Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
October 9 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day (see below)
October 9 - Student Holiday/Staff Development Day (see below)
October 10 - National Honor Society Applications due (see below)
October 11 - PSAT/SAT School Day (see below)
October 16 - Fall College Panel (see below)
October 16 - Lunch with the Liberal Arts (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)
12th Annual For Love of Country Essay and Poetry Contest Winner
Congratulations to McLean High School freshman, Karan Suri! He won a Gold Certificate for his FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY: In My Own Words© essay, "What Does Democracy Mean to You?" The Alexandria Library and the For Love of Country Foundation present this annual essay and poetry contest which is open to all rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders.
Congratulations, Karan!
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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National Honor Society Applications due 10/10
As a reminder, applications for the National Honor Society are due on Monday October 10th, 2023 at 11:59PM. To be eligible to apply for the McLean Chapter of the National Honor Society students must be in 11th or 12th grade, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, be a student at McLean for at least 1 semester, and have no major disciplinary infractions.
Applications were sent to eligible students fcpsschools.net email accounts and to their parents the week of September 25th. Seniors who applied last year and were accepted do not need to re-apply or pay dues. Please contact the NHS Advisers, Ms. Fernandez (JCFernandez1@fcps.edu); Ms. Handy (LMHandy@fcps.edu) or Mrs. McNeill (pdmcneill@fcps.edu) with any questions.
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
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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. |
Lunch with the Liberal Arts - 10/16
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On October 16th, students will have the opportunity to gather information from representatives from a variety of colleges. This event is for 9th-12th grade students during all lunches in the Dance Room. Please encourage your student(s) to attend! |
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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2023-24 AP/IB Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees
As part of the FCPS FY 2024 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s).
FCPS encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt-Out form to be provided by the student's 7th period teacher. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP/IB course enrollment. AP students must make Opt-Out decisions by October 20th. Parents/Guardians will be billed a $98 non-refundable test fee for AP exams in December 2023 for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. All Opt-Out forms are due to the box located in Student Services by October 20th. When a student turns in their form, they must sign their name on the list acknowledging their Opt-Out form has been turned in.
2024 AP Testing
Reference the College Board 2024 AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams. All 2024 AP exams will be taken in school and most will be taken in a paper/pencil format.
If you have any questions or need an AP Opt-Out form reprinted please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
AMC 10 and 12 - 11/14
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.
Community Conversations
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to:
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help us plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability.
Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. Your voice matters!
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.
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/
Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar
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.
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.
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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