Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
October 2 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar (see below)
October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 4 - Senior Panoramic Picture Day (see below)
October 4 - Walk and Roll to School Day (see below)
October 9 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day (see below)
October 9 - Student Holiday/Staff Development Day (see below)
October 11 - PSAT/SAT School Day (see below)
October 16 - Fall College Panel (see below)
October 17 - SEL Screener (see below)
October 18 - An Evening with Dr. Reid and Our Students (see below)
October 20 - Homecoming Football Game
October 21 - Homecoming Dance
October 30 - Yearbook photo makeup day for 9th, 10th & 11th Grade (see below)
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McLean HS Quiz Bowl Success!
Congratulations to our Quiz Bowl team! They came in first place at the tournament hosted by Centennial High School in Ellicott City.
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National Custodian Appreciation Day - 10/2
Thank you to our amazing team of custodians. We are so lucky to have so many dedicated people taking care of our school. We, with help from the PTSA, have a day of celebration planned to honor them!
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Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar - 10/2
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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.
October 2nd
January 8th
February 26th
May 13th
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). Please reach out to Brian Slay (bkslay@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Senior Panoramic Picture - 10/4
The Senior Class panoramic picture will be taken during Highlander time on October 4th.
If you are interested in ordering the senior panoramic click HERE.
Enter code: 4543E24 to access the images.
Walk and Roll to School Day
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 4, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so on October 4. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
McLean 5K in Honor and Remembrance of Drew Stieg - 10/7
In honor of Drew and to help further bring awareness to wellness being part of our lives, The Stieg family invites you to join team “Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program” for this year‘s McLean 5K. The race is being held Saturday, October 7, 2023 in McLean, VA starting at 8:00 a.m at the Balduccis Shopping Center. Please use this link to register Home | Commonwealth Race Management (enmotive.com) and you will be prompted to select the team during this process. The discount code to register is STIEG2023.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Student Holiday/Staff Development Day - 10/9
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian. See the complete school year calendar.
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PSAT/SAT School Day - 10/11
9th Graders- Stay home and do not report to McLean HS. Teachers will not provide work for students to complete on 10/11. However, students may have work previously assigned by their teachers to complete that is due 10/12 or later.
10th & 11 Graders- Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the digital PSAT. All 10th & 11th grade students were automatically registered for the digital PSAT.
12th Graders- If you did not sign up to take the SAT, stay home. Only the 12th graders who completed the intent to participate form were registered to take the SAT. Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the SAT.
All students testing should bring:
- FCPS Chromebook and charger (PSAT test takers only) *
- Two or more No. 2 pencils (not mechanical)
- Graphing Calculator
- Water and snacks. Snacks may be consumed during breaks.
*Students who forget to bring their FCPS Chromebook and charger on October 11th will be offered the make-up PSAT on October 26th.
Student testing locations were sent to each student’s FCPS Gmail on 9/27. If you have any questions, please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
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Fall College Panel, 10/16 @ 6:00 pm
Student Services presents our annual Fall College Panel on Monday, October 16th in the auditorium. This event is open for everyone, but geared towards underclassmen families just starting out on the college journey. There will be a meet & greet with the panelists at 6:00pm, followed by the panel at 6:30pm.
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SEL Screener - 10/17
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on their development of skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. 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/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. At McLean High School, we intend to implement the SEL screener on October 17 during Highlander Time. If you do not want your student to take part in the SEL screener, complete the opt-out by October 13, 2023 via your SIS ParentVUE account, or complete the opt-out form and deliver to the main office. The opt-out form can be located in various translations here: https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener/notification-letters
An Evening with Dr. Reid and Our Students - 10/18, 6:00pm
On Wednesday, October 18th at 6:00 PM at the McLean Community Center (MCC), Fairfax County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid, will be answering questions from STUDENTS. We encourage all students from kindergarten through 12th grade to bring their questions or simply come to meet and listen to our new FCPS Superintendent.
The Superintendent oversees almost 200 schools and centers in a county serving approximately 180,000 students. This event will be focused on questions from students attending elementary, middle, and high school from within the McLean, Langley, and Marshall Pyramids.
McLean Citizens Association
Invites you to
An Evening with Dr. Michelle Reid and Our Students
October 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean Virginia
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World Languages Credit Exam Registration Open - Register by 10/5
Registration for the 2023 World Languages Credit Exam is now open! This assessment will be administered on November 8, 9,and 13, 2023. Students who are fluent in languages other than English can potentially earn up to three high school credits by taking this assessment. Thirty languages will be included: American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Registration must be completed through the student’s school counselor. Registration closes on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted.
*New for 2023: FCPS will be piloting a digital language proficiency assessment. This is an optional opportunity for students taking the exam in ASL, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Telugu, and Vietnamese. Students interested in participating in the pilot should register for both the world languages credit exam and the pilot exam with their school counselor.
