Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
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 19 - Power Puff & Bonfire
October 20 - Pep Rally and Homecoming Football Game
October 21 - Homecoming Dance
October 30 - Yearbook photo makeup day for 9th, 10th & 11th Grade
November 6 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day
November 7 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 22, 23, 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Karate Competition Winner!
Congratulations to Atul Kotamraju, McLean High School sophomore, on his outstanding performance at the Pan American Traditional Karate competition in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Atul, as shown in the picture on the left, received two silver and one bronze medal during the event. Way to go, Atul!
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Boys & Girls State Participants
In June, five McLean students participated in Girls & Boys State, an annual government-focused program for rising seniors. They spent a week on a college campus, simulating local, state, and federal governments. Eleanor Ague, Bennett Brunner, Niki Hollman, Kyra Macomber, and Saira Uttamchan from McLean High School were recognized by our local American Legion, the program's sponsor. Congratulations!
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McLean Sophomore Goes To Japan for Softball
Riley Staats, McLean HS sophomore, is on the U-15 U.S. Women’s National Team which entered its inaugural season in 2023 going undefeated. Riley has played in both the 2023 U-15 Women’s Pan American Championship and the Utsugi Cup. She will be representing the U.S. at the inaugural World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup set to take place October 21-29 in Tokyo, Japan.
Click HERE for more information on the 2023 U-15 Women's Softball World Cup
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2023 AP School Honor Roll
McLean High School has been recognized as a Platinum Distinction School on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll. This College Board recognition, new in 2023, is meant to highlight schools who have increased their college-going culture, provided opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximized college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each criteria is scored as a percentage of the school’s graduating cohort.
Congratulations to our amazing student body! This recognition is a direct reflection of their hard work and dedication. Go Highlanders!
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Parent Access to Online Federal Impact Aid Survey
Impact Aid programs and grants are designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students.
The federal presence in our area and the significant tax exemptions available to federally connected personnel, businesses, and agencies has qualified Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to be eligible for federal Impact Aid grants.
Impact Aid programs and grants are designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget and are critical to ensuring that all children in FCPS receive an excellent education. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $3,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.
FCPS uses the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students and to support our request for Impact Aid resources. In October, the survey will be made available to FCPS families online through ParentVue for two weeks. After that, families who have not completed the survey will have a printed copy sent home with each child.
Starting in October 2023, FCPS parents will have the option to fill out the Federal Impact Aid Survey online through their ParentVue account. Below are the visual steps for a parent to get to the survey in SIS ParentVue.
Steps to Access the Survey in ParentVue
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No Food Deliveries!
Please note that students are not allowed to receive food deliveries during the school day due to security concerns. Any attempts to do so will result in school staff disposing of the food. If a student needs food, they can contact their counselor, cafeteria staff, or administrator for assistance.
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New Family Liaison - Alba Munoz
Please join us in welcoming Alba Munoz, our new Family Liaison. Alba is from from El Salvador, bilingual in Spanish and English and brings a wealth of experience from over two decades of dedicated community work.She's eager to learn, impact, and grow with the McLean HS community. Reach her at amunoz1@fcps.edu.
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Calculator Donation Drive
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our PTSA for kickstarting this school year with a very successful calculator donation drive. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, our Math teachers have been able to provide around 90 graphing calculators to our students. Thank you for making this possible!
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Homecoming Spirit Week
Spirit Days - October 16th - 20th
Power Puff - October 19th
Bonfire - October 19th
Pep Rally - October 20th
Homecoming Game - October 20th
Homecoming Dance - Saturday, October 21st
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Digital Citizenship Week - 10/16-10/20
This week is Digital Citizenship Week and at McLean, we are dedicated to educating our students about the proper and ethical uses of technology. This year’s Digital Citizenship Week focuses on supporting students’ mental and physical health in relation to technology use. Students will be invited to participate in virtual discussions in Schoology centered around topics such as Values & Technology, Design Tricks, Digital Interactions, Your Brain on Tech, and Tech Habits. If you have any questions, please reach out to our School-Based Technology Specialist, Ashley Lowry.
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. |
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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Pep Rally - 10/20
The Homecoming Pep Rally will be Friday at 2:00 pm. All students will head to the football field with their 5th period classes. Students will leave their backpacks in their locked 5th Period classrooms. After the pep rally, they will return to their classrooms and pick up their belongings.
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Homecoming Dance - 10/21, 8-11pm
Buy your ticket now and come to the Homecoming Dance, Saturday night from 8pm to 11pm. Tickets are on sale now through October 20th! Guest forms are available in the main office and must be returned to B 175 before purchasing tickets. The QR code for purchasing tickets through etix is posted in the cafeteria, outside the activities office, outside of B175, on the TV screens, and below. Directions for purchasing tickets will be posted on all grade level Schoology pages.
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2024 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s Schools
The 2024 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s Schools (SRGS) is beginning its application process. This one-month summer program is for highly motivated current 10th and 11th grade students seeking an intellectually challenging and enriching summer experience. The selection process is extremely competitive. Selected students usually rank in the top 10% of their class and have scored in the 90th percentile or above on standardized tests. Residential programs run from late June to late July. Only students who are available during that time frame and whose records match these criteria should apply. You are only permitted to apply to one SRGS program.
2024 Visual & Performing Arts Programs
- Dance
- Instrumental Music
- Vocal Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
2024 Academic Programs
- Agriculture
- Humanities
- Mathematics, Science & Technology
- Engineering (Jefferson Lab)
- Marine Science (VA Institute of Marine Science)
Ms. McNeill will hold an interest meeting for Visual & Performing Arts Governor’s Schools at 3:00 on Wednesday, October 25 in the College and Career Center.
Mr. Allman will hold an interest meeting for Academic Governor’s Schools at 3:00 on Thursday, October 26 in the College and Career Center.
For additional information please visit the VDOE and FCPS links below.
VDOE SRGS Academic and VPA website:
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/governor-s-schools/summer-residential-governor-s-schools
FCPS SRGS website:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/advanced-academics/summer-residential-governors-schools-srgs
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).
From Student Services
Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (Incoming 9th Graders Only) by 11/3
Parents of incoming 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2022-23 school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to November 3, 2023. This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf
Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.
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.
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🥗 New School Lunch Menu Options
FCPS' Food and Nutrition Services team will be rolling out improvements to the menu that better reflect the diversity of our student body and focus on fresh, healthy food. Learn about FCPS’ new menu options.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to specify the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn more about the definitions of the security terms: lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
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!
📚 Lexia Parent Night: Learn About Literacy Support
FCPS funds Lexia for all elementary and middle schools to use as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with the data to identify students who need additional support, and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize. Attend an information night to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom. Parents/caregivers will also get tips for supporting their students at home.
Information nights will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
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Wednesday, October 18, at Thoreau Middle School (Cafeteria).
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Thursday, October 19, at Edison High School (Auditorium).
Register to attend or submit a question in advance.
Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
College Fair and Postsecondary Virtual Events
High school students and their families are invited to attend the annual FCPS College Fair and virtual postsecondary events. The College Fair will feature admissions representatives from more than 250 colleges and universities from across the United States and abroad. The fair will be held at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena on Sunday, October 15, 4-7 p.m.
Postsecondary Virtual Nights will be held on Monday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17, 5-8 p.m. The virtual event will feature workshops related to the college admissions process, financial aid, and other postsecondary educational opportunities.
Students are highly encouraged to register in advance for these events.
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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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