Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
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 6 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar (see below)
March 12 - Daylight Savings Begins (Spring Forward)
March 23 - Religious/Cultural Observation - Ramadan
March 30 - Parent Talk (see below)
April 3-7 - Spring Break - Offices will be closed
Thank You, McLean HS Counselors!
February 6-10 was National School Counseling Week! McLean High School and our incredible PTSA celebrated our Student Services team with a burrito breakfast, a baked potato bar and lots of extra goodies! Our school counselors have a tremendous impact in helping students achieve academic success and we appreciate all the work they do.
SRO Appreciation Day - 2/15
McLean High School has the best School Resource Officer! Thank you Officer Davis for everything you do for us!
 |
|
Student Artwork Published
Please join us in congratulating McLean High School junior, Jackie Palmer. Her artwork was featured on the cover of ChildArt, the magazine of the International Child Art Foundation.
|
 |
|
McLean HS Mock Trial Team wins 1st Place! |
The McLean Mock Trial team competed against 18 other regional teams this last weekend and won first place!. Additionally, Abigail Sterner was selected as the best lawyer of the entire event. The team will now compete at the state level in Richmond the weekend of March 18th. Go Highlanders!
Pictured left to right from back row - Emily Ma, Nora Venetianer, Alex Li, Sophia Chen, Goldie Woods, Minsong Ha, Tara McCormick, Kathryn Thomas, Abigail Sterner, Christina Wu, Nicoleta Hoffman, and Saehee Perez
 |
|
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. |
 |
|
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.
|
Longfellow Middle School Trivia Night - 2/24
 |
|
Helping Your Family's Emotional Health - 3/15 |
The Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with the McLean Community Center, is pleased to share details of an upcoming event on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 from 7 to 9pm at The Alden Theatre.
Lynn Lyons, returns to McLean on March 15th!
Anxiety and worry are normal and expected parts of learning and growing, but when teens and children face challenges cognitively, socially or emotionally, anxiety can step in and take over. Anxiety can be overwhelming and rigid, but it’s also based on predictable patterns that can be shifted once we learn how it operates.
Lynn Lyons, licensed independent clinical social worker and best-selling author of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and the newly-released The Anxiety Audit, presents Helping Your Family’s Emotional Health: Practical, Strategic Skills and Solutions for Managing Anxiety, Enhancing Flexibility, and Creating Wellbeing.
Based on current research and over 30 years of clinical experience, Lynn Lyons presents a strategic approach based on skill-building, with prevention as the preferred route. Using creativity, connection and awareness of their own patterns, parents will learn how to increase their child’s flexibility, support the tolerance of uncertainty, and emotionally and preventatively equip themselves and those they love as we all move forward.
This program takes place March 15th from 7 to 9 pm at The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at http://mcleanscc.org/. Space is limited.
Visit the Safe Community Coalition website for more information: http://mcleanscc.org/.
College Board Scholarship Applications
The College Board’s National Recognition Programs’ scholarship applications for students open on Wednesday, February 15. You can find information about these opportunities in the student flier. College Board has identified students who are eligible to apply, and students identified by College Board will receive an email invitation from the College Board. Students are also able to nominate themselves by visiting bigfuture.org/NRP.
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.
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.
- 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
Opportunity to Apply for Student Representative to the School Board
Each year, in accordance with FCPS Policy 1802, FCPS students have the opportunity to apply for the position of the student representative to the School Board. The student representative is not a member of the School Board but serves in a nonvoting, advisory capacity, representing the interests of the students of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Students who are currently in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to apply, and they do not need to be current members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC).
Click HERE for more information about the application process.
Special Education Enhancement Plan
Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives.
Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.
IEP Progress Reports in ParentVue
Parents are now able to view their students’ individualized education program (IEP) and IEP Progress Report in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue web app. To set up your ParentVue account, visit the SIS ParentVue information page. Please use a strong, unique password to protect your child’s information. IEP documents are not delivered via the SIS ParentVue mobile phone app.
Once logged into SIS ParentVue, click on the “IEP Documents” tab to view your child’s current IEP and the most recent IEP Progress Report. If you do not see the most recent IEP or IEP Progress Report in ParentVue, please contact your student's counselor.
Strategic Planning
 |
|
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.
|
Have Your Say on Our Future! Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:
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.
Equity, Excellence and Opportunity
At Fairfax County Public Schools, we believe that learning happens best in community. When we have equally high expectations for each and every student, we all benefit. Excellence, equity, and access to opportunity are essential for achieving success in all aspects of life. Together, they foster growth, development, and high achievement for all students as they prepare for a world yet to be imagined.
Read more about how FCPS strives to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student.
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 a virtual focus groups for secondary students in March:
- 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.
Weekly Reminders
 |
|
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
 |
|
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. |
|
