Important Upcoming Dates
2022-2023 School Year
March 18 - Summer & Part Time Job Fair (see below)
March 22 - Religious/Cultural Observation 1/2 day - Ramadan (see below)
March 23 - Religious/Cultural Observation - Ramadan (see below)
March 30 - Parent Talk (see below)
April 3-7 - Spring Break - MHS Offices will be closed
April 6 - Religious/Cultural Observation Day - Theravada New Year
April 7 - Religious/Cultural Observation Day - Good Friday
April 13 - End of Quarter - 2 Hour Early Release, Religious/Cultural Observation Day - Last Day of Passover
April 14 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday - Religious/Cultural Observation Day - Orthodox Good Friday
April 20 - 1/2 Religious/Cultural Observation Day - Eid al-Fitr (starts at sunset)
April 21 - Religious/Cultural Observation Day - Eid al-Fitr - MHS Offices will be closed
April 22 - Earth Day
April 25 - NOVA Field Trip for Current Seniors (see below)
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Celebrating National Social Work Week
Last week, McLean High School, and the McLean High School PTSA, celebrated our school's Social Worker, Marly Jerome-Featherson. Marly is an amazing resource for our students and gives her all to the job. We are so lucky to have her!
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ASL Field Trip to Gallaudet University
 Last week, Ms. Bovaird took her ASL classes to Gallaudet University for a field trip. Students were able to use their signing skills when they visited the Signing Starbucks store, toured the university and had lunch at Union Market.
Click HERE to find out more about the Signing Starbucks store
CLick HERE to find out more about Gallaudet University
Click HERE to find out more about American Sign Language
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Coca-Cola Scholar -
Saehee Perez
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Saehee Perez, McLean High School senior, has been named a Coca-Cola Scholar for 2023! She will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and join over 6,750 alumni who are leading positive change in their communities and around the world.
Less than 1/6th of 1% of applicants were chosen to receive this extremely competitive award. These 150 students, who were selected from an initial pool of 91,000+ applications from across the country, not only exemplify superior leadership, service, and academics, they are change agents, positively affecting others in their communities.
Click HERE to read more about the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Congratulations, Saehee!
This Week
Recess Equipment Drive - 3/14 - 3/17
McLeadership Program Interest Meeting - 3/15
We have made some changes to the McLeadership program for the 2023-2024 school year and are excited to share the program updates with students. We will hold an interest meeting on Wednesday, March 15 during Highlander Time 3 (10:34 am-11:14 am) in the auditorium. All current juniors who are interested in being an executive mentor/student leader of the program should attend this meeting. If your student is interested and unable to attend, please have them email Emily Geary (emgeary@fcps.edu) and Greg Olcott (gtolcott@fcps.edu).
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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/.
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Upcoming Job Fair - 3/18 |
McLean Community Center is hosting a Summer/PT job fair for students at McLean, Langley, and Marshall High Schools on Saturday March 18th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Over 20 businesses will be on hand to provide information about their job opportunities and take your contact information. The minimum age requirement to work at most of these businesses is 15. Please see Ms. Barnes in the Career Center with any questions.
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March is Women's History Month
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Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
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Celebrating Arts in Our Schools |
For more than 30 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.
Difficult Conversations Webinar - 3/21
Preparing Families for Difficult Conversations about Alcohol & Drugs Tuesday, March 21st at 10:00am Join Fairfax County Public Schools and their partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as they discuss the follow topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of: Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids, a list of what you can do as a caregiver, and how to identify and connect with community resources. This is a division-wide virtual event being hosted by the Parent Resource Center. Register here.
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Ramadan - 3/22 through 4/21
This year, Ramadan begins with a half Obervation Day on March 22, followed by a full Observation Day on March 23.
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This year, the first full day of Ramadan is March 22. Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, who believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as "The Night of Power." During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline — of deep contemplation of one's relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. This year, Ramadan begins with a half O Day on March 22, followed by an O Day on March 23. 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. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
Current Seniors - Field Trip to NOVA 4/25
 Seniors headed to NOVA in the fall, would you like to get a better sense of the NOVA Annandale campus? We will be taking a field trip there on 4/25. You must sign up on the homepage of Naviance AND return the permission slip by 4/17 to Ms. Barnes in the Career Center.
