Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
February 6 - 10 - National School Counseling Appreciation Week
February 11 - Wonderful Winter Formal (see below)
February 15 - School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 20 - Presidents Day - Schools and offices will be closed
February 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
March 2 - 2 Hour Early Release
March 3 - School Planning Day - No school for students
March 12 - Daylight Savings Begins (Spring Forward)
March 30 - Parent Talk (see below)
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Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. |
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.
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MHS Tissue Drive |
The MHS Leadership Class is hosting a tissue drive to benefit the students of McLean from Jan. 30th-Feb. 11th All students are encouraged to bring in boxes of tissues to their 3rd period classes. The top three 3rd period class that brings in the most tissues will win lunch. The WHOLE school will benefit as the leadership class will divide the all the collected tissues among all the classrooms in the school The more tissues students bring in, the better stocked our classrooms will be.
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K-12 Ceramic Exhibition Art Work Selection |
Please join us in congratulating McLean High School senior, Cherry Lee. Her artwork has been selected to be shown at the 26th Annual National K12 Ceramic Exhibition. Of the 1,317 works submitted, 152 works were selected for this exhibition. Congratulations Cherry!
Cherry Lee - Body Image - SELECTED FOR SHOW.
Cherry Lee - Haetae - SELECTED FOR SHOW.
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AIG High School Diplomats Scholarship Winner |
Bennett Brunner, McLean High School junior, has been accepted to participate in the 2023 High School Diplomats Japan program. This scholarship brings together 16 American and 16 Japanese students for a ten-day all expense paid cultural enrichment experience in Japan. Congratulations Bennett!
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Ivy League Model UN Conference |
McLean High School's Model UN team participated in the Ivy League Model UN Conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. A conference as long as this is a marathon with six committee sessions, midnight crises, and work spent outside of committee. Our team can be extremely proud of all of their achievements regardless of awards. For such a large conference of over 2000 delegates they can be proud of their accomplishments.
The following delegates won individual awards:
Outstanding Delegate: Bennett Brunner, Tara Pandey, and Cat Kanapathy
Honorable Mention: David Weinstein, David Hakobyan, Aidan Shaughnessy, and Philip Ermanoski
Verbal Commendation: Ben Woods, Jad Osta, Allison Pflanz, Emma Hu, and Emily Ma
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McLean Theatre Presents: Claudio Quest
February 10 through 12 at 7 pm
February 11 through 12 at 2 pm
Tickets on sale NOW!
Come see super Claudio and his less super little brother and one butt-kicking princess, as the three embark on a mission to overcome killer eggplants, a love-starved platypus, and their own 8-bit existential crisis.
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Wonderful Winter Formal - 2/11 |
The Leadership Class is bringing back the Wonderful Winter Formal on February 11th from 8-11pm. Tickets will be on sale to all students through etix from January 30th to February 10th. Guest forms can be found on the grade level Schoology pages and in the main office. Guest forms must be returned by Friday Feb. 10th to Ms. McNamara in B 175. Tickets are $10 each.
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Presidents Day - 2/20
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, for the Presidents Day holiday. Learn more about Presidents Day in Britannica.com.
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Helping Your Kids Build a Life They Want: Parent Talk
McLean High School Student Services and the McLean PTSA present:
Helping Your Kids Build a Life They Want: Parent Talk with Authors Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
Thursday, March 30, 2023
6:30 – 7:30 PM
McLean High School Auditorium
No registration needed!
We all want our kids to be happy and successful in life. Too often, many parents feel that if kids aren’t pushed harder, they won’t be successful. But this can result in anxiety and depression, chronic stress, and a negative parent-child relationship.
Instead, let’s help our kids build a life they want – a life where success is defined by happiness, strong relationships, and overall wellness, and not simply by academic and career achievement. Bill and Ned will share strategies parents can use to help our kids achieve this life!
