McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 12/16/24

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Important Upcoming Dates

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break - MHS Offices will be closed

December 25 - Christmas

December 25 - Chanukah

January 1 - News Year's Day

January 13 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

January 14 - Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night

January 22 - Advanced Academic Night

Data Point: Cellphone Pilot Increase in Student Concentration

At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, McLean High School volunteered as one of seven FCPS High Schools this year to participate in the cellphone-free classrooms initiative. Upon the analysis of early data, an increase of nearly 20% of our students are reporting paying attention during class time as a result of this program. We are heartened by this data and believe this trend will rise as we continue to partner with our families toward consistent enforcement and support of cellphone free learning environments.

Highlanders Give Back McLean High School Students Team Up With Food For Neighbors to Feed Those in Need

Members of the Class of 2026 have joined the fight against teen hunger and food insecurity by serving as student leaders of a new club that provides meals for students. In a newly minted partnership with Food for Neighbors, these students are mobilizing other teens to combat an issue that affects 1 in 4 children in the United States – hunger. In this photo, our student leaders led a team of student volunteers as they prepared 176 care packages filled with meals for students over the Winter Recess.

From Student Services McLean High School Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Night - 1/14/25

McLean High School will be holding a Curriculum Night for parents of the class of 2029 (current 8th grade students) at McLean HS on Tuesday, January 14th at 6:00pm in the auditorium. The evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming 9th grade student with the transition to high school. Topics include getting involved with extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and the registration process for 9th grade courses. We will also have a panel of core teachers sharing information on their content areas. Following the presentation, teachers from various departments will be available to answer questions about 9th grade classes until 7:30pm.

Snow Date: Monday, January 27th @ 6:00pm in the auditorium

Advanced Academic Night - 1/22/25

McLean High School will be holding an Advanced Academic Night for parents of the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 (current 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students) at McLean HS on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00pm in the cafeteria. The evening session aims to provide parents with information that will help their incoming student select the courses for the 2025-2026 school year or find out information about future course options. Topics will include the difference between advanced placement, dual enrollment, and honors level courses, and important considerations when signing up for classes. Following the presentation, teachers representing different course offerings will share information on their content areas.

From Testing College Board Testing Accommodations for AP Testing

Students who would like to apply to the College Board for AP testing accommodations must submit their application forms to the school by January 10, 2025 to meet the College Board deadline.  Please note that testing accommodations listed on IEPs or 504s are not automatically granted by the College Board for AP testing, so families must apply separately to the College Board. If a student already has College Board accommodations approved from a previous PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, or AP test, then no further action is needed. Once instated, accommodations remain in place for all College Board testing throughout a student’s high school career. 

Please submit College Board AP Testing Accommodations application forms by January 10, 2025 

Coming Up Winter Break - 12/23 - 1/3/25 (MHS Offices closed)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Please note that McLean High School offices will be closed during the break. 

Financial Aid Night - 12/3

Annual Financial Aid Night will be Tues Dec 3rd at 6:30 PM at Langley High School. The focus is on FAFSA, VASA and a general overview of financial aid. The target audience is senior families but also a good start for junior families.

Christmas - 12/25

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas

Chanukah - 12/25

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

New Year's Day - 1/1/25 McLean HS PTSA McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

  • Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
  • Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
  • SEL Screener Results
  • New Accessibility Resources
  • Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
  • Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
  • VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
  • Executive Functioning Webinars
  • Early Literacy Resources
  • ESY and Assessment Webinar
  • COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

Course Selection Begins in January 

Beginning in January 2025, students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students).
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Graduation Requirements and Planning

Careful consideration is essential when planning next year's courses. We encourage our students and families to review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. Reviewing the Program of Studies may be helpful as well. 

🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 12/9/24

GovDelivery1 week 5 days ago

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Important Upcoming Dates

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break - MHS Offices will be closed

December 25 - Christmas

December 25 - Chanukah

January 1 - News Year's Day

January 13 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

McLean HS Outstanding Employees Congratulations MHS Outstanding Employees!

Please join us in congratulating McLean High School's outstanding employees. They were voted for by Highlander faculty, staff and the community. Thank you to those who voted for this amazing group of people!

Emily Bradshaw - Outstanding Leader

Elly Donlen - Outstanding Professional

Cat Gamboa - Outstanding Teacher

MacKenzie Rankin - Outstanding New Teacher

Jose Martinez - Outstanding Operational Employee

Student Achievement MHS Ethics Bowl Team Success

Congratulations to the McLean High School Ethics Bowl team! The group particpated in the Virginia High School Ethics Bowl in Richmond last weekend and made it to the finals. 

Highlanders Give Back McLean HS Partners with Food For Neighbors

McLean High School is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in an area as wealthy as Northern Virginia, one in four kids are struggling with hunger. 

Our school is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in an area as wealthy as Northern Virginia, one in four kids are struggling with hunger.

Food For Neighbors is a local organization addressing this problem by collecting food from our community via the Red Bag Program and donating directly to our local schools. The food is then distributed to the students every week through our food pantry. We hope you will consider participating in the Red Bag food collection program. You can make a difference in a local student’s life by simply adding a few extra items to your shopping cart every two months.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Request a reusable Red Bag and Food For Neighbors will drop it off at your house.
  2. Fill the Red Bag with food items that are listed on a tag on that bag.
  3. Put the Red Bag outside your front door in the morning on the next bag collection day. Collection dates are also listed on the bag tag. And don’t worry, FFN will send reminders.

