McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 4/10/2023

Important Upcoming Dates

2022-2023 School Year

April 10-14 - National Assistant Principals Appreciation Week 

April 12 - Senior Parent Information Session (see below)

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)

May 1 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar (see below)

May 15-19 - SOL Schedule (see below)

May 20 - MHS Prom


Student Achievement

Shark Tank Competition

McLean Highlanders competed in the Fairfax County Shark Tank Technology Challenge at the Fairfax Governement Center. We are so proud of our "DesCartes" Shark Tank team! The received an Honorable Mention for their work.  

Shark Tank

MHS Sophomore Competes at USA Powerlifting Championship

McLean High School sophopmore, Mikayla Dolina competed at the USA Powerlifting High School National Championship in Myrtle Beach on March 31  and won 1st place in the JV grade division (which includes 9th and 10th grade) 67.5 Kg weight class, beating out a field of competitors from all over the country.  Mikayla won the Virginia state championship last May and qualified for the nationals in September.  

Powerlifting includes three lifts - squat, bench press, and deadlift.  Mikayla lifted 275 lbs (125 Kg) on squat, 148.5 lbs (67.5 Kg) on bench press, and 297 lbs (135 Kg) on deadlift, reaching a total weight of 720.5 lbs which surpassed her closest competitor by over 60 lbs.  Her lifts set new Virginia state records in her age group.

Congratulations Mikayla!

Power Lifting

This Week

Assistant Principals Appreciation Week 

4/10 - 4/14

McLean High School is celebrating all of it's amazing Assistant Principals this week. Assistant Principal's play a a curical role in our school. Please join us in celebrating our school leaders!


Senior Parent Information Session - 4/12

Please join us for a Senior Parent Information session on April 12th from 8:30 – 9:30 am in the Lecture Hall.  We will be reviewing the senior packet, the Highlander Internship Program, Senior dues and obligations, end of year events and Graduation.  There is so much to cover!  Come to get your questions answered.

Contact Jenny Jork with questions - jsyork@fcps.edu


End of Quarter & Two Hour Early Release - 4/13 & 4/14

Calendar Reminder graphic

As a reminder, Thursday, April 13, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hourly early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Friday, April 14, for a teacher workday.  See the complete 2022-2023 school year calendar. Please see the two hour early release bell schedule below. 

Bell Schedule for 4/13

McLean High School choirs - secone overall

4 superior ratings

Adjudicator’s Award, given to the combined school orchestra/band/choir program that received the highest combined performance scores throughout the festival

Bell Schedle

Progress Reports and Report Cards Unavailable 4/13 - 4/25

FCPS Weekly Progress Reports will not be send to parents Thursday, April 13 through Tuesday, APril 25th during third quarter grading and report card generation. 

Additionally, the GradeBook and Report Card modules in ParentVue and StudentVue will be closed on Thursday, April 13 at 4:00 pm until Tuesday, April 25th at 6:00 am. 


Testing Information

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 sliplate arrival permission slip, and printed out copies will be available in the main office.

AP Exam Schedule

McLean HS SOL Schedule

The main SOL testing dates will occur between Monday, May 15, and Friday May 19.  It is important that your student attend school on these days and have a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing.  If your child has an unavoidable conflict that could result in missing a testing day, they will be moved to a makeup date prior to May 26.

The Virginia Department of Education requires high school students enrolled in an SOL course to take the EOC test if the student needs a verified credit for graduation or if the student has not yet met federal testing requirements (1 Math, 1 Reading, and 1 Biology SOL attempt taken during grade 9-12).  Students who have met the testing requirements for graduation and federal accountability do not test.  If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your child’s school counselor.

MHS SOL Schedule

Coming Up

Current Seniors - Field Trip to NOVA  4/25

Field Trip

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.


Need a Dress for Prom?

McLean's Prom is May 20th! See the resouces below for assistance with dresses, shoes and accessories. 

Prom

April Focus

Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military Child 


April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families


Arab American Heritage Month

National Arab American Heritage Month

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


School Library Month

School Library Month

Every April school librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning.

In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth. Watch this video to learn how FCPS librarians make a difference.


Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.


From FCPS

dangers of fentanyl

Community Meeting - Dangers of Fentanyl

Last month, the division hosted a conversation on the dangers of fentanyl. During this impactful event, audience members heard testimonials from individuals affected by the opioid epidemic and learned facts from medical experts and law enforcement representatives. 

The conversation will continue on Monday, April 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Woodson High School. Transportation will be available from select schools throughout the county. View the registration page for details. 

Visit our Opioid Awareness webpage for more information. Visit the Fairfax County Government webpage on opioids for information on how you can take action and how to get help for yourself or loved ones.


Strategic Planning

Strategic Plan banner

View Updated Draft Goals for FCPS' New Strategic Plan 

We are excited to show you the most recent version of proposed goals for the new Strategic Plan. Join us for a virtual community forum and see how your survey feedback has helped inform the latest draft of the plan. Community forums are open to parents/caregivers, staff, students, and community members. Please register by clicking on one of the following dates:

We appreciate your continued involvement throughout every step of this important process. Together, we will help ensure a thriving future for each and every FCPS student. Visit our Strategic Planning webpage.


Weekly Reminders

Talking Points

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. 

QR Codes

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

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.