January 20, 2021
Your Source for News about the Highlander Community
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Upcoming Important Dates
January 22nd - End of 2nd quarter - 2-hour Early Release
January 25th - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
Upcoming MHS PTSA
General Meetings
- February 3, 2021
- April 14, 2021
- June 2, 2021
All meetings are held from 7:00 – 8:15pm and a link will be sent out before each meeting.
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Other PTSA Sponsored Meetings
We are hosting a Parent Information Session on Substance Abuse Prevention with MHS Specialist Kelly Rankin, on January 21st at 7:00pm. It is a 30-minute session on early signs of substance use disorder, how to have a conversation with your child about addiction and ask questions. 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.
Kelly has been working in the field of substance abuse and mental health with both adults and adolescents since 2007, including many years spent as the program director of a women’s residential facility. After witnessing the opioid epidemic destroy families, she made the decision to work with FCPS so she could assist students and families.
For more information, here is a link to her flyer.
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McLean High School Boundary Adjustment-Timeline
The following is a copy of a bulletin sent on behalf of Elaine Tholen, School Board Member listing the dates for the McLean High School/Langley High School Boundary adjustment timeline. All meetings are virtual:
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Thursday, January 21st at 7:00pm
Regular Meeting: FCPS Staff will present an option to the School Board during the presentation portion of the meeting.
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Thursday, January 28th at 6:00pm
McLean HS/Langley HS Boundary Public Hearing.
Speakers list will open on 1/18/21
Sign up to speak here once the list is open.
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Thursday, February 4th at 7:00pm
Regular Meeting: School Board will vote on the boundary adjustment.
Please visit here to view the options, December 7th community meeting comments, and email comments.
You may share your opinions and ideas on the boundary adjustment at McLeanboundary@fcps.edu.
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This Week's
Highlander Shout-Out to MHS Teachers and Staff
A Message from an 11th Grader to Mr. Brocketti, Ms. Hicks, Ms. Murdock and Ms. Quarry:
"Thank you for teaching me in 2020. I hope you have an amazing year in 2021. Have a great holiday!"
Message From a Parent of an 11th Grader to Mr. Dwyer:
"A quick shout out to say that [my daughter] loves Psychology. [My daughter] ... she clearly enjoys your class and will ask me to test her on the terms I am hoping she will get to take some of it in person later this year."
Message From a 12th Grader Parent to Ms. McNamara:
"I would like to thank "Ms. Mack" for taking the time to write holiday cards to her students. The thoughtfulness and care that it took to write students and add a personal note left me teary eyed. My daughter was very touched and surprised a teacher would take such time to do that."
Thank you Ms. Mack for making the extra effort during such a very difficult year! Your efforts and care are very much appreciated."
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Help Us Continue to 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.
There is no deadline - send as many shout-outs as you like.
We will post them on a weekly basis in the eNews.
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Upcoming Virtual Mock ACT and SAT Tests Including Extended Time Options
EC Tutoring continues to offer virtual mock ACT and SAT tests to area students for $20 each. February's offerings include two extended time tests for those eligible for accommodations.
Regular time Mock ACT on January 30th: Registration Form
Regular time Mock SAT on February 6th: Registration Form
Extended time Mock SAT on February 20th: Registration Form
Extended time Mock ACT on February 27th: Registration Form
Please remember to indicate that you are an 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?
What better way to acknowledge and praise them than with a Student Recognition Sign! Show them how proud you are of them!
Each sign costs $25, are personalized with the student’s class year and 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.
Support your PTSA and recognize your student today! Go to the PTSA website.
All proceeds will benefit the MHS PTSA.
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Coming Soon...
Graduation Yard Signs!
Yard signs to congratulate Class of 2021 MHS Seniors on graduation will be available to purchase starting in March. These graduation yard signs are different from the free McAwesome Senior yard signs that were delivered by MHS staff before the holidays.
The graduation signs can be personalized with the graduate’s first name and will be delivered to the address specified in the order starting in April. Optional adhesive for hanging signs on doors or windows will be available upon request. All sign proceeds benefit the PTSA.
Please stay tuned to future details.
Virginia PTA 2021
Scholarship Program
Virginia PTA is proud to offer $1,000 scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students from an active PTA/PTSA in good standing. In keeping with the Vision and Mission of PTA, these scholarships are awarded based on a demonstrated commitment to, and engagement in, volunteerism and community service.
Deadline: March 1st.
Please note that electronic submissions will not be accepted. Detailed information is available at this link.
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2021 Virginia PTA
Citizenship Essay Contest
Calling all Highlanders!
Encourage your students to show off their creative writing skills. The 2021 Citizenship Essay Theme is: "How do we stand together when we are so far apart?" Entries are due February 1, 2021.
Enter ‘McLean High School PTSA’ under the local unit PTSA name. Submission details and entry form can be found here.
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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:
Graduation Party Committee Chairs (4) and Team Members (4) for 2021
Lead and assist with the planning and delivery of the Graduation Party for the Senior Class of 2021. This year is different, yet we want to send off our Class of 2021 with a celebration. Most of the parameters are defined in collaboration with the school administration.
In February, we will begin planning a memorable event for our graduating students. Resources are available to provide a smooth transition along with helpful documentation for a safe and secure celebration.
Interested parents should contact angp@mcleanptsa.org.
Treasurer’s Assistant
Are you good with numbers and interested at getting involved at MHS?
We are currently searching for a Treasurer’s Assistant who could help with things like bank reconciliations and financial reporting in Excel and QuickBooks. Training will be provided.
Contact our Treasurer - Tammy Piper at treasurer@mcleanptsa.org for more details.
All open positions can be found here.
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Remember to Activate
the Rewards Programs
When Shopping this Year!
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: 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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Eat Well, Do Well Silver
Diner Program
Silver Diner is proud to be a key part of the local community, nurturing its’ growth, providing food for healthier lifestyles, and supporting local schools and non-profits. The Eat Well, Do Well program has helped schools in Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey to implement a variety of exciting nutrition and fitness programs such as organic vegetable gardens, walking clubs, healthy snack campaigns, and more.
Use the Silver Diner Mobile App to link your Eat Well, Do Well account to McLean High School and Silver Diner will donate 5% of your spending to support healthier lifestyles for kids. All you need to do to earn benefits AND support MHS is:
- Login to your Eat Well Do Well (EWDW) account at https://www.silverdiner.com/content/eat-well-do-well-rewards
- Click on “Choose School” under the Link My Card to a school section.
- Select “McLean High School” at the bottom of the drop-down list (it is not alphabetical).
From the Mobile App: Click the menu icon on the top left of the app, scroll down and select “Link to a school.” You will be asked to enter your username and password to access your account and link.
You can also sign up online by visiting silverdiner.com/ewdw. You will be asked to enter your username and password to access your account. If you are not yet a member of Silver Diner’s EWDW program, you can request an EWDW card.
If you received an EWDW card at the restaurant but have not registered it yet click on Register and enter the 16-digit code. Then follow the steps above to link your card to McLean HS.
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In Gratitude
Starting out 2021 full of gratitude and thankfulness for the unprecedented level of support the community showered on SHARE this past holiday season!
The number of food drives, individual grocery contributions, winter coats, and gift cards donated has been formidable and will feed and clothe a growing client base for months to come!!
Thank you so much!!!
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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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