McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 10/24/2022

Important Upcoming Dates

2022-2023 School Year

October 24 - Student Holiday/Diwali Religious Observance - Main Office will                          closed. 

October 25 - Financial Aid Night (see below)

October 26 - Girls Leadership Negotiation Workshop (see below)

October 26 - Academic Governor's School Interest Meeting (see below)

October 27 - Tartan Literary Magazine Halloween Fundraiser (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

November 1 & 2 - Cultural Observance - el Día de los Muertos

November 8 - Student Holiday/Election Day

November 11 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day

November 23 - 25 - Thanksgiving Break


McLean High School Thanks...

Math

The Math Department would like to express its wholehearted “Thank You” for the donation of over FIFTY TI- 84+ graphing calculators. Our students will benefit from the use of these calculators and they were sorely needed. We appreciate that the PTSA is looking out for us!


This Week

Financial Aid Night at Langley HS - 10/25

McLean & Langley High Schools are holding a joint financial aid night event on Tuesday, October 25th at 6:30 p.m. in the Langley HS Auditorium. Come learn more about the FAFSA, CSS profile, scholarships, and paying for post-secondary education.  Students and parents are welcome to attend. No registration is required.


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. 

Click here to sign up for this event HERE! 

Thank you for signing up! If you have problems with the link or have any questions please reach out to mcleanglc@gmail.com.


2023 Virignia Summer Residential Governor's School - 10/26 & 10/27

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


Tartan Literary Magazine Fundraiser - 10/27

Start your Halloween celebration with The Tartan literary magazine! Thursday, October 27 from 7-8 PM in the lecture hall, The Tartan will be hosting a fundraiser that will feature spooky student art and writing as well as classics  and theatre. Students can earn NEHS for submitting writing and ITS service hours for performing at the event; students who submit writing do not need to read their own work if they do not want to. Tickets are five dollars, and there will be a bake sale as well (Halloween candy included)! Come out to support the magazine and get into the Halloween spirit on Thursday!


Halloween

Halloween Costumes - 10/28

We are looking forward to seeing everyone’s Halloween costumes this year! Because Halloween falls on a student holiday, we will be dressing up on Friday, October 28th. Please note that masks are not allowed and that costumes must fall within SR&R guidelines.


Drug Take Back Day - 10/29

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

Drug Take Back day is 10/29/2022 from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Mclean District Police Station

For more information click HERE for the DEA Drug Take Back Day website. 


This Month

LGBTQIA+ History Month

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.


Disability History and Awareness Month

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.


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.


Updates


Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid

The Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid was given to all McLean High School students on October 20. FCPS is 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.


Strategic Planning - Student Opportunity

You may have heard FCPS is developing a Strategic Plan that will serve as the school division’s roadmap for the future. We encourage every parent/caregiver, student, employee, and community member to participate in this important work. 

The first engagement opportunity will be an optional survey, which will be open to students in grades 3-12. Knowing what is important to students will be very helpful to Dr. Reid, as she leads the planning of FCPS’ future. All schools, including ours, will schedule a date and time during the school day to administer the survey between November 2-18. If you would prefer that your child not participate, you may opt your child out of taking the survey. Please visit FCPS’ website for more information


Fluent Spanish Speaking Family Liaison Needed

McLean High School is seeking applicants for our Family Liaison position. Our Family Liaison supports administrators, counselors, and school staff through meetings and communication with families to share resources as needed. This role is in-person at McLean High School on a part-time basis. 

Click HERE for the job description.

Click HERE to apply.

 


Student Achievement


Homecoming

A special thank you goes out to Karen McNamara and the SGA for planning and executing a fantastic Homecoming week! Thanks to all that hard work, our students were able to enjoy spirit week, the bonfire, the Power Puff game, the pep rally and the football game!


Testing Information

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

Talking Points

Talking Points for Families

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.

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. 

QR Codes

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. 


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. 


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.


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

FCPS Cares

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.