Important Upcoming Dates
2024-2025 School Year
August 15 - Freshman & Transfer Student Orientation (see below)
August 15 - Freshman & Transfer Student Parent Orientation
August 19 - First Day of School
August 27 - Back to School Night (see below)
August 27 - Senior Parent Night (more info to come)
August 29 - Celebrate McLean (more info to come)
August 30-September 2 - Labor Day
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Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact our Registrar, Cindy Ramos if you need a code. cpramos@fcps.edu
Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
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Update Your Contact Information
To be sure you receive important information from your schools, update your phone numbers and/or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
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Update Immunizations and Records
All students are required to be immunized against certain communicable diseases to attend school in the state of Virginia. It is important for all students to receive the required immunizations.
Please talk with your family health care provider about whether or not your children are up to date on their vaccines before the new school year begins. Submit updated immunization records to your school as soon as possible. Appointments are required for most vaccination clinics. Don’t wait until the last minute when you might not be able to find an appointment. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of clinics or schedule with your family’s health care provider
More information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation is available online.
You may drop the records off in Student Services between 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM during any weekday, mail the records to McLean High School Student Services, or email the records to: Molly Payne - MSPayne@fcps.edu 703-714-5719
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Prepare for Meals at School
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.
The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account.
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Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced MealsThe application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
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🔖 Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
Chromebook Information
- To prepare for the ’24-25 School Year, students with a McLean HS Chromebook currently checked out should turn it on prior to the school year to receive updates. Students should restart their Chromebook and make sure it is fully charged before the 1st day of school.
- If students find their Chromebook and/or charger are in need of repair, Technology Support Specialists will be available in the Main Lobby of McLean HS on Wednesday August 7th from 8:30am to 10:00 am to help.
- All students should bring their fully charged Chromebook and charger for the 1st day of school.
FCPS Cell Phone Policy
McLean will be following the FCPS School Board Policy that was adopted at its meeting on May 9. Here are the key points:
- Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
- There will be cell phone storage cases in every classroom. Cell phone collection will begin on September 3. All students shall put their phones in the cell phone storage case at the beginning of class. They will then pick it back up at the end of class.
- Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
- Students with a documented health or educational need through special services may have an exception. Please work through your child’s administrator if you believe an exception is needed.
12th Grade SAT Intent to Participate
On Wednesday, October 9, McLean High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day.
To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, families are asked to complete the McLean HS SAT Intent to Participate Form below by Wednesday, September 4. Your student will need to use an @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form.
If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at McLean High School, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT
SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 9, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.
AP Scores
AP scores will be released to students on July 8. Students should use their College Board login credentials to access their AP scores online at apscore.org. Some scores take longer to process due to later testing or other circumstances. If students don't receive their scores by Aug. 15, have them contact AP Services for Students.
📈 SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE
Families can find Standards of Learning (SOL) reports for spring testing in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section on or before the last day of school. Log in to your ParentVUE account to access the following:
- For all students – the official SOL Score Report with overall and reporting category performance for all spring tests.
- For grade 3-8 students – the SOL Growth Parent Report shows performance over time for state reading and math tests completed this school year.
Visit the FCPS website for additional information about spring assessment reporting practices and timelines.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
FCPS Family Connection Group
McLean High School is looking for a representative for the FCPS Family Vision Group for this school year. If you are interested or have any questions please email Jennifer Hill - jjhill1@fcps.edu.
This program is designed to foster a collaborative environment where diverse families can engage directly with Dr. Reid on important issues that impact student success. The FCPS Family Vision Group brings communities together to discuss and achieve the goals of the 2023-2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students.
By participating, parents/caregivers gain valuable knowledge and connections to become powerful partners in their child's educational journey. The group also facilitates open discussions with Dr. Reid on important topics related to student success. Bi-monthly meetings (August 2024 - May 2025) ensure consistent school representation and foster open communication through Q&A sessions, and feedback opportunities to help participants inform other families at their schools. The FCPS Family Vision Group seeks to recognize and strengthen the positive impact of community engagement on student achievement. Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:
- Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
- Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
- Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
- Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
- Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Your recommendations will make a difference. We are seeking dedicated family members/caregivers who reflect the diverse FCPS student community, from Pre-K through post-secondary education.