Your Red Bag will be picked up from your house, the food sorted at a local school and delivered directly to our school food pantry. As an added benefit, you can get a tax deduction for the food that you donate!

As we partner with FFN, other critical volunteer opportunities include driving to pick up filled Red Bags and sorting the donated food during the Red Bag Day events. Visit the FFN FAQ page to find out more and to sign up to volunteer in these two very important roles. These are great opportunities for our students to receive volunteer service hours, too.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Hill [email protected] or Lisa Dean [email protected].

Thanks for helping us provide food to students who need that extra support!

From Testing College Board Testing Accommodations for AP Testing

Students who would like to apply to the College Board for AP testing accommodations must submit their application forms to the school by January 10, 2025 to meet the College Board deadline.  Please note that testing accommodations listed on IEPs or 504s are not automatically granted by the College Board for AP testing, so families must apply separately to the College Board. If a student already has College Board accommodations approved from a previous PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, or AP test, then no further action is needed. Once instated, accommodations remain in place for all College Board testing throughout a student’s high school career. 

Please submit College Board AP Testing Accommodations application forms by January 10, 2025 

Coming Up Winter Break - 12/23 - 1/3/25 (MHS Offices closed)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Please note that McLean High School offices will be closed during the break. 

Financial Aid Night - 12/3

Annual Financial Aid Night will be Tues Dec 3rd at 6:30 PM at Langley High School. The focus is on FAFSA, VASA and a general overview of financial aid. The target audience is senior families but also a good start for junior families.

Christmas - 12/25

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas

Chanukah - 12/25

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

New Year's Day - 1/1/25 McLean HS PTSA Extended! McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need 

It is our last call for this calendar year to support 300 MHS Students-in-Need, 10% of the student body. Thank you to the 105 generous donors that have signed up to donate gift cards. We still need 274 gift cards for $25 and $50. All gift cards go directly to the families for their grocery needs. This year has been a struggle for many but elimination of federal support programs and rising costs of living have adversely impacted families who are already at, or below, the poverty line. There are fewer weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break this year.

If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 13th!

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS 2025-26 FAFSA Form Now Available

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. 

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their children to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office webpage for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account, if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.

The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application will be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.

Get Help Filling out FAFSA From College Access FairfaxOver the next few months, College Access Fairfax will be offering several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.

In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email [email protected].

💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service. 

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 11/25/24

GovDelivery2 weeks 5 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

December 2 - National Special Education Day

December 3 - Financial Aid Night @ Langley High School

December 8 - Bodhi Day

December 13 - Immunization Clinic

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break - MHS Offices will be closed

December 25 - Christmas

December 25 - Chanukah

January 1 - News Year's Day

January 13 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

MHS News You Choose Podcast Listen to highlights from Dr. Reilly's Monday Message as a podcast!

Check out this week's podcast companion to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message! This podcast is created using Notebook LM, an AI powered tool used to summarize content. 

Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message

McLean High School's Top 10 Discover What It Means To Be a Highlander!

Check out McLean High School's Top 10 to see why we are exceptional!

Highlanders Give Back   McLean HS Partners with Food For Neighbors

McLean High School is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in an area as wealthy as Northern Virginia, one in four kids are struggling with hunger. 

Our school is partnering with Food For Neighbors to help feed our local students who deal with food insecurity outside of school hours. Even in an area as wealthy as Northern Virginia, one in four kids are struggling with hunger.

Food For Neighbors is a local organization addressing this problem by collecting food from our community via the Red Bag Program and donating directly to our local schools. The food is then distributed to the students every week through our food pantry. We hope you will consider participating in the Red Bag food collection program. You can make a difference in a local student’s life by simply adding a few extra items to your shopping cart every two months.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Request a reusable Red Bag and Food For Neighbors will drop it off at your house.
  2. Fill the Red Bag with food items that are listed on a tag on that bag.
  3. Put the Red Bag outside your front door in the morning on the next bag collection day. Collection dates are also listed on the bag tag. And don’t worry, FFN will send reminders.

Your Red Bag will be picked up from your house, the food sorted at a local school and delivered directly to our school food pantry. As an added benefit, you can get a tax deduction for the food that you donate!

As we partner with FFN, other critical volunteer opportunities include driving to pick up filled Red Bags and sorting the donated food during the Red Bag Day events. Visit the FFN FAQ page to find out more and to sign up to volunteer in these two very important roles. These are great opportunities for our students to receive volunteer service hours, too.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Hill [email protected] or Lisa Dean [email protected].

Thanks for helping us provide food to students who need that extra support!

This Week National Special Education Day - 12/2

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of these students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Financial Aid Night - 12/3

Annual Financial Aid Night will be Tues Dec 3rd at 6:30 PM at Langley High School. The focus is on FAFSA, VASA and a general overview of financial aid. The target audience is senior families but also a good start for junior families.

Coming Up Bodhi Day - 12/8

Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. 

Fall Immunization Clinic at McLean HS - 12/13

McLean High School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on December 13, 2024, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at McLean High School may participate in the clinic.

The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic: 

  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Find additional information for each vaccine. 

If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide: 

  • Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.
  • A copy of their immunization records (if available).
  • A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required. 

Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by December 6th in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Heather Allison, at [email protected] with any immunization questions.  

Winter Break - 12/23 - 1/3/25 (MHS Offices closed)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Please note that McLean High School offices will be closed during the break. 