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/
AP Exam Proctoring Assistance Needed
McLean HS is giving over 3000 AP exams between May 1-May 19. We are asking for parents/guardians to volunteer their time to help proctor so testing can run effectively and smoothly. Parents/ Volunteers are not allowed to assist with an exam for an AP class their student(s) is currently taking. Use this link to sign up to be a proctor. Proctoring Assistance days and times will be confirmed the week of March 20. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
AP Testing Early Release & Late Arrival Pre-Arranged Absence
The main testing window for AP exams is below. With parent/guardian permission, McLean HS students are allowed to be released early following an AP exam and arrive late before their scheduled AP exam. All pre-arranged absence notes (no phone calls please) are due to Ms. Yates in the attendance office by April 20th. Please keep in mind that all classes will continue with instruction during AP testing, and that students are responsible for all assignments from each class. Here are the links to the early release permission slip, late arrive permission slip, and printed out copies will be available in the main office.
Parent Refusal for the Online Integrated Reading/Writing Field Test, Spring 2023
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) announced that school divisions are required to administer the online integrated reading/writing (IRW) field test to all students who are scheduled to take the online grade 5, 8, and End-of-Course (EOC) Standards of Learning (SOL) reading tests in spring 2023. The field test is scheduled for March 14 and March 15 through English 11 (DE, ESOL, Honors, Online Campus, and SPED) & AP Lang classes.
Performers Sought for McLean Day 2023 Community Stage
The McLean Community Center is thrilled to once again feature talented, local performers on the McLean Day Community Stage and are asking for your help in finding them. Detailed information can be found here, and the application is here—filling out an application is mandatory to be considered. An adjudication panel will convene in April to select acts, and we ask for at least one video clip per group.
Please share with neighbors, friends, members and/or students who may be interested (performers must live in the MCC Tax District). Like with most community stages of this type, performers will not be paid but the performance will be supported by a professional technical staff.
The application deadline is March 15, 2023 at midnight.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Danielle Van Hook, The Alden’s Director of Youth Theatre Programs if you have any questions at Danielle.vanhook@fairfaxcounty.gov.
From FCPS
 Opioid Awareness Meeting
The Dangers of Fentanyl in Our Community
Substance abuse and related behavioral health problems can have a major impact on students, families, and communities. These impacts have become even more serious because of the increasing prevalence of fentanyl in drugs and other substances. Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous opioid. Small amounts of fentanyl can easily lead to life-threatening overdoses. In 2021, fentanyl was identified in 77.14% of U.S. adolescent overdose deaths. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, and communities. Fairfax Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to join her for a community meeting on opioid awareness, Monday, March 13, 6:30-8 p.m., at Fairfax High School.
Dr. Reid will be joined by Chief Kevin Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department, in welcoming the community to engage in this important conversation. Major Thea Pirnat of the Fairfax County Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau will share information about drug trends in Fairfax County.
The Overdose Prevention Initiative: Outreach on Invisible Dangers, led by the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will present testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic, medical experts, and law enforcement representatives.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about how Fairfax County agencies are working together to address these opioid issues in our community.Watch the video and learn more on our website. Register for the March 13 event.
Medicaid Policy Changes
A change in federal Medicaid policy could impact the health care coverage of millions of students. In order to avoid gaps in coverage, families need to know:
- Families, especially those who have moved residences during the pandemic, should contact their state Medicaid offices to ensure their contact information is up to date.
- Families should watch their mail for letters about Medicaid and the state Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, status.
- Recipients must submit any renewal forms they receive to maintain coverage, which states could mail at any point between March 2023 and February 2024.
- Families who no longer qualify for Medicaid after the review may qualify for coverage through their state’s health insurance exchange.
Learn more in this EducationWeek article.
Strategic Planning
Review Draft Goals for FCPS' New Strategic Plan
 Please take a moment to share your perspectives on the draft work-to-date related to the development of FCPS’ new Strategic Plan. Your input is important to this work and will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student.
FCPS emailed the survey link to all parents and caregivers on Monday, March 6. Please check your email, if you haven't had a chance to take the survey yet. If you are a community member who does not have a student enrolled in FCPS, please use this link to participate.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Urdu, and Vietnamese. All responses are anonymous and confidential. Information from the survey will be shared with and analyzed by Performance Fact, Inc. (PFI), the company FCPS hired to help create our Strategic Plan. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for more details.
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.
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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