MHS PTSA eNews, April 21, 2021

Dear Highlander Families,

This week is National Volunteer Week. I want to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to our wonderful parents, teachers, and students who lend their hands and their hearts to support our mission and improve lives of the MHS students and staff.

Volunteers are always needed at the MHS PTSA and forever appreciated. This year, our volunteers made a difference by helping celebrate the school staff with appreciation events in a socially distanced environment, building student enrichment offerings, and organizing community building activities. All of this would not be possible without their dedication and commitment. So, when you interact with a volunteer tell them they are appreciated for their work, their dedication, and their service. Remember – “volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”

Heartfelt thanks to our volunteers,

Savitha Parvataneni Sagar
President
McLean High School PTSA (a volunteer-run organization)

Parent Education Series Part 3 –Drug Trends: Identifying Common Household Items and Drug Culture

The third session of the Parent Education Series on Substance Abuse Prevention hosted by FCPS Prevention Specialist, Kelly Rankin, is scheduled for April 22nd at 12:00pm (noon) and 7:00pm.

Kelly will provide a 20-minute overview for parents about how to become aware of the current drug trends and common household items that can be used as substances. 

Mark your calendars so you can learn how to play an important role in prevention, and how to have a conversation with your child about addiction. 

Click here to join a session.

Don’t Miss the
Junior Parent Coffee Hour

April 23rd from 8:30am-9:30am

The PTSA is hosting a morning coffee hour with Mr. Sean Rolon, Junior Class Administrator, Laura Venos, MHS College and Career Specialist, and Kathleen Otal, MHS School counselor to discuss relevant information for the MHS Junior Class, including the end of year calendar and information on the application process for colleges.

Click on this form to submit a question(s) ahead of time.

Upcoming Virtual
Mock ACT & SAT Tests

EC Tutoring continues to offer virtual mock ACT and SAT tests to area students for $20 each. 

The upcoming dates are:

Mock ACT, Saturday, April 24th https://conta.cc/3g9VOMQ 

Mock SAT Saturday, May 1^st https://conta.cc/2Q6HwSq  

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.

1/2 Price 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?

Purchase a Student Recognition Sign!

The cost of signs has been reduced to $12.50 while supplies last! The sign is personalized with the student’s class year, and will be delivered directly to your home when ready. It also comes 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.

MHS PTSA Needs You!

The McLean PTSA is an all-volunteer organization. Whether you have the time and energy to chair a committee or if you prefer to volunteer an hour at an occasional event, the PTSA needs you!

Please consider the following open positions:

President

Serve our Highlander community by creating a vision and leading the execution of the priorities to enrich students and empower the families.

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.

Graduation Party Committee Chairs (4) 

Lead and assist with the planning and delivery of the Graduation Party for the Senior Class of 2021. This year is obviously different, yet we still want to send off our Class of 2021 with a celebration. Most of the parameters are defined in collaboration with the school administration. A committee has already been formed but we need volunteers to lead it!

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

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

The United States Government, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold one of their annual drug take back days to safely dispose of your unused or expired medications at the McLean District Police Station this coming April 24th from 10:00am -2:00pm.

The McLean Pyramid Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Kelly Rankin will be at the front parking lot of the McLean District Police Station between 10:00am. and 12:00pm (noon) to answer questions about drug use prevention.

Looking for a Special Gift for Your 2021 Graduate?

The MHS Athletic Boosters has just the thing for you!

Buy a brick today and we will place it at our Stadium Field entrance by the Baseball Stands or the Softball Walkway.  

You can personalize it any way you like. It is not just for graduates you can get one for any student, teacher, coach, or alumni for a tax-deductible gift of $100. To make an even bigger impression, give $175 and get a 2nd brick (a replica to display on shelf or desk) sent directly to the person you are honoring.

Any questions about the Brick Fundraiser, please contact Natalie Legg at natlegg@me.com.

Get the gift that will be at McLean High School forever here.

2021 Class Picture

The 2021 version of a MHS Graduating Class picture is available for sale.

Last November 2020, seniors were invited to school to pick up their class T-shirt and have their picture taken. These photos have been put together in a composite photo. 

If you would like to order a copy of the senior panoramic composite photo, please visit mylifetouch.com and use the picture day ID #  MJ810331T0. 

Photos are $18 and all orders must be received by April 30th.

Photos will be distributed when seniors pick up their caps and gowns for graduation.  

Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) Informational Sessions

The Virginia Department of Education is organizing a series of one-hour VMPI community informational sessions during the next several months to provide parents and community members an opportunity to learn more about the initiative.

The Initiative supports the Profile of a Virginia Graduate by redefining mathematics pathways to strengthen the alignment between K-12 and higher education mathematics while ensuring that students are better prepared for college and career success.

Sessions will be live streamed on YouTube here at 6:30pm on the following dates:  

• Tuesday, April 27th - Essential Concepts in Grades 8 - 10
• Tuesday, May 25th - Advanced Pathways in Grades 11 - 12

The session recordings will be posted on this Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) webpage. Submit questions or comments using this form or via email to vdoe.mathematics@doe.virginia.gov.

2021 Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. 

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

To review the rules and participate in the competition, visit here.

Submissions are due April 30th. 

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. 

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.

More information about bringing donations directly to SHARE is on our MHS PTSA website.   Click here for more information about SHARE.