Ends Soon - Click HERE to Help Choose the 2022 Grad Party Theme!
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 Click HERE to Order
Class of 2022 Graduation Yard Signs
Celebrate your senior’s accomplishment with a graduation yard sign!
Signs come with a metal stand to push into the ground. The optional adhesive is available for window or door mounting. Signs are $30 each.
The signs will be available for pick up at McLean High School in early April.
All proceeds benefit this year's Graduation Party.
Questions about your order? Contact mconners@mcleanptsa.org
Custom 2022 Yearbook Ads for Seniors
Seniors and their parents have an opportunity to create a custom ad for inclusion in the 2022 yearbook.
Go to YearbookOrderCenter.com and enter job number 5024 to start creating your ad today.
The deadline for submitting senior ads is March 1 – so act now!
Thanks for Celebrating Counselors,
Teachers and Staff
 We celebrated the Counselor Appreciation Week (February 7-11) with self-care gifts and a complimentary mindfulness class to show our collective appreciation to our awesome Counselors and Student Services staff.
A special thanks to Massie Soltani, Sarah Soltani and Sarah Collette with the Health & Wellness Committee for planning it!
A big thanks to MHS alumni-owned business, Cakes by Happy Eatery, for catering a special Valentine's holiday breakfast last Friday for the teachers and staff. And our continued gratitude to the families for providing Friday breakfast treats.
If you would like to Sponsor a Friday Breakfast, please contact Savitha Sagar at programs@mcleanptsa.org.
February Friday Breakfast
Station Sign-Up
Show our appreciation and treat our wonderful teachers and staff to some breakfast treats!
Help bring weekly Friday morning breakfast treats.
Sign up here for the week that best suits your schedule.
Thank you!
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Substitute Teacher
Job Fair is Tomorrow!
Want to help our McLean HS staff? You can choose the school and work as little or as often as you like.
FCPS is hiring daily and long-term opportunities for substitute teachers and substitute instructional assistants!
Join the Substitute Teaching Job Fair on Thursday, February 17, from 9:00am-11:00am.
Interested? Additional Details
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MHS Students -
Tell Us Your Story!
How Has the Pandemic
Impacted Your Life?
Complete the application by March 15th, using this link to participate.
NOVA District PTA is pleased to announce our 2022 NOVA District PTA Student Essay Program (previously called Citizenship Essay).
This year's District theme is, "Tell Us Your Story" - a look at how the past couple of years during the pandemic has had an impact on your life (i.e., education, family, community, after-school activities).
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The Annual McLean Crew Club Mulch Fundraiser Sale
The club involves approximately 100 student-athletes and receives no external funding. Your purchase of high-quality double-shredded hardwood mulch will help to keep the membership fees manageable for more of our students.
Free Delivery! No Credit Card Fees!
The more you buy - the more you save!
The mulch will be delivered by the rowers on the weekend of March 5-6, 2022. Sales end on February 21st, so hurry!
Click HERE to buy!
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Celebrating Our Area's Extraordinary Teens
Do You Know an Amazing Teen Who Deserves Recognition?
Arlington Magazine is now accepting nominations for its annual Extraordinary Teen Awards.
We 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.
The deadline for nominations is February 23, 2022.
Winners will be notified in late March and profiled in the July/August 2022 issue of Arlington Magazine.
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Local Restaurant Fundraiser
Show Highlander Spirit and Support Your Community
While Dining In or Carrying Out
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Santini's Deli is Today!
February 16th, 11:00am - 9:00pm
1443 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
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Sweet Leaf Cafe - 4th Wednesday of the Month
February 23rd, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
1359 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
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Mark Your Calendar
McLean Giant Community Bag Program Fundraiser Starts March 1st
The Giant on Chain Bridge Road has chosen McLean HS as the March recipient for their Community Bag Program donations!
MHS will receive $1 for every $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold at the McLean Giant location only, during March.
For more information click here.
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Hidden in Plain Sight - Registration
Hidden in Plain Sight is a community awareness program to educate parents through a hands-on learning experience that covers current trends and signs of risky business. The program will outline alcohol use, marijuana, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs, mental disorders, sexual behavior, and other risky business.
