is the coronavirus. While we do not have any incidents in our community, we do want to be sure that we are taking precautions at our school. Moving forward, the custodians will be wiping down hand rails, door knobs, faucet handles, etc. Also, we will make sure the hand sanitizer dispensers outside the bathrooms remain filled. Classroom teachers will also have disinfectant cleaning supplies in their classrooms.
Here are the guidelines sent out by FCPS:
- There are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County
- Keep updated by checking our FCPS website for additional information. This site will be updated as information changes: https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update.
- FCPS is reviewing its existing influenza response plans and making necessary revisions to respond to COVID-19 scenarios; FCPS will work collaboratively with the Fairfax County Health Department to prevent the spread of illness and impact upon our schools.
- If your student is ill, please keep them home from school.
- The health and safety of our students and employees is of utmost importance.
- Contact your healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-267-3511 if you have questions about your student’s illness.
Committee on Raising Student Voices
The Committee on Raising Student Voices is a newly founded student-led organization focused on ensuring student issues are heard by McLean administration. While meeting and cooperating with the administration on a monthly basis, members are expected to reach out and address student issues, create initiatives and solutions that will help establish a more vocal and
outreaching McLean student body. Since the committee will work directly for McLean students, elections will be held to determine half of the members on the 40-seat committee.
Election packets can be picked up in the main office, the activities office or can be printed by using the link below. All applications are due Friday, March 6 in the main office.
https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/announcements/committee-raising-student-voices-application
School Health Services Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians and school staff members who interact with the school health rooms. This may include principals, school counselors, and main office staff members. The survey has been approved for distribution by the FCPS’ Internal Survey Advisory Committee.
Electronic versions of the survey forms may be accessed at:
School Health Services Survey – Parents 2020: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9VWCJ6 approval # 20217
School Health Services Survey-Parents 2020 (Spanish): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K7KGXTS approval #20217
The survey will take less than five minutes to complete and will provide the FCHD with valuable information. Your participation in this important endeavor is appreciated.
Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
Each year, in accordance with FCPS Policy 1802, FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools. Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply, and they do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC). Applications are due March 24, 2020. The application and related details can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/blog/application-2020-student-representative-school-board.
Student Advisory Council Convention to Elect the Student Representative to the School Board
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) will hold its annual convention to elect the student representative to the School Board for 2020-2021 on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Marshall High School.
To prepare for the SAC convention to elect the Student Representative to the School Board, administrators are asked to register convention delegates from your school by listing their names on this form and returning it to Pam Gordon at PEGordon@fcps.edu. Completed forms are due no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Participants should arrive at the convention on April 22, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided, and the convention will conclude by 2:00 p.m. Up to four 2019-2020 SAC delegates from each high school will be voting delegates at the convention.
Last Day to Request a Schedule Change is March 2
Any student contemplating a schedule change for this school year, should see their counselor this week to pick up the schedule change request packet. These packets will need to be completed and submitted by next Monday, March 2, in order to be considered.
Student Q&A with FCPS Superintendent Dr. Brabrand
Monday, March 16 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. McLean Community Center
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The McLean Community Association will be hosting an open forum meeting with Superintendent Dr. Brabrand and Dranesville District School Board Member Elaine Tholen focused on mental health, academic pressure, and the vision for McLean-area schools. Bring the entire family. Students will be given priority to ask questions.
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English Writing SOL Announcements
The English 11 Writing SOL will take place March 10th and March 11th. English 11 students will be using their FCPSOn devices for March Writing SOL this year. Please ensure your student’s laptop is working and that they bring their computer and power charger to school on March 10th and 11th. Issues should be reported to the Tech Center in the Library (Room 131) during school hours, highlander time, or lunches.
Teachers conducted a student laptop “health check” on Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27 during English 11 classes. Students will need to bring their laptop and charger to school those days. The “health check” will assess the hardware and software of the FCPSOn devices and identify potential issues. Students will need to reboot the laptop while at school in order to receive all the required updates for testing.
Non-FCPS issued computers cannot be used for testing. If a student tests on a personal device, an irregularity will be filed, the test score will be invalidated, and the student will have to retake the SOL.
Electronics Policy Reminder: Students may NOT possess cell phones or other personal electronic devices (including smart watches) during testing. Failure to adhere to this policy is considered cheating. If a student is found to be in possession of a cell phone or other personal electronic device during testing, a test irregularity will be filed, and the test score will be invalidated. Students will not be permitted to retake the SOL until the next testing window.
Parents Safe Teen Driving Presentation - 6:30pm
McLean High School will be hosting safe teen driving presentations on
April 20
All presentations start at 6:30 pm.
The state of Virginia requires all 10th grade students and their parent/guardian to attend a 90-minute traffic safety program 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-District 8 card).
The Virginia Department of Education has said that students who complete classroom instruction in a public school must also complete PSTD at the public school. It is not acceptable for a student to complete PSTD at a commercial driving school and receive a DEC-District 8 card from FCPS.
