Don't Miss It Today!
PTSA General Membership Meeting
The next PTSA General Meeting is TODAY!
Location: McLean High School Cafeteria
Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Beach, McLean High School Assessment Coach will discuss effective test-preparation tips and strategies.
For more information click here.
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PTSA Volunteer Openings
YOUR PTSA NEEDS YOU and appreciates all that you do!
PTSA Board Nominations for
2022-2023
We Want to Hear From You!
The PTSA is always looking to have a diverse group of members from our broad community on the board.
Are you or anyone you know someone who would be great in a PTSA board position next year?
Take a look at the openings and their related job descriptions.
The Nominating Committee is looking for volunteers leaders for our 2022-2023 PTSA Board, as well as chairs for committees, so contact them at nominate@mcleanptsa.org with names and referrals.
Thank you in advance for your volunteering!
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PTSA Sponsored Virtual Parent Event
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When: March 29, 2022
Time: 7:00pm
Registration link (parents must register in advance to get a Zoom link and receive an email with the replay video).
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March 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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 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. Optional adhesive is available for window or door mounting.
Signs are $30 each and will be available for pick up at McLean High School in early April.
Signs can be personalized with your Senior’s First Name, on both sides, or ordered with the word GRADUATE, on both sides, in the name space.
Deadline to order is Friday, March 25.
All proceeds benefit this year's MHS Graduation Party.
Questions about your order? Contact mconners@mcleanptsa.org.
Baccalaureate Service
Volunteers Needed for
Class of 2022
Each year, McLean High School senior parents organize an interfaith Baccalaureate service of prayer and music for seniors and their families featuring representatives from local Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations.
Volunteers are needed to plan the Class of 2022 Service.
Details from past services are available to share.
Please email Elizabeth Hale at halefamilyva@gmail.com if interested.
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McLean Giant Community Bag Program
Fundraiser has Started!
The Giant on Chain Bridge Road has chosen McLean High School 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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Local Restaurant Fundraisers
Show Highlander Spirit and Support Your Community
While Dining In or Carrying Out
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Santini's is Today!
March 16th, 11:00am - 9:00pm
1443 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
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Sweet Leaf Cafe - Next Wednesday
March 23rd, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
1359 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
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Mark Your Calendar
Region 2 Parent Information Event
Vaping/Drug Use & Other Dangers in the Community
Date: March 22, 2022, 6:30 pm
Location: Falls Church High School and Livestream
For more information click on this flyer.
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Safe Community Coalition (SCC)
Book Talk on
How to Raise an Adult
In anticipation of best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims’ April visit to McLean to present the talk, “Throw out the Checklisted Childhood: Tips and Strategies for Raising Successful Kids,” McLean psychologists Heather Tedesco, Ph.D., and Melissa Sporn, Ph.D., will host a virtual parent book club on Julie’s most-acclaimed book, How to Raise an Adult on Friday, March 18, at noon.
Dr. Tedesco and Dr. Sporn will share their thoughts on the aspects of the book that are especially relevant to families in our area. Click here to purchase the book from bookshop.org, which can connect you with a local bookstore anywhere in the country.
Find the Zoom link on the SCC website just before the event.
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FREE Event Next April 26th!
Julie Lythcott-Haims, NYT Best-Selling Author of How to Raise an Adult Returns to McLean
In partnership with The Potomac School, the Safe Community Coalition is pleased to share with you details of an upcoming FREE event on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Temple Rodef Shalom.
Back by popular demand, former Stanford dean and New York Times best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims presents “Throw Out the Checklisted Childhood: Tips and Strategies for Raising Successful Kids.”
This FREE program is open to all and the link can be found on our website http://mcleanscc.org/
Student Achievements
SO PROUD OF OUR MHS STUDENTS!
FIDM Entrepreneurs
of Tomorrow Winners
Olivia Zhang and Morgan Link tied for 2nd place in the FIDM Entrepreneur of Tomorrow Challenge sponsored by the FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
They will receive a $1000 travel stipend to attend DEVA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in April and will be recognized during the Grand Awards Session.