This program is open to adult audiences only.
The program is designed to educate parents on recent trends and to assist their child in finding the proper help if a risky behavior is detected.
The program is presented by the Fairfax County Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit.
The presentation will be held at McLean High School in the cafeteria starting at 7:00pm and ending at 8:30pm on March 1, 2022.
Please register by using this link.
Masks will be required to be worn while in the building.
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PTSA Sponsored
Mock ACT Test
EC Tutoring is offering one last mock ACT test this month. 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 - February 26nd, 9:00am-1:00pm Registration Form
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Student Achievements
SO PROUD OF OUR MHS STUDENTS!
Virtual Art Show
The Art Department has a virtual art show for you to view! This time, due to snow days and COVID-19, we decided to use a virtual format.
The theme for this show was “Winter.” Many of the works were created during our snow week!
Click here for the virtual reality gallery link!
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PTSA Volunteer Openings
YOUR PTSA NEEDS YOU and appreciates all that you do!
PTSA Board Nominations for
2022-2023
Are you interested in being on our PTSA Board or do you know someone who would be great in a Board position next year?
Please take a quick look at the Board positions and their related job descriptions on our website and let us know who would fit any of these positions. If you know of someone who would generally be a great Board member, but you are not sure in which specific position, we also want to hear from you!
Starting in late January, the Nominating Committee will be collecting the names to slate for our 2022-2023 PTSA Board and we always want to get a diverse group of members from our broad community on the Board.
Please contact the Nominating Committee at nominate@mcleanptsa.org with names and referrals.
Thank you in advance.
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Support Your McLean High School PTSA
PTSA Funds Enhance Student Learning
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.
Remember When Shopping to Activate the Rewards Programs
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, vehicle donations, and much more.
Details about the program are found here.
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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Earn Money for the PTSA When You Purchase through our Amazon Link
Simply bookmark: Amazon
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! Thank you!
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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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Stay in the Know!
Tips for Talking to Your Kids: Getting Past the Silent Treatment
Monday, February 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom We all want to keep current with our kids' lives, and it can be challenging to get kids to open up. Whether it's little things like knowing how their day was or big things like raising concerns for their wellbeing, it can be hard to get the conversation flowing.
Join local mental health professionals Mimi Weisberg and Heather Tedesco for a one-hour virtual program dedicated to family communication.
The presenters use this article from the Washington Post as a jumping-off point to share concrete tips and strategies for connecting with your kids through conversation.
Please see the Safe Community Coalition website at http://mcleanscc.org/ for the Zoom link.
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Black History
Month Celebration
Black History Month, celebrated every February, serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder of the struggles, progress and accomplishments of African American leaders across the United States. Fairfax County has several activities to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black leaders.
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New "One Pill Can Kill" Initiative
Due to the increase in counterfeit pills and the overdose rate among our youth, the DEA started the One Pill Can Kill initiative.
Here is the link that provides information about the initiative and pictures of counterfeit pills.
Social media plays a role in the distribution of pills. Here are the social media accounts used and the emojis used between the dealer and “customer.”
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Sophomore Parent Coffee Recording - Now Available!
Here is the YouTube link for the February 2nd PTSA Parent Coffee.
Special Guests were:
- Monica Charles-Williams, MHS Assistant Principal and Class Administrator for the Sophomore Class.
- Greg Olcott, MHS School Counselor
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For all high school students interested in a health career, George Washington University is now accepting applications for its Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP). This program offers scholarships/stipends, mentors, and education/advisement as students embark on the journey of becoming health professionals. HCOP is a federally funded program by HRSA and its mission is to develop and guide individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds through the educational pipeline of a health profession.
If you have questions, email Dr. Jessica To-Alemanji at kto1@email.gwu.edu or GWHCOP@gwu.edu.
For more information about HCOP, visit http://smhs.gwu.edu/hcop.
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Free Student Bus Pass Program
Students can sign up for the Free Student Bus Pass Program at all FCPS high schools:
Visit the Fairfax Connector website for more information and to download the application.