Additional information on the credit exam can be accessed at: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/world-languages/credit-exam-world-languages
Is your student thinking about self-studying for an AP exam this school year?
Self-studying means that a student plans to take an AP exam for a class they are not currently enrolled in. Each AP exam a student self-studies for will cost $98.
Please have your student complete the self-study google form, and pay the non-refundable exam fee in MySchoolBucks by October 27th. As your student considers self-studying for exams, please check the AP Exam schedule to ensure that they do not over-schedule themselves. Exams will only be moved to the late testing schedule for extreme circumstances.If you have any additional questions, please contact the McLean Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at ekdonlen@fcps.edu.
English 11 WorkKeys Testing
For the 2023-24 school year, all students enrolled in English 11 will take the WorkKeys® Business Writing test to earn their Writing verified credits. English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students will be assessed in their English class during the November test window. English 11 on-level students will be assessed in their English class during the end of January test window. The WorkKeys® assessment will provide the required verified credit for writing while preserving classroom instructional time, as it is a single 30-minute assessment. All students enrolled in AP Lang can receive their Writing verified credit by earning a 2 or higher on their AP exam.
If you would prefer your student take the Writing SOL in March in place of the WorkKeys writing, you will need to complete the WorkKeys opt-out form no later than October 30th for English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students and January 9th for English 11 on-level students.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu), McLean Assessment Coach.
AMC 10/12
The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are both 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice examinations in high school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills.
The AMC 10 is for students in 10th grade and below and covers the high school curriculum up to 10th grade. Students in grade 10 or below and under 17.5 years of age on the day of the contest can take the AMC 10. The AMC 12 covers the entire high school curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry, but excluding calculus. Students in grade 12 or below and under 19.5 years of age on the day of the contest can take the AMC 12.
The AMC 10/12 provides an opportunity for high school students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future careers. The AMC 10/12 is the first in a series of competitions that eventually lead all the way to the International Mathematical Olympiad (see Invitational Competitions).
We will be hosting the AMC 10/12 B Test here at McLean on November 14th during the 2nd period of the day. Students would miss their 2nd period class and be responsible for checking with their teacher before-hand to find out which assignments/assessments they may need to make up.
Students who would like to take the AMC 10 or the AMC 12 will need to register and pay ($5) in MySchoolBucks. Registration closes October 20th. Shortly after that date, each student who registered should receive an email from the sponsor with further instructions.
If you have any further questions regarding the AMC 10/12, please reach out to Steve Walker (spwalker1@fcps.edu) who sponsors the competition here at McLean.
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National Hispanic Heritage Month - 9/15 - 10/15
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
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National School Principals Month
Each October, National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great.
Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. Each October, NASSP, NAESP, and AFSA seek to honor these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.
Visit www.principalsmonth.org for more information about National Principals Month 2023!
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Dyslexia Awareness Month
Click HERE for more information from the International Dyslexia Association on Dyslexia Awareness Month, and how to help support children and adults with dyslexia.
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LGBTQIA+ History Month
LGBTQIA+ History Month is recognized in October nationwide. We acknowledge and celebrate that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families are an integral component of our nation. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Virginia Disability History & Awareness Month
Did you know that October is Disability History and Awareness Month in Virginia? The 2009 Virginia General Assembly responded to the call from young people with disabilities to pass a resolution designating the month to encourage public schools and universities to engage in activities that promote awareness.
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National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, arguments, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
Supporting Your Child's Mental Health
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. All Fairfax County public schools have at least one school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker.
Please reach out to one of these staff members to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Call your school or visit their website for staff members’ contact information. Find additional information to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
No Cost Therapy for High Schoolers
High school students can access virtual mental health services at no cost through an FCPS program with Hazel Health. Hazel Health therapists are licensed and also trained in teen-specific challenges.
Students can be referred by a guardian or designated staff member and participate in weekly video therapy sessions. The therapists will work with students until they achieve their therapy goals, or they can help connect the family with long-term mental health services in the community if needed.
Learn how to opt your students into this service.
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Free COVID-19 Tests
Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.
Review health and safety guidance for schools to stay up to date on the best ways to prevent the spread of disease, and for information on when students should stay home from school.
✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow's Innovation
The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five student-centered goals to create positive change in FCPS. These five goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Under Goal 5, every student will graduate ready to thrive in life after high school with the skills they need to navigate, adapt, and innovate for a sustainable future. Using data gathered from students, we will ensure they are ready for a wide variety of options for their futures.
Visit FCPS’ Strategic Plan webpage to learn more about how we will measure the success of Goal 5.
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Weekly Reminders
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/
McLean High School PTSA Information
Here are some quick links:
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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