October 20, 2021
Your Source for News about the Highlander Community
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Upcoming General PTSA Meeting
Date: October 27th
Time: 7:00pm-8:15pm
More details about the virtual meeting will be provided in a separate message to the MHS community.
Meeting minutes from the last General PTSA Membership meeting can be found here.
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The PTSA would like to recognize the following individuals who have contributed and donated their time to help us in the past two months:
Megan McCarley, MHS Junior for her wonderful photos that are posted on the PTSA landing page.
Maria Criswell, MHS Parent for updating the PTSA board at MHS.
Connie Howell, Jennifer Li, and Lavina Colaco of the Hospitality Committee and countless MHS families for donating to make the Friday Tea Stations for the MHS teachers and staff a great success each week.
Massie Soltani-Ahmadi, Co-Chair of the Health & Wellness Committee for coordinating the Therapy Dogs visit earlier this month. More visits are scheduled this year, so keep an eye on upcoming eNews for more details.
Emma Blankenbaker, Co-Chair of McLean Matters for coordinating a successful and generous donation of calculators and backpacks for MHS students-in-need.
Kudos to you and all the families that support the PTSA initiatives each week. We are grateful to all of you!
Thank you!
The PTSA Executive Board
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Join the MHS Hospitality Committee
Donate to Friday Tea Station
The Hospitality Committee and parents of MHS students have established a Tea Station for the teachers and staff to provide them with a much-needed pick-me-up on Fridays. Please sign up to send in items on as many Fridays as you like. Items can be dropped off by your son or daughter in the main office on your assigned mornings.
A link to sign up can be found HERE.
If you are also interested in participating in the Hospitality Committee, please let us know by sending a message to the PTSA Secretary, Sooa Kang and secretary@mcleanptsa.org.
Thank you so much in advance for your help!
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Help Build a Connected Community!
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!
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.
See the complete list of open volunteer roles.
If you are interested in volunteering contact our Secretary- Sooa Kang at secretary@mcleanptsa.org for more details.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Drug Take Back Day
McLean Pyramid substance abuse prevention specialist Kelly Rankin will be at the Mclean District Police Department assisting in collection from 10:00am - 2:00pm, October 23rd. A limited supply of medication lock boxes will be available.
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Highlander Yoga
Our first session of Highlander Yoga for students and staff starts is this coming Monday, October 25th.
Sarah Collett, an enthusiastic and experienced yoga instructor, will teach this harmonious mind and body exercise. There will be delicious snacks distributed after the class, and a raffle for students to enter to win prizes.
The yoga class will be held in the MHS Dance Studio (room 183), from 3:15pm - 4:00 pm.
Join us to restart your week with a mindful Monday!
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Support Your McLean High School PTSA
Have You Donated to the
PTSA this Year?
McLean HS Needs Your Support for this School Year!
Click Here to Donate
McLean HS students and teachers need our financial support to build and maintain school-wide programming that supports personal growth, encourages academic excellence, and builds community. Each year, through the PTSA, we provide the financial resources necessary for school-based enrichment programs, community building and support projects not funded by tax dollars.
We appreciate the contributions already received and hope that you consider donating if you have not done yet. Your donation will allow you the opportunity to support the efforts to ensure funding this year.
Please donate in the amount comfortable for your family; all donations are warmly welcomed.
Thank you in advance for your support.
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PTSA Sponsored
Mock ACT/SAT Tests
EC Tutoring is offering mock ACT and SAT tests in October and November. These tests are available to students at area schools for $20.
*** Please remember to indicate your status as an MHS student on the registration form to ensure that the PTSA receives credit;
the fees support our programs.
Mock ACT Test - October 23rd, 9:00am-1:00pm Registration Form
Mock SAT Test - November 13th, 9:00am-1:00pm Registration Form
Mock ACT Test - November 20th, 9:00am-1:00pm Registration Form
Mock ACT Test - December 4th, 9:00am-1:00pm Registration Form
Mock SAT Test - December 11th, 9:00am-1:00pm Registration Form
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PTSA Membership 2021-2022
Join the McLean High School PTSA today and play an active role in your student’s education!
Please use the AtoZConnect button below to join by verifying your directory information, paying membership dues and contributing to the Direct Donation Fundraiser.
Important Note: If this is the first time you are trying to access AtoZ Connect this school year, please click the "AtoZConnect" button above and choose "Create Account" under "New User" to set up an account (do this even if you have used AtoZConnect before). AtoZ updated the database platform over the summer - new and existing users both need to register to (re)gain access."
Questions or Need Help – Click here or ask our Membership chair at membership@mcleanptsa.org.
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Local Restaurant Fundraisers
Show Highlander Spirit and Support Your Community
While Dining In or Carrying Out
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Santini's is Today!
October 20th, 11:00am - 9:00pm
1443 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
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Sweet Leaf Cafe - 4th Wednesday
of the Month
October 27th, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
1359 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
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Earn Rewards While Shopping
Remember to enroll in our rewards programs. You can raise money that enriches the educational, social and physical health of MHS students and staff at no extra cost to you!
Amazon Link Earn Money for the PTSA
Simply bookmark: MHS PTSA Amazon Link
And use the link to access Amazon BEFORE you add items to your cart and check out promptly. Items that are left in your cart for 24 hours or more do not qualify.
To save items to purchase later, please use your Wish List.
Every Purchase Counts!
