Important Upcoming Dates
2024-2025 School Year
September 15 - October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 17 - Constitution Day
September 21-29 - Blue Star Welcome Week
September 26 - Parent Book Talk
October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday
October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 3 - Holiday for students & staff - all FCPS schools & offices are closed
October 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day
October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day
October 11 - Yom Kippur
October 18 - Homecoming Football Game
October 19 - Homecoming Dance
October 20-22 - College Fair and Look to the Future Events
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.
Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. If you choose to opt your student out of the pre-survey, please notify the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at ekdonlen@fcps.edu by Friday, September 20, 2024, and include your student’s full legal name and FCPS ID number in the email.
All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including SAT preparation. Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App
If you have questions about the SAT School Day or PSAT/NMSQT administration at McLean High School, please contact the Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
Is your student thinking about self-studying for an AP exam this school year?
Self-studying means that a student plans to take an AP exam for a class they are not currently enrolled in. Each AP exam a student self-studies for will cost $99.
Please have your student complete the self-study google form, and pay the non-refundable exam fee in MySchoolBucks by October 27th. As your student considers self-studying for exams, please check the AP Exam schedule to ensure that they do not over-schedule themselves. Exams will only be moved to the late testing schedule for extreme circumstances. If you have any additional questions, please contact the McLean Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen, at ekdonlen@fcps.edu.
English 11 WorkKeys Testing
For the 2024-25 school year, all students enrolled in English 11 will take the WorkKeys® Business Writing test to earn their Writing verified credits. English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students will be assessed in their English class during the November test window. English 11 on-level students will be assessed in their English class during the end of January test window. The WorkKeys® assessment will provide the required verified credit for writing while preserving classroom instructional time, as it is a single 30-minute assessment. All students enrolled in AP Lang can receive their Writing verified credit by earning a 2 or higher on their AP exam.
If you would prefer your student take the Writing SOL in March in place of the WorkKeys writing, you will need to complete the WorkKeys opt-out form no later than October 30th for English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students and January 8th for English 11 on-level students.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu), McLean Assessment Coach.
Senior Planning Page
Counselors have completed one-on-one meetings with their seniors reviewing graduation requirements, post-secondary planning, and the McLean college application process. Seniors have access to all materials on their Senior Class Schoology page and should review the follow-up email sent from their counselor. Parents can view the same materials on our Senior Planning page. Reach out to your student’s counselor or Mrs. Barnes if you have any follow up questions.
Applying to a University in the UK? - 9/16
For seniors applying to universities in the UK, our Goldsmith, University of London rep will be here right after school in the Career Center to review how to apply via UCAS (the UK’s version of the Common App) and he will answer questions in general about applying and living in the UK.
College Essay Workshop - 9/18
Student Services will host an essay workshop immediately after school in the Lecture Hall. This workshop is free and open to all seniors. There will be counselors and an admissions rep on hand to review drafts as well as brainstorming activities to get you started.
McLean HS Grading Policies
As grade books are now viewable in SIS ParentVUE, please remember our grading practices and standard comments. Teachers will communicate the status of assignments and assessments using these practices and comment codes. If you have questions about your student’s grades, please reach out to their teacher directly.
National Hispanic Heritage Month - 9/15-10/15
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
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 Blue Star Welcome Week - 9/21 - 9/29
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21 - September 29, 2024, and throughout the year!
Book Talk - 9/26
 The McLean High School Administration will host book talks for parents and students that focus on learning and the brain. The goal of the book talks will be to provide strategies that both parents and students can use at home to support learning, growth, and independence. Our first book talk is based on the book, Learn Like a Pro, by Barbara Oakley. We invite all parents to join us in reading this text, but reading the text is not a prerequisite for attending our book talk. A community meeting to discuss the book for parents and students will be facilitated by the McLean High staff and administration on September 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m..
Rosh Hashanah - 10/2-10/4
Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only Observation day, and important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar.
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Walk and Roll to School Day - 10/9
FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.
Yom Kippur - 10/11
Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.
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College Fair and Look to the Future Events - 10/20-10/22
The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may REGISTER HERE.
Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.
 McLean Matters Backpack and Calculator Drive 2024
McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at, or below, the poverty level. That is 12% of the student body. We are collecting donations of backpacks, calculators, and school supplies for our MHS Students-in-Need. Rising costs and higher demand has made school supplies donations scarce, particularly graphing calculators. Many of our Students-in-Need are unable to obtain items from local charities that normally provide their back-to-school supplies.
Please click the Amazon Charity Wish List HERE to purchase backpacks, calculators, and school supplies for donation. Items will be shipped directly to Mclean High School.
Alternatively, Sign Up HERE to purchase a backpack or calculator for donation. If you choose to sign up to purchase an item at the store, you or your student can drop it off, or ship it to:
Jennifer Hill
McLean High School
1633 Davidson Road McLean, VA 22101
Items are needed by Friday, September 27.
If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair Emma Blankenbaker at eblankenbaker@verizon.net.
NOTE: McLean High School PTSA is a 501(c)3 organization.
Help the MHS PTSA Meet it's Fundraising Goal
We are beginning our exciting journey into the 2024-2025 school year feeling inspired by the tremendous impact that the McLean High School community can make—your involvement was crucial to last year’s success in helping our students and teachers. This year, we can build on that momentum with your continued support.
Our PTSA Fundraising efforts are vital to enhancing the educational experience for all students at McLean High. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $48,175 last year! Your contributions made a significant difference by supporting:
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Student Club and Teacher Grants: Fostering innovative projects and enriching extracurricular activities.
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Science Enrichment: Providing essential resources and opportunities to ignite students' passion for science.
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School and Curriculum Support: Ensuring access to top-quality educational materials and programs.
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Hospitality: Creating engaging events that strengthen our school community.
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Celebrate McLean: Highlighting and celebrating our school’s achievements and spirit.
Looking ahead, our goal is to raise $51,000 this year to continue supporting these important initiatives. We invite you to join us by contributing to our 2024-2025 PTSA Fundraising Campaign. Your donation will have a direct impact on our students’ educational experiences and help us achieve new milestones.
To help us reach this year’s goal, we are looking for a donation of $180 per family, which includes a $30 PTSA membership fee. You can contribute through this link: Donation and Membership.
Every gift, regardless of size, is deeply appreciated. If you prefer to make a customized donation, please use this link: Custom Donation. And don't forget to join the PTSA: https://mclean.givebacks.com/store/items/75000.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to McLean High School. Together, we can make this school year our most successful yet!
Mock Testing - SAT and ACT
Looking for an opportunity to practice for the 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:
SAT: 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 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:
✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?
We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
🩹 Immunization Requirements
Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.
You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office.
Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:
- A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.
Find more information on immunizations.
📋 Permission Forms
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.
✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12
The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.
The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they're joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice.
🍽️ Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS
Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings.
View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available.
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Newsletters:
Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions.
The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students
Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies?
Parents/caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.
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.
October 7, 2024
January 13, 2025
February 24, 2025
May 12, 2025
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 Marissa Gaines (MAGaines@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
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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