Congratulations Olivia and Morgan!
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Virginia Journalist of the Year
Aleena Gul, Editor-in-Chief of The Highlander, came in second place in the VaMediaNow Journalist of the Year 2022 competition.
Congratulations Aleena!
Click below to see the Twitter and Instagram posts.
Instagram Twitter
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All-Virginia Band & Orchestra
Please join us in congratulating the students below for being selected as members of the All-Virginia Band & Orchestra!
Band Students: Clara Marks, Jake Barnhard, Yanni Aknine, Kian Choi, Nicole Chan, Brian Horrigan, Catherine Kim, Julia Tan, Tieran Holmes, Belinda Li, Rovert Klein and Hanna Sim.
Orchestra Students: Ryan Chun, Joshua Wang, Alexander Bills, Donghwa Shin, Caleb Wang, Lydia Hu, Michelle Kim, Mikayla Li, Christina Wu and Daniel Ahn.
Congratulations to all of the students!
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MHS Collection Drives this Month
Giving Back at McLean High School - PowerBars for Ukraine
Our students truly care about our school and the community.
This school year, our students have shown this care for others by holding a variety of collection drives.
Many McLean High School students have voiced their concern about the war in Ukraine. As a result, we have decided to collect PowerBars to send there. Please drop off your PowerBars in the marked boxes in the Main Office.
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McLean Girls' Leadership Committee is Hosting a
Menstrual Product Drive
Many women and girls have trouble affording food and necessities. GLC is asking community members to drop off extra packages of products like pads, tampons, and panty liners at McLean High School.
Full details on Instagram @mcleanglc
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MHS Book Drive - March
In honor of National Reading Month, we will be hosting a book drive to donate books to elementary and middle schools in our pyramid.
Bins will be placed in the main office so be sure to drop off your gently used books!
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Stay in the Know!
Parent's Guide to College Admissions
The college admissions process was stressful enough before the pandemic, and now it’s more confusing than ever. Fiona Rees, Board Chair of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), shares her top tips for supporting your teen.
Listen now.
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 Many of our children and teens are hurting—hurting themselves and each other. The Surgeon General has declared a mental health emergency among youth, and yet so many of us feel powerless to help. But we're not powerless when we unite.
The National PTA is hosting so we can collectively support our young people in this present moment. We invite parents and caregivers, students, educators, health care professionals, community leaders—all of you—to take part in a national virtual conversation to chart a healthier way forward.
Hear from young people about the state of their mental health and learn practical steps and inspiring strategies for supporting health at home, at school, and in our greater communities from these thought leaders:
Deborah Roberts, Award-winning ABC News Journalist
Dr. Lisa Damour, Psychologist, Ask Lisa Podcast Host, and New York Times Bestselling Author
Julie Lythcott-Haims, Activist and Author, How to Raise an Adult
Meghna Singh, University of Michigan Student and Mental Health Advocate
Rick Weissbourd, Founder of Making Caring Common and Senior Lecturer at Harvard
Following the event, you will receive a free toolkit for youth mental health support as well as a complimentary viewing of one of our films, including: Race to Nowhere, Beyond Measure, or Chasing Childhood.
Register Today!
McLean Day: Celebrating
Our Hometown
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Time: 11:00 am - to 5:00pm
Location: Lewinsville Park
1659 Chain Bridge Road
Admission is free for patrons with carnival rides, gourmet food trucks, games, and other family-friendly activities.
Exhibitors can sign up online.
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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.
"Collect for Kids" is Going Strong!
Students in need will require fresh school supplies to "Return Strong" in the fall. Your contribution to the Collect for Kids campaign will purchase pre-made, grade-level appropriate school supply kits for students.
A donation of $50 will provide 5 FCPS students with supplies to help them succeed in school.
Click here to donate!
