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August 26 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) - Back to School Night
August 26 (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM) - Senior Parent Meeting
September 4 and 7 - Labor Day Holiday
September 10 (3:30 PM - 6:00 PM) - Celebrate McLean
September 10 (7:00 PM) - First Home Football Game
Upcoming Events
August 26 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) - Back to School Night
All students and families are invited to our Back to School Night. From 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, you may buy McLean gear, buy Booster PTSA passes, sign-up to become a member of the PTSA, learn about Family Life Education (FLE) in grades 9-12, and meet our different school support personnel (our Librarian, Technology Specialist, and our Assessment Coach).
Parents will have an opportunity to go through their child’s schedule class by class and hear a presentation about the class from teachers. Parking will be limited and we encourage parents to carpool or walk if within walking distance. More detailed information will be shared closer to the event date.
August 26 (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM) - Senior Parent Meeting
Parents of Seniors! Please join us at our annual Senior Parent Night from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM on August 26th in the Auditorium. In this meeting we will share upcoming events and information to be aware of related to post-secondary planning, with an emphasis on how best to support your student as they engage in the college application process. Parents can then transition to our Back-to-School-Night schedule following this presentation.
September 4 and 7 - Labor Day Holiday
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends. See the complete school year calendar.
September 10 (3:30 PM - 6:00 PM) - Celebrate McLean
All students and families are invited to stop by to learn about club and extra-curricular offerings, enjoy some food trucks, and games. This is a great time for us to come together and celebrate the school year ahead! All students from our school pyramid are welcome to attend!
September 10 (7:00 PM) - First Home Football Game
After Celebrate McLean, join us for the first home football game of the season on September 10th at 7:00 PM where our Highlanders face off against the Falls Church Jaguars.
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 High School Junior Selected to Participate in Yale Young Global Scholars Program
Ethan Estrada was one of approximately 2,000 students selected out of 14,400+ applicants to participate in the YYGS program this summer. Students from over 150 countries (including all 50 U.S. states) participate in an interdisciplinary, two-week session at Yale.
Senior Earns Girl Scout Gold Award
Hannah Bronson, a 12th grader at MHS, earned the Girl Scout Gold Award on August 12, 2026. The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, recognizing teens in grades 9–12 who complete a long‑term, sustainable project that addresses a community issue.
For her project, Hannah focused on educating children and families about the dangers of microplastics. She created posters, pamphlets, and kid‑friendly games, presenting them at Fairfax County Earth Day and other community events. Through her outreach, she engaged and educated more than 300 children and parents this year.
Hannah’s project was strengthened by the support of four fellow MHS students, making her Gold Award a true community effort. Congratulations, Hannah!
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Principal's Corner
Dear McLean Families,
Today was filled with incredible energy, engaging learning, and wonderful community building across all our classrooms. What a fantastic start to the school year!
Our hallways were buzzing with excitement and a great deal of creative navigation as our newest Highlanders made their way around the building. We loved watching our freshmen navigate the McLean maze, and a few brave explorers were spotted taking a scenic detour that brought them back to the same hallway three times in a row! Rest assured, Class of 2030, you will master the layout in no time! Until then, our upperclassmen and staff are here to help guide the way.
To help us keep morning entry moving quickly and safely, please remember to remove the following items from backpacks and bags before passing through Open Gate:
- Laptops and tablets
- Laptop chargers and cords
- Umbrellas
- Metal water bottles
- Earbuds and headphone cases
Taking these items out ahead of time ensures a fast, seamless transition into the building each morning.
Thank you to our staff, students, and supportive parents for your hard work and flexibility today. Your efforts made the first day run exceptionally smoothly, setting the stage for a wonderful year ahead.
Warmest regards,
Raven N. Jones
Principal, McLean High School
Go Highlanders!
Back-to-School Information
Updated Building Hours
Our building will open for students at 7:40 AM Monday through Friday, and closed to students without an escort or pre-arranged reason for being in the building at 3:10 PM each day.
Updated FCPS Policies and Procedures
Cell Phones
As we prepare for the start of a strong school year, we want to share an important update regarding our cell phone policy designed to minimize distractions and maximize instructional time for all students.
SB108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1, 2026 and states that all schools in the state must follow a "bell-to-bell" phone-free policy. FCPS’ current cellphone policy is now bell to bell for elementary, middle, and high school students.
On May 7, 2026, as part of its annual review of FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to FCPS’ cellphone policy in order to align with SB108. FCPS’ updated cellphone policy is “bell to bell,” which means that students at all grade levels can only use cellphones, cellphone accessories, and smart devices before and after school. This does not apply to school-issued devices.
As of July 1, 2026, high school students can no longer use phones, cellphone accessories and smart devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, other items connected to the internet) during lunch time.