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Visit this link to register your card or register with the cashier next time you shop at Harris Teeter, and with every purchase, the store will donate to the MHS PTSA.
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Up to 10% of your shopping, booking travel, and donating electronics and vehicles.
Details about the program are here.
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Office Depot – MHS Code: 70104184
MHS receives 5% of your purchases.
Details about the program are here
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2021-2022 Corporate Sponsorship
If you are a McLean High School parent, friend, or relative and your place of business would like to become a corporate sponsor for our school at $400 per school year, we would welcome your support!
Funds raised through corporate sponsorships benefit various programs provided by the McLean HS PTSA.
For more information click here.
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Parent & Student Volunteer Opportunities
Work-Based Learning -
Be the Bridge!
Help MHS Special Education Students Gain Work Experience within the Local Community
If you know of a worksite within five (5) miles of McLean HS that would be willing to support the MHS Special Education program by providing volunteer work opportunities during the school day, you can help!
This flyer contains details and if you have questions, please contact Anna Southworth, McLean High School Employment and Transition Representative (ETR) Alsouthworth@fcps.edu or call (703) 714-5956.
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Upcoming Programs, Workshops & Webinars
McLean HS Sponsored Book Talk (Virtual Event)
The authors of the new parenting book What Do You Say? How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and Happy Home will be speaking to McLean parents on Tuesday, October 26 from 6:30 – 8 PM.
This event has been changed from an in-person event to a virtual event.
Dr. William Stixrud and Mr. Ned Johnson, who also wrote The Self-Driven Child, are parenting experts who live in the DC Metro area. Their latest book provides much-needed practical parenting tips as our children come back to school. Parents learn how to engage in respectful and effective dialogue with their teens, improving communication and the parent-child relationship. Boundaries around technology, family problem-solving, and anxiety around current events are addressed.
We invite all parents of McLean students to hear the authors speak! Purchasing the book is not required, but if parents do want to purchase they can do so at this link. Please fill out this google form to register for the event.
Those who register will receive an email with a link to attend on the day of the event.
Understanding PSAT Scores
A Roadmap for the SAT and College Admission in the
Years of COVID and Beyond
The recording for this successful PTSA sponsored program is here.
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Did You Know?
The 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opened October 1st;
College Access Fairfax Offers Free Help
Parents of current high school seniors—did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on October 1st?
Parents are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, but definitely before March 1, 2022, as you prepare for your child to begin college in the fall of 2022. Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA.
Our partners at College Access Fairfax will be offering several webinars on completing the FAFSA and finding/applying for scholarships over the next two months. Information on these programs and how to access them can be found at the College Access Fairfax website.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA.
Interested families should email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to request an appointment.
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McLean High School Graduation
McLean High School's graduation will be on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 2:30pm at:
DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20006
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Upcoming Important Dates |
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October 20 - Santini's McLean Restaurant Fundraiser, 11:00am - 9:00pm
October 26 - Book Talk: What Do You Say? How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and Happy Home, 6:30pm-8:00pm, virtual
October 27 - Sweet Leaf Cafe Restaurant Fundraiser, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
October 27 - PTSA General Membership Meeting, 7:00pm - 8:15pm, virtual
October 29 - End of 1st Quarter - 2-hour early release
November 1 & 2 - Teacher Work Days/Student Holidays
November 11 - Veteran's Day - 2-hour early release
Student Contests
2021 Congressional App Challenge
This challenge through November 1st and offers middle school and high school students interested in coding a chance to enhance their skills and interests in computer science and STEM.
Local judges will evaluate the student submissions and choose. a winning individual or team.
For additional details, you can visit here.
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NASA TechRise
Student Challenge
School student Teams are invited to join NASA in its mission to advance space exploration and enhance our knowledge of Earth.
Student teams in sixth to 12th-grade at a U.S. public, private, or charter school, brainstorm and design an experiment or test an apparatus that could be selected to make a suborbital flight aboard a high altitude balloon or rocket.
Entries are due by November 3th.
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2022 Virginia Environmental
Film Contest
The 12th annual Richmond Virginia Environmental Film Festival (RVA EFF) is announcing the 2022 Virginia Environmental Film Contest.
Prizes are awarded in two categories: students 12 and under, and 13-18. The contest is open to Virginia residents with films based on environmental topics about Virginia. Films of all formats, genres, and lengths will be considered.
The deadline for submissions is November 15th.
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FCPS Parent Resource Center Workshops
The FCPS Parent Resource Center is offering workshops, information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
For a list of upcoming events click here.
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New Recording Virtual Back to School Night
Back to School Night
Learn about our Student Services team, Student Activities information and Library resources. Watch videos on College and Career Center, Fall Testing information and Attendance during virtual learning. Join the McLean HS PTSA, order McLean merchandise from the McLean Booster club, purchase yearbooks, class rings and more!
School Year PTSA Check List
The following are some quick links to get you started at MHS PTSA:
- Set up AtoZ Directory account
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Join our PTSA
If are a returning family, please re-enroll
Make a Donation
Check if your company offers Corporate Matching
Sign up for one of our Volunteer Opportunities
Ask a local business to become a Business or Community Sponsor
Find McLean PTSA on Facebook and Twitter
When shopping, link your accounts and a portion of your sales will go to the PTSA
Thank you for helping us make a difference in our children’s lives and their futures!
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Helpful Links
Fairtest.org - Resource to find out which colleges will be test-optional next year.
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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Thank you to our Business Sponsors
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