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May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday: Schools and Offices Closed
May 26 - Teacher Work Day: No School for Students
May 27 - Eid al-Adha Holiday: Schools and Offices Closed
Upcoming Events
May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday: Schools and Offices Closed
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.
May 26 - Teacher Work Day: No School for Students
Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher work day. There is no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
May 27 - Eid al-Adha Holiday: Schools and Offices Closed
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown on Thursday, May 26. Wednesday, May 27, is a holiday for Eid al-Adha and schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.
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.
McLean HS Students Placed into Virginia All-State Orchestra
McLean High School students have been selected to perform at the 2026 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event this past April 16-18. Students throughout Virginia went through a rigorous audition process to compete for positions in these ensembles. Participants rehearsed with nationally recognized conductors and collaborated with fellow musicians from around the state during the event, culminating in several fabulous performances that were open to the public.
Congratulations to the following orchestra students for placing into this year’s Virginia All-State Orchestra!
- David Ahn, violin
- Eric Cho, violin
- Siyoon Kim, violin
- Sophia Wang, violin
- Andrew Foster, French horn
- Mina Liu, percussion
- Muyang Zhang, bassoon
- Fintan Murphy, percussion
- Anah Pho, clarinet
- Tyler Jeong, clarinet
- Trevor Newgen, clarinet
- Luke Callanen, saxophone
- Kyle Li, trombone
- Justin Galyean, tuba
- Zuyue Du, voice
- Avesta Salaam, voice
McLean HS Student Awarded Love Like Adam Scholarship
We are pleased to announce that Rachel Zamsky has been named a recipient of the Love Like Adam scholarship. The Love Like Adam Foundation awards six scholarships annually to seniors in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties who demonstrate exceptional character.
About the scholarship: The Love Like Adam scholarship requires a teacher nomination, and nominees are evaluated on several core character traits, including:
- Empathy and kindness toward others
- Consistency in being a respectful and responsible friend
- A commitment to connecting with the broader student body
- Demonstrated traits of good citizenship
Congratulations to Rachel on this achievement and for representing the best of our school community!
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Two McLean HS Students to Tour with National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
McLean senior Guillermo Javierre Carmona and junior Finn Murphy will tour with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America this upcoming summer, one of the most prestigious youth ensembles in the country.
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They are two of roughly 100 young musicians selected through a rigorous application and audition process to participate in a two-week residency at Purchase College, culminating in a concert at Carnegie Hall and a tour across several European countries and festivals. During the tour, they will perform in concert halls shared with world-renowned orchestras. They were also featured alongside other Fairfax County musicians in the Fairfax Times. |
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Attendance
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
Arranging Future Absences
If parents are aware of a future absence, they may report the absence and related date by filling out a Prearranged Absence Form. Extended absences must be documented and the form submitted to the attendance office at least three to five school days in advance for review and action.
Parents must plan to arrange for their child to complete make-up work, tests, or projects. If the student's absence request exceeds five days, a parent conference may be required. The conference will require a review of the student's academic and absence record.
Please note that pre-arranged absences may be either excused or unexcused. Reasons for excused absences may include, but are not limited to, the following: illness (including mental health and substance use illnesses), injury, funeral, legal obligations, medical procedures, religious observances, military obligation, deployment-related absences, civic engagement activity absences, or a documented family emergency. Vacations and non-school affiliated activities are not generally considered excused.
Please see FCPS board policy 2232 for more information.
Clinic
End of School Year Medication Pick-Up
As the end of our school year approaches, we would like to remind you that all medications kept in the Health Room must be picked up by the end of the school year. Per FCPS regulations, any medications that remain in the Health Room after close of business on the last day of school must be destroyed.
For SENIORS: Seniors who have medications may keep them in the Health Room until after graduation activities are complete. All medication for seniors must be picked up by Monday, June 8th.
For ALL OTHER STUDENTS: The last day of classes is June 17th.
Prescription Medications (Epi-pens, Inhalers, ADHD, etc.): Must be picked up by a parent. Please sign in at the main office. PLEASE NOTE: if a student self-carries their epi-pen or inhaler and keeps one in the health room, the student may pick it up.
Over-the-counter Medication: Students may pick up these medications and take them home with written permission from parent. They may be picked up at the end of the day between 2:45-3:00pm any time before the end of the year.
All medications must be picked up by 10:30 am, June 17th.
