Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
March 22 - End of Quarter
March 25-29 - Spring Break - MHS offices will be closed (see below)
March 29 - Good Friday, falls during Spring Break (see below)
March 31 - Easter, falls during Spring Break (see below)
April 1 & 2 - School Planning Day/Teacher Work Day (see below)
April 1-5 - National Assistant Principals Week (see below)
April 4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day (see below)
April 4 - Spring College Panel (see below)
April 8 - Solar Eclipse (see below)
April 9 - Eid al-Fitr - Half-Observation Day (see below)
April 10 - Eid al-Fitr Holiday - all schools and offices closed (see below)
April 22 - Earth Day
April 22 & 23 - Passover - Half-Observation Days (see below)
April 24 - Theravada New Year - Observation Day (see below)
April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day
May 13 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar (see below)
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Superior Ratings at the VBODA State Assessment
Congratulations to the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for earning Superior Ratings from all judges at the VBODA State Assessment!
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Get2Green Initiative
We are so proud of our Get2Green student leaders for initiating and facilitating last week's "See Green" project! 28 teachers received plants for their classrooms. These plants will help improve the air quality and provide additional ecological benefits.
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Coming Soon - The Attendance Report Card!
Attendance is an important part of academic success for all students. The attendance report card will show unexcused absences, excused absences, tardies and missed classes. We want to make sure all parents are informed of their child’s attendance and work together to ensure students attend school regularly and on-time. The Attendance Report Cards will be emailed out on 4/1-4/2. Please make sure to check your email for this report.
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AP Testing Early Release & Late Arrival Pre-Arranged Absence
The main testing window for AP exams is below. With parent/guardian permission, McLean HS students are allowed to be released early following an AP exam and arrive late before their scheduled AP exam. All pre-arranged absence notes (no phone calls or handwritten notes please) are due to Ms. Yates in the attendance office by April 25th. Please keep in mind that all classes will continue with instruction during AP testing, and that students are responsible for all assignments from each class. Here are the links to the early release permission slip, late arrival permission slip, and printed out copies will be available in the main office.
McLean HS SOL Schedule
The main SOL testing dates are below. It is important that your student attend school on these days and get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast before testing. If your child has an unavoidable conflict that could result in missing a testing day, they will be moved to a makeup date. The Virginia Department of Education requires high school students enrolled in an SOL course to take the EOC test if the student needs a verified credit for graduation or if the student has not yet met federal testing requirements (1 Math, 1 Reading, and 1 Biology SOL attempt taken during grades 9-12). Students who have met the testing requirements for graduation and federal accountability do not test. If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your child’s school counselor.
April 26: Reading
May 20: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Earth Science
May 21: Biology
May 22: Geometry
May 23: Social Studies and make-up SOLs
May 29-31: SOL Retakes
Volunteers Needed for Proctoring
McLean HS is giving almost 4,000 AP exams between May 6-May 24. We are asking for parents/guardians to volunteer their time to help proctor so testing can run effectively and smoothly. Parents/ Volunteers are not allowed to assist with an exam for an AP class their student(s) is currently taking. Sign up here to volunteer your time. Proctoring assistance days and times will be confirmed the week of March 18. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
SIS ParentVUE/StudentVUE Access
The live gradebook in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will be closed from Friday, March 22 at 4:00 pm until Monday, April 15, at 6:00 am.
Spring Break - 3/24 through 3/29
🌷 March 25-29 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar. McLean HS offices will be closed.
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Good Friday (falls during Spring Break) - 3/29
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus's suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. Read more at Britannica.com.
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Easter (falls during Spring Break) - 3/31
Learn more about Easter in NatGeo Kids.
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National Assistant Principals Week - 4/1 - 4/5
Join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success.
Shout out to our wonderful Assistant Prinicpals, Jeff Barham, Monica Charles-Williams, Emily Geary, and Jenny York!
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National Librarian Appreciation Day - 4/4
Please join us in celebrating our amazing librarians. Our library team—Ms. Koch, Ms. Popma and Ms. Sedgwick—have created a space our students truly enjoy. Our librarians enjoy connecting with students, supporting literacy, teaching classes, and supporting a high level of research skills. Most recently, the librarians launched McLean Reads, a community reading program. Students are encouraged to read book selected by teachers and then have a conversation with staff and get a prize—just another way our library creatively supports our community of readers!
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Spring College Panel, 4/4 @ 6:00pm
Student Services presents our annual Spring College Panel on Thursday, April 4th in the McLean HS auditorium. This event is open for everyone, but geared towards families of juniors planning for college. There will be a meet & greet with the panelists at 6:00pm, followed by the panel at 6:30pm.
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Eid al-Fitr - 4/9 Half-O Day, 4/10 Holiday
In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give to charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.
Tuesday, April 9, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed.See the complete School Year
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Passover - 4/22 & 23 Half-O Days
Many Jewish communities in the United States celebrate Passover, a recognition of the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Passover is also known as Pesah, Pesach, or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many Jewish families in the United States eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods, such as meat of the paschal lamb and bitter herbs, recalling the harsh life of slavery. Learn more about Passover in NatGeo Kids.
Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, are designated half-O days in recognition of the first two days of Passover. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.
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Theravada New Year (O day) - 4/24
In countries where Theravada Buddhism is the most dominant religion, New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon in April. Theravada means “the teachings of the elders.” Celebrations begin with people attending the local temple in the morning for chanting and meditation. In the afternoon they have a water festival in which they meet the Buddha image and pay respect to the elderly by watering their hands together. Building sandcastles is also one of the most popular activities during this day of celebration. Wednesday, April 24, is designated as an O day for Theravada New Year. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however 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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Celebrating Arts in Our Schools
The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:
Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K-12.
March has also been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.
Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) is a celebration of theatre in our schools and schools in our theatres. Sponsored by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), the goals of TIOS are to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs in and out of school for all students. While TIOS presentations and advocacy may happen anytime in schools, theatres, and other public spaces, AATE and EdTA will recognize and promote March as the official Theatre In Our Schools month.
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Join a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs
A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation will be available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed.
Learn more about the event and register online.
Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget
The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from fiscal years (FY) 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements.
If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to invest in excellence.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget
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✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey Today!
If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
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🩹 Measles Is Preventable
Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
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🏅 Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
Weekly Reminders
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.
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 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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