McLean HS: Monday Message 03/30/26

March 30 to April 6 - Spring Break / Teacher Workday

April 18 - 2026 Special Education Family Conference

April 18 - Fairfax County History Commision History Conference

April 21 - Statewide Election: No School for Students


Upcoming Events

March 30 to April 6 - Spring Break / Teacher Workday

Schools and school offices will be closed March 30 to April 3 for spring break. Monday, April 6, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.


April 18 - 2026 Special Education Family Conference

The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School

Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.

Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.


April 18 - Fairfax County History Commision History Conference

Students, teachers, and community members are invited to participate in the Fairfax County History Conference. Participating students are eligible for service hours, while participating teachers are eligible for Continuing Education Credits.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Fairfax County Government Center

Opportunities Include:

  • Volunteer (Greeter, registration, hospitality, wayfinding, etc.)
  • History Showcase Display: Create a display about Fairfax County history tied to your school or community. Individual and team projects are welcome.
  • Trivia Show Contestant *HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY* (High School Students vs. School Board Members — format subject to change)

Tell Us How You’d Like to Participate - REGISTER HERE

Join historians, educators, and community members for a day of exploration highlighting Fairfax County’s role in the American Revolution. As part of #Fairfax250, the conference examines the causes, conflict, and consequences of the Revolution—and how Fairfax both shaped and was shaped by this pivotal era. Don’t miss dynamic panels with George Mason University faculty and students, interactive activities, hands-on archaeology, genealogy sessions, digital research tools, student exhibits, and opportunities to connect with local history organizations.


April 21 - Statewide Election: No School for Students

There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.

Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.


Student Achievement

Do you know a student, club, or team that has done something amazing? We want to hear about it! We're looking for accomplishments big or small to feature on the school website and in our weekly newsletter. Whether it's an academic achievement, an athletic victory, a creative project, or an act of community service, we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible things happening at McLean. Please fill out our Google Form to submit an accomplishment. To see a full list of student accomplishments, check out the Student Recognitions page on the McLean website.


Entrepreneurship and Small Business Logo with Small Light Bulb

The Next Generation of Highlander Entrepreneurs

More than 50 students enrolled in Entrepreneurship II DE passed the exam to receive the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification. This validates foundational-level understanding of core concepts related to starting or running a small business. Students will be able to take this into their careers and future employment.


Staff Spotlight

Ms. Murdock Still in the Running to Become America's Favorite Teacher

Our amazing science-professional turned teacher, Julia Murdock, is still leading her group in the America’s Favorite Teacher contest! If she wins, our school could host an assembly with Bill Nye the Science Guy!

Ms. Murdock wants to ensure all students have the chance to study coral reefs and the ocean firsthand. Voting for the TOP 15 ends Thursday the 2nd of April at 7PM PDT

✅ Vote Daily (It's FREE!): http://americasfavteacher.org/2026/julia-murdock

Your generous voting has kept her in first place. Let’s show her the same support she shows our students every day! Go Highlanders! 

McLean HS Teacher, Julia Murdock poses on an ocean pier holding a sign which says "I swam with a sea turtle"

Safety & Security

FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety

At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks. 

FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.


Prom 2026

McLean High School Prom 2026: Enchanted Forest theme. April 17, 8-11 PM at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

The Class of 2027 is proud to host this year’s Prom for 11th and 12th grade students! Please review the details below regarding tickets, guest forms, and attendance.

  • Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Location: Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, McLean, VA 7920 Jones Branch Road, McLean VA 22102

Ticket Information

Tickets will be available for purchase via MySchoolBucks from March 11 through April 12. Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door.

  • Price: $75.00 – $85.00 (Price increases based on purchase date).
  • Limit: Students may purchase a maximum of two tickets.
  • Pick-up: Information regarding physical ticket pick-up will be shared in April.

Families unable to purchase tickets due to financial hardship should contact their child’s school counselor. All discussions will remain strictly confidential.


Guest Policy

If you are bringing a guest who does not attend McLean High School, you must complete a guest form.

  • Submission: Turn in your completed form when you pick up your tickets.

Wednesday Workshop

Every Wednesday from 3-4:30pm we invite interested students to attend Wednesday Workshop to receive support in the core content areas, homework completion, and executive functioning (planning & organization). Wednesday Workshop typically takes place in the library and transportation is provided home from the school via school bus. Buses depart at 4:45 PM. Any questions? Please reach out to Ms. Ashley Lowry (aclowry@fcps.edu).

Wednesday Workshop will Resume on April 8th. Enjoy the Break!

Advertisement for MHS Wednesday Workshop after School Event

Testing Information

Volunteers Needed for AP Proctoring

McLean HS is giving over 4,400 AP exams between May 4-May 22. 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. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).