Christmas - 12/25

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas

Chanukah - 12/25

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

New Year's Day - 1/1/25 McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser

The McLean PTSA is offering the Official 2024 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors President Jimmy Carter. The ornament has an anchor shape, an iconic symbol of hope, which represents Carter's service in the United States Navy and highlights historic moments from his life and presidency. The ornament is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karate gold, and screen printed with exquisite colors. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box with a ribbon for hanging and an illustrated booklet on the Carter presidency. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients!

Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2025.

Price: $27. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 2nd. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 14.

Questions - Email Pam Williams at [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us. 

Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 11/25/24

GovDelivery3 weeks 5 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving - All schools and offices will be closed

December 2 - National Special Education Day

December 3 - Financial Aid Night @ Langley High School

December 8 - Bodhi Day

December 13 - Immunization Clinic

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break - MHS Offices will be closed

December 25 - Christmas

December 25 - Chanukah

January 1 - News Year's Day

January 13 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

MHS News You Choose Podcast Listen to highlights from Dr. Reilly's Monday Message as a podcast!

Check out this week's podcast companion to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message! This podcast is created using Notebook LM, an AI powered tool used to summarize content. 

Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message

Student Achievement MHS Student Selected to Represent USA in Traditional Karate World Champtionship

McLean High School junior, Atul Kotamraju, proudly represented the United States at the Traditional Karate World Championship in Lima, Peru earlier this  November. He brought home three bronze medals! Congratulations, Atul, on this impressive accomplishment!

MHS Sophomore Competes for  USA Aerobic Gymnastics

Congratulations to Shirley Wang! For the second consecutive year, Shirley is defending her spot in finals, securing the top 8 out of the best in the Continent of the Americas (Pan American Championship). 

This Week Thanksgiving - 11/27-11/29

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

Coming Up National Special Education Day - 12/2

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of these students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Financial Aid Night - 12/3

Annual Financial Aid Night will be Tues Dec 3rd at 6:30 PM at Langley High School. The focus is on FAFSA, VASA and a general overview of financial aid. The target audience is senior families but also a good start for junior families.

Bodhi Day - 12/8

Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. 

Fall Immunization Clinic at McLean HS - 12/13

McLean High School will host a School Site Immunization Clinic on December 13, 2024, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD). Only students enrolled at McLean High School may participate in the clinic.

The following immunizations will be offered during school hours at the School Immunization Clinic: 

  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

Find additional information for each vaccine. 

If you would like your child to receive immunizations as part of the School Site Immunization Clinic, you must first provide: 

  • Permission via a signed Adolescent Vaccine Clinic Consent Form, which can be found in the Middle and High School Clinics section on this webpage.
  • A copy of their immunization records (if available).
  • A copy of the front and back of their insurance card (if applicable). Insurance is not required. 

Please bring your signed consent form to our front office by December 6th in order for your child to participate. If your child is insured, please submit a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance to our front office as well. You may contact our school’s public health nurse, Heather Allison, at [email protected] with any immunization questions.  

Winter Break - 12/23 - 1/3/25 (MHS Offices closed)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Please note that McLean High School offices will be closed during the break. 

Christmas - 12/25

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas

Chanukah - 12/25

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

New Year's Day - 1/1/25 November Spotlights Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser

The McLean PTSA is offering the Official 2024 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors President Jimmy Carter. The ornament has an anchor shape, an iconic symbol of hope, which represents Carter's service in the United States Navy and highlights historic moments from his life and presidency. The ornament is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karate gold, and screen printed with exquisite colors. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box with a ribbon for hanging and an illustrated booklet on the Carter presidency. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients!

Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2025.

Price: $27. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 2nd. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 14.

Questions - Email Pam Williams at [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us. 

Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 11/18/24

GovDelivery1 month ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving - All schools and offices will be closed

December 2 - National Special Education Day

December 8 - Bodhi Day

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break

December 25 - Christmas

December 25 - Chanukah

January 1 - News Year's Day

MHS News You Choose Podcast Listen to highlights from Dr. Reilly's Monday Message as a podcast!

Check out this week's podcast companion to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message! This podcast is created using Notebook LM, an AI powered tool used to summarize content. 

Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message

Student Achievement Model UN Student Success at VAMUN

This past weekend 16 MHS students attended the Virginia Model United Nations Conference hosted by UVA in Charlottesville. This is a national conference hosting 1000 delegates from across the country over a 3-day period. In a rare feat, ALL of our students won an award. That almost never happens, but our students deserved it based on all of their hard work. Not only did everyone win an award, McLean High School won the Best Small Delegation award! Please congratulate the following students for their outstanding achievements: Minsong Ha, Emily Ma, Maged Al Qabany, Arsen Hakobyan, Nora Venetianer, Ravi Reddy, Jane Hirschberg, Jad Osta, Daniel Kim, Lucas Jones, Aanya Jain, Andrew Egorin, Kyle Jang, Annika Singh, Artin Safaie, and Mia Mortman.

McLean Senior Wins World Championship in Powerlifting

Mikayla Dolina, McLean High School senior, won the International Powerlifting League (IPL) Drug-tested World Championship on November 14, 2024.  Mikayla is now the IPL World Champion in the Junior (15-19 year old), 67.5 Kg women's class.  The competition brought in lifters from multiple countries, including the US, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Cameroon, Guinea, the Republic of Nauru, and others. 

Congratulations Mikayla!

National School Psychology Week Celebrating our School Psychologists

Last week, McLean High School and the McLean High School PTSA marked National School Psychology Week with a celebration of our dedicated school psychologists, Ms. CarolAnn Forrest and Dr. Beverly Parker-Lewis.