We welcome all McLean HS and Longfellow MS parents to attend this informative, needed session. If you are interested in learning about Bill and Ned’s work, please check out this podcast on achievement culture, as well as their books, linked below.
https://www.steventshapiro.com/experiencematters/thisisyourbrainonachievementculture
https://theselfdrivenchild.com/
College Partnership Program Application Open
College Partnership Program (CPP) Applications are now open for next year' participants for all grade levels. The CPP is designed to support historically underrepresented students get to college or find their pathway post McLean. You can learn more and students can apply here. If you have questions, please contact your student’s counselor. Applications are due by March 10th.
SEL Screener
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) commits to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning (SEL). The School Board has approved a screener to review students’ skills and experiences in these areas. SEL skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. More information, including a short video about the SEL screener in FCPS and the screener questions, can be found on the SEL Screener webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/43892). At McLean High School, we intend to implement the spring SEL screener on March 7, 2023 during Highlander Time. Please contact Greg Olcott, our SEL screener lead, with questions.
2nd Quarter Report Cards and Course Requests for 23-24 available in SIS ParentVue
Report cards that include 2nd quarter and 1st semester grades are now available for students and parents in SIS on the “Documents” tab. In addition, parents can view course requests that have been entered by their student for the 2023-2024 school on the “Course Requests” tab. If the students have met with their counselor, course requests are locked in. Students will need to connect with their counselor directly if they are considering any changes. We recommend students finalize their course requests by March 9, 2023.
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 resources to support students in making their course selections. Please note the following important school-wide dates for course registrations.
AP Exam Registration Confirmation Email
An email has been sent to each AP student’s fcps gmail and a parent/guardian email (from SIS) listing the AP test(s) your student is registered for in AP Classroom.
- Double check your registration to confirm you have a registration for all AP courses you are enrolled in and/or self-studying for. If your registration is not accurate, please contact Ms. Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu) by February 8th.
- If you no longer want to take an AP exam, have your parent/guardian email Ms. Donlen by March 1st to confirm your decision of opting out of an AP exam.
If you have any questions, contact the McLean HS Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
Notes from FCPS
Tutor.com - Extra Help for Students at No Cost to Families
 With Tutor.com through Schoology, FCPS students are able to get learning help at any time, even from bilingual tutors! Students in FCPS meet with tutors thousands of times each week to practice reading, prepare for an upcoming math test, write computer programs, study for the SAT, or to get feedback on scholarship essays–all at no cost to their families! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take just a few minutes to connect with a tutor with your child. More info about Tutor.com in FCPS is available here.
Eating Disorder Parent Information
The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2, requires Virginia Public Schools to provide, on an annual basis, parent educational information regarding eating disorders for pupils in grades five through twelve. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2022),
“Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.”
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a webpage with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at the following link:
https://www.fcps.edu/node/37440
Healthy Minds Blog
Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children.
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Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars |
Thank you to the approximately 27,000 families, staff, students, and community members who completed FCPS' Calendar Feedback Form!
The School Board discussed the feedback during their January 31 work session. If you haven't had a chance to share your thoughts about the draft school year calendar options, please participate today. The form will close on Monday, February 6, at noon. The School Board is scheduled to vote on a calendar on Thursday, February 9.
Learn more about FCPS' calendar development process.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Strategic Planning
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Share Your Thoughts With Us!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.
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Have Your Say on Our Future! Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:
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Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
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Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m., virtual.
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Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m., virtual.
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Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
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Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.
Click the date above to register for that forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that is convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.
Strategic Planning Focus Group
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.
Office of the Ombuds
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Do you have questions or concerns about Fairfax County Public Schools? The Office of the Ombuds is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for employees, parents/caregivers, students, and/or the community. Staff members in the office are eager to listen and assist with navigating the school division. They will also offer options and/or resources to help resolve challenges.
Contact the Office of the Ombuds at 571-423-4014, ombuds@fcps.edu, or via the “Submit a Question” button at www.fcps.edu/ombuds. The team looks forward to serving you!
Find COVID-19 Testing in Your Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a COVID-19 Testing Locator website, which allows consumers to search for free testing sites near them. Testing is available at pharmacies, commercial laboratory sites, community sites, and retail locations. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.
February Webinars and Events for Parents
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars in February:
Click on the title for more information and to register.
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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