Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
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 - Presidents Day - Schools and offices will be closed
February 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
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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 - see bell schedule below. 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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Progress Reports and Report Cards Unavailable January 23 - February 6
FCPS Weekly Progress Reports will not be sent to parents Monday, January 23, through Monday, February 6, during second quarter grading and report card generation.
Additionally, the GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed Wednesday, January 25, at 4 p.m. until Monday, February 6, at 6 a.m.
Youth Substance Use Presentation - 1/30
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 and MHS School Resource Officer Scott Davis 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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MHS Science Olympiad Success! |
Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team! On January 7th, the McLean High School Science Olympiad team competed at the Fairfax Invitational. At the tournament, the McLean High School Red Team came in first place out of 56 teams competing, defeating second place Langley High School by 10 composite points. The event featured McLean competitors medaling 10 times over the course of 22 distinct science and engineering events. The Science Olympiad team looks forward to continuing their success at the Virginia State Regional, taking place at Charlottesville HS on January 28th.
Excellence in Acting Award
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McLean High School students, Rafik Hanna and Ava Stewart, won the "Excellence in Acting Award" at the 2023 Liberty District Theatre Festival. Congratulations to McLean Theatre and all our students who participated in the VHSL One Acts. |
MHS Freshman Participating in the USA Softball U-15 Women's National Team
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McLean High School freshman, Riley Staats, has been selected as a member of the 2023 USA Softball U-15 Women's National Team. She will be participating in the WBSC Americas Qualifier in Lima, Peru and the Utsugi Cup in Takasaki, Japan later this year! Great Job, Riley! |
MHS Students Accepted into All-District Bands
Congratulations to the McLean Band students listed below for being accepted into the 2023 All-District Band! These students will join other FCPS students at the All-District Event for a special concert on February 4, 2023 at Oakton High School.
Jason Babalitis, Joseph Barboriak, Nathan Bass, Bennett Brunner, Cooper Carlson, Kian Choi, Michael Chung, Joshua Cramer, Nathan Derby, Maya Dhanani, John Farrell, Marco Femia, Aditya Hathi, Peter Hinckley, Britt Holly, Vivienne Holly, Brian Horrigan, Madeleine Hsueh, Jackson Kang, Louiza Khachemoune, Zara Kidwell, Catherine Kim, Alexander Kirby, Nathan Kulp, Joshua LaPointe, Ian Lee, Joshua Lee, Stephen Levy, Jason Lin, Clara Marks, Kalyna Mazal, Ella Munson, Chloe Nie, Blake Powell, Anna Raymond, Virginia Reiman, Jacob Sargent, Ginevra Saunders, Jaeger Schweikert, Anish Singh, Skylar Stander, Camille Stephant, Abigail Sterner, William Vedder, Rishi Vinod, Haochen Wu, Emma Yang, Nora Yang, Michael Zheng
McLean High School Special Olympics Basketball Team
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On Sunday, McLean High School's Special Olympics Basketball team had a great time playing Oakton and Lake Braddock.
We are so proud of our student athletes!
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Raising Money for Special Olympics
On Saturday, January 14th, McLean High School teacher, Mark Thompson participated in the 2023 Mosaic Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. He raised almost $3000! (He said it was a little cold...)
Check out the video HERE!
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McLean High School Award Winners!
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McLean High School had two award winners last week! Dr. Ellen Reilly was was named the Region 2 Outstanding Principal of the year and Ashley Lowry, McLean High School's School-Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) was awarded the McLean Pyramid Professional Employee of the year. Congratulations Ellen and Ashley! |
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.
Schedule Change Deadline for 22-23 School Year is February 10, 2023
Any student still considering a schedule change at this point in the school year will need to submit the schedule change request packet to their counselor by February 10. After that date, students will need to finish the school year in the courses they are currently taking. Please reach out to your counselor if you would like to request a schedule change.
Highlander Internship Program (HIP) - Support from local businesses and organizations needed!
The Highlander Internship Program(HIP) allows all eligible seniors to participate in a two week internship at local businesses and organizations. We need your help to identify internship opportunities. If your place of work, business or organization may be willing to support one of our seniors, please let us know by completing this short form.
Please note, seniors cannot work directly for their parents but can work for someone else within the business or organization.
HIP will run from May 15th-May 26th. Seniors are required to intern for 30-40 hours per week and will be responsible for a presentation on May 31st.
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.
Sophomore Career Talks - Parent Volunteers Needed
We have had a great response from our parents to be panelists but we do need a few more in the following professions: Business Management & Administration (runs a business or operations), Health (nursing, PA, PT) and Hospitality/Tourism.
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
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School Board Reviews Draft School Year Calendar Options |
At their January 17 work session, the School Board discussed draft calendars that were created for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. Draft calendars were developed using the following criteria as a framework:
- Federal, state, and Virginia Department of Education guidance.
- Superintendent’s priorities.
- School Board input.
- Student absentee data.
- Staff absentee data.
- Surrounding jurisdictions’ calendars.
- Survey results.
- Calendar Feedback Committee input.
- You may view the draft calendars and other related documents in Boarddocs. The calendars will be presented as new business during the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 26. The Board is scheduled to vote on the calendars during their meeting on Thursday, February 9.
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FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget Highlights |
At the January 12 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for FY 2024 that focuses on attracting and retaining teachers and staff, initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap for all students, and gives our youngest learners a strong start, including investments for special education students impacted during the pandemic.
The FY 2024 Proposed Budget totals $3.5 billion—a net increase of $249.6 million or 7.6% over the FY 2023 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is targeted at instruction. The Proposed Budget focuses on several key areas:
- Innovative investments that close the achievement gap for all students:
- Equitable access to literacy.
- Increased access to PreK programming.
- Supports for students with special education needs.
- Funding for students in Advanced Academic Programs.
- Changing student enrollment needs.
- Increase in student and family supports, including access to middle school athletic opportunities that support student well-being.
- Continuation of green investments.
- Increased security measures.
- Proposed increases in employee compensation.
Watch Dr. Reid’s presentation to the board. Access the presentation slides on Boarddocs.
High School Academy Open Houses
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Strategic Plan: Make Your Students' Voice Count
Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Please encourage your students to participate in this unique opportunity to share their voices.
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FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan focus group. This focus group provides an opportunity to share feedback in a small group with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. FCPS is hosting four virtual focus groups for secondary students in February and March:
- February 9, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
- March 16, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID, so their parents/caregivers can be identified and contacted to ask for consent to participate.
If you have any questions about the student focus groups or you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact strategicplan@fcps.edu.
Register Now to Attend a Community Forum!
Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.
FAFSA Help
2023-24 College Financial Aid Forms Are Available; College Access Fairfax Is Here to HelpIt’s time for high school seniors and their families to complete college financial aid forms. Most colleges require that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be completed by Wednesday, March 1, to receive the maximum financial aid possible in fall 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. To begin the FAFSA, you will need to create a FSA ID.
A funding opportunity is available for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA; the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) program. Visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website for help in determining which aid option is right for you.
There are several College Access Fairfax recordings, virtual workshops, and resources available for viewing College Access Fairfax website. College Access Fairfax’s Financial Aid Champions also provide help completing the financial aid forms. To request a one-on-one appointment, please email appointments@collegeaccessfairfax.org.
Families can also contact their high school's college and career specialist or school counselor if they need additional help.
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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