 April 7-11 - National Assistant Principals Week
April 9 - Purple Up! Day (Month of the Military Child)
April 12 - Passover
April 13 - Theravada New Year
April 14-18 - Spring Break
April 20 - Easter/Orthodox Easter
May 17 - Prom (See info below)
MHS Prom - Old Hollywood - May 17, 2025
This year's prom will be held on Saturday, May 17 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Tickets will be on sale on MySchoolBucks from April 21st to May 15th. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. The link to purchase tickets will be sent out on April 21st.
MHS Prom - Call for Chaperones
The Class of 2026 is seeking parent volunteers to chaperone this year’s Prom. Chaperones will help with set up, coat/bag check, and general supervision of the event. We are looking for 5 chaperones per shift. Parent volunteers are needed for the following shifts:
- Shift 1: Set Up - 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
- Shift 2: Event Supervision - 7:30-9:30 pm
- Shift 3: Event Supervision/Clean Up - 9:30-11:30 pm
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this sign up form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Williams (aowilliams@fcps.edu).
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McLean Team Places 2nd at the Virginia Renewable Energy KidWind Regional Competition
The Virginia Renewable Energy KidWind Challenge is a hands-on design celebration that engages students through the lens of wind and solar energy. Student teams design, construct, and test small scale wind turbines and solar structures.
McLean's McSolar team placed 2nd in the Solar Home Division at the KidWind Regional State Competition at Shenandoah University, which earned them a spot in the state competition in April. The team also won the superlative Circuit Master Award, which is awarded to one high school team who demonstrates superior circuity & innovation in their design!
Good luck to the McSolar team at the state competition on April 12th!
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McLean Science Olympiad Team Places 9th in Virginia State Tournament
Congratulations to the McLean High School Science Olympiad team for their impressive performance at the Virginia State Tournament on March 29th! Competing against top teams from across the state, McLean placed 9th overall and brought home medals in four challenging events:
🥈 2nd Place – Write It Do It: Annie Gao & Harry Yu
🥉 3rd Place – Optics: Haoping Du & Yeonggwon Cho
🥉 3rd Place – Robot Tour: Haoping Du & Andy Wu
6th Place – Microbe Mission: Joshua Lee & Fern Fang
We’re proud of our students’ dedication, teamwork, and excellence in STEM. Go Highlanders!
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McLean Student Services Staff Present at Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling
Staff members from our McLean Student Services team presented at the 60th annual Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) on Monday, April 7. From left to right: Kathleen Otal (School Counselor), Mary Barnes (College & Career Specialist), and Tara Lodwig (School Counselor). Their presentation on “Parent University: Supporting Families through the College Application Journey” was well attended and demonstrates the supportive programming offered to McLean HS parents as they help their students navigate college applications.
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Mary Barnes Earns Tiggbee Impact Award!
Mary Barnes, College and Career Specialist, earned the Tiggbee Impact Award for Spring 2025. Tiggbee is an educational resource that provides access for students to explore various businesses and hear from industry professionals who share their passion, success stories, skill requirements, and career insights. When Ms. Barnes learned of this opportunity, she brought it to the McLean HS Student Services team. The team recognized the importance of the resource and included it in the Sophomore Unit on career planning provided to all 10th grade students at the start of March. Tiggbee provides students with the opportunity to explore workplace experiences, broaden their perspectives on potential career paths, and emphasizes why their education matters. Active participation from students exploring this resource totaled to 112.10 work-based learning experience hours. Congratulations to Mary Barnes and the Student Services team on this accomplishment!
Purple Up! Day
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 9 for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.
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Saturday Support
We are excited to share that we are expanding our Saturday Support to a second site for the second semester. Students can now attend Saturday Support sessions at McLean High School or Timber Lane Elementary School between 9:00 and 11:00 AM.
Our upcoming Saturday Support sessions will be on April 5 & April 26.
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 💻FCPS Issued Chromebook for Testing
As we get closer to the spring testing window, all students should be bringing their FCPS issued Chromebook to school daily in preparation for testing. All SOL and AP tests must be completed on the FCPS issued Chromebook. Students should visit the Tech Center prior to Wednesday, April 9th if their device is in need of repair.