Please contact School Health Aide, Julie Gamboa, with any questions. (jgamboa@fcps.edu)
Class of 2026
We Want to Hear Your Stories!
We are nearing graduation, and we want to highlight our students' journeys. We know that no two educational journeys are the same. Whether our students are heading straight into the workforce, enlisting in the military, or pursuing a degree at a four-year university, each student has navigated a unique path to reach this milestone.
We are looking for seniors to share their stories and the moments that shaped them. If you're interested in being featured on our Senior Stories page, fill out this Google Form.
Graduation Event Timeline
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Graduation Practice #1 - Thursday, June 4
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We will practice from 8:30 am -10:30 am in the Lower Gym. Attendance is mandatory for all seniors who plan to attend graduation. This rehearsal covers decor, rules, logistics, fees, and obligations. Caps and gowns will be distributed at this rehearsal to students that have paid and returned all obligations.
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HIP Presentations, Convocation, & Senior Picnic - Friday, June 5
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The HIP Presentation fair will take place in the cafeteria immediately before Convocation. Check in starts at 8:15 am, with the presentations running from 8:30-9:25 am.
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Convocation will take place from 9:45 am to 11:00 am in the Lower Gym. Seniors should arrive between 9:00 and no later than 9:30 am.
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Following Convocation, we will have an outdoor lunch for seniors.
Obligations
This is a reminder that all seniors must pay their obligations prior to graduation. Obligations might include course fees, library books, textbooks, calculators, AP exam fees, or senior dues. Students will not receive their cap and gown, or graduation tickets until their obligations have been paid.
Downloading your Google Drive
If you are preparing to graduate or leave FCPS for any reason, it’s important to know that your Google Workspace account will be automatically deactivated once you are no longer actively enrolled in FCPS. This process happens during the summer, shortly after the end of the school year. Once your account is deactivated, you will no longer be able to login to your FCPS Google Drive or access your FCPS Gmail. If you will no longer be an FCPS student after this school year, download or export any files you wish to keep before the end of the school year. The download process of files can take several days, so please make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Students will have the option to use Google Takeout to export their files. Visit Google’s directions here: How to download your Google data using Takeout. It’s important to know that you will only be able to export files for which you are the owner. If you’d prefer to manually select files from your Drive to download, follow the Downloading Your Data instructions on the Google Workspace Information for Students and Parents page of the FCPS website.
Final Wednesday Workshop & Late Bus Transportation
Each Wednesday from 3 - 4:30 PM we invite students to attend Wednesday Workshop to recieve support. This Wednesday, May 20 2026 will be the final workshop for the 2025 - 2026 school year. Additionally, it will be the last day when late busses will be available for students. Late busses will depart at 4:45 PM as usual.
Please note, the final Wednesday Workshop willl take place in the Cafeteria. Reach out to Ms. Ashley Lowry (aclowry@fcps.edu) if you have any questions.
Testing Information
💻FCPS Issued Chromebook for Testing
All students should be bringing their FCPS issued Chromebook to school daily in preparation for testing. All SOL 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.
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.
- 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 This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 2027 Budget Updates
- New Cell Phone Policy
- Stay Up-to-Date with the Mobile App
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
McLean HS PTSA Fundraiser Raffle & Auction - 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.
Fundraiser Raffle
Tickets are on sale NOW for the ANGP Fundraiser Raffle through May 31, 2026. Enter for a chance to win some amazing prizes from a Private Wine Class to tickets to a Nationals game to a hotel stay in Miami, FL.
Click here to purchase your raffle tickets
Fundraiser Auction
Submit your bid NOW for the ANGP Fundraiser Auction through May 31, 2026. Place your bid for some amazing prizes from a Private Wine Class to tickets to a Nationals game to a hotel stay in Miami, FL.
Click here to place your bid
Donation 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
Volunteer at ANGP 2026
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
This event is sponsored by the McLean High School PTSA and is operated independently of the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, and McLean High School.
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.
Virtual Middle School Transition Event - Hosted by Franklin Sherman PTA
Join the Franklin Sherman PTA for a fun and informative virtual event on Tuesday, June 2 at 12 p.m.! Upper elementary families are invited to hear directly from two MHS students about what life at Longfellow Middle School is really like, including classes, teachers, schedules, friendships, and tips for a smooth transition. Don’t miss this chance to ask questions and get honest advice from students who’ve been there. Register and submit questions in advance click here!
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026 - 27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office. Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
Bus Discount Program for Adults
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
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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