Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
November 12 - Diwali
November 22, 23, 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and offices closed
November 28 - Financial Aid Night - see below
December 2 - National Special Education Day - see below
December 7-15 - Chanukah - see below
December 8 - Bodhi Day - see below
December 18 through January 1 - Winter Break - see below (MHS Offices will be closed)
McLean Math Team Places 3rd at Duke Math Meet
Congrats to the McLean Math Team for placing third at Duke Math Meet, with Jeffrey Yin winning third place individually and Kalan Warusa qualifying for tiebreakers.
From left to right: Jeffrey Yin, Aiden Feyerherm, Kalan Warusa, Junyong (David) Chang
Not pictured: Daniel Kim, Paul Yoo
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National Honor Society New Inductees
Last week, McLean High School's National Honor Society inducted over 300 new members! Go Highlanders!
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 McLean’s Media Staffs Earn Top Honors From the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association
McLean High School was well represented at the National Scholastic Press Association / Journalism Education Association Convention in Boston earlier this month.
2023 NEWSMAGAZINE PACEMAKER FINALISTS
Of the 39 finalists in the National Scholastic Press Association’s Pacemaker contest, was our very own Highlander!
The Highlander
McLean High School
Adviser: Lindsay Benedict
Editors: Makda Bekele, Farah Eljazzar, Nyla Marcott, Saehee Perez
In the BEST OF SHOW COMPETITION, three of our media staffs were recognized:
Literary Magazine
Second Place - The Tartan, McLean High School, McLean, Virginia
Lindsay Benedict & Seth LeBlanc, Advisers
Yearbook (280-316 Pages)
Fourth Place – Caledonia, McLean High School, McLean, Virginia Meghan Percival, adviser
Newsmagazine (enrollment of 1,800 or more)
Fifth Place - The Highlander, McLean High School, McLean, Virginia
Lindsay Benedict, Adviser
DECA District Results
On Monday, November 6th, FCPS DECA held its district competition at Oakton High School. Twenty-four McLean Marketing and Entrepreneurship students achieved top honors, which allows them to travel to Virginia Beach in March and represent McLean. This was our first in-person district event in years; McLean proved up to the task! Congratulations to our finalists!
Congratulations to our finalists: Anna Polykoff, Aditya Bendre, Nolan Ho, Diana Skordalakis, Yantang Li, Mathilde Lavigne du Cadet, Riya Jain, Yara Hammandi, Maged Alqabany, Georgio Skordalakis, Emery Cartwright, Mohammed Anam, Fatih Kalci, Kostiantyn Zakharov, Coby Lin, Nico Christofferson, Eric Yeom, Titus Powers, Minahil Ishaq, Sophie Zhang, Sebastian Cohen, Hemin Cai, Giri Allamsetty & John Budwick
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National School Psychologists Week
Last week McLean High School and our wonderful PTSA celebrated our amazing school Psychologists, Dr. Parker-Lewis and Ms. Forrest. They make a huge difference in the lives of our students and we appreciate them every day!
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Lightspeed Classroom
Our school will be using a new classroom management tool that will help teachers better connect with student devices during classes. The new tool will provide teachers with a number of helpful features:
- Easily view student screens in real time from the teacher console to see which students may need guidance or support.
- Focus student attention on a particular website on their device to minimize distractions.
- Pause student access to the internet to focus on other classroom tasks.
We believe this classroom management tool will allow us to maximize class time to support your students’ learning while at school. Please let us know if you have any questions.
 McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive Has Begun
McLean High School has approximately 230 students who are at, or below, the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to Safeway, Target, or Walmart for McLean High School families to assist them over the holidays.
There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:
- Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
- Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchase "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill.
- Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)", print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill.
Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:
c/o Jennifer Hill
McLean High School
1633 Davidson Road
McLean VA 22101
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount on the gift card(s) when you mail/drop-off your cards.
Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 1st.
Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!
If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair Emma Blankenbaker at eblankenbaker@verizon.net.
From Student Services
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Schedule Changes & Withdrawal Deadline - 11/20 |
The deadline to withdraw from a class without a grade penalty (i.e. the class will not appear on the transcript) is Monday, November 20th. After this time, a withdrawal grade (WP or WF) will be required on the transcript if a student is dropping a class. Schedule change requests to change to a different level of a course will still be considered through the end of the 2nd quarter. All elective changes should now be complete.
SIS ParentVUE Access & Report Cards
The live gradebook in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed from Friday, November 3 at 4:00 pm, until Tuesday, November 14, at 6:00 am.
Qtr 1 Report cards are currently available for viewing on the "documents" tab in SIS ParentVUE. If you would like a printed copy of your student’s report card please email Molly Payne at mspayne@fcps.edu.
