Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
October 20 - AMC 12 Registration Closes (see below for details)
October 20 - MHS Bonfire
October 21 - Homecoming Game
October 22 - Homecoming Dance - 8:00-11:00pm @ McLean
October 24 - Student Holiday/Diwali Religious Observance - Main Office will closed.
October 26 - Girls Leadership Negotiation Workshop (see below)
October 26 - Academic Governor's School Interest Meeting (see below)
October 27 - Visual and Performing Arts Governor's School Interest Meeting (see below)
October 28 - End of First Quarter - 2-hour Early Release
October 31 - Student Holiday
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LGBTQIA+ History Month is recognized in October nationwide. We acknowledge and celebrate that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are an integral component of our nation.
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During October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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Digital Citizenship Week, October 17-21
This week we celebrate Digital Citizenship Week at McLean High School! Digital Citizenship Week 2022 is October 17-21. Ten years ago, Common Sense Education started Digital Citizenship Week to highlight the importance of helping kids, families, and teachers navigate our 24/7 digital world. FCPS has been celebrating for the past decade with student learning opportunities, spirit weeks, and community engagement events. Over the years, media and technology have changed dramatically. There have also been big shifts in the ways we teach and learn in today's classrooms.
That's why FCPS will continue to be a leader working on behalf of students and their families in creating a positive culture around how they use media and technology.
To this end, students will be asked to participate in a series of online discussion boards via Schoology throughout the week to help raise awareness and understanding of the healthy ways students can leverage technology in their academic and personal lives. Information for parents will also be posted in the All Parents Schoology course to provide resources and talking points that parents can use to engage in conversations with their students.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
The Parent Resource Center will host an open house for parents to learn more about dyslexia and how to support students with dyslexia on October 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. Learn more about PRC events on their website.
The FCPS Dyslexia handbook also provides information and resources to families. It reflects a division-wide commitment to ensure that the needs of students with dyslexia are met as a result of collective responsibility and collaboration across general and special education contexts.
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McLean, Marshall and Langley Pyramid Student Q & A with Dr. Reid: October 19th
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On October 19th at 6:00 PM at the McLean Community Center (MCC) 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA, Dr. Reid will be answering the questions and concerns from STUDENTS. We encourage all students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade to bring their questions or simply come to meet and listen to our new FCPS Superintendent. The Superintendent oversees almost 200 schools and centers in a county serving approximately 180,000 students. This event will be focused on questions and concerns from students attending elementary, middle, and high school students with the McLean, Langley, and Marshall Pyramids.
Girls Leadership Negotiation Workshop - 10/26
On Wednesday, October 26, Dr. Suzanne de Janasz, a professor of conflict analysis and resolution at George Mason, will be hosting a workshop during Highlander Time to teach girls valuable skills about how to negotiate.You can find more about Dr. de Janasz and her publications here. If you are interested in attending the event, please fill out the following google form. You will be excused from your Highlander Time classes for the duration of the event.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewtlNsshmBQ9oKXYV6ywls1w5HxqTMcFxa-xlTl5xsoO4TmQ/viewform?pli=1
Thank you for signing up, and if you have any questions please reach out to mcleanglc@gmail.com.
SIS ParentVUE Access
ParentVue and StudentVue will be closed from Friday, October 28, at 4:00 pm until Tuesday, November 9, at 6:00 am.
2023 Virignia Summer Residential Governor's School
The 2023 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School is beginning its application process. This one-month summer program is for highly motivated current 10th and 11th grade students seeking an intellectually challenging and enriching summer experience. Programs are offered in Visual and Performing Arts, World Languages, Agriculture, Humanities, Math/Science/Technology, Engineering, and Marine Science. The selection process is extremely competitive. Selected students usually rank in the top 10% of their class and have scored in the 90th percentile or above on standardized tests. Residential programs run from late June to late July. Only students who are available during that time frame and whose records match these criteria should apply. You are only permitted to apply to one SRGS program.
Mr. Allman will hold an interest meeting for Academic Governor’s Schools at 3:00 on Wednesday, October 26 in the College and Career Center.
Ms. McNeill will hold an interest meeting for Visual & Performing Arts Governor’s Schools at 3:00 on Thursday, October 27 in the College and Career Center.
For additional information please visit the VDOE and FCPS links below.
VDOE SRGS Academic and VPA website:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/governors_school_programs/summer_residential/
FCPS SRGS website:
https://www.fcps.edu/node/32439
Fairfax County Youth Survey
The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey. The results of this survey are published each year online and are used by school officials, youth leadership classes, youth-serving county agencies, and local non-profits to determine the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs offered in schools and communities. It is also used to identify changing trends and areas of need. The survey is anonymous and no individual information is reported.
You have the right to preview the survey and may deny permission for your child to participate if you desire. If a student is uncomfortable with any question on the survey, the student does not have to answer that question or may elect to discontinue the survey. While it is hoped that as many students as possible will participate, you have the option to opt out your child.
