MHS PTSA eNews, February 17, 2021

New Bell Schedule 

MHS will start a new bell schedule that will apply to all classes both virtual and in-person. Bell schedules are adjusted to accommodate social distancing requirements which limit capacity on school buses.

Please remind students of the changes in both the class times and the start and end time each day. 

The first schedule begins on Tuesday, February 16th, and ends Friday, February 26th:

School will begin at 8:20am and end at 2:50pm.

During this time, students will only have one lunch period. 

The schedule will change AGAIN on March 2nd until the End of the School Year:

School will begin at 8:20am and end at 2:50pm.

This schedule will accommodate 4 lunch shifts for everyone.  

Bell schedules can also be found on the school's website. 

Recording and Resources
for College Admission Tests 

Last week, Georgetown Learning Center presented an overview of the college admission tests (SAT, ACT), timelines and planning, important changes in the past year (due to COVID), and the impact on the College Journey going forward. 

You can find the meeting materials, recording, and resources on our website here. 

MHS PTSA Needs You!

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, the PTSA needs you!

Please consider the following open positions:

Nominating Committee Member:

Volunteer to help identify and recruit PTSA executive leaders for next school year. This is a short-term commitment, ending by early April or sooner (if we can quickly recruit for the 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.

For more information and to view other open positions click here.

Help Us Continue to Thank Teachers and Staff with a Highlander Shout-Out!

 This Week's

Highlander Shout-Outs to MHS Teachers and Staff

A Message from a Parent of a 9th Grader to Mr. Keuning:

"Thank you so much Mr. Keuning for personally going out of your way to make sure [our son] has the materials he needs to be successful in Latin II!!"

A Message from a 10th Grader to Mr. Koop:

"Shout-Out to Mr. Koop for being an amazing teacher even during rough COVID times. You're always making class fun and inspiring us to give our 100 percent."

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. 

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 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 recognize your Freshman, Sophomore or Junior student(s) for all their hard work during this distance learning year?

What better way to acknowledge their effort than with a Student Recognition Sign!

Each sign costs $25, is 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.

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. 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.

The Youth Creativity Project (YCP) is Looking for Student Volunteers - Earn Service Hours

YCP is a youth-led non-profit organization established in September 2020 by high-schoolers in the DMV area with a passion for art. It is dedicated to bringing youth and their families in healthcare facilities a sense of connection and healing by providing them with engaging art activities that foster creative thinking.

YCP is looking for student volunteers that can commit at least 2 hours each week (depending on role). For more information about this opportunity, visit their site. 

Calling Student Volunteers to Host or Perform at the MHS International Night 

The International Club, the Asian American Association, and McXDance Club have teamed up to continue the tradition of International Night at McLean.

The event will take place on March 5th at 7:00pm through an FCPS-approved platform (TBD).

The organizers are currently looking for students who would like to be hosts, volunteers, or performers. Students are encouraged to sign-up here (using their fcpsschools.net email) by February 26th at 11:59pm. Service hours provided.

All McLean students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend or perform to celebrate the diverse cultures of the McLean community!

All questions on the event can be directed to mcleanaaa@gmail.com.

The Fairfax County Council PTA and NOVA District PTA Invite Parents to Participate
in the Upcoming Webinar

What to Expect When You're Returning to School: 
How to Support Your Students

Monday, February 22nd, 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Whether your child is returning to face-to-face learning or remaining virtual, big changes are scheduled in the upcoming months. Learn how we can prepare as families and by providing help to students, using the latest brain science on resiliency.

Presented by Jenna White, FCCPTA Representative to the Fairfax County Trauma Informed Community Network.

If interested in participating, register here.

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 at:

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.

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 1^st 

Please note that electronic submissions will not be accepted. Detailed information is available at this link.

Need Help? Ask president@mcleanptsa.org

MHS/Langley Boundary Adjustment

The LHS/McLean HS boundary adjustment Option B was recently approved by the School Board. Option B reassigns students in the Colvin Run ES split feeder area, a portion of the Spring Hill ES split feeder, and a small portion of Westbriar ES to Cooper Middle and Langley High Schools.

The adjustment begins next year but will occur slowly due to substantial phasing and grandfathering options. An estimated 190 high school students will be moved to Langley HS from McLean HS over the phasing period. For more details, see our Dranesville District FCPS Representative Elaine Tholen's message here.