Across all grade levels, FCPS new cellphone policy is that cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as airpods, earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., backpacks) for the duration of the school day: bell to bell.
While this is not a change from last year, students and families are also reminded that students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency, and that cellphones are not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.
Medical or IEP/504 Plan Accommodations: If your student needs access to their phone for medical accommodations, it is important to note that the current cellphone policy and guidelines have not changed. Therefore, students who currently require access to a cellphone or another personally owned device for medical reasons, or an accommodation to access the curriculum and make progress to their individualized goals, will continue to have such access.
We are committed to helping our students make responsible choices. If a student uses their phone during class, it will be collected by a member of the administrative or security team. The student will receive a receipt, and the phone will be stored in a locked cart until the end of the school day. Students may retrieve their phone at the end of the school day.
Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn in a distraction-free environment. We appreciate your support in helping us reinforce these expectations at home. If you have any questions about this policy, please reach out to your student’s administrator.
Personal Communication & Computing Devices
Starting this school year, students must use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. This is in accordance with a new School Board requirement, approved on July 16, which states that students may not use personal electronic communication or computing devices, including personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices.
Students may only use their personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device.
Families can help support this requirement by reminding students to bring their FCPS-issued device each day and use it for all school-related digital activities unless an approved exception applies.
Student ID Cards for Bus Riders
Student ID card distribution will soon begin during the school day for all students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.
Students who recieve student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will begin checking in students and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
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.
SEL Screener Parent/Guardian Notification
The Fall Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12 in October. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Crossing Guard Update
Beginning this school year, Fairfax County will no longer assign crossing guards to high schools. As always, we encourage students, families, and drivers to use extra caution when traveling to and from school, follow all traffic laws, and remain alert to pedestrians and other vehicles. Because traffic patterns may be different, please allow a few extra minutes when arriving at or departing from school.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Additional immunization resources are also available.
Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
💻 Catch Up on Your Child’s Classwork in Schoology
Teachers use Schoology to post their classroom materials online; to provide a secure forum for students to discuss their ideas and collaborate on projects; and to assign and collect homework electronically. It helps students stay organized, and it keeps the class connected.
A Schoology Parent Account gives you access to:
- Your child’s classes.
- Your child’s upcoming assignments.
- School, class, and group announcements.
To access Schoology, parents will need to have an active SIS/ParentVUE account. Get more information on how to login and use Schoology.
You Can Manage Student Web Access at Home
At McLean High School, we acknowledge that parents are our students' first and most important teachers. Parents now have greater control over their child’s FCPS-issued device outside of school hours through Lightspeed Parent Portal.
In addition to monitoring weekly internet activity, parents can now also customize web access at home on FCPS devices through Lightspeed using Schedules and Web Rules.
With Schedules, you can set tailored times to automatically pause or restrict internet access. This makes it easier to enforce rules around homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
In Web Rules, you can create Custom Block Lists to block specific, individual websites they do not want your child accessing at home. This allows parents greater control over what is happening online, under their own roof.
These new custom controls take effect at home, outside of school hours, and when the device is off the FCPS network. They will not override standard district filtering policies during the instructional day.
Customize Your Lightspeed Settings
All parents should be receiving weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report emails. To set up these new features, click the “Log in or Register” button at the bottom of your weekly Lightspeed Online Student Activity Report email.
Visit the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide for more information. If you have additional questions, submit a Parent Technology Support Ticket.
Parents are encouraged to discuss internet boundaries with their children so that they can understand the reasoning behind any limits and the differences between access at home and at school. Get tips on talking to your children about technology safety.
School Communication
News You Choose
The following weekly letters are sent to all members who have signed up for News You Choose. If you are not receiving these messages, please go to this link to sign-up. Below you will find which day messages are sent out to the community.
- Sunday - Activities newsletter
- Monday - General school information
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Thursday (new) - PTSA newsletter
Naviance
Naviance Student is a comprehensive website designed for parents of middle and high school students who are making decisions about academic plans, colleges, and careers. Student Services uses this platform to send out up-to-date information for your student. In addition, Student Services sends weekly newsletters through Naviance with information on college and career preparation, upcoming events and opportunities through Student Services, and scholarship information. An active SIS ParentVue account allows you to access Naviance above.
X (Formerly Known as Twitter)
- Activities - @McLeanathletics
Instagram
- School - @mclean_high
- Activities - @mcleanathletics
FCPS Mobile App
There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub!
Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.
Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
McLean PTSA
McLean High School PTSA Information
Here are some quick links:
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
 In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Get Ready for Day One With the FCPS App!
- Learn About School Meals
- Managing Technology at Home
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Important 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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