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Student Contests, Programs,
Workshops, Selected Resources & Webinars
It is a joint effort among Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors, Public Schools, History Commission, and
Neighborhood and Community Services. There are 3 parts of this effort:
- Neighborhood and Community Services is Collecting Stories from the Black/African American Community.
- FCPS will provide Project-Based Learning Resources to support students researching untold local stories of Black/African Americans.
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The Historical Marker Project will allow students to become historians while they research and advocate for new historical markers in the county.
The goal is to capture, communicate, and preserve the Black/African American experience throughout Fairfax County’s history for future generations.
For more information, and to complete a Historical Marker Submission Form visit the Historical Marker Project website.
Submissions will be accepted until March 31.
FCCPTA Scholarships
Each spring, FCCPTA awards (5) PTSA member students with $1,000 scholarships to assist in their pursuit of post-graduation learning. Scholarship Criteria:
- Be a current and verified member of your school PTSA.
- Attend an accredited trade school, college, or university during the following academic year.
- Be a current FCPS high school senior.
Applications open in March, so for information visit: here.
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The Institute for the Arts Summer Program (IFTA)
IFTA is a popular arts enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select 4 classes which they choose from art, dance, music, theatre, health, economics and personal finance courses.
This program will be held from July 5-29, 2022 (four-week program) or from July 5-15, 2022.
Registration opens March 1,
For information about FCPS' summer enrichment camps and learning programs visit here.
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Submit a design to Google for a chance to have your artwork appear on millions of computer screens as the Google Logo.
For more information visit here.
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For 2021, Cooper Hewitt’s Design Challenge is: What Would You Design to Create a Healthier World?
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum launched the National High School Design Competition in 2016. Every year, students around the country are challenged to design a solution to a unique scenario, inspired by Cooper Hewitt’s rich collection and stimulating exhibitions.
Awards: Membership to Cooper Hewitt and networking opportunities with designers / other experts in the field
Participants: Students ages 13 through 19 who are high school students in Grades 9 through 12, or who are homeschooled students working toward a high school degree anywhere in the United States.
You can enter as an individual or as a team of up to three people.
Registration opens: January 4, 2022
Deadline to submit: February 28, 2022
Registration Fee: FREE
Website: https://www.cooperhewitt.org/design-competition/
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2022 Student Creative Expressions Contest
Contest Extended to February 28, 2022
No matter who you are or what your background is,
you bring your values and experiences to every situation.
High school students in Virginia are invited to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student contest. This year’s contest is built around the inquiry process of project-based learning and is designed to hit grade-specific standards through a multidisciplinary approach. While analyzing historical and contemporary injustices, students will use and develop creative and critical thinking skills.
- Students are allowed to enter one submission during the contest period.
- Students should choose to compete in only one category.
- The performance or digital project entries must include a video piece with narration describing what your project is and how it addresses the prompt.
- The performance or documentary videos must run 5 minutes or under.
- Creative Writing entries are limited to 500 words and must include language that addresses the prompt.
Winners will receive an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for their schools. Four winning projects will be chosen, one project from each of four regions in the state.
The people honored as Strong Men and Women in Virginia History used their experiences to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Is there a past honoree who inspires you particularly? How do your values and experiences help you meet your goals and overcome obstacles in your personal life, at school or in your community?
For more information about the contest, please visit here.
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National Cyber Cup
A free, 100% online Jeopardy-style Capture the Flag competition for students in grades 4-12 to sharpen their problem-solving skills through cyber-based challenges.
For more information, please look here.
Registration opens on March 1, 2022.
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Applications Are Now Open for the
2022 AFSA National High School Essay Contest
Apply at https://afsascholarships.communityforce.com
The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 4, 2022
Envirothon Competition for
High School Students
As we determine best practices for reaching Zero Waste goals in Fairfax County, let's engage our high school students' voices! This year’s Envirothon Special Interest topic is “Waste to Resources” and the Oral Presentation question has just been announced! Visit the VA Soil and Water Conservation District’s Envirothon competition page to explore resources on waste and other competition topics and to learn how to participate in the Envirothon competition.
