MHS PTSA eNews, October 15, 2026


This Week from the PTSA

As we settle into fall, we’re grateful for the families, teachers, and staff who make McLean such a special community. Every act of support helps our students thrive.

Stay connected with your PTSA for school updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved!


hc bag check

Thank You, Homecoming Bag & Coat Check Volunteers!

A big thank-you to our wonderful parent volunteers who helped with bag and coat check at the McLean HS Homecoming Dance! Your time and support helped keep students’ belongings organized and made the evening run smoothly. We appreciate you showing up for our Highlanders and helping make Homecoming a special night for our students!


MHS Reflections Poster

MHS PTSA Reflections – Call for Entries!

McLean High School PTSA invites students to participate in the 2026–2027 National PTA Reflections Program!

This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.”

Students can express their creativity in four categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, and Film Production. Accessible Arts is also available for eligible students.

Students may enter more than one category, but only one entry per student per category is allowed. Selected entries may advance to the Fairfax County, Virginia, and National PTA levels.

Submission Deadline: November 8, 2026

Registration & Submission:
https://forms.gle/Xg3ggr451aFpwrhh9

Please see the attached updated flyer for additional information.

Questions? Contact reflections@mcleanptsa.org


latte for September

We need your help: McLean Staff Breakfast

With school in full swing, this is a busy time for the MHS teachers and staff who are working hard everyday in support our students. Please help the PTSA show our appreciation for them and keep them fueled up for a great October! We're low on sign-ups, so your donation is greatly appreciated.

Friday Staff Breakfast Station

The PTSA organizes a weekly Friday Breakfast Station for McLean High School's 250+ teachers & staff, stocked with contributions by MHS families. Donations can be dropped off in person at the Front Office or ordered online and shipped to the school. Please help us show some love for the school staff by clicking on the link to sign up to contribute one or more breakfast items this month. 

Thank you, Highlanders, for your kind support!     

October Fridays: 10/16, 10/23, 10/30

Link: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EA4A822A7FEC07-65093666-202610

 


Jessica Lahey

Parents & Teens: Learn How to Build Independence, Resilience & Stronger Connections.

Join the Safe Community Coalition on Monday, November 16, 2026, 7-8:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre for an evening with bestselling
author and educator Jessica Lahey. Author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation, Jessica will share practical, research-backed strategies for helping teens build resilience and independence while navigating anxiety, substance use, gambling,
and other challenges. Tickets: $20 adults | $15 students (appropriate for grades Register
7–12) in advance; $25 at the door. Made possible by a generous grant from the
McLean Community Foundation. 


FREE NARCAN Training | October 22

Learn to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose at this free REVIVE training hosted by the Chris Atwood Foundation and Safe Community Coalition.

  • Learn to recognize an overdose and administer Narcan

  • Receive free, ready-to-use Narcan

  • High school students can earn volunteer hours

Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 7–8:30 p.m.
Location: McLean Community Center

Open to anyone over 16 (under 16 must attend with an adult). No cost or prerequisites. Space is limited!

Register here


2026 White House Ornaments Fundraiser

The McLean High School PTSA is offering the Official 2026 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors America's 250th milestone. The front features the Declaration of Independence text elegantly framed with 24-karat gold for luminous sophistication. The backside reveals an intricately etched White House, attended by both the historic and modern American flags in stately procession. Each ornament includes an illustrated keepsake gift box with a gold embossed informational card. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients! 

Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2027.

Price: $28. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 5, 2026. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 12 from 10a to 3p. 

Questions - Email us at angp@mcleanptsa.org

Ornament

SAT ACT

PSAT/SAT/ACT

Mock Testing and Testing Resources

Prepare for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT with virtual full-length practice tests offered through McLean PTSA partners, The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep.

Upcoming Tests

  • PSAT: July 17, 2027
  • SAT: Oct. 17, 2026; Jan. 23; Mar. 13; May 15; July 17, 2027
  • ACT: Oct. 24, 2026; Feb. 27; Apr. 24; July 24, 2027

Registration closes three days before each test.

To register for PSAT/SAT practice tests, click here. 

To register for ACT practice tests, click here.

The registration fee is $20 per exam. 

Participants will receive testing instructions by email and a comprehensive score report after the exam.

Additional Testing Resources

Princeton Review: McLean families receive 25% off review courses with promo code MCLEAN25. See princetonreview.com for available testing resources.

Marigold Prep: Get a free SAT & ACT Starter Kit with a workbook, recorded tutoring sessions, practice drills, videos, and planning resources.

Click Here To Enroll 

Questions? Contact tests@mcleanptsa.org


Naval

Second PTSA General Membership Meeting

Join us for our second PTSA General Membership Meeting of the school year on Thursday, November 5, at  7p.m. in the McLean HS Lecture Hall.

The evening will begin with a brief PTSA presentation, including updates on our work, programs, and ways we support McLean HS students and families.

Featured Guest Speaker: Navy Captain Burt J. Canfield

Set Sail for Your Future: Global Careers, Debt-Free College, and Leadership in the U.S. Navy

Following the PTSA presentation, Captain Burt J. Canfield will share information about educational and career pathways in the U.S. Navy, including the U.S. Naval Academy, NROTC scholarships, healthcare education opportunities, specialized technical training, and leadership development.

Students and families will have an opportunity to learn about these pathways and ask questions directly.

All PTSA members and McLean HS families are welcome!


Earn Cash or Volunteer Hours with McLean Youth Basketball!

Middle and high school students can join MYB this season as:

  • Referees (Paid): Ages 12+, with training provided.

  • Head Coaches: High school juniors and seniors earn community service hours.

  • Assistant Coaches: High school freshmen and sophomores earn community service hours.

  • Players: Play, coach, and referee in the same season!

Love basketball? Build leadership skills, earn money, or fulfill school service requirements.

Register at mcleanbasketball.com!


Stay Connected

Stay connected through the school year by:

Questions or ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at president@mcleanptsa.org 

Thank you for supporting the McLean High School PTSA. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year.

Go Highlanders!


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