The survey will be administered between November 7 – November 22, 2022, in all 10th and 12th grade English classes. A copy of the survey will be available to parents and/or guardians online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/youth-survey and in the school counseling office of your child's school beginning October 7, 2022. An e-notify message was sent to all 10th and 12th grade parents on Friday, October 7, 2022. If you do not wish for your child to take part in the survey, please complete the opt-out form found HERE and return it to your child’s counselor no later than November 7, 2022.
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American Mathematics Competition - AMC 10/12
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The AMC 10/12 provides an opportunity for high school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. The AMC 10/12 is the first in a series of competitions that eventually lead all the way to the International Mathematical Olympiad (see Invitational Competitions).
We will be hosting the AMC 10/12 Test here at McLean on November 10th during the 1st period of the day. Students would miss their 1st period class and be responsible for checking with their teacher before-hand to find out which assignments/assessments they may need to make up.
Students who would like to take the AMC 10 or the AMC 12 will need to register and pay ($5) in MySchoolBucks. Registration closes October 20th. Shortly after that date, each student who registered should receive an email from the sponsor with further instructions.
If you have any further questions regarding the AMC 10/12, please reach out to Steve Walker (spwalker1@fcps.edu) who sponsors the competition here at McLean.
Fall College Planning Night @ McLean
Please join us for our annual Fall College Planning Night the evening of Monday, October 17th in the Auditorium. This event consists of a question & answer panel with college admissions representatives and is open to all, but geared toward sophomore and freshman families. Come learn how to approach the college search process and how to find the right fit in a future college experience.
6:00PM - Meet the College Admissions Reps
6:30PM-7:30PM - Q&A Panel with College Admissions Reps
Feel free to submit questions ahead of time for our panelists here.
College Fair and Post-Secondary Week
The annual FCPS College Fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. Postsecondary Week will be held virtually Monday, October 17, to Thursday, October 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. Postsecondary week will feature virtual workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities. Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events.
Updates
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Talking Points for Families
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McLean High School in cooperation with Fairfax County Public Schools will begin using Talking Points to communicate with families about student performance in school throughout the remainder of the year. We recommend families download the free TalkingPoints for Families mobile app. You can also opt in to text messages (standard message fees apply) or you can sign up online at families.talkingpts.org/welcome. To get started, please follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Use the QR codes or the icons in your phone to visit the App Store or Google Play on your phone and download the Talking Points for Families app.
Step 2: Choose your preferred language and then enter your phone number in the app. You will receive a code to enter next.
Step 3: You should see your student’s classes in your app and can begin receiving messages from teachers. When you receive a message you will be able to conduct a 2-way conversation via text or the app with your student’s teachers.
COVID Diagnostic Testing
COVID diagnostic testing will be available for FCPS students, teachers, and staff at five locations across the county on October 17, 18, and 19. This testing is for those who are either experiencing COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID. Appointments are not required, but registration must be completed before testing. Visit the COVID Testing webpage for more information.
Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid
Beginning on October 18, FCPS will be asking all families to fill out a Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid. Returning this form is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
For each school-aged child in your household, please complete, sign, date, and return the survey to your child's school. If sections 1 and 2 of the survey do not apply to you, just check the box in Section 3. All forms must be signed, dated, and returned by November 4. All results are confidential.
2023 FAFSA is Open
Parents of current high school seniors—did you know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on October 1? Parents are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible—definitely before March 1, 2023—as you prepare for your child to begin college in the fall of 2023. Some schools have even earlier priority deadlines, so check the individual college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and specific forms to complete. Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID and then begin the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Our partners at College Access Fairfax will be offering a number of programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA 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/VASA. Interested families should email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org to request an appointment.
Get to Know FCPS Office of the Ombuds
Did you know that FCPS has an Office of the Ombuds that is available to support you? An ombuds is someone who helps resolve conflict by facilitating communications and sharing available resources. The Office of the Ombuds works as an independent confidential resource to help students, families, community members, and employees get questions answered, resolve concerns, and voice complaints regarding FCPS matters. The ombuds is available to:
- Share strategies for parents to improve communication with, and between, school and home.
- Help to resolve disagreements between parents and schools or disagreements involving employees in the workplace.
- Provide ideas to foster parent participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings.
They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
If you have concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds, please call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, You may also submit a question.
Special Education Review Final Report
FCPS is committed to providing excellence for all students, and continues to seek ways to improve and ensure the highest quality of special education and related services for students and families. At the request of the School Board, the FCPS Office of Auditor General engaged a consultant to conduct an independent, third-party review of FCPS’ special education program in October 2020.
American Institutes for Research® (AIR) presented their final report during the School Board’s October 4 work session. Watch the video of AIR’s presentation and visit FCPS’ Office of Auditor General webpage for more information.
The School Board will hold a second session to discuss a framework for the Special Education Enhancement Plan at their Tuesday, November 15 work session.
Marching Band Success
McLean High School's Marching Band had a very busy weekend! They performed at the VBODA State Assessment on Saturday morning, receiving a Superior Rating from all seven judges in all captions. Superior is the highest rating possible.
Following their assessment, the Marching Band travelled to Virignia Beach where they performed at the VMBC Tidewater Regional Championship and were awarded third place. Go Highlanders!
