Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
October 28 - DEA National Drug Take Back Day (see below)
October 30 - Yearbook photo makeup day for 9th, 10th & 11th Grade
November 1 & 2 - Día de los Muertos and All Saints Day (see below)
November 3 - End of Quarter and 2 Hour Early Release Day (see below)
November 5 - Daylight Savings Time Ends (see below)
November 6-10 - National School Psychology Week (see below)
November 6 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day (see below)
November 7 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday/Election Day (see below)
November 11 - Veterans Day (see below)
November 12 - Diwali (see below)
November 22, 23, 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and offices closed
 Homecoming Wrap-up
Our Amazing Leadership teachers, Ms. McGraham and Ms. Mosley, along with our Leadership students offered McLean High School a fantastic Homecoming Spirit Week. From all the pictures on Instagram, it looks like our Highlanders had a great time! Thank you to everyone who helped plan this fun filled week and thank you to everyone who participated in the activities!
Help Us Save Paper! 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.
October 16, 2023 through October 31, 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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DEA National Drug Take Back Day - 10/28
National Drug Take Back Day is October 28th 2023. Visit our Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Kelly Rankin at Tysons Emergency from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Tysons Emergency
8420 Leesburg Pike Service Road
Tysons Corner, VA 22182
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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
McDance-a-Thon Fundraider - 10/28-10/29
McDance-a-Thon is part of a nationwide movement to raise funds and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This weekend, McDance-a-Thon members will be canvassing neighborhoods to collect donations for Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C. The funds we raise will go towards funding activities and pediatric patient support at the hospital.
If you have questions about our cause, feel free to email us at mcdanceathon@gmail.com or visit our Donor Drive (https://events.dancemarathon.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.event&eventID=5966)
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Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day - 11/2 & 11/2
Día de los Muertos is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones. Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2, are “O” Days this year. To learn more about Día de los Muertos, watch this video.
While Día de los Muertos is largely celebrated in Mexico and Latin America, it also coincides with All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). These days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants worldwide to honor those who have died and gone to heaven (All Saints Day) and those who may still be in purgatory (All Souls Day).
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.See the complete school year calendar.
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Quarter End, Early Dismissal - 11/3
As a reminder, Friday, November 3, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Monday, November 6, for a school planning day. See the complete school year calendar.
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Daylight Savings Time Ends - 11/5
Sunday, November 5, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour!
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 National School Psychology Week - 11/6-11/10
We will celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive during the week of November 6 - 10.Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists.
Veterans Day - 11/11
Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.
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Diwali - 11/12
Diwaliis a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate this day!
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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.
📰 Newsletter for Military-Connected Families
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships sends a monthly newsletter for military-connected families? Subscribe today.
📖 Dyslexia Open House
FCPS will host a Dyslexia Open House on Thursday, October 26, 4-6 p.m., at 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, Virginia. This event is open to families and staff members who would like to learn more about dyslexia and how FCPS supports students with dyslexia.
For the first hour, participants will have the opportunity to visit tables set up with information from a variety of FCPS offices including the Office of the Ombuds, Office of School Psychology, and the Office of Special Education Instruction. During the second hour, speakers will address the importance of dyslexia awareness and how you can support your student with dyslexia. Please register in advance.
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!
November Events Hosted by the Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The FRC is hosting the following events in November:
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Sibshops: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Monday, November 6, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Providence Community Center.
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SibTeen: An Exciting, In-Person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs, Monday, November 6, 1-4 p.m., at Providence Community Center.
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Moving on to Life in the Community Resource Fair, Thursday, November 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Annandale High School (Cafeteria).
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Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress: Part Two (virtual), Friday, November 10, 10-11:30 a.m.
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Funcionamiento Ejecutivo - Ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional , y la flexibilidad (presentado en español), Friday, November 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
Click the links above to register for the events. For more information, visit the Family Resource Center webpage.
🏗️ Updates to School Facilities
Trends of development and housing turnover are inconsistent across the county and continue to present a facilities capacity challenge. Spaces in schools may be outdated from when buildings were originally built.
Projects funded by the 2023 Bond Referendum may be updated to meet the current needs of students or may increase space to help relieve overcrowding and provide spaces for small-group and specialized instruction.
Additionally, all updates to school facilities are made with energy efficiency in mind. FCPS has 220 buildings and 26.5 million square feet of building space. These buildings cost tens of millions of dollars to power each year. As the footprint of FCPS continues to grow, conserving energy for cost savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions is of the utmost importance.
The 2023 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 7. Learn more about registering to vote.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Saves LivesInformation was recently posted to the Healthy Minds Blog on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other resources for suicide prevention.
The Healthy Minds Blog shares information related to youth mental health and wellness. Articles include tips and strategies for increasing wellness and resiliency, as well as fostering success at home, at school, and in the community.
The Healthy Minds Blog is a collaborative project between Fairfax County Public Schools and the Prevention Unit of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Subscribe to Healthy Minds and receive a quarterly digest of articles.
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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