Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
January 10 - MHS Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night (see below)
January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday - Schools and offices will be closed
January 19 - Religious Observance - Orthodox Epiphany
January 25 - Last Day of the Quarter and 2-hour early release
January 26 - Student Holiday - Staff Development Day
January 27 - Student Holiday - Teacher Workday
January 30 - Youth Substance Use Presentation - Adults Only (see below)
Feb. 6 - 10 - National School Counseling Appreciation Week
Feb 15 - School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 20 - President's Day - Schools and offices will be closed
February 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Students qualify for AIME
McLean High School would like to congratulate the following students on qualifying for the AIME. McLean High School is proud to announce that of the 74 students that took the AMC 10 and AMC 12, twelve of those students scored high enough to advance to the next round. To put this into perspective, only the top 2.5% of all AMC 10 scores and top 5% of all AMC 12 scores advance to take the AIME… this is nationwide! Here at McLean, 14% of our AMC 10 takers advanced, and 21% of our AMC 12 takers advanced!
 Congratulations to:
Aiden Feyerherm, Ethan Zhou, Tayne Han, Junyong Chang, David Sheng, Clara Marks, Lisa Hu, Minsik Choi, Daniel Kim, Maximilian Lee, and Jeffrey Yin.
Not pictured - Clement Ding
Model UN at CHMUN
Congratulations to our Model UN team! They won Outstanding Large Delegation at CHMUN XVIII! Congratulations to the following delegates for their individual awards:
Best Delegate: Saehee Perez
Outstanding Delegate: Ella Farivar, Amelia Lupi-Sher, and Story Stimmler
Honorable Delegate: Sherry Li, Maged Alqabany, Emma Hu, Emily Ma, Scarlett Jensen, Minsong Ha, and Vidya Suri
Verbal Commendation: Annika Singh, Tara McCormick, Aidan Shaughnessy, Philip Ermanoski, Allison Pflanz, and Cate Kanapathy
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MHS Quiz Bowl Champions!
McLean High School's Quiz Bowl team won every competition on Saturday along with both District and Region titles! Go Highlanders!
Quiz Bowl Champions:
Edward Burros, Noah Chin, Sam Cohen, Andrew Evans, Clara Marks, Ryan McKenzie, Carter Pisocky, Angelika Tzioumis, and Ethan Zhou
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UNICEF Cleaning Drive - 1/9 - 1/27
The McLean UNICEF club is hosting a cleaning product drive starting on January 9th to 27th. New cleaning products such as disinfecting wipes, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, and toilet cleaner are being collected and are all greatly appreciated. The donated items will go to families at the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Falls Church. A donation bin will be located outside the main office. Thank you for your help in aiding for families in need!
MHS Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night - 1/10
McLean High School will be holding a Curriculum Night for parents of the class of 2027 (current 8th grade students) at McLean HS on January 10th at 6:30pm in the auditorium. The evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 9th grade student with the transition to high school. Topics include getting involved with extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and the registration process for 9th grade courses. Teachers from various departments will be available to answer questions about 9th grade classes during this event.
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Martin Luther King Day - 1/16
All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16th, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
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FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.
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Orthodox Epiphany (O-Day) - 1/19 |
In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. This observance commemorates Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan, beginning of Christ's ministry on earth and revealing the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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January is National Mentoring Month |
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
FCPS’ MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Please contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
Lunar New Year - 1/22
The Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is the calendar traditionally used in many east Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea. In these and other Asian countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. The Lunar New Year is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.Read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids.
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End of Quarter - 1/25
As a reminder, Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 26, for a staff development day and Friday, Jan. 27, for a teacher workday. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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National School Counseling Week - 2/6 - 2/10
February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career.School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
Important Upcoming Course Registration Information
The course registration season is upon us! During this exciting time of the year, students request their courses for the 2023-2024 school year. We have a number of upcoming events to support students in making their course selections. Please note the following important school-wide events and dates.
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Jan 9: MHS “Did You Know?” (important advising information) and virtual exploration, Highlander Time
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Jan 11: Elective Exploration, Highlander Time FLEX (10:34-11:14)
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Rising Senior (current 11th graders) course registration meetings with counselors through USVA History
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January 31-February 13
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Rising Junior (current 10th graders) course registration meetings with counselors through HPE10
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January 17-24
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Rising Sophomore (current 9th graders) course registration meetings with counselors through HPE9
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February 15-27
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Sophomore Career Talks - Parent Volunteers Needed
We are still looking for parents to volunteer their morning to share their experiences in their professional line of work. We would like you to share your education, work background and why you chose this profession. This year's event is March 21st from 8:10 AM - 11:15 AM. These talks consist of small panels grouped by career cluster for sophomores to learn not only about a particular career but what education is needed and what other roles intersect with that position. If interested in being on a panel, please complete this very short form.
Questions? Contact Jenna Jablonski, Director of Student Services: jmjablonski@fcps.edu
AP Exam Fees
The 2022-2023 AP Exam Fees are now available in MySchoolBucks.
FCPS continues to pay for the first 6 AP exam fees for courses in which students are enrolled in for high school credit. Students and their families have been invoiced through MySchoolBucks $96 per test for AP exam(s) 7 or higher. All AP exam fees must be paid in MySchoolBucks by Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
To confirm which AP Exams your student is registered for, have your student log in to AP Classroom. If you have any questions, contact the McLean HS Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu)
Notes from FCPS
High School Academy Open Houses
FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in mid-January.
A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses that can prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in Academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, and/or internships with local businesses.
Learn more and find the calendar of Academy Open Houses.
Youth Substance Use Presentations
FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:
- Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
- List what you can do as a caregiver.
- How to identify and connect with community resources.
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Strategic Planning
Beginning January 30, FCPS will host a series of community forums as part of our Strategic Plan development process. The completed schedule and locations for the sessions are posted on FCPS' Strategic Planning webpage.
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Planning teams, which include a diverse range of voices from the FCPS community, are continuing to review student achievement, access, and survey data;and crafting a collective vision for the school division. Key communicators will soon receive strategic planning materials to share with their groups and networks. Preparations for divisionwide student focus groups are underway, and there will be opportunities for employees to engage in a survey and “reality check” sessions in the upcoming months. For the latest information, please visit the Strategic Planning web page and check it often.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Weekly Reminders
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Talking Points for Families |
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.
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 2022-2023 calendar year are below. Please make sure to use your student’s fcpsschools.net account to log in and fill out the form.
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).
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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