Their tireless efforts in supporting the well-being of our students are invaluable. We deeply appreciate their commitment to fostering a healthy and positive learning environment for all.

Highlanders Give Back Potholder Project

This year, the library is hosting volunteer projects where our Highlanders are getting crafty!  During October and November, our Highlanders completed their goal of making 100 handmade potholders!  These beautifully crafted and useful items will be donated to the Thanksgiving Potholder Project, a nonprofit that works with local food pantries to add these potholders to Thanksgiving Food donation bags for families in need.  Way to make difference, Highlanders!

This Week Sense and Sensibility - 11/21-11/24

A comedic adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless novel, Kate Hamill’s Sense and Sensibility tells the tale of two sisters and their recently widowed family. Forced out of their home, the stoic Elinor and her hopeless romantic sister Marianne meet a variety of characters, finding friends, enemies, and… love? A wacky, dramatic, and playful retelling of this classic, bring friends and family to see TheatreMcLean’s Sense and Sensibility! Tickets can purchased at TheatreMcLean.org

November 21st thru 23rd @ 7pm

November 23rd and 24th @ 2pm

Adults - $15

Students $10

Coming Up Thanksgiving - 11/27-11/29

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

National Special Education Day - 12/2

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of these students! 

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Bodhi Day - 12/8

Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. 

Winter Break - 12/23 - 1/3/25 (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

Christmas - 12/25

🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas

Chanukah - 12/25

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

New Year's Day - 1/1/25 From Student Services Looking for Service Hours? 

Lemon Road is hosting a Family Night on Thursday, November 21st. They are looking for high school students to help us and earn service/volunteer hours. 

Date: Thursday, November 21

Location:  Lemon Road Elementary School

Time:  5:15 PM – 7:15 PM (includes set up and clean up)

Link to Sign Up Genius: LRES Family Night Volunteers

Supporting Highlanders McLean HS Crew Club Turkey Trot 5K

Please join McLean High School Crew Club, in partnership with Langley Crew Club, on Saturday, November 30 at 9 am for a Turkey Trot 5K. The friendly rivals are joining together as ONE team to support and strengthen rowing in our McLean and Great Falls community. Proceeds from the event will be shared equally between the two teams.

Register here

In addition to a scenic 5K run, there will be a dj with music and a coffee truck for specialty coffee and hot chocolate, starting at 8 am on the day of the trot.  For those who cannot join in person, please consider registering for the virtual trot.

Grab your friends and family, and let’s run/walk!

Registration Fee:  5K:$50 November 2 through Race Day 

November Spotlights Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser

The McLean PTSA is offering the Official 2024 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors President Jimmy Carter. The ornament has an anchor shape, an iconic symbol of hope, which represents Carter's service in the United States Navy and highlights historic moments from his life and presidency. The ornament is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karate gold, and screen printed with exquisite colors. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box with a ribbon for hanging and an illustrated booklet on the Carter presidency. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients!

Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2025.

Price: $27. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 2nd. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 14.

Questions - Email Pam Williams at [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 11/11/24

GovDelivery1 month 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

November 11 - Veterans Day - All schools and MHS offices will be closed

November 12-13 - Fairfax County Youth Survey

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday - All schools and offices will be closed

MHS Students Thank Our Veterans

McLean High School's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps want to thank all the veterans in our community for their service.  Photo arranged by student library volunteer Claire Church.  

During November the library is hosting a veteran's card writing station for students to write letters for veterans and active duty military.  These letters will be donated to Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit that supports service members and vets.

This Week Veterans Day - 11/11

Student Holiday, McLean HS offices closed

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

Fairfax County Youth Survey - 11/12 & 11/13

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

McLean High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13 during all tenth and twelfth grade English classes.While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete this form and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Outstanding Employee Awards Outstanding Employee Awards Program - 11/4-11/15

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a McLean High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form links below. Links contain information on eligilbility and common positions in each category. 

Outstanding Teacher  

Outstanding New Teacher 

Outstanding Principal

Outstanding Leader  

Outstanding Professional Employee  

Outstanding Operational Employee 

The deadline to submit a nomination is November 15, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Sobota at [email protected].

Coming Up Sense and Sensibility - 11/21-11/24

A comedic adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless novel, Kate Hamill’s Sense and Sensibility tells the tale of two sisters and their recently widowed family. Forced out of their home, the stoic Elinor and her hopeless romantic sister Marianne meet a variety of characters, finding friends, enemies, and… love? A wacky, dramatic, and playful retelling of this classic, bring friends and family to see Theatremclean’s Sense and Sensibility! Tickets can purchased at TheatreMcLean.org

November 21st thru 23rd @ 7pm

November 23rd and 24th @ 2pm

Adults - $15

Students $10

Thanksgiving - 11/27-11/29

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

From Student Services SIS ParentVUE Access

The live gradebook in ParentVUE and StudentVUE will reopen on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 am.

Qtr 1 Report cards are currently available for viewing on the "documents" tab in SIS ParentVUE. If you would like a printed copy of your student’s report card please email Molly Payne at [email protected].

    Schedule Changes & Withdrawal Deadline - 11/18

The deadline to withdraw from a class without a grade penalty (i.e. the class will not appear on the transcript) is Monday, November 18th. After this time, a withdrawal grade (WP or WF) will be required on the transcript if a student is dropping a class. While the deadline to change electives has passed, schedule change requests to change to a different level of a core course will still be considered through the end of the 2nd quarter.

Looking for Service Hours? 

