November 25, 2020
Your Source for News about the Highlander Community
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Message From the PTSA President
For this Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take this opportunity to share my gratitude with the Highlander community. Even though it is a difficult time during COVID-19 pandemic, we have so much to be grateful for. Thanks to the parents/guardians who encourage our school’s commitment to provide a quality education to every child, create a sense of community among our families, and support our teachers as they do one of the most important and difficult jobs. I am grateful for all that we have accomplished together. Through your financial contributions and volunteer efforts we accomplished the following activities so far this year:
- Books and supplies for student enrichment
- Science virtual applications and supplies for student enrichment
- Staff appreciation during Welcome Back to school, October appreciation, and November gratitude
- COVID safety supplies
- Reflections arts competition for students
- Health and wellness programs for students and parent connection walks
- McLean Matters program to support students in need
Thanks to the PTSA Board and our wonderful parent volunteers for your time and efforts to improve the lives of the students and staff. All this would not have been possible without your dedication and commitment. Wishing you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Savitha Parvataneni Sagar
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Help Us Thank Teachers and Staff with a Highlander Shout-Out!
MHS parents and students are invited to use this form to thank teachers and staff going above and beyond in our virtual learning environment. The PTSA will forward the messages.
There is no deadline - send as many shout-outs as you like.
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Final Days!!!
McLean Matters
Holiday Gift Card Drive - Until December 7th
Thank you to the 20 parents and teachers that have signed up to provide gift cards for our MHS students-in-need. We have approximately 75 students at McLean High School who are at, or below, the poverty level.
There is still time to donate!!!
Please click HERE to sign-up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to Safeway, Target, or Walmart for McLean High School families to assist them over the holidays.
There are three ways you can purchase gift cards:
- Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50 and mail to/drop off at MHS.
- Go online to Target Gift Cards or Walmart Gift Cards and purchase “plastic gift card(s)” to mail/drop off at MHS.
- Go online to Target Gift Cards or Walmart Gift Cards and purchase “electronic gift card(s)”, print out the paper copy, and mail/drop off at MHS.
Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:
Sue Tabish
McLean High School
1633 Davidson Road
McLean, VA 22101
Gift cards are needed by December 7th.
Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season
because McLean Matters!
Headset Donation Charity Wish List is COMPLETE!
Thank you to those parents that purchased 75 headsets from the charity wish list. Student services can now provide a headset for each and every MHS student in need. Your generosity makes a difference in these students’ lives!
If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair Emma Blankenbaker at mcleanmatters@mcleanptsa.org.
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MHS Parent Connection Walks in December
Come meet and walk with parents in our MHS community.
McLean High School parents are invited to take a stroll around the MHS track and connect with other parents. All are very welcome!
When: Sunday, December 6th, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8th, 1:45 - 2:45 pm
Where: McLean High School Track, Masks Required
Hosted by the PTSA Health and Wellness Committee
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Restaurant Nights in December
Show Highlander Spirit and Support Your Community While Dining or Carrying Out
Thursday, December 3rd - 5:00-8:00pm
Tysons Silver Diner
8101 Fletcher Street
McLean, VA 22102
20% of sales from dine-in, outdoor patio, and carryout/curbside orders (excludes online ordering) will be donated to our MHS PTSA.
Orders can be placed in-person or over the phone for pick up. Tell them you are supporting the "McLean HS PTSA.”
Or use the carhop: park your car in front, call 703-821-5666, and your order will be brought to you. Do not forget to mention that you are supporting the "McLean HS PTSA.”
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Tuesday, December 15th 11:00am - 10:00pm
Domino's
Order from your local Domino's and use code DN3 online, on our app, over the phone, or in the store.
20% of sales will be donated to our McLean HS PTSA. For more information, take a look at the fundraiser flyer.
Thank you for your generous support!
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Volunteer Openings at McLean PTSA
The McLean PTSA is an all-volunteer organization. Whether you have the time and energy to chair a committee or prefer to volunteer an hour at an occasional event.
YOUR PTSA NEEDS YOU and appreciates all that you do!
Please consider the following open positions:
President Elect
Serve the Highlander community before stepping into the role of President. Share your valuable insights and contributions and shape the following year, while allowing time to learn on the job.
All Night Grad Party (ANGP) Committee Chairs for 2021
Lead planning and delivery of our All Night Grad Party for the Senior Class of 2021. The plan is to begin early to make it a memorable gathering for graduating students. Current-year committee chairs are available to provide a smooth transition along with providing helpful documentation.
All open positions can be found here.
Student Recognition Yard/Home Signs
Want to motivate and recognize your Freshman, Sophomore or Junior student(s) for all their hard work during this distance learning year at MHS?
What better way to acknowledge and praise them the with a recognition sign? Show them how proud you are of them during this unprecedented time and to keep up the hard work!
Signs cost $25 each and are personalized with the student’s class year. It will be delivered directly to your home when ready. Signs come with a metal stand to push into the ground. Adhesive may be requested at no extra charge if window or door mounting is preferred.
Order your Student Recognition Sign today at the MHS PTSA website.
All proceeds will benefit the MHS PTSA.
