January 27, 2021
Your Source for News about the Highlander Community
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Important Upcoming Dates
February 2 - Parent/Athletes Meeting
February 2 - MHS Parent Connection Walk
February 3 - PTSA General Meeting
February 7 - MHS Parent Connection Walk
February 8 - Partners for Safe Teen Driving - 7:00-8:30pm
February 15 - Presidents' Day
February 16 - New Bell Schedule (Tentative)
February 16 - CAT B Students Return (Tentative)
February 23 - Teachers Return to Building (Tentative)
March 2 - Grades 9 and 12 Return (Tentative)
March 9 - Grades 10 and 11 Return (Tentative)
MHS PTSA General Meeting Next Wednesday, February 3rd
Please join us for our PTSA General Membership Meeting next Wednesday, February 3rd, from 7:00 - 8:15pm. We will feature Georgetown Learning Center (GLC) to discuss college admission tests in our current environment. The Test Prep Director at GLC will discuss similarities, differences, myths, and truths about the SAT and ACT tests.
Parents, guardians, and students are invited and encouraged to attend and learn more about these testing options to help select the best one for your student.
A link to participate in the meeting will be sent one hour prior to the meeting.
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McLean High School Boundary Adjustment-Timeline
Elaine Tholen, Dranesville District School Board Representative, has provided us with the following dates for virtual meetings regarding the boundary adjustment between McLean and Langley High Schools:
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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 this link to review all information pertaining to McLean High School's Proposed Boundary Adjustment.
You may share your opinions and ideas on the boundary adjustment at McLeanboundary@fcps.edu.
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Return to School for In-Person
Students Information
During last Thursday’s School Board meeting, Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools provided an interim update on plans to return to in-person learning. According to the proposed timeline MHS students in enrolled in grades 9 and 12 will return to school on March 2nd and students enrolled in grades 10 and 11 on March 9th.
More information about the Return to School will be provided in upcoming weeks by FCPS and in Dr. Reilly's weekly announcements.
MHS Parent Connection
Walks in February
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: Tuesday, February 2nd (Groundhog Day), 1:45-2:45pm
Sunday, February 7th, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Where: McLean High School Track, Masks Required
Hosted by the PTSA Health and Wellness Committee
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Restaurant Night in February
Show Highlander Spirit and Support Your Community While Dining In or Carrying Out
Thursday, February 4th 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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Substance Abuse Prevention
We are hosting a three-part Parent Education Series on Substance Abuse Prevention in collaboration with the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Kelly Rankin. The three-part series will provide 20-minute education sessions for parents to learn about the development of the teenage brain, impact of drugs on its development, and become aware of the current drug trends.
The main goal is to build awareness and arm parents with the knowledge and tools to identify early signs of substance use disorder, how you can play an important role in prevention, and how to have a conversation with your child about addiction. These education series will be made available to the schools in the McLean pyramid and the recorded sessions will be available on our website https://mcleanptsa.org/fcps-support-for-parents-families/.
A link will be sent in a reminder email on the day of the session.
- Part 1 - Teenage Brain: Building Connections on February 25, 2021 at noon and 7:00pm
- Part 2 - Drugs and the Teenage Brain on March 25, 2021 at noon and 7:00pm
- Part 3 - Drug Trends: Identifying Common Household Items and Drug Culture on April 22, 2021 at noon and 7:00pm
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.
For more information, here is a link to her flyer.
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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:
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.
Nominating Committee Volunteers
We need parent volunteers to identify and recruit PTSA executive leaders for next school year.
For more information and to view other open positions click here.
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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!
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 graduating Seniors 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 for future details.
This Week's
Highlander Shout-Out to MHS Teachers and Staff
A Message from a Parent of a 9th Grader to Mr. Choumil:
"One of [our daughter's] favorite classes this year is science! Thank you very much for your hard work. We are thrilled that you are [our daughter's] teacher and that you are using so much technology!! It has deeply enhanced her ability to learn effectively in science."
Message From a Parent of a 12th Grader to Ms. Dalrymple:
"As a parent of a senior watching my son preparing/navigating and being so focused on college applications these past several months, I want to give a shout out to Brookanne Dalrymple for always being available at the most random times while providing guidance and support not only to my senior but also to me. Needless to say, Brookanne is an incredible counselor and MHS is very lucky to have her supporting all of these students! This shout out does not seem to do our sincerest appreciation and thanks justice but we are very thankful for all that Brookanne has done over these past years to get our son not only ready for graduation but for what his future could look like...thank you for always listening, encouraging and supporting--THANK YOU!!!"
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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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Calling MHS Students Interested in Helping Elementary and Middle School Students After School
HumScouts, a program founded by the non-profit organization: Humanitas 4All are launching their 2021 enrichment program and are looking for high school students to volunteer to become tutors. They are looking for English and/or Spanish-speaking tutors.
The Humanitas4All Hum Scouts After School Program is an online program dedicated to helping elementary and middle school students stay on track with learning during the virtual school term.
If any MHS student is interested in serving as a tutor, just fill out the form available at: https://tinyurl.com/humscoutsmentors. The deadline is January 29th at 11:59pm.
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Liquid Laundry Detergent Needed
Please help our local community partner, SHARE of McLean! They are desperately in need of liquid laundry detergent. Medium sized bottles (approximately 32 loads) are most useful.
You can leave the detergent at the MHS Front Entrance, between the glass doors, in a box marked “SHARE Detergent”. Please come during school hours to gain admittance. Donations can also be brought directly to Share’s volunteers between 8:30am – 12:00pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays to:
Share at McLean Baptist Church
1367 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
You can also place them in the outdoor donation sheds at the church anytime. Just follow the walkway from the parking lot.
Click here for more info about SHARE.
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Do You Know an Amazing Teen From Falls Church or McLean Who Deserves Recognition?
Arlington Magazine is now accepting nominations for its annual Extraordinary Teen Awards.
They are looking for candidates who excel in academics, extracurriculars and service, as well as individuals who have overcome significant life obstacles. Click here to read about previous years’ winners.
To be eligible, a candidate must be a senior in high school (public, private or home school) and must be a resident of Arlington, Falls Church or McLean.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone who knows the student well. The deadline for nominations is February 5th and to submit the nominee's information visit this link. Winners will be notified in late March.
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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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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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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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