McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 1/11/2021



Important Upcoming Dates

January 18 - Martin Luther King Day Holiday

January 19 - Red Day

January 20 - Inauguration Day Holiday for students and staff

January 21 - Red Day

January 22 - Silver Day - End of 2nd quarter - 2 hour early release 

January 25 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

February 8 - Parent in Sate Teen Driving Session - 7:00-8:30pm (see below)


Important Links

Virtual Back to School Night

Teacher Office Hours

Bell Schedule

Red/Silver Calendar

Office and Support Staff

Attendance

Student Services

Student Activities


Gradebook Dates

ParentVue/StudentVue will close January 22 at 4:00pm and open again on January 30 at 6:00am.  

Grades will be finalized on Friday, January 29.


January 22 - 2-hour early release schedule

2-hour

Changing from In-Person to Virtual Learning

We have received many questions about the ability to change from in-person to virtual learning for the remainder of the school year. If you are currently scheduled to return to school in-person, and wish to change your selection to virtual learning, you may still do that. Please use this electronic form to indicate your choice.


In-Person Students Only

Students who have chosen in person learning must fill out the "commitment form" and return it to the school before beginning in-person learning.  This form can be

1. mailed to the school by clicking on link and printing or

2.filled out in ParentVue electronically.

  1. Parent Health Commitment Form – Can be filled out in ParentVue This needs to be completed prior to your child starting in-person learning. Please see the translated versions

 Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

  1. FCPS Health and Safety Document – FCPS guidance on health procedures

3. FCPS Health and Safety Document – FCPS Website for information on returning to school


Schedule Change Deadline for 20-21 School Year is January 29

Any student still considering a schedule change at this point in the school year will need to submit the schedule change packet by January 29.  After that date, students will need to finish the school year in the courses they are currently taking.  Please reach out to your counselor if you would like to request a schedule change.


Course Selection for 2021-22

The course selection process for next school year will begin this month with a series of information sessions run by counselors to help prepare students as listed in the Counselor’s Corner information below. AP, Dual Enrollment and electives teachers are preparing videos that we will be adding to our Academic Advising page next week. Students will also be given access to an Advising Google Site which will include several resources regarding course descriptions and selecting courses in SIS.  

Each Health/Physical Education class will have a scheduled time for their students to meet with counselors to choose courses. The schedule for current 10th graders begins the week of February 2. The schedule for current 9th graders begins the week of February 16. Counselors will set up individual meetings with current 11th graders on Mondays and other times outside of class time, so that they do not miss any instruction. That will begin to happen the week of January 19th.  


Counselors’ Corner

The next round of Counselors’ Corner meetings by grade level is listed below.  A reminder will be sent to student emails and posted in the grade level Google Classroom the week of, with information on how to access this session through BBCU.  Please note: The Course Registration Kickoff will outline pertinent information to prepare for selecting courses for the 2021-2022 school year!  Feel free to reach out to your school counselor with any questions.

Juniors – January 13th, 9:45-10:25am [Course Registration Kickoff]

Sophomores – January 13th, 10:30-11:00am [Course Registration Kickoff] << NEW START TIME

Freshmen – January 27th, 9:45-10:15am [Course Registration Kickoff]


General Information

Student Parking Passes 

Student parking fees will be waived for the school year 2021.  Although no parking fees will be collected, McLean High School will still issue parking passes.  Information on how to apply for a parking pass is now on the website. 


Behind the Wheel and PSTD Information

Behind the Wheel and PSTD Information

McLean High School will be offering Partners in Safe Teen Driving (PSTD) virtually through BBCU from 7:00-8:30 PM on Monday, February 8, 2021 and Monday, February 22, 2021.  Students must virtually attend with a parent or legal guardian and fill out an attendance form at the end in order to earn credit. Attendance of a PSTD seminar is a state requirement in order to pass classroom Driver Education as part of the Health and Physical Education 10 curriculum and obtain a DEC-8 (pink) card. While this seminar is intended for and free of charge for students currently enrolled in Health and Physical Education 10, any juniors who were unable to satisfy this requirement during the 2019-2020 school year are welcome to attend free of charge as well.