Lemon Road is hosting a Family Night on Thursday, November 21st. They are looking for high school students to help us and earn service/volunteer hours. 

Date: Thursday, November 21

Location:  Lemon Road Elementary School

Time:  5:15 PM – 7:15 PM (includes set up and clean up)

Link to Sign Up Genius: LRES Family Night Volunteers

Supporting Highlanders McLean HS Band Fruit Sale - now through 11/15

Looking for a healthy way to support the McLean High School Band? Stock up on citrus and more during their Annual Fruit Sale! Choose from navel oranges, mandarin oranges, grapefruit, pears, and a fruit sampler – all of which would make great gifts for yourself or others this holiday season.

The Fruit Sale is open now through Friday, November 15th. Orders will be available for pick-up at the Holiday Bazaar at McLean High School on Saturday, December 14th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Unfortunately, shipping is unavailable. 

Orders may be placed online at the following link: https://floridafruitstore.com/McLeanHSBand. For questions, please contact [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support of our nationally recognized music program!

McLean HS Crew Club Turkey Trot 5K

Please join McLean High School Crew Club, in partnership with Langley Crew Club, on Saturday, November 30 at 9 am for a Turkey Trot 5K. The friendly rivals are joining together as ONE team to support and strengthen rowing in our McLean and Great Falls community. Proceeds from the event will be shared equally between the two teams.

Register here

In addition to a scenic 5K run, there will be a dj with music and a coffee truck for specialty coffee and hot chocolate, starting at 8 am on the day of the trot.  For those who cannot join in person, please consider registering for the virtual trot.

Grab your friends and family, and let’s run/walk!

Registration Fee:  5K:$50 November 2 through Race Day 

November Spotlights Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser

The McLean PTSA is offering the Official 2024 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors President Jimmy Carter. The ornament has an anchor shape, an iconic symbol of hope, which represents Carter's service in the United States Navy and highlights historic moments from his life and presidency. The ornament is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karate gold, and screen printed with exquisite colors. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box with a ribbon for hanging and an illustrated booklet on the Carter presidency. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients!

Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2025.

Price: $27. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 2nd. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 14.

Questions - Email Pam Williams at [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: A Multilingual Learners Day of Service is available to FCPS high school students as an opportunity to explore multilingualism as a strength in developing leadership and advocacy skills. The event will be held Saturday, November 16, 9-11:30 a.m., at Edison High School. José Luis Zelaya, who spoke at last year's Multilingual Learners Summit, will be a special guest.

High school students are invited to network with their peers and staff, and learn how their interests and strengths can lead to future success. College and career readiness resources will be available. Students should register in advance and bring their FCPS laptops to the workshop.   

Learn more about the event and watch videos from previous multilingual learner events

Boundary Review

📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 11/4/24

GovDelivery1 month 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

November 4 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day

November 5 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday/Election Day

November 6 - Start of 2nd Quarter

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day - 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

November 11 - Veterans Day - All schools and MHS offices will be closed

November 12-13 - Fairfax County Youth Survey

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday - All schools and offices will be closed

MHS News You Choose Podcast! Listen to highlights from Dr. Reilly's Monday Message as a podcast!

Check out this week's podcast companion to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message! This podcast is created using Notebook LM, an AI powered tool used to summarize content. 

Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message

Student Achievement MHS DECA Achieves Top Rankings at District Competition

McLean HS had another great day at the DECA District Competition, held at Oakton High School on October 14th. Twenty Highlanders placed Top Four, which earned them an invitation to attend States in Virginia Beach, February 28th – March 2nd, 2025! Good luck and we look forward to seeing your success next year. 

This Week School Planning,Teacher Workday, & Election Day - 11/4-11/5

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. 

Outstanding Employee Awards Outstanding Employee Awards Program - 11/4-11/15

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a McLean High School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through the Google form links below. Links contain information on eligilbility and common positions in each category. 

Outstanding Teacher  

Outstanding New Teacher 

Outstanding Principal

Outstanding Leader  

Outstanding Professional Employee  

Outstanding Operational Employee 

The deadline to submit a nomination is November 15, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Sobota at [email protected].

Coming Up Veterans Day - 11/11

Student Holiday, McLean HS offices closed

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

Fairfax County Youth Survey - 11/12 & 11/13

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

McLean High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13 during all tenth and twelfth grade English classes.While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete this form and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Thanksgiving - 11/27-11/29

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

From Student Services     Schedule Changes & Withdrawal Deadline - 11/18

The deadline to withdraw from a class without a grade penalty (i.e. the class will not appear on the transcript) is Monday, November 18th. After this time, a withdrawal grade (WP or WF) will be required on the transcript if a student is dropping a class. While the deadline to change electives has passed, schedule change requests to change to a different level of a core course will still be considered through the end of the 2nd quarter.

Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA)

GWLA offers immersive three-week summer programs for 10th and 11th graders. Immerse in French, German, or Spanish at Washington & Lee University or Japanese or Latin at Randolph Macon College this summer.

Virtual Students & Parents FCPS Information Session Wednesday, November 6th at 4:00-5:00PM on ZOOM.

In-Person Information Session for Students: November 8th HT4 in Mod 23

Supporting Highlanders McLean HS Band Fruit Sale - now through 11/15

Looking for a healthy way to support the McLean High School Band? Stock up on citrus and more during their Annual Fruit Sale! Choose from navel oranges, mandarin oranges, grapefruit, pears, and a fruit sampler – all of which would make great gifts for yourself or others this holiday season.

