McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 5/20/24

Important Upcoming Dates

2023-2024 School Year

May 20-31 - MHS SOL Testing (see schedule below)

May 23 - Sports Physicals Night (see below)

May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday, schools and offices closed (see below)

May 31 - Convocation

June 4 - Graduation

June 12 - Last day of school

July 8-10 - MHS Boot Camp Session 1 (see below)

July 22-24 - MHS Boot Camp Session 2 (see below)


Student Achievement

Science Without Borders Challenge Winner

Sciene Without Borders

Science Without Borders Contest Winner

Congratulations to Chloe Jeong, McLean High School Freshman. She received an Honorable Mention in this year's Science Without Borders Challenge. 

Her entry deeply impressed the judges with her talent, creativity and commitment to highlighting the beauty and significance of the deep sea. Her work was so exceptional that the judges were prompted to introduce a special mention category for the first time in the history of the contest, solely to recognize and honor her contribution.


End of Year Information

End of the School Year Medication Pick-up

As the end of our school year approaches, I would like to remind you that all medications kept in the Health Room must be picked up by the end of the school year.  Per FCPS regulations, any medications that remain in the Health Room after close of business on the last day of school must be destroyed.

For SENIORS:  The last day of classes will be May 24th.  Seniors who have medications may keep them in the Health Room until after AP testing and graduation activities are complete.

For ALL OTHER STUDENTS:  The last day of classes is June 12th.

Prescription Medications (Epi-pens, Inhalers, ADHD, etc.):  Must be picked up by a parent.  Please sign in at the main office.  PLEASE NOTE:  if a student self-carries their epi-pen or inhaler and keeps one in the health room, the student may pick it up.

Over-the-counter Medication:  Students may pick up these medications and take them home.  They may be picked up at the end of the day between 2:45-3:00pm any time before the end of the year.

All medications must be picked up by 11:00am, June 12th. 

Please contact School Health Aide, Julie Gamboa, with any questions.  jgamboa@fcps.edu


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.


From Testing

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.

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


This Week

Sports Physicals Night - 5/23

Sports Physicals

Coming Up

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Holiday 5/27

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.


MHS Boot Camp - 7/8-10 & 7/22-24

MHS Boot Camp for Rising 9th grade and 10th grade students taking advanced coursework for the 2024-2025 academic year

Boot Camp is an interactive leadership conference where students discuss and practice the qualities required for success in college and in the corporate world. This program is targeted for students who are taking their first AP class. This event will focus on developing five attributes: Teamwork, Communication, Organization, Reading, and Problem Solving (T-CORPS). These skills are those that are most desired by Fortune 500 firms.  This hands-on program will actively engage students in the development and use of these skills, while demonstrating their importance.

To go with the military boot camp theme, students will divide into platoons and compete in tasks that will allow them to build and demonstrate these skills. After each task, students will reflect upon their performance and discuss how they can improve.

Boot Camp has four goals:

1.    Introduce students to the unique academic challenges of AP coursework.

2.    Guide students in skill development with focus on teamwork, communication, organization, reading, and problem solving.

3.    Discuss the practical application of these skills inside and outside the classroom.

4.    Provide opportunities for students to develop a support network with their peers.

Please note: Only students enrolled as 9th and 10th graders at McLean High School for the 2024 - 2025 school year are eligible for the MHS AP Boot Camp Program. Please complete the electronic form below to reserve a spot. Please complete the Emergency Care Form and email it to mcleanhighschool@fcps.edu by July 5 to complete your registration; Emergency Care Forms are located HERE.

Session 1:  Monday, July 8, 2024 - Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Session 2:  Monday, July 22, 2024 - Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: McLean High School Registration Link If you have any questions, please email jbarham@fcps.edu.  


From Student Services

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.


From the PTSA

PTSA 2024 FUNDRAISER RAFFLE

**ON SALE NOW THROUGH MAY 31, 2024**

Click Here to Purchase

Purchase your tickets before it is TOO LATE for a chance to win some fantastic prizes, including: WV Vacation, Tutoring Services, Private Wine Class of 20, Wolftrap: La boheme Tickets, and more.

Cost:

 1 Raffle Ticket for $10, 3 Raffle Tickets for $25, 10 Raffle Tickets for $50, or 25 Raffle Tickets for $100

Prize Announcements:

 June 3, 2024 (via email) and June 5, 2024 (via PTSA newsletter)

**Proceeds benefit the Class of 2024 Graduation Party**

Questions? Contact Pam Williams at angp@mcleanptsa.org.


CLASS OF 2024 ALL NIGHT GRADUATION PARTY

Date/Time: June 4, 2024 at 11 pm

Location: McLean High School

 

ANGP Tickets

Available Now!! Price: $100.  

Click here to register for the Class of 2024 ANGP

 

Volunteer/Donation Opportunities

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We are looking for parent volunteers, beverage donations, and prize/giveaway donations. Please sign up using the links below.

Click here to serve as a Party Volunteer or to provide Beverage Donations

Click here to make monetary donations

Click here to provide prize/gift card donations

Questions? Contact Pam Williams at angp@mcleanptsa.org.


May Focus

AAPI

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


From FCPS

Family Life Education Materials Available for Review

The recommended Family Life Education instructional materials are available for community review through Monday, June 10, at 4:30 p.m. View details and a feedback form


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at the school—a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources


🎓 Calling All Alumni and Friends!

Educate Fairfax is proud to introduce FCPS Alumni & Friends, an online network of alumni, teachers, parents/caregivers, and community members with ties to Fairfax County Public Schools. Whether you are a recent FCPS graduate or you’ve returned to Fairfax to work or raise your own family, this network will celebrate our alumni and friends of FCPS through stories, news and events, reunions, homecoming, and other activities. It’s also a great way to rekindle old friendships and build new ones. Join FCPS Alumni & Friends today!


🚍 Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation All Year

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass. Complete the application and return it to our front office. 


Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released their annual list of colleges and universities that are still accepting applications from prospective freshmen or transfer students for the fall of 2023. Students and families are encouraged to use this tool to search colleges that still have space available. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid, as well as unfilled housing. 

Additionally, NACAC has created an enrollment deposit fee waiver request form, considered by some institutions, for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Families can learn more about the enrollment deposit fee waiver and eligibility on the NACAC website. It is recommended that students and families contact their school counselor or college and career specialist with any questions.Students who still need assistance applying for the FAFSA or VASA (financial aid forms) can schedule a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax. Email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. All FAFSA or VASA help that your school or College Access Fairfax provides is free.


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/


McLean HS PTSA

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

FCPS Cares

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.