MHS PTSA eNews, February 24, 2021

New Bell Schedule 

MHS started a new bell schedule on February 16^th that will end this Friday, February 26^th:

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. 

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). 

Treasurer’s Assistant:

Are you good with numbers and interested in getting involved at MHS?  We are currently looking for a Treasurer’s Assistant who could help with bank reconciliations and financial reporting in Excel and Quickbooks. Training will be provided. Contact our Treasurer for more details. 

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 12th Grader to Ms. "Frau" Wolpert:

"As the school year has gone by, I am especially grateful for teachers like Frau Wolpert who put in extra effort to connect with her students during this time of virtual learning."

A Message from a 9th Grader to Ms. Freeman:

"Thank you for doing such a great job teaching math virtually. We all know this is no easy task!!! Your dedication and caring nature are greatly appreciated."

Recording and Resources
for College Admission Tests 

Earlier this month, 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. 

Freshman Highlander Hangout

Come join fellow freshmen at the MHS track (Davidson Road entrance) on Monday, March 1st.

There will be cornhole, footballs, soccer balls, spike ball, frisbees, and plenty of room to spread out and connect with your classmates! 

Masks and social distancing required. 

Register here and choose from two event times. 

Upcoming Virtual Mock ACT and SAT Tests, Including Extended Time Option

EC Tutoring continues to offer virtual mock ACT and SAT tests to area students for $20 each, including an  extended time test for those with the accommodations.  

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.

New Mock PSAT Test Offered to MHS Students

The PTSA has partnered with C2 Education to provide MHS students virtual Mock PSAT Tests in March. 

Use this link to register for the following dates and times:

• Saturday, March 6th at 9:30am
• Saturday, March 6th at 1:00pm
• Saturday, March 13th at 9:30am
• Saturday, March 13th at 1:00pm

If you have any questions or need more information, contact C2 Education either by phone at: (703) 288-4400, text at: (571) 766-6042 or email at: mclean@c2educate.com. 

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.

Help SHARE Serve 
Our Community

SHARE of McLean is desperately in need of liquid laundry detergent and cooking oil.

Medium sized bottles of detergent (approximately 32 loads) and cooking oil (48 oz.) are ideal.

You can leave the detergent and oil at the MHS Front Entrance, between the glass doors, in a box marked “SHARE”. 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 information 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.