The Fruit Sale is open now through Friday, November 15th. Orders will be available for pick-up at the Holiday Bazaar at McLean High School on Saturday, December 14th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Unfortunately, shipping is unavailable. 

Orders may be placed online at the following link: https://floridafruitstore.com/McLeanHSBand. For questions, please contact [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support of our nationally recognized music program!

McLean HS Crew Club Turkey Trot 5K

Please join McLean High School Crew Club, in partnership with Langley Crew Club, on Saturday, November 30 at 9 am for a Turkey Trot 5K. The friendly rivals are joining together as ONE team to support and strengthen rowing in our McLean and Great Falls community. Proceeds from the event will be shared equally between the two teams.

Register here

In addition to a scenic 5K run, there will be a dj with music and a coffee truck for specialty coffee and hot chocolate, starting at 8 am on the day of the trot.  For those who cannot join in person, please consider registering for the virtual trot.

Grab your friends and family, and let’s run/walk!

Registration Fee:  5K:$50 November 2 through Race Day 

November Spotlights Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

National Career Development Month

By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards, Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchse "plastic gift card(s)" to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards, Target eGift Cards, Or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase "electronic gift card(s)" print out the paper copy and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

2024 White House Ornament Fundraiser

The McLean PTSA is offering the Official 2024 White House Ornaments as a fundraiser. This year, the Official White House Christmas Ornament honors President Jimmy Carter. The ornament has an anchor shape, an iconic symbol of hope, which represents Carter's service in the United States Navy and highlights historic moments from his life and presidency. The ornament is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karate gold, and screen printed with exquisite colors. Each ornament comes in a keepsake box with a ribbon for hanging and an illustrated booklet on the Carter presidency. Perfect gift for your family, friends, staff, and clients!

Plus, your purchase supports the Graduation Party for the Class of 2025.

Price: $27. Ornaments can be ordered HERE until December 2nd. After your purchase, you will be able to pick up the ornament from the school during the Holiday Bazaar on December 14.

Questions - Email Pam Williams at [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future:  Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service will be offered for FCPS secondary students on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Edison High School.  Dr. José Luis Zelaya, keynote speaker at the Multilingual Learners’ Summit this past summer, will be returning as the featured guest for this student workshop.  Dr. Zelaya will engage and empower students with the strengths of multilingualism, as students explore leadership skills to plan for future success.  Reflective service learning practices allow students to impact their communities through advocacy, engagement, and empowerment.  All FCPS secondary students who attend will earn service learning credit for participating.  Students planning to attend should register and bring their FCPS laptop to the event.  Light refreshments and family resources will be available for parents/caregivers during the student workshop.  

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 10/28/24

GovDelivery1 month 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

October 31 - 1st Quarter End/Early Release

November 1 - Diwali & All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - all schools and offices will be closed

November 3 - Daylight Savings Time (Fall Back)

November 4 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day

November 5 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday/Election Day

November 6 - Start of 2nd Quarter

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day - 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

November 11 - Veterans Day - All schools and offices will be closed

November 12-13 - Fairfax County Youth Survey

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday - All schools and offices will be closed

MHS News You Choose Podcast! Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message as a Podcast!

We are excited to introduce a podcast companion to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message! This podcast is created using Notebook LM, an AI powered tool used to summarize content. 

Listen to Dr. Reilly's Monday Message

Student Achievement MHS Marching Band Wins State Championship

Congratulations to the McLean Highlander Marching Band on winning the 2024 USBands Virginia State Championship last Saturday night. The band also won all caption awards for Best Music, Best Visual, Best Effect, Best Percussion, and Best Guard. This is the 5th time that our Marching Band has won the State Championship. We are very proud of all our students for their hard work and performance. Congratulations on the end to a very successful season!

VHSL Trophy Class Winners & Multimedia Contest Winners

At this weekend’s VHSL Media Championship, McLean’s literary magazine, newsmagazine, online news, and yearbook staffs earned Trophy Class ranking for their 2023-24 publications from the Virginia High School League’s (VHSL) Publications Evaluation Services. Trophy Class is the highest ranking bestowed by VHSL.

McLean High School was the only school in the state to earn Trophy Class Ratings for four publications!

Check our website for the complete list of winners!

MHS Cheer Success!

Congratulations to McLean High School's Cheerleading Team! They finished in the top four of the Region last weekend!

Go Highlanders!

 

This Week End of 1st Quarter & Early Dismissal - 10/31

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students.

Please note - the gradebook will be closed in SIS ParentVue and StudentVue from October 28 - November 12 at 6:00 am. 

Keep on the look out for your student's progress reports. They were sent on October 22nd. 

 

Diwali, Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day - 11/1

(Schools and offices are closed)

 

Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali, Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed. 

Diwali - Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.

McLean HS Band Fruit Sale - now through 11/15

Looking for a healthy way to support the McLean High School Band? Stock up on citrus and more during their Annual Fruit Sale! Choose from navel oranges, mandarin oranges, grapefruit, pears, and a fruit sampler – all of which would make great gifts for yourself or others this holiday season.

The Fruit Sale is open now through Friday, November 15th. Orders will be available for pick-up at the Holiday Bazaar at McLean High School on Saturday, December 14th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Unfortunately, shipping is unavailable. 

Orders may be placed online at the following link: https://floridafruitstore.com/McLeanHSBand. For questions, please contact [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support of our nationally recognized music program!

From Student Testing 2024-25 AP Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees

As part of the FCPS FY 2025 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). 