New Student Orientation - 8/15
Our annual new student orientation will be held on Thursday, August 15th, 2024 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Orientation is for 9th grade students and transfer students. Transportation will be provided for all students with stops at Longfellow Middle School and feeder elementary schools. Students may also be dropped off and picked up at McLean High School at Door 1. During the program, students will hear from administrators, counselors, and McLean student leaders. Chromebooks will be distributed to 9th grade students. Chromebooks for transfer students will be distributed the first week of school. We are looking forward to welcoming our Class of 2028 and our transfer students to the McLean community!
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Freshman and New Parent Information Night - 8/15, 6 - 7 pm
We will hold an information night for freshman parents and new parents to McLean on Thursday, August 15th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm in the auditorium. We will review topics such as schedules, communications, extra-curricular activities, high school credits, and much more.
Spanish speaking interpretation available.
Back to School Night - 8/27
This school year we will hold a traditional Back to School Night. It will be held on August 27 from 5:30-8:30. From 5:30 - 6:30, you may buy McLean gear, buy Booster PTSA passes, sign-up to become a member of the PTSA, learn about FLE in grades 9-12, and meet our different school support personnel - our new Librarian, Technology Specialist, and our Assessment Coach. We look forward to seeing you!
Senior Parent Meeting - 8/27
Parents of Seniors! Please join us at our annual Senior Parent Night from 5:30-6:30pm on August 27 in the Auditorium. At this meeting, we will share upcoming events and information to be aware of related to post-secondary planning, with an emphasis on how best to support your student as they engage in the college application process.
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Celebrate McLean - 8/29
Join us for a free community festival on Thursday, August 29th from 4-6:30pm at McLean High School. Enjoy food, games, music, and learn about student clubs and sports. Stay for the McLean Varsity football game at 7pm!
Labor Day Holiday - 8/30-9/2
Friday, August 30,, and Monday, September 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
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Free Workshops for Families
Parents and caregivers can access 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. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.
Varsity Tutors
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Student Insurance
During the school day, a student may have an accident that results in injury. There is a common misconception that FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) is financially responsible for medical bills resulting from such injuries. However, this is not the case.
Students who participate in sports are required to have health insurance. FCPS does not provide medical insurance for students, but parents can purchase low-cost Voluntary Student Insurance through K & K Insurance Group.
This student accident insurance program offers an affordable way for parents to cover medical or dental expenses resulting from their child's accident. For those who already have medical or dental insurance, this additional coverage can help with deductibles, limitations, and exclusions. For those without medical insurance, these accident policies provide primary coverage.
Please read the information on K&K Student Accident Insurance found here, to determine if this coverage would be beneficial for your child.
INOVA Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs
Inova Cares Clinic (ICC) will provide children ages 5 and older with free school entrance physicals and immunizations at summer health fairs for children on Medicaid or who are uninsured. The clinics will take place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following date:
- Saturday, August 17, at ICC for Children - Falls Church
Appointments are required; no walk-ins will be allowed. Call 703-698-2550 for an appointment.
No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students
Virtual therapy sessions are available at no cost to FCPS high school students to provide a safe space to address concerns such as:
- Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
- Anxiety, worry, fears.
- Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
- Academic stress.
In order for students to participate, caregivers must give permission for FCPS to share basic demographic information with Hazel Health in ParentVUE. They must also provide consent for their student to access therapy services.
Students may then be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. Refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or contacting an FCPS school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services.
Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.
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/
Mock Testing - PSAT, SAT, and ACT
Looking for an opportunity to practice for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT?? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows:
PSAT: August 10, 2024
SAT: September 7, 2024; November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025
ACT: September 21, 2024; November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025
Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam.
Register for PSAT and SAT practice tests
Register for ACT practice tests
Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.
Questions? Contact pwilliams@mcleanptsa.org
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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