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) provides training trunks on aquatics, forestry, soils, and wildlife available teachers to borrow. Each trunk is full of dozens of valuable resources like guides, hands-on tools and equipment, and specimen samples. NVSWCD will also be hosting local training and will be providing more details soon.
Contact Ashley Palmer to learn more.
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Scholarship Information
You can access here a comprehensive list of scholarships for high school students to help pay for school their freshman year of college and beyond.
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Competitions and Contests that Boost Your
Admission Prospects
A list of 70 academic competitions and contests selected by the College Transitions.
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Open?
Parents of high school seniors are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, but before March 1st, 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.
College Access Fairfax, an FCPS partner, will be offering several webinars on completing the FAFSA and finding and applying for scholarships on January 8th. 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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Parents and Students, Did You Know?
The 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to adopt a calendar for the 2022-2023 school year that focuses on instruction, and student and operational needs. Additionally, the calendar is aligned with neighboring school districts and adds additional key observance days.
The school will be closed to students on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Diwali, Orthodox Good Friday, Lunar New Year, and Veteran’s Day.
The first day of the 2022-2023 school year is Monday, August 22, 2022. Thanksgiving break will be November 23-25, winter break will be December 19, 2022-January 2, 2023, and spring break will be April 3-7, 2023.
For more information visit here.
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Weather Cancellation Procedures
Be informed in the case of inclement weather or other emergency situations.
Visit this site for more information.
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School Safety & Threat Assessment
Parents and Students: View training modules on threat assessment and learn about FCPS' anonymous Tip Line
Fairfax County Public Schools has a well-established policy and protocol for responding to threats of violence in our schools. We have collaborated with the Youth Violence Project of the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education as part of our efforts to educate parents and students on how to help reduce threats and increase safety in our schools.
We invite parents and students (12 and older) to view the training modules on threat assessment here. These brief modules will help you understand the threat assessment process used in our schools and how it can help prevent violence.
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Universal Mask-Wearing Remains a Critical Layered Prevention Strategy
FCPS continues to require universal mask-wearing in alignment with CDC guidance. As they said "their layered prevention strategies have proven effective in keeping transmission rates low in our schools. We know our students are best served by in-person instruction. Adhering to our layered prevention strategies, especially universal masking, keeps our schools open and safe places for students to learn."
Read more on the FCPS website.
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Substance Abuse Prevention Support at McLean High School McLean High School has a Full-Time Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
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.
If you need more information, take a look at this flyer.
Calendar Reminders |
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February 16 - Santini's Deli Fundraiser
February 21 - Presidents' Day
February 23 - Sweet Leaf Cafe McLean Fundraiser
February 26 - Mock ACT Test - Registration Form
March 1 - Hidden In Plain Sight - Community Awareness Program
March 3 - 2-hour Early Release
March 4 - Student Holiday
March 16 - PTSA General Meeting
March 31 - End of Third Quarter - 2-hour Early Release
April 1 - Student Holiday
April 4-8 - Spring Break
June 1 - Graduation at 2:30pm at Constitution Hall
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 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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Guidelines for School Visitors, Volunteers and Guests
FCPS asks guests to follow a few guidelines to help keep our schools safe and healthy. If you are visiting, please review the health and safety guidelines for visitors in advance to prepare.
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Multilingual Parent Podcast
Listen and subscribe to an FCPS multilingual family podcast to hear timely, important information related to school news. The podcasts are produced in conjunction with the Office for English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Services and the Office of Professional Learning and Family Engagement.
Listen and subscribe: https://www.fcps.edu/blog/multilingual-family-podcast-arabic-korean-spanish
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Get Your Child’s Online
Activity Report
FCPS has tools to help parents and guardians know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided by Lightspeed, their internet content filtering service, at no cost to families.
You may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. If you want more detailed information, sign up for the Internet Use Parent portal and log in anytime to see more details about your child’s browsing and “pause” access to the internet during non-school hours.
Find out more and sign up for these services on the FCPS website.
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Thank you to our Business Sponsors
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