Important Upcoming Dates
2023-2024 School Year
April 19 - Pep Rally (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
April 27 - Best Buddies Friendship Walk (see below)
April 27 - DEA Drug Takeback Day (see below)
May 6-24 - AP Testing (see below)
May 13 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar (see below)
May 23 - Sports Physicals Night (see below)
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.
AP Testing
AP Testing will take place between May 6-24. Students should arrive at their testing locations by 7:45am for morning AP exams, and by 11:45am for afternoon AP exams. Students must arrange a ride home from school as most afternoon AP exams will conclude between 3:30-4:30PM.
Materials for paper/pencil exams
- Two #2 pencils and black/dark blue pen
- A calculator if taking APES, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Macro, Micro, Physics, Precalculus, or Statistics
Materials for Digital Tests (African Studies, Chinese, CSP, English Lang, English Lit, Seminar, U.S. History, & World History) exams
- Fully charged FCPS Chromebook and charger
- College Board login credentials to access Bluebook
- Two #2 pencils and black/dark blue pen
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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
Class of 2024 Service Hours
Seniors! The deadline to submit high school service hours in X2Vol is Friday, April 26th. If you still have service hours to input into X2Vol, please do so by this date. Instructions to enter service hours in X2Vol can be found in Schoology for the Class of 2024
Senior Obligations
This is a reminder that all seniors must pay their obligations prior to graduation. Obligations might include course fees, library books, textbooks, calculators, AP exam fees, or senior dues. Students will not receive their cap and gown, or graduation tickets until their obligations have been paid.
FAFSA Assistance
Have questions or need assistance with the FAFSA or financial aid? Come visit the Career Center on Thursday, April 18th, where we will have a college financial aid manager on site to answer questions. Please reach out to Mrs. Barnes, College and Career Specialist, if you have any additional questions.
Class of 2025 College Application Workshop
Attention Juniors! The Student Services Department will be holding our annual College Application Workshop on Tuesday, July 30th and Thursday, August 1st. Information covered through this workshop includes: How to get organized, paying for college, The Common App, The SRAR, and kick starting your essay (including an essay book). This is a two-day workshop. Students select either the morning session (8:30am-12:00pm) or the afternoon session (12:30pm-4:00pm). The cost for the workshop is $75. Registration and payment are completed through MySchoolBucks. Students who need financial assistance for this workshop should contact their school counselor.
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.
Pep Rally Bell Schedule - 4/19
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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Best Buddies Friendship Walk - 4/27
Come join the McLean Best Buddies as we travel to the National mall for a fund day filled with the spirit of friendship as we walk together to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Click HERE for the McLean fundraising page.
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DEA Drug Takeback Day - 4/27
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Please find the details for the DEA Drug Take Back Day, scheduled for April 27, 2024. Take advantage of a free, convenient, and confidential safe disposal of unused and expired medications. The event will take place at 9 drop off sites in Fairfax County:
Fair Oaks District Station
12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033
Franconia District Station
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310
Mason District Station
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Tysons Emergency
8240 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182
Mount Vernon District Station
2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
Reston Hospital Center
1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston, VA 20190
Outside Pavilion 1, across from Parking Garage B
Sully District Station
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA 20151
Town of Vienna Police Department
215 Center Street S, Vienna, Virginia 22180
West Springfield District Station
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152
Click HERE for more information
Stress-Less Admissions: Navigating the College Journey with Your Sanity Intact - 4/29
“Best” school or best fit? Big, medium, or a small-sized campus? Public or private? Guiding your child through the college admissions process can be daunting; learning how to dial down the stress is key. The Safe Community Coalition is excited to host The New York Times best-selling author and journalist, Jeff Selingo, on Monday, April 29, at 7pm, at the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. Well known for his years of experience monitoring and researching the higher-education industry, Jeff will share his insights on current trends in college admissions and offer advice to optimize the journey.
Joining Jeff are co-moderators, Dr. Heather Tedesco, McLean Psychologist and co-author of Raising a Kid Who Can, and Hannah Wolff, Associate Director of College Counseling at Georgetown Preparatory School. With Mr. Selingo’s insight on college admissions, Ms. Wolff’s experience working with students and their families throughout the application process and Dr. Tedesco’s understanding of family relationships and the mental health challenges facing our teens – this is a program you won’t want to miss!
Advance ticket price is $15 online and $20 at the door and can be purchased at www.mcleanscc.org. Space is limited and tickets will likely sell out, so don’t delay! A Q&A session will immediately follow the program.
This program is sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition in partnership with the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA).
Sports Physicals Night - 5/23
National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, parents/caregivers can refer their children for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on how to opt your child into this service.
✅ School Health Services Satisfaction Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department and FCPS School Health Services invite parents/caregivers to participate in a survey on the level of satisfaction with support provided to your school community by School Health Services. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and is open until Friday, April 26. Your feedback can help to improve school health services.
Immigrant Family Reunification Class
A class will be held online in Spanish for immigrant families looking to reunite during challenging transitions. Saturday classes will be available April 20 and 27, from 9-11:30 a.m. Register online. For more information, please contact McLean High School Family Liaison Indira Mendez Flores at iemendezflor@fcps.edu or Sussy Tomer at setomer@fcps.edu.
Family Summit Designed to Enhance Safety, Security, and Inclusion
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families such as raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Participants may also join online sessions, which will provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Visit the Family Summit webpage to learn about the guest speakers and to register for the event. The theme — Safe, Supported, and Included — aligns with Goal 2 of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
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🎓 Postsecondary Education and Employment Options
FCPS’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward, to provide students with disabilities seeking a standard or advanced diploma and their families an introduction to options available after high school.
Flash Forward will be held Thursday, April 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Annandale High School, in the cafeteria. Register online. Representatives from adult education, employment, and community programs (college, military, apprenticeship, trade school, gap year, and employment) will be on site to share information about their services.
👗 Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses
The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, April 5, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.
Give Your Feedback on the Budget
We are now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback:
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Tuesday, April 16, through Thursday, April 18: The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors conducts public hearings on the county budget. Sign up to speak.
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Tuesday, May 7: The County Board of Supervisors adopts its budget, tax rates, and transfer amount to FCPS.
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Tuesday, May 14: The School Board holds a public hearing on the FCPS budget.
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Thursday, May 23: The School Board adopts FCPS’ approved budget.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget and see the full Budget Development Calendar.
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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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