Students can register to attend with a parent or legal guardian HERE. Registration will close the day before the seminar is presented. Prior to the seminar, the STUDENT will receive a BBCU invite to the virtual seminar that will be sent to their fcpsschools.net email account. The student must sign into the seminar before 7:00 PM and a parent or guardian must watch the seminar with them. Virtual Attendance after 7:00 PM will not be permitted. PSTD seminars are only available for attendance by students in grades 10-12. Any 9th graders who attend will not receive credit, as they are not enrolled in the Health and Physical Education 10 course.

If students or parents cannot virtually attend a PSTD seminar during the week, FCPS ACE (Adult and Community Education) will be offering Partners in Safe Teen Driving seminars on Saturdays. These seminars are only open to students grades 10-12. Students who attend these Saturday seminars regardless of grade, must register online through the ACE website and pay the $30.00 registration fee, as these seminars are held on the weekend.

Lastly, FCPS ACE is now accepting registration for behind-the-wheel (in-car portion) Driver Education classes.  Registration is available on the ACE website.

The FCPS ACE website can be found here:

https://aceclasses.fcps.edu/CategorySubjectListing.aspx?ProgramID=28&ProgramName=Driver+Education&IsCourse=1.

Questions related to ACE classes ACE seminars may be directed to Jard Shoemake at: wcshoemake@fcps.edu.


Student Recognition

STEM Students

Congratulations to our STEM students who participated in the Technology Student Association Northern Virginia Region’s Fall Virtual events. Below is a list of our winners and the categories in which they competed:

Essays on Technology (HS)

1st place - Sarah Soltani

Music Production (HS)

2nd place - Alice Shen and Timothy Sullivan 

Promotional Design (HS)

4th place - Soeyoon Lee

Video Game Design (HS)

3rd place - James Hoadley, Ashwyn Koshy, Krishna Mehta,Joyce Qi, and Andrew Zhao


Weekly Reminders

Online Attendance Form

Parents can now report a student absence by using our online attendance form at https://mcleanhs.fcps.edu/about/attendance-form.  The attendance phone line will also be available at 703-714-5725. 


Library News:  Curbside Pickup for library books every Monday

Starting Monday, Nov. 2, students will be able to pick up books they put on hold through the online catalog. The student will login to the catalog using their FCPS login credentials.  When a book is available in the catalog, the student will see book, and be able to click the Hold option.  Once a student places a hold, Mrs. Kong will email the student to sign up for a Curbside Pickup appointment on Mondays from 9:00-2:00.  Curbside pickup will be available every Monday except holidays.

A masked library staff member will take the book(s) to the student’s car at the front entrance of the school (Door #1).  All occupants of the car must wear a mask.  The student’s Name and Student ID Number should be on a sheet of paper and placed on the passenger’s side dashboard.  The library staff member will place the book(s) either in the trunk or the back seat.


Club Participation Information

  1. Go to Clubs-and-organizations for a list of all of our clubs.
  2. Each club will have a Google Classroom link
  3. If you are interested in that club, click on the Google Classroom Link to join the club classroom
  4. In the classroom, there will be a link to join club meetings during Highlander Flex Time(Only FCPS students can enter)
  5. 9:45am-10:25am- Clubs that start with the letter A-L

    10:25am-11:05am- Clubs that start with the letter M-Z

  6. If the Club says “Inactive” that means we have the club, but currently do not have a sponsor. If a student is interested in activating the club a teacher sponsor would need to be identified.
  7. To learn more about student clubs at MHS, as well as information on the process of starting new clubs, please join Mr. Hays’ MHS Clubs class in Google Classroom using class code: euwkxvv

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link:

https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/


FCPS Help Desk for Tech Support for Parents and Students

To support families who are working with their children during distance learning, FCPS has launched a new Parent Technology Help Desk, effective Monday, August 24. The help desk can be reached at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS) and will be answered by staff members between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Parents or guardians can call this number for basic tech support with parent accounts, help with FCPS student devices and technical assistance with other FCPS applications. If help desk staff members are unable to solve the issue, they will enter a support ticket on behalf of the parent/guardian to escalate the issue to the appropriate FCPS team. Parents who need help in a language other than English can inform the help desk staff when they call of their preferred language, and an interpreter will join in on the call.

