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April 15 - Purple Up! Day (Month of the Military Child)
April 16 - Theravada New Year (Observance Day)
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
April 15 - Purple Up! Day (Month of the Military Child)
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 15 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.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
April 16 - Theravada New Year (Observance Day)
Thursday, April 16, is Theravada New Year. FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. 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 / Meals 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.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
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.
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Highlanders Win Second Place at KidWind Virginia State Competition
On Saturday April 11th team A Squared won 2nd Place at the KidWind Virginia State Competition The KidWind Challenge is a hands-on student wind turbine and solar device design competition that engages students in STEM through the lens of clean energy. Student teams design and construct small wind turbines that they test in a wind tunnel, solar devices that they test under a light array, and meet with a panel of judges to present their design process and demonstrate their contextual knowledge of clean energy. McLean HS students this year chose the Solar Smart Home design Competition.
Pictured to the left is Team A Squared, 2nd Place Winners: Akshay Sudhakar & Amine Malouche
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McLean Band Students have Outstanding Performances in Chicago Festivals of Music
Congratulations to all our McLean Band students for outstanding performances in the Chicago Festivals of Music this weekend! Our talented teams garnered several accolades over the course of the trip!
McLean High School Band:
- Esprit de Corps Award for Outstanding Citizenship
Jazz Workshop:
Jazz Ensemble:
- 1st place in Class AA
- Best Rhythm Section
- Best Overall Jazz Band
Percussion Ensemble:
Wind Ensemble:
Symphonic Band:
- 1st place in Class AA
- Best Overall Concert Band
- Grand Champions and highest score in the festival this weekend
Staff Spotlight
Top 5 Round of America's Favorite Teacher Contest Begins
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 5 ends Thursday the 16th of April at 7PM PDT
✅ Vote Daily (It's FREE!): https://americasfavteacher.org/2026/julia-murdock
Your generous voting continues to keep her in first place! Let’s show her the same support she shows our students every day! Go Highlanders!
Prom 2026
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. The general MySchoolBucks ticket purchase window has now closed. 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).
Testing Information
💻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 if their device is in need of repair or if they cannot access the TestNav or Bluebook apps in kiosk mode.
AP Testing
AP Testing will take place between May 4-22. 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
- FCPS Chromebook
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 (with erasers) and two black or dark blue pens
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Calculator (Optional): All students will have access to the Desmos online calculator if taking the APES, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics, Precalculus, and/or Statistics exams. If you choose to bring a handheld calculator, it must be a College Board approval model with fresh batteries (sharing calculators isn’t permitted).
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May 4
AP Biology (AM)
AP Latin (AM)
AP Micro (PM)
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May 5
AP Chemistry (AM)
AP Human Geo(AM)
AP U.S. Gov’t (PM)
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May 6
AP Eng. Lit (AM)
AP Comp. Gov’t (PM)
AP Physics 1 (PM)
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May 7
AP World History (AM)
AP African Stu. (PM)
AP Statistics (PM)
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May 8
AP U.S. History (AM)
AP Chinese (PM)
AP Macro (PM)
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May 11
AP Calc AB (AM)
AP Calc BC (AM)
AP Music (PM)
AP Seminar (PM)
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May 12
AP French (AM)
AP Precalc (AM)
AP Psychology (PM)
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May 13
AP English Lang (AM)
AP German AM)
AP Physics C: Mech (PM)
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May 14
AP Spanish (AM)
AP Comp. Sci. Prin. (PM)
AP Physics C: E & M (PM)
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May 15
AP Environ. Sci. (AM)
AP Comp. Sci. A (PM)
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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.
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 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
Student Services
Seniors! Pre-Grad Survey
All Seniors have been asked to complete the Pre Grad Survey between now and May 1st. This very short survey has been sent to seniors via email and will ensure we are recognizing seniors during our graduation programs. If you are the parent of a senior, please remind your student to complete the survey as soon as possible!
Additionally, seniors will complete the FCPS Senior Survey during our first mandatory graduation practice on June 4th. In this final survey your student will confirm their post McLean HS plans and tell us where to send their final transcript.
Parent Volunteers Needed
Parents/Guardians! We are looking for your assistance to support morning duties during our AP exam season (May 4-May 22). To ensure all necessary school staff are available to support the implementation of morning AP exams, we are requesting assistance from parents/guardians to support our morning school routines from 7:30-8:10. More information and the survey to respond can be found HERE.
If you have questions on this commitment, please contact Jenna Jablonski (jmjablonski@fcps.edu), our Director of Student Services.
 FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Support Military Children
- National Merit Finalists
- School Board to Present Budget to Board of Supervisors
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
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.
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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.
Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey.
Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts with Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Explore Life After High School
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Career and Transition Services will host Flash Forward: Postsecondary Education and Employment Options on Wednesday, April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Woodson High School.
The event is designed for students with disabilities pursuing a standard or advanced diploma and their families. It offers an introduction to postsecondary pathways, including education, employment, and community programs. Representatives from adult education, workforce programs, and community organizations will be available to share resources and answer questions.
Families are encouraged to register in advance to attend.
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
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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