Important Upcoming Dates
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving - All schools and offices will be closed
December 2 - National Special Education Day
December 8 - Bodhi Day
December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break
December 25 - Christmas
December 25 - Chanukah
January 1 - News Year's Day
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Listen to highlights from Dr. Reilly's Monday Message as a podcast!
Check out this week's podcast companion to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message! This podcast is created using Notebook LM, an AI powered tool used to summarize content.
Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message
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Model UN Student Success at VAMUN
This past weekend 16 MHS students attended the Virginia Model United Nations Conference hosted by UVA in Charlottesville. This is a national conference hosting 1000 delegates from across the country over a 3-day period. In a rare feat, ALL of our students won an award. That almost never happens, but our students deserved it based on all of their hard work. Not only did everyone win an award, McLean High School won the Best Small Delegation award! Please congratulate the following students for their outstanding achievements: Minsong Ha, Emily Ma, Maged Al Qabany, Arsen Hakobyan, Nora Venetianer, Ravi Reddy, Jane Hirschberg, Jad Osta, Daniel Kim, Lucas Jones, Aanya Jain, Andrew Egorin, Kyle Jang, Annika Singh, Artin Safaie, and Mia Mortman.
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McLean Senior Wins World Championship in Powerlifting
Mikayla Dolina, McLean High School senior, won the International Powerlifting League (IPL) Drug-tested World Championship on November 14, 2024. Mikayla is now the IPL World Champion in the Junior (15-19 year old), 67.5 Kg women's class. The competition brought in lifters from multiple countries, including the US, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Cameroon, Guinea, the Republic of Nauru, and others.
Congratulations Mikayla!
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Celebrating our School Psychologists
Last week, McLean High School and the McLean High School PTSA marked National School Psychology Week with a celebration of our dedicated school psychologists, Ms. CarolAnn Forrest and Dr. Beverly Parker-Lewis.
Their tireless efforts in supporting the well-being of our students are invaluable. We deeply appreciate their commitment to fostering a healthy and positive learning environment for all.
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Potholder Project
This year, the library is hosting volunteer projects where our Highlanders are getting crafty! During October and November, our Highlanders completed their goal of making 100 handmade potholders! These beautifully crafted and useful items will be donated to the Thanksgiving Potholder Project, a nonprofit that works with local food pantries to add these potholders to Thanksgiving Food donation bags for families in need. Way to make difference, Highlanders!
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Sense and Sensibility - 11/21-11/24
A comedic adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless novel, Kate Hamill’s Sense and Sensibility tells the tale of two sisters and their recently widowed family. Forced out of their home, the stoic Elinor and her hopeless romantic sister Marianne meet a variety of characters, finding friends, enemies, and… love? A wacky, dramatic, and playful retelling of this classic, bring friends and family to see TheatreMcLean’s Sense and Sensibility! Tickets can purchased at TheatreMcLean.org
November 21st thru 23rd @ 7pm
November 23rd and 24th @ 2pm
Adults - $15
Students $10
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National Special Education Day - 12/2
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of these students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
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Bodhi Day - 12/8
Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
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Winter Break - 12/23 - 1/3/25 (Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.
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Christmas - 12/25
🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.
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Chanukah - 12/25
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.
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New Year's Day - 1/1/25 |
Looking for Service Hours?
Lemon Road is hosting a Family Night on Thursday, November 21st. They are looking for high school students to help us and earn service/volunteer hours.
Date: Thursday, November 21
Location: Lemon Road Elementary School
Time: 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM (includes set up and clean up)
Link to Sign Up Genius: LRES Family Night Volunteers
McLean HS Crew Club Turkey Trot 5K
Please join McLean High School Crew Club, in partnership with Langley Crew Club, on Saturday, November 30 at 9 am for a Turkey Trot 5K. The friendly rivals are joining together as ONE team to support and strengthen rowing in our McLean and Great Falls community. Proceeds from the event will be shared equally between the two teams.
Register here
In addition to a scenic 5K run, there will be a dj with music and a coffee truck for specialty coffee and hot chocolate, starting at 8 am on the day of the trot. For those who cannot join in person, please consider registering for the virtual trot.
Grab your friends and family, and let’s run/walk!
Registration Fee: 5K:$50 November 2 through Race Day
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Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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National Career Development Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
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 McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!
McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to Safeway, Target, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.
There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:
- Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
- Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
- Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:
c/o Jennifer Hill
McLean High School
1633 Davidson Road
McLean VA 22101
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.
Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.
Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!
If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at eblankenbaker@verizon.net.
2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser
The McLean PTSA is offering the Official 2024 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors President Jimmy Carter. The ornament has an anchor shape, an iconic symbol of hope, which represents Carter's service in the United States Navy and highlights historic moments from his life and presidency. The ornament is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karate gold, and screen printed with exquisite colors. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box with a ribbon for hanging and an illustrated booklet on the Carter presidency. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients!
Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2025.
Price: $27. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 2nd. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 14.
Questions - Email Pam Williams at angp@mcleanptsa.org
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McLean High School PTSA Information
Here are some quick links:
Boundary Review Community Meeting
Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria.
Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.
If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.
FCPS also partners 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, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.
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.
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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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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