No one will be admitted after the doors have been closed. You are strongly encouraged to attend the program at McLean. If you are unable to attend one of these dates, additional program dates and locations can be found on the Fairfax County Public Schools website at www.fcps.edu.
Recognitions
Quiz Bowl State Champions
Congratulations to McLean's Quiz Bowl team! They are State champions! We went 3-0 at States and are a combined 12-0 between Sectionals, Regionals, and States this season.
Team members are Sam Asimos, Noah Chin, Ethan Zhou, Tiara Allard, Justin Young, and Janna Serrao. Congratulations to coaches Jeff Brocketti and Lindsay Benedict.
This is McLean’s first state championship after finishing as runners up in 2017 and 2018.
Top is Justin Young won All-State honors!
Orchestra All-State
Congratulations to the orchestra students listed below for placing into this year’s Virginia All-State Orchestra!
Eshan Parkash (violin)
Maxence Mouries (violin)
Ella David (viola)
Elena Klenk (viola)
Steve Han (cello)
Justin Winn (cello)
Lucas Zurbuchen (bass)
Students auditioned amongst hundreds of highly skilled student musicians at James Madison University this past weekend and will perform in a special concert in April with students from around the state at the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, Virginia. It is a big honor to have SEVEN students represent McLean HS at such a prestigious event. Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication!
State Track Champions
Congratulations Xavier Jemison! He is the 1600 meter State champion and the 1000 meter runner-up!
Our Girls 4x800 finished in the top 10 at States for Indoor Track
Thais Rolly, Mary Stienbicker, Natalie Flint, and Kylie Kysor
Finalist in Art Submission
Libby Eick submitted a photo to the National Portrait Gallery for a teen portrait competition and is a finalist! She is one of fifteen students who had her work selected and displayed on their website. It's a national competition which had 629 entries overall. https://npg.si.edu/learn/teen/competition_winners
You can read her artist statement here: https://npg.si.edu/learn/teen/artists-statements
Senior Information
The MHS All Night Grad Party (ANGP) is a highly anticipated event for graduating seniors. Held the night of graduation, Monday, June 1, it is an opportunity for the new graduates to celebrate their accomplishments together in a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment.
This fun, activity-filled event takes place at the high school from11:00pm - 5:00am, and is chaperoned by parent volunteers.
Click HERE to purchase a ticket or learn more. For financial assistance, contact Paul Stansbery at pwstansbery@fcps.edu.
Questions about ANGP can be sent to angp@mcleanptsa.org
Senior Announcements Ordering
Attention Senior Parents: To order the official 2020 McLean High School graduation announcements please go to http://www.balfour.com our vendor for those products.The form can be found on McLean's homepage and the Senior's homepage. Please contact Balfour with any questions 703-941-1436 or balfournova@yahoo.com.
FCPS Family Resources
Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School
- What is Special Education?
- How do children qualify for services?
- What is Least Restrictive Environment?
- What is the difference between accommodations and modifications?
- What is an IEP?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of IEP team members?
- How can I work with the school team to develop an IEP?
- How do I advocate for my child at school and in the IEP process?
Presented by Mary Beth Harrison-Cunningham, Manager of the FCPS Parent Resource Center and Susan Kannengiesser, FCPS Procedural Support Liaison.
Friday, March 6, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon. *Will be recorded for our YouTube Channel
Register for Special Education: Understanding the Process and Collaborating with Your School
Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to Know
Talking with your teen or young adult can be challenging. Having meaningful, ongoing conversations about drugs and alcohol, however, is key to helping keep your son or daughter healthy and safe.
Presentation Highlights:
- Current trends in substance use and abuse
- Image of substances on physical and emotional development
- Paraphernalia display and discussion
- Tools for parents
Presented by Brian Maslowski, FCPS Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education teacher.
Friday, March 20, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Drugs, Alcohol, and Vaping, What Every Parent Needs to Know
Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood
A recent survey of young adults in the US reported that nearly 45% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 now live with their parents - even though they are employed.
This session will provide:
- 10 Tips to help launch your young adult successfully into adulthood
- Strategies to teach your child “soft” employment, money management and communication/self-advocacy skills.
Presented by Dr. Amy Fortney Parks, LPC, ACS, Owner of The Wise Family Counseling & Assessment Services in Alexandria and Arlington.
Friday, March 27, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon. *Will be recorded for our YouTube Channel
Register for Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood
Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting your Child Moving
Learn fun activities for the whole family to get your child moving while reinforcing a wide range of skills needed to be successful in physical education and recreational pursuits. Participants will receive “A Parents Guide to Physical Activity, Book 1”.
You will learn how to:
- Motivate your child to be physically active, burn some energy, enjoy exercise, and interact as a family
- Have fun as a family while practicing physical, cognitive, and social skills needed to be successful in PE:
- Taking turns and following rules
- Participating in group games and interacting with peers
Presented by Phyllis Orner, FCPS Adapted PE Specialist, Manda Tirado and Christy Slone, FCPS Adapted PE Teachers
Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 10 a.m.-noon.
Register for Fitness Activities: A Parent’s Guide to Getting your Child Moving
FCPS Cares
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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
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