SAT School Day Score Release
Students who participated in the School Day SAT on October 11, 2023, should be able to access scores via their College Board accounts. Students who participated in the SAT on October 26 should have access to scores on November 16. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website. Families can reach out to their student’s counselor and the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu) if they have questions regarding SAT School Day score reporting. Students who have duplicate College Board accounts will need to call College Board to get their accounts merged.
Digital PSAT Score Release
Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on October 11, 2023, should be able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. Students who participated in a make-up digital PSAT should have access to scores on November 16. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website. Families can reach out to their student’s counselor and the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu) if they have questions regarding Digital PSAT score reporting. Students who have duplicate College Board accounts will need to call College Board to get their accounts merged.
American Education Week - 11/13-11/17
For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our McLean High School community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.
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Fairfax County Federation Membership Meeting & Public Safety Program - 11/16
TheatreMcLean Presents: Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play
11/16 & 18 @ 7:00 pm
11/19 @ 2:00 pm
What happens to stories as they get passed down thru the years? How about an episode of the Simpsons? In Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play we examine that theory thru the apocalypse, as a group of survivors pass the time by talking about an episode of the iconic animated tv show. Thru the show and years, what happens to the episode of Simpsons? How does it change 7 years in the future; 75 years later? The award winning TheatreMcLean proudly presents Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play.
Tickets can be purchased HERE
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Financial Aid Night - 11/28 at 6:00 pm
6:00 to 6:30pm - Support available to both students and parents to help set up the FSA ID which is required to complete the FAFSA. Please bring your laptop.
6:30pm - Financial Aid presentation begins. Topics covered will be FAFSA, Merit Scholarships, CSS profiles and more.
McLean High School is hosting this event for both McLean HS and Langley HS families.
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National Special Education Day - 12/2
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
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Chanukah - 12/7-12/15
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. That day will be a half-O day, and major events cannot be scheduled that evening. Learn more about Chanukah in National Geographic Kids. See the complete school year calendar.
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Bodhi Day - 12/8
Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year, including Bodhi Day. 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.Learn more about Bodhi Day in this video from the Miami Children’s Museum. See the complete school year calendar.
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Winter Break - 12/18 through 1/1
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. See the complete school year calendar.
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Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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National Career Development Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
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National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
Family Liaisons
Did you know that every school has a family liaison? Family liaisons will welcome and orient families who are new to the school and community, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can also help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
McLean High School's Family Liaison is Alba Munoz. You can reach her at amunoz1@fcps.edu.
Visit the Family Liaison webpage for a list of region representatives.
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SAT/PSAT School Day Scores Are Available
Students who participated in the School Day SAT on Wednesday, October 11, can access scores via their College Board accounts. Students who participated in the SAT on Thursday, October 26, will have access to scores on Thursday, November 16.
A video tutorial for accessing and understanding SAT scores is available on the College Board website.
Digital PSAT Scores and National Merit Scholarship Information
Students who participated in the Digital PSAT on Wednesday, October 11, are now able to access scores via the College Board BigFuture School App or their College Board accounts. A video tutorial for accessing and understanding Digital PSAT scores is available on the College Board website.
Eleventh grade students who participate in the PSAT may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and can find additional information on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Families may reach out to [school PSAT coordinator’s name] if they have questions regarding digital PSAT score reporting or the National Merit Scholarship Program.
🎨 Observance Graphics Created by Students in Design Challenge
In May, the FCPS Office of Communications called for entries for new graphics to help acknowledge the religious and cultural observances identified on the 2023-24 School Year Calendar. Eleven winning designs will be featured on FCPS and school social media platforms, and in newsletters leading up to the holidays starting with Diwali, which falls on Sunday, November 12. See the full list of winners.
Thank You Voters! 2023 School Bond Referendum Passed
Thank you to the Fairfax citizens who supported the 2023 Bond Referendum. Roughly 67% of those voting in the 2023 election supported the $435 million bond referendum, continuing a long history of school bond approvals in Fairfax County.
Stay engaged as we build our future. Keep up-to-date on construction and capital improvements across FCPS by visiting our Capital Improvement Project webpage.
Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available online in SIS ParentVUE. If you have not already filled out the form online, paper forms will be sent home with your student on Wednesday, November 8. Please be sure to return paper forms by Friday, November 17. The electronic form will continue to be available in SIS ParentVUE.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important, because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.
Please watch this video and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page for more information.
Need to Register for ParentVUE?
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.
Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and enter Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).
🦈 Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition
Are you a student with an idea for a product or application that will make life easier or more enjoyable for an older adult? The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is issuing a challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. Initial project proposals are due by Friday, December 15. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Learn more about the “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge.
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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