McLean HS: Monday Message 05/25/26

May 26 - Teacher Work Day: No School for Students

May 27 - Eid al-Adha Holiday: Schools and Offices Closed

June 1 - Rising 9th Grade Parent Night


Upcoming Events

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.


June 1 - Rising 9th Grade Parent Night

Join us for our Rising 9th Grade Parent Night on Monday, June 1 at 6:00pm in the Auditorium to learn about crucial aspects of high school success. Learn how to best support your teen during their transition to high school through open communication, explore the many opportunities to get involved in school activities, and discover strategies for creating balanced schedules to ensure time for both learning and rest.


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.


Principal's Corner

Calling All Leaders: Join the Principal’s Advisory Committee

Good afternoon, McLean Families!

We are looking for dedicated students, family members, community partners, and staff members to serve on the Principal's Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 School Year. The PAC will meet once per quarter in the evening and will help steer the direction of our school over the next 4 years. Interested persons should complete the form found at this link. Selected individuals will be notified in July of their selection to the PAC.


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

  • Graduation Practice #1 - Thursday, June 4
    • 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. 
  • HIP Presentations, Convocation, & Senior Picnic - Friday, June 5
    • 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. 
    • 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. 
    • Following Convocation, we will have an outdoor lunch for seniors.
  • Graduation Practice #2 - Monday, June 8
    • Mandatory practice from 8:30 am to 10:30 am in the Lower Gym. This rehearsal covers decor, rules, logistics, fees, and obligations. Students who do not attend WILL NOT participate in the graduation ceremony on June 9. Each senior who has fulfilled all financial obligations will receive 5 tickets to graduation after the rehearsal.
  • Baccalaureate - Monday, June 8
    • An interfaith graduation service for students and their families to be held at: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at 5:00 pm.   1545 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22101
  • Graduation @ DAR - Tuesday, June 9
    • 2:30 pm Commencement Ceremony, all graduating students must arrive at McLean no later than 12:30 pm.

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.


Student Services

Rising 9th Grade Parent Events

We look forward to seeing our incoming 9th grade parents/guardians at the following events!

Join us for our Rising 9th Grade Parent Night on Monday, June 1 at 6:00pm in the Auditorium to learn about crucial aspects of high school success. Learn how to best support your teen during their transition to high school through open communication, explore the many opportunities to get involved in school activities, and discover strategies for creating balanced schedules to ensure time for both learning and rest.

Additionally, on Thursday, August 20 at 6:00pm, we look forward to reconnecting with the parents/guardians of our incoming new families coming to McLean. That morning, we will hold an orientation for our 9th grade students. Our evening event will provide additional insight for parents/guardians to support their student with a strong start to high school.

McLean High School Rising Ninth Grade Parent Night June 1 2026

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.


FCPS News Banner

FCPS This Week

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

  • Graduation and Summer Resources
  • Check Your Lunch Balance
  • Mental Health Support

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.


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.


Wednesday Workshops & Late Bus Service Have Concluded

Wednesday, May 20, marked our final Wednesday Workshop and the last day for late bus transportation for the 2025–2026 school year.


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!


Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance

It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.

If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.


Colleges and Universities Still Accepting Applications

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has released its annual College Openings Update. This voluntary listing features NACAC-member postsecondary institutions that are still accepting applications from prospective first-year and transfer students for the fall 2026 semester.

Students and families are encouraged to use this tool to search for colleges that still have space available. Users may narrow down the list of schools by state and view whether a school still has financial aid and available student housing. Please note that this list is updated daily.

Additionally, NACAC has created a waiver request form for enrollment deposit fees that some institutions will consider for students experiencing significant financial hardship. Learn more about the enrollment deposit fee waiver and eligibility. Students and families may contact their school counselor and college and career specialist with any questions.

Students who still need assistance applying for federal or state financial aid can schedule a free appointment with our partners at College Access Fairfax by emailing appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org. Support provided by your school or College Access Fairfax is free.


New Advanced Swimming & Lifeguard Certification Course Coming This Fall

Fairfax County Public Schools will offer a new course, Advanced Swimming and Lifeguard Certification, for the 2026-27 school year. This course will be open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and will be held at Skyview High School. Students from all FCPS high schools are eligible to enroll.

Students enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to take the lifeguard certification test in spring 2027. Those who successfully pass will earn American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including deep water certification.

Information about transportation between base schools and Skyview High School is being finalized and will be shared once it is available. Directors of Student Services will begin enrolling students by June 1. If your student is interested in this opportunity, please encourage them to speak with their school counselor.


Social-Emotional Support

No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

Virtual therapy sessions are available to FCPS high school students at no cost to provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

  • Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
  • Anxiety, worry, fears.
  • Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
  • Academic stress.

Students can be referred by a guardian or designated school staff member. You may refer your child by calling 571-749-2940 or by contacting our school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or director of Student Services. Visit the FCPS Teletherapy webpage for more information.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.


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.