December 9, 2020
Your Source for News about the Highlander Community
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Mark Your Calendar!
Sophomore Parent Hour
Friday, December 11th from 8.30-9.30am
Please join the PTSA and school administrators to learn about the expectations for Sophomores, transition to Junior year, AP course selection, and how to help your child succeed.
You will hear from the Sophomore Class Administrator, Rob Plunkett; Math Teacher, Dr. Crissie Ricketts; and Assessment Coach, Sara Wheeler.
Get your morning coffee and join us for an informative session!
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Last Days!!!
Annual White House Ornament Sale Fundraiser Until December 11th
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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There is Still Time to Donate to Support Our Families-in-Need!!!
DEADLINE EXTENDED until December 11th.
The MHS parent community has been overwhelmingly responsive. Thank you to the parents and teachers that have signed up to purchase gift cards. If you would still like to donate, the cards will go directly to these student families to provide much needed support.
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 two ways you can purchase gift cards:
- Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart 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.
Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:
Sue Tabish
McLean High School
1633 Davidson Road
McLean, VA 22101
he deadline for Gift Cards is this Friday, December 11th, by the end of the day, so that we may distribute the cards before the winter break.
Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season
because McLean Matters!
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Restaurant Night in December
Show Highlander Spirit and Support Your Community While Dining In or Carrying Out
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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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 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.
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 than with a recognition sign! Show them how proud you are of them during this unprecedented time!
Each sign costs $25 each and are personalized with the student’s class year 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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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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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 our 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.
eNews Team
Responsible for sending weekly PTSA e-newsletter. Share relevant information, promote events and enhance parent engagement. Proof-reading skills are a plus.
All open positions can be found here.
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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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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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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
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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