FCPS has also set-up Parent and Student Technology Support portal at https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/ to allow older students and parents/guardians to request technology help directly. When a support request ticket is entered through the portal, it is auto-routed to the TSSpec at the appropriate site to expedite service. text.


January Webinars Sponsored by FCPS

Zoomed Out? 5 Strategies to Get Even the Most Reluctant Kids Focused, Engaged, and Motivated: A Webinar for Families

What’s a parent to do when kids are already unfocused and unmotivated when it comes to virtual learning? Ann Dolin will help “right the ship” so that parenting doesn’t feel like a grind. In this webinar, Ann shares practical, easy-to-implement virtual learning strategies for: 

  • Tackling the daily power struggle of just getting started
  • Helping children to focus during teacher-led instruction
  • Dealing with social avoidance (not wanting to be seen and heard in front of peers)
  • Keeping kids engaged by encouraging them to ask questions and advocate for themselves
  • Opening the lines of communication to improve the parent/child relationship

Presented by Ann Dolin, M.Ed., educational consultant and award-winning author.  Ann is the President and Director of Educational Connections, Inc.

January 7, 2021 6:30-8 p.m. January 8, 2021 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Register for Zoomed Out? 5 Strategies to Get Even the Most Reluctant Kids Focused, Engaged, and Motivated: A Webinar for Families

Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center: A Webinar for Students and Their Families

Preparing for life after high school requires research, exploration, and planning. Student success is individualized based on achieving goals and determining the best fit and match in postsecondary planning. Discover a student's potential by exploring options now! 

This webinar will focus on:

  • Higher Education Options
  • Financing Your Plans  
  • Apprenticeships 
  • Military Opportunities (Enlistment vs. ROTC) 
  • Testing (SAT/ACT) 
  • Gap Year Experiences 

Join Tisa Frederick and Carla Shaw, FCPS College and Career Specialists for this important webinar.

Thursday January 14, 2021 6:30-8 p.m.

Register for Exploring Post-Secondary Options through the College & Career Center: A Webinar for Students and Their Families


Transition IEP Workshop: A Webinar for Families

Join FCPS Career and Transition Services to learn the importance of the IEP Transition Plan for effective postsecondary planning in middle and high school. We answer questions such as these:

  • What should parents be looking for?
  • What questions should you ask the school team?
  • What questions should you ask your student?
  • What role does the IEP play in increasing self-advocacy?
  • How do IEP goals support postsecondary planning?

Thursday, January 14, 2021 10 a.m. – noon.

Registration Opens 12/14/2020


SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs

The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed, virtual setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services

Monday, January 25, 2021: *Teacher workday – students are not attending school

Two time slots are available:  10 a.m. or 1 p.m.  Sessions run 1-1.5 hours

Register for SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, Virtual Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs


College 101: A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities 

Discover questions you should ask to begin the college conversation. Explore the differences between high school and college experiences and crucial skills needed for college success. 

This webinar will focus on:

  • Learning about college options
  • Navigating disability services
  • Navigating college accommodations.

Presented by Beth Felson, Success Coach at Spectrum Transition Coaching LLC.

Friday January 29, 2021 10 -11:30 a.m.

Register for College 101: A Webinar for Families of Students with Disabilities 


Social-Emotional Support Information

Mental Health and Wellness Support Services and Resources

McLean’s Clinical Staff are available to consult with parents and students regarding mental health related concerns and behaviors.  They are also able to provide community resources as needed.  Please see their contact information below:

Carol Ann Forrest, School Psychologist, CMForrest@fcps.edu

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, baparkerlewi@fcps.edu

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, mjeromefeath@fcps.edu

For more Mental Health and Wellness Information, please check out these Student Wellness Resources, FCPS’s  Healthy Minds Blog and the FCPS’s Parent Resource Center.


 Emergency Resources

Crisis Link Regional Hotline            703-527-4077

Crisis Text                                       Text NEEDHELP to 85511

Dominion Hospital Emergency       703-536-2000

INOVA Emergency                         703-289-7560

Merrifield Center Emergency         703-573-5979  TTY dial 711

Life Threatening                             911


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