FCPS encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt-Out form to be provided by the student's 3rd period teacher on Tuesday, October 15th. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP course enrollment. AP students must make Opt-Out decisions by October 31st. Parents/Guardians will be billed a $99 non-refundable test fee for AP exams in December 2024 for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. All Opt-Out forms are due to the box located in Student Services by October 31st. When a student turns in their form, they must sign their name on the list acknowledging their Opt-Out form has been turned in.

2025 AP Testing

Reference the College Board 2025 AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams.  If you have any questions or need an AP Opt-Out form reprinted please contact our Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen at [email protected].

PSAT & SAT School Day Score Release

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT & SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 9th will be able to access their scores via their College Board account on October 24th beginning at 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions about score reporting, please contact your counselor or Ms. Donlen.

From Student Services Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (9th Graders Only)

Parents of current 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2023-24 standard school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to October 31, 2024.  This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf 

Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.

2025 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School Program

The 2025 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS) Program is beginning its application process. Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide high school juniors and seniors with intensive one-month educational experiences. The selection process is highly competitive. Selected students usually rank in the top 10% of their class and have scored in the 90th percentile or above on standardized tests. Residential programs run from late June to late July. Only students available during that time frame should apply. You are only permitted to apply to one SRGS program.

2025 Academic Programs:

Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities, Marine Science, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Medicine & Health Sciences

2025 Visual & Performing Arts Programs:

Dance, Theatre, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Visual Art

Mr. Allman will hold an interest meeting (students only) for the 2025 Academic programs at 3:00 in the College and Career Center on Wednesday, October 30.

For additional information, please visit these VDOE and FCPS links.

VDOE SRGS Academic and VPA website:

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/governor-s-schools/summer-residential-governor-s-schools

FCPS SRGS website:

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/advanced-academics/summer-residential-governors-schools-srgs

Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA)

GWLA offers immersive three-week summer programs for 10th and 11th graders. Immerse in French, German, or Spanish at Washington & Lee University or Japanese or Latin at Randolph Macon College this summer.

Virtual Students & Parents FCPS Information Session Wednesday, November 6th at 4:00-5:00PM on ZOOM.

In-Person Information Session for Students: November 8th HT4 in Mod 23

Coming Up Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back) - 11/3

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour! 

School Planning,Teacher Workday, & Election Day - 11/4-11/5

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. 

Veterans Day - 11/11

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov. 

Fairfax County Youth Survey - 11/12 & 11/13

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

McLean High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13 during all tenth and twelfth grade English classes.While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete this form and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Thanksgiving - 11/27-11/29

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Holiday Gift Card Drive for Our Students-in-Need Begins Today!

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at or below the poverty level. Some are homeless. If you would like to contribute to this important community effort to support our MHS students in need, please click HERE to Sign-Up to donate $25 or $50 gift cards to SafewayTarget, or Walmart. All donations go directly to McLean High School families to assist them over the winter holiday.

There are three ways you can purchase Gift Cards:

  1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
  2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards,Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchase “plastic gift card(s)” to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill.
  3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards,Target eGift Cards, or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase “electronic gift card(s)”, print out the paper copy, and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill.

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the card or envelope when you mail/drop them off.

Gift cards are needed by Friday, December 6th.

Let's show our fellow Highlanders some love this holiday season because McLean Matters!

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair, Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program Focus Groups Coming Soon

Students, staff, and families participating in the cell phone storage pilot program will be invited to participate in focus groups (hosted by FCPS’ Office of the Chief Equity Officer and K12 Insight) to share their experiences and insights. Feedback from the focus groups and other community engagement opportunities will help FCPS make adjustments to the pilot program in order to support student success and strengthen the program’s outcomes.

Invites for the pilot high schools will launch on November 4 for staff and families, and on November 5 for students. These focus group invitations are only for schools participating in the pilot program.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the date below to register for the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 10/21/24

GovDelivery2 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

October 21 - Fall College Panel

October 31 - Quarter End/Early Release

November 1 - Diwali & All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - all schools and office will be closed

November 3 - Daylight Savings Time (Fall Back)

November 4 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day

November 5 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday/Election Day

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day - 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

November 11 - Veterans Day - All schools and offices will be closed

November 12-13 - Fairfax County Youth Survey

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday - All schools and offices will be closed

Highlanders Homecoming A Successful Homecoming!

The McLean High School Highlanders had another successful Homecoming this year! The pep-rally, bonfire, football game and dance were fun for everyone. Thanks to all for participating! 

This Week Fall College Planning Panel - 10/21

Our Fall College Planning Panel will be Monday, October 21st.

We will start the program with a mini college fair with all six panelists at 6:00 PM followed by the panel at 6:30 PM.

This panel is geared towards underclassmen as they begin to think about what all is involved in the college application process.

Our panelists represent liberal arts & sciences colleges. If you don’t have a good sense of what these types of colleges offer, this is a great way to learn.

Colby College, Davidson College, Hollins College, Lehigh College, Longwood University and St Olaf College reps will comprise the panel.

From Student Testing 2024-25 AP Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees

As part of the FCPS FY 2025 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). 

FCPS encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt-Out form to be provided by the student's 3rd period teacher on Tuesday, October 15th. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP course enrollment. AP students must make Opt-Out decisions by October 31st. Parents/Guardians will be billed a $99 non-refundable test fee for AP exams in December 2024 for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. All Opt-Out forms are due to the box located in Student Services by October 31st. When a student turns in their form, they must sign their name on the list acknowledging their Opt-Out form has been turned in.