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 24th. 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.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

May 4

AP Biology (AM)

AP Latin (AM)

 

AP Micro (PM)

May 5

AP Chemistry (AM)

AP Human Geo(AM)

 

AP U.S. Gov’t (PM)

May 6

AP Eng. Lit (AM)


AP Comp. Gov’t (PM)

AP Physics 1 (PM)

May 7

AP World History (AM)


AP African Stu. (PM)

AP Statistics (PM)

May 8

AP U.S. History (AM)

AP Chinese (PM)

AP Macro (PM)

May 11

AP Calc AB (AM)
AP Calc BC (AM)

AP Music (PM)

AP Seminar (PM)

May 12

AP French (AM)

AP Precalc (AM)

AP Psychology (PM)

May 13

AP English Lang (AM)

AP German AM)

 

AP Physics C: Mech (PM)

May 14

AP Spanish (AM)

 

AP Comp. Sci. Prin. (PM)

AP Physics C: E & M (PM)

May 15

AP Environ. Sci. (AM)


AP Comp. Sci. A (PM)


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.

  • April 24: Reading 
  • May 18: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Earth Science
  • May 19: Biology
  • May 20: Geometry
  • May 21: Social Studies
  • June 1-5: SOL Retakes

💻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 8th if their device is in need of repair. 


Student Services

Spring College Panel

Our Spring College Panel is April 9, 2026. The program starts at 6:00pm with a mini college fair with our 6 panelists and a few other college representatives. The panel will start at 6:30pm.

Our panel consists of admissions reps from Butler University, Christopher Newport University, James Madison University, Dickinson College, Clemson University and Virginia Tech. This is a great program for all underclassmen and their parents but juniors especially. Come hear about the academic programs unique to their institution, testing policies, what they are looking for on an application and more.


FCPS News Banner

FCPS This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • School Weather Safety
  • Science Fair Winners
  • Summer Internships at FCPS

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


McLean PTSA

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:


Class of 2026 All Night Graduation Party

Explore Ways to Support

Greetings families!! We are actively preparing for the Class of 2026 All Night Graduation Party (ANGP) which will be held on June 9, 2026. The ANGP provides a safe, alcohol-free and drug-free evening for our Seniors to celebrate after their high school graduation. Every year our students look forward to the ANGP, which is an amazing, fun-filled event where they can spend one last time making memories with their classmates and enjoy a variety of entertainment, games, great food, prizes, and much more. We make this happen each year with the support of students, families, and the McLean community. 

Questions? Contact the committee at angp@mcleanptsa.org.


ANGP Tickets

ANGP tickets are now available. Price: $100. Ticket prices will increase as of April 11, 2026. The page also provides an opportunity to sponsor a ticket for a graduate in need.


Yard Signs

Class of 2026 yard signs are now available. This year we are offering two types of signs: 

1.    Decision signs that will allow you to celebrate your Senior's college/university/military decision and 

2.    Graduation signs to celebrate your Senior upon graduation in June. 

The signs range in price from $30 to $40 based on the type of sign. See the link below to purchase and for additional details. 

The signs are available for purchase through May 1, 2026. 

Click here to purchase your yard signs


Donation/Fundraising Opportunities

We are actively preparing to create a fun event for Class of 2026 ANGP. We are in need of your support through monetary donations as well as prizes, gift cards, and other donations. See below for ways to support: 

Click here to make monetary donations

Click here for the sign-up genius for prize/gift card donations

Click here for the sign-up genius for event donations

****Fundraiser Raffle and Auction Information Coming Soon****


Volunteer Opportunities

We are still in need of volunteers to assist with the Class of 2026 ANGP (June 9, 2026). Volunteers are needed to assist with planning and event day tasks, including set up, monitoring the activities, and other tasks. For questions about the various roles, please contact the committee at angp@mcleanptsa.org. Also, see the link below to sign up for event day tasks.

Click here for the sign-up genius for ANGP volunteers


Heart-shaped poster with "Volunteers: The HEART OF The Community. Thank You!" and colorful decorations and signatures.

Register for Volunteer FCPS

Your time supports our students in powerful ways. Help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.

Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias.

Visit the Volunteer FCPS website to complete a volunteer orientation. View Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels. 


Weekly Reminders

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.


Provide the County Government With Feedback on its Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).

You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak

Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.


Summer Student Intern Program Applications Open

The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students and recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. The program will run from Monday, July 6, to Friday, August 14. It offers hands-on work experience across central office departments. 

Interns will work alongside professionals on projects that help prepare FCPS for the upcoming school year. They will learn about current trends in fields including AI and emerging technologies, business and finance, architecture and construction, communications, safety and cybersecurity, and education and advocacy as well as participate in weekly professional development workshops.

Job descriptions, details, and the interest form (which should be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10) are available on the Summer Internship webpage. Watch a video about last year’s Summer Internship Program and follow @FCPSInterns on Instagram.


Discover What's New on the Menu

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

  • New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
  • Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
  • Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
  • Vegetarian options like the meatless Philly melt are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available.


PSTD Night: Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation

All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM in the Auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30 PM. 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 2025 - 2026 school year are below.

May 11, 2026

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.


Social-Emotional Support

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


Quick Links

Bell Schedule

 

Bell Schedule and Red/Silver Calendar

McLean HS

 

McLean High School Website

Parking Information

 

Student Parking Information

Calendar

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

Student Information

 

Student Information System (SIS)


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.