AP Testing
AP Testing will take place between May 5-23. 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: (French, German, Music Theory, Spanish Language)
- Two #2 pencils and black/dark blue pen
Materials for Digital Exams: (African American Studies, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language, Comparative Government, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language, English Literature, Environmental 1 Science, Human Geography, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C: Mechanics, Precalculus, Psychology, Seminar, Statistics, United States Government, United States History, World History)
- Fully charged FCPS Chromebook and charger
- College Board login credentials to access Bluebook
- Two #2 pencils and black/dark blue pen
- A calculator if taking Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Environment Science, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1, Physics C, Precalculus, or Statistics
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.
Volunteers Needed for Proctoring
McLean HS is giving over 4,400 AP exams between May 5 - May 23. We are asking for parents/guardians to volunteer their time to help proctor so AP testing can run effectively and smoothly. Parents/Volunteers are not allowed to assist with an exam for an AP class their student(s) is currently taking. Sign up here to volunteer your time. Proctoring assistance days and times will be confirmed by March 28th. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
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 student 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 student’s school counselor. There is no early release or late arrival for students taking SOLs.
April 25: Reading
May 19: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Earth Science
May 20: Biology
May 21: Geometry
May 22: Social Studies
May 28-30: SOL Retakes
 April 28 Deadline for Service Learning Entry in x2Vol
April 28, 2025 is the deadline for seniors to enter service learning experiences into x2Vol. Students are not required to complete service learning to meet graduation requirements. However, seniors who complete 40 or more service hours while in high school qualify to wear a FCPS Service Learning Cord at graduation. Additionally, some honor societies and diploma seals require service learning opportunities to be documented through x2Vol. More information on service learning can be located on the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/activities/service-learning. If you have questions, please contact your school counselor.
Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party
Date/Time: June 3, 2025 at 11 pm
Location: McLean High School
ANGP Tickets
Yard Signs
Volunteer/Donation Opportunities
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! We are looking for parent volunteers, food/beverage donations, and prize/giveaway donations. Please sign up using the links below.
Questions? Contact us at angp@mcleanptsa.org.
 Save the Date! Class of 2026 College Application Workshop - 7/30-8/1
Attention Juniors! The Student Services Department will be holding our annual College Application Workshop on Wednesday, July 30th and Friday, 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 is now open and will be completed through MySchoolBucks. Students who need financial assistance for this workshop should contact their school counselor.
🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning
Planning which courses to take next year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond.
School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. Resources to support course selection for next year include our Academic Advising website (which includes our course catalog and course selection sheets), your student’s current teachers, and your student’s school counselor. This FCPS Curriculum webpage may also be helpful.
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
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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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Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 44 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
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 2025 Fundraiser Raffle
**ON SALE NOW THROUGH JUNE 3, 2025**
Click Here to Purchase
Purchase your tickets before it is TOO LATE for a chance to win some fantastic prizes, including:
Lake Anna Vacation Rental, WV Vacation Rental, SAT 1400 Princeton Review Course, Private Wine Class of 20, Restaurant and Garden Center gift cards and more.
Cost: 1 Raffle Ticket for $10, 3 Raffle Tickets for $30, 5 Raffle Tickets for $50, or 10 Raffle Tickets for $100
Prize Announcements: On or Before June 6, 2025 via Email and PTSA Newsletter
**Proceeds benefit the Class of 2025 All Night Graduation Party**
Questions? Contact us at angp@mcleanptsa.org.
McLean High School PTSA Information
Here are some quick links:
 In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Budget
- School Start Times Survey
- Month of the Military Child
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
 McLean HS Tech Support for Students 🖥️
If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the Tech Support Request Form to enter your information. The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.
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 2024-2025 calendar year are below.
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.
 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
Turning Setbacks Into Success: Helping Kids Thrive Through Challenges with Author Michelle Icard
Every kid makes mistakes. The trick is to turn these missteps into character-building moments for your child. Join the Safe Community Coalition on April 23 at 7pm at MCC’s Alden Theatre for Turning Setbacks into Success with author Michelle Icard. Based on "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success," the talk helps parents know when to step in or step back as kids navigate challenges like friendship struggles, rule-breaking, and self-doubt.
Click here to register and purchase tickets. Proceeds benefit McLean's Safe Community Coalition. Book sale and signing follows.
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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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