Eagle Scout Project
Thank you to McLean High School student John Kirk for completing his Eagle Scout project, which was to install a walkway that goes from McLean Swim to our front parking lot. The path looks great and is a major upgrade! Congratulations, John!
Highlander Newsmagazine
Highlander Broadcast Group
Highlander Newsmagazine and WMHS News Broadcast Finalists Accounced
The National Scholastic Press Association announced their list of news and broadcast Pacemaker finalists, and both The Highlander newsmagazine and WMHS News broadcast from McLean High School have been selected for this prestigious honor. Since 1927, NSPA's Pacemaker competition has been considered by many to be student journalism's highest honor. Just 38 newspapers/newsmagazines and 21 broadcast programs are finalists this year, and McLean High School is the only school in Virginia to be named a finalist in either category! Lindsay Benedict is the adviser of both publications. The Highlander’s 2021-22 editors-in-chief Maya Amman, Josh Bass and Aleena Gul and 2021-22 WMHS News producers Kate Burke and Arman Nikmorad led their respective publications to success. Winners will be announced during the fall journalism convention in St. Louis on Nov. 12, 2022.
2022-2023 AP Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees
FCPS encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt-Out form. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP course enrollment. AP students must make Opt-Out decisions by October 25 and parents will be billed a $96 non-refundable test fee in December 2022 for tests that exceed the six FCPS funded tests.
On the week of October 3rd, students will receive their AP opt-out form from their 3rd period teacher and families will receive a copy of this form in the mail. All Opt-Out forms are due to the box located in Student Services by October 25th. When a student turns in their form, they must sign their name on the list acknowledging their Opt-Out form has been turned in.
If you have any questions please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
AP Exams for Students Self-studying
Self-studying means that a student wants to take an AP exam for a class they are not currently enrolled in. Please have your student complete the google form below to indicate which exam(s) they would like to register for as a non-Enrolled student. The non-refundable exam fee this year is $96 per exam, and should be paid in My School Bucks by October 28th.
As your student considers self-studying for exams, please check the AP Exam schedule to ensure that they do not over-schedule themselves. Exams will only be moved to the late testing schedule for extreme circumstances. Your student can sign up here. If you have any additional questions, please contact Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu), McLean Assessment Coach.
Weekly Reminders
Parent Resource Center Webinars
The FCPS Parent Resource Center offers a welcoming and engaging environment for families, educators, and community members. It provides access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.
Throughout the year it offers family and educator webinars. Upcoming sessions include:
To join the PRC email list and receive notices of upcoming webinars, sign up for their News You Choose newsletter.
Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar (PSTD)
As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education. As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license. While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. Attendees who arrive late will not be allowed entry and will not earn credit for attending.
The 90-minute PSTD presentation will be offered once per quarter throughout the school year. McLean High School’s dates for the 2021-2022 calendar year are below. Please make sure to use your student’s fcpsschools.net account to log in and fill out the form.
January 9th - 1/9 Sign-Up Sheet
March 6th - 3/6 Sign-Up Sheet
May 1st - 5/1 Sign-Up Sheet
Important: Students who successfully complete their classroom driver education quarter but have not satisfied the PSTD requirement will have earned an incomplete for the class grade until the requirement is met.
This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu).
Parent Information Phone Lines
FCPS language lines are available in eight different languages to assist parents who do not speak English as their first language.
A school system employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. The caller will provide you with the requested information, arrange for you to speak with the appropriate school employee, or connect you with the resource that you are looking to find.
To use the parent information phone lines please call:
Amharic: 571-423-4957
Arabic: 571-423-4952
Chinese: 571-423-4953
Farsi: 571-423-4954
Korean: 571-423-4951
Spanish: 571-423-4950
Urdu: 571-423-4955
Vietnamese: 571-423-4956
Click HERE to be directed to the FCPS Parent Information Phone Lines site.
McLean HS Tech Support for Students
If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information. The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.
We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.
Description: This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.
Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.
Parent/Student Support Portal Link:
https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/
Social-Emotional Support Information
Mental Health and Wellness Support Services and Resources
McLean’s Clinical Staff are available to consult with parents and students regarding mental health related concerns and behaviors. They are also able to provide community resources as needed. Please see their contact information below:
Carol Ann Forrest, School Psychologist, CMForrest@fcps.edu
Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, baparkerlewi@fcps.edu
Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, mjeromefeath@fcps.edu
For more Mental Health and Wellness Information, please check out these Student Wellness Resources, FCPS’s Healthy Minds Blog and the FCPS’s Parent Resource Center.
Emergency Resources
Crisis Link Regional Hotline 703-527-4077
Crisis Text Text NEEDHELP to 85511
Dominion Hospital Emergency 703-536-2000
INOVA Emergency 703-289-7560
Merrifield Center Emergency 703-573-5979 TTY dial 711
Life Threatening 911
FCPS Cares
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Do you know a McLean High School or FCPS employee who does ordinary things in an extraordinary way or goes beyond what is expected? If so, then click here to share with everyone.
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