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Annual White House Ornament Sale Fundraiser
The MHS PTSA is once again selling the Official 2020 White House Historical Christmas Ornaments. This year's ornament honors President John F. Kennedy.
Ornaments can be ordered online HERE until December 11th. Upon purchase, someone from the PTSA will reach out to discuss pick up options (either at the MHS main office during office hours or a porch pick up from our Treasurer's house in Vienna, VA).
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Children's Winter Clothing Drive
Our local community partner, SHARE, has asked for our assistance in obtaining the following high need items for children of all ages:
- Winter Coats
- Boots and Sneakers
- Hats and Mittens
New or almost new items are appreciated, as SHARE does not have the resources to sort clothing and shoes.
All donations can be brought to the following locations:
Collection Box located between the glass doors at MHS's Main Entrance; or
SHARE at McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean in person on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8:30am – 12:00pm.
If neither of these options work, please contact Sherri.share@outlook.com to arrange an alternate drop-off time.
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Upcoming Virtual ACT and SAT Tests
EC Tutoring is offering a virtual mock ACT and SAT tests in the upcoming months. These tests are available to students at area schools for $20.
Virtual Proctored Mock ACT Test, Saturday, Dec. 5th Registration Form
Virtual Proctored Mock SAT Test, Saturday, Dec. 12th Registration Form
Virtual Proctored Mock ACT Test, Saturday, Dec. 19th Registration Form
Virtual Proctored Mock SAT Test, Saturday, Jan. 9th Registration Form
Virtual Proctored Mock ACT Test, Saturday, Jan. 30th Registration Form
Please remember to indicate that you are a MHS student on the registration form to ensure that the PTSA receives credit; the fees support our programs.
National Award-Winning Student Publication
McLean’s student journalists need your support to continue publishing this year!
Subscribers to The Highlander will receive all this year’s issues of our award-winning newsmagazine by mail, including the special Senior Edition.
The first issue of the print edition comes out this week, so don’t delay! Subscription for the entire year costs only $25.
Patrons who donate $50 or more may choose to have their names (individual, family or business name) printed in each issue of the magazine. If you have any questions or are interested in advertising opportunities, contact lbbenedict@fcps.edu.
Subscriptions and other donation options are available on MySchoolBucks.
Please complete this form to finalize your subscription or donation.
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Curbside Pickup for Library Books Every Monday
Students can now pick up books they put on hold through the online catalog.
Students are encouraged to watch the following tutorial video on how to place a hold on a book that they may wish to check out from the online catalog.
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Substance Abuse Prevention Support at McLean High School
McLean High School has a full-time Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist. Kelly Rankin serves as a resource for students and parents interested in finding out more information on substance use or discussing concerns of use and addiction.
If you need more information, take a look at this flyer.
Safe Community Coalition Rolls Out "Managing the Moments" Video Series
The Safe Community Coalition (SSC) has launched a series of short videos for the community featuring the psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers of the SCC’s Mental Health Committee.
The short segments, approximately 10 minutes each, touch on a wide variety of topics designed to help parents and students in dealing with a range of issues, from younger children’s challenges staying focused while distance learning to effective communication strategies when families feel the strain of too much togetherness.
The first six videos include:
- De-escalating Conflict
- Effective Communication
- How to Talk to Your Parents
- Brain Breaks During Distance Learning
- Self-Care and Calming Techniques
- How Are You?
Additional videos will be rolling out in the weeks to come.
All videos and any accompanying tip sheets are free and available on the SCC website, mcleanscc.org.
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Verify Your Information for the School Directory and Stay Connected and Informed
It only takes five minutes for parents to verify or update their contact information in the AtoZ Connect school directory.
To access the AtoZConnect use this link.
After updating your information, we need your engagement to make the PTSA as effective as possible.
Please email fundraising@mcleanptsa.org if you need assistance.
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How to Donate and Rewards Programs
Please consider making a tax-free donation to the PTSA.
Your contribution translates directly into academic enhancements, virtual programs, improved technology, and courtyard and facilities renovations.
Click here to donate.
Earn rewards while you shop: Help Our Cause (NEW this year!): Check out a one-stop shop to earn rewards while shopping at 1000+ stores online or on your phone. Simply register once and use it often to get shopping discounts, travel rebates, discounted textbook purchases, electronics, and vehicle donations, and much more. Details about the program here.
Amazon Smile: Please use this link to set up your AmazonSmile account to donate to McLean High School PTSA and to shop.
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Harris Teeter Together in Education: Visit this link to register your card or register with the cashier next time you shop at Harris Teeter. MHS Code: 5560; Phone: (800) 432-6111.
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Upcoming Important Dates
November 25th-27th - Thanksgiving Holiday
December 21st-January 1st - Winter Break
January 18th - Martin Luther King Day Holiday
January 20th - Inauguration Day Holiday
January 22nd - End of 2nd quarter - 2-hour Early Release
January 25th - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
Helpful Links
FCPS Support for Parents & Families
FCPS Parent Resource Center
Provides access to information and resources to support all families, educators, and students, including those with special needs, learning challenges, and disabilities.
FCPS has Parent Information Phone Lines
Available in eight (8) languages to assist with general questions about FCPS.
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