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Student Contests, Programs,
Workshops, Selected Resources & Webinars
Grants & Contests
NWF Photo Contest
The National Wildlife Federation’s National Wildlife Photo Contest is accepting entries through March 27, 2022. Students between the ages of 13-17 may enter the Young Habitat Photographers category.
The entry fee is waived for students at registered Eco-Schools.
Learn more about NWF’s National Wildlife Photo Contest and how to get a fee waiver.
Audubon Society of Northern Virginia Youth Education Mini-Grant
The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia’s (ASNV) mini-grant program supports teachers, schools, and non-profit organizations in educating youth about birds and the environment. ASNV is awarding three mini-grants of up to $500 each. All projects must include an educational component. Applications are due by Friday, April 1, 2022. Learn more and apply for the ASNV Youth Education Mini-Grant.
Urban Agriculture Work Group Garden Mini-Grant
The Fairfax Food Council Urban Ag Work Group (UAWG) will be awarding mini-grants up to $500 this spring to support school gardens, as well as invited community gardens. This grant can be put toward any materials or equipment that you need to create a thriving and sustainable garden. Only physical items that UAWG can purchase for your school are eligible. Strong preference is given to veggie gardens or pollinator gardens that are near veggie gardens.
Applications and a letter of support from a school administrator are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, April 1. Awards will be announced by May 6 and maybe partial. UAWG must purchase all items by June 10 and would prefer to do it sooner. Apply for the UAWG mini grant by Friday, April 1. The form is not accessible through FCPS Google accounts, so interested applicants will need to use a different account to apply. Contact the Fairfax Food Council’s Diane Charles if you have any questions.
NVSWCD College Scholarship
NVSWCD is offering a scholarship to one high school senior or college freshman pursuing a degree in conservation or a related field. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 1. Learn about and apply for the Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship.
One Water Art Contest
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is joining regional water utilities to hold an art contest with the theme of protecting our source water. Fairfax Water and Fairfax County Wastewater Management are looking for local student artists in grades 9-12 to create visual media which captures the importance of our local water sources. The local winner will go on to the regional contest. The submission deadline is Friday, April 8. Learn more about the One Water Art Contest for high school students and submit your entry.
FCCPTA Scholarships
A great opportunity for the Seniors!
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.
Apply here by April 15th to be considered for this scholarship.
For additional details visit FCCPTA Scholarship website. Contact mclean@fccpta.org with any questions.
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Outstanding Character Award for Teenagers
The McLean Citizens Association is again sponsoring Teen Character Awards to recognize teens of exceptional ethical and compassionate character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation or formal recognition, cared for elderly relatives or younger siblings, or who have helped out in the neighborhood or community (defined as the Greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area), deserve to be recognized not only for themselves but as an example to others.
The award is not a competition. All teens whose nominations indicate they meet the criteria will receive an award. The McLean Citizens Association Education and Youth Committee will review nominations to determine compliance with the criteria. The criteria is listed in the description of the award.
A nomination application is available in the following: Application - Outstanding Character Award for Teenagers.
The award consists of a certificate that will be presented on the stage at McLean Day on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 3:00pm. Names of award winners will be provided to local newspapers to highlight recognition of the teens' achievements.
Nominations must be submitted via email to the McLean Citizens Association no later than Friday, April 22, 2022.
For further information email Jim Beggs, MCA Education & Youth Committee Chair, at e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org.
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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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Parents and Students, Did You Know?
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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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.
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Calendar Reminders |
March 16 - PTSA General Meeting Today - MHS Cafeteria
March 16 - Santini's Restaurant Fundraiser
March 19 - Mock ACT
March 23 - Sweet Leaf Restaurant Fundraiser
March 29 - Virtual Parent Program
March 31 - End of Third Quarter - 2-hour Early Release
April 1 - Student Holiday
April 4-8 - Spring Break
April 23 - Mock SAT
June 1 - Graduation at 2:30pm
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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Thank you to our Business Sponsors
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