2025 AP Testing

Reference the College Board 2025 AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams.  If you have any questions or need an AP Opt-Out form reprinted please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at [email protected].

PSAT & SAT School Day Score Release

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT & SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 9th will be able to access their scores via their College Board account on October 24th beginning at 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions about score reporting, please contact your counselor or Ms. Donlen.

From Student Services Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (9th Graders Only)

Parents of current 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2023-24 standard school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to October 31, 2024.  This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf 

Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.

2025 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School Program

The 2025 Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS) Program is beginning its application process. Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide high school juniors and seniors with intensive one-month educational experiences. The selection process is highly competitive. Selected students usually rank in the top 10% of their class and have scored in the 90th percentile or above on standardized tests. Residential programs run from late June to late July. Only students available during that time frame should apply. You are only permitted to apply to one SRGS program.

2025 Academic Programs:

Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities, Marine Science, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Medicine & Health Sciences

2025 Visual & Performing Arts Programs:

Dance, Theatre, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Visual Art

Mr. Allman will hold an interest meeting (students only) for the 2025 Academic programs at 3:00 in the College and Career Center on Wednesday, October 30.

Ms. McNeill will hold an interest meeting (students only) for the 2025 Visual & Performing Arts programs at 3:00 on Thursday, October 24, in the College and Career Center.

For additional information, please visit these VDOE and FCPS links.

VDOE SRGS Academic and VPA website:

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/specialized-instruction/governor-s-schools/summer-residential-governor-s-schools

FCPS SRGS website:

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/high-school-academics-9-12/advanced-academics/summer-residential-governors-schools-srgs

Coming Up End of 1st Quarter & Early Dismissal - 10/31

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. 

 

Trivia Night at Longfellow MS - 10/25 Diwali & Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day - 11/1

(Schools and offices are closed)

 

Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed. 

Diwali - Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.

Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back) - 11/3

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour! 

School Planning,Teacher Workday, & Election Day - 11/4-11/5

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. 

Veterans Day - 11/11

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov. 

Fairfax County Youth Survey - 11/12 & 11/13

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

McLean High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13 during all tenth and twelfth grade English classes.While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete this form and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

Thanksgiving - 11/27-11/29

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

From FCPS Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

McLean HS PTSA McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 10/14/24

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

October 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day - Student Holiday/Staff Development Day

October 14-18 - National School Lunch Week

October 14-18 - Digital Citizenship Week

October 17 - Power Puff Game/Bonfire

October 18 - Pep Rally/Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

October 21 - Fall College Panel

October 31 - Quarter End/Early Release

November 1 - Diwali & All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - all schools and office will be closed

November 3 - Daylight Savings Time (Fall Back)

November 4 - Student Holiday/School Planning Day

November 5 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday/Election Day

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day - 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

November 11 - Veterans Day - All schools and offices will be closed

November 12-13 - Fairfax County Youth Survey

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday - All schools and offices will be closed

Student Achievement Senior Regional Orchestra Members

Congratulations to the students who auditioned for and were accepted into the 2024 Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra! The students listed below auditioned alongside students from Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria City, private and home schools and have been chosen to perform in a full symphony under the direction of Dietrich Parades on November 9th at Hayfield SS. McLean High School is extremely proud to have had so many talented students accepted into this prestigious orchestra!

Violin: Ryan Chun, Sophia Wang & Alice Kim

Viola: Guillermo Javierre Carmona & Livia Nhan

Cello: Chloe Jeong & Caleb Han

Harp: Goldie Woods

Bassoon: Muyang Zhang

Percussion: Fintan Murphy

MHS Marching Band Sweeps 1st Place at Marine Corps Invitational

Congratulations to our McLean Highlander Marching Band for their second win of the season on Saturday, October 5th! The band traveled to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis to participate in the Marine Corps Invitational. McLean swept the competition and took home 1st Place Overall and awards for Best Music, Best Guard, Best Visual, Best Effect and Best Percussion. Their toe-tapping show, Big Country, brought down the house and topped the 33 band competition with the highest score of the day -- an impressive 88.2 points. Go Highlanders!

This Week Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day) - 10/14

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day.See the complete school year calendar.

Digital Citizenship Week - 11/14-11/18

Exciting News! Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has teamed up with Fairfax County Government to bring you a wealth of technology opportunities right in your community.

Discover these valuable resources and learning events:

Find Free WiFi: Need internet access? Check out our list of public hotspots. 

Borrow a Computer: Short on devices? Borrow a computer for your family's needs. 

Visit Fairfax Access Locations: Explore these convenient locations for tech support and resources. 

Take Free Tech Classes: Improve your skills with our free technology workshops.

Technology Tutoring: Get free technology support and tutoring. 

Sign up for an ACP Internet Discount: Learn how to save on your internet bill.

Digital Parenting Webinar Recordings: Check out our previous parenting workshops.

Digital Citizenship Tips:

Did you know there are apps and games out there that can actually make your teen smarter? Encourage them to explore beyond the usual social media and try something that challenges their thinking. Think strategy games, coding apps, online courses, or even creative tools for design or music production. And who knows, maybe you'll discover something new together!

Technology can be a wonderful tool for exploration! Encourage students to check out educational apps, documentaries, online courses, or virtual museum tours.

Finding a healthy balance between the digital world and real life is important for our teens. Encourage them to mix up their screen time with activities that get them moving, socializing, and exploring their interests. Think sports, hobbies, volunteering, hanging out with friends – anything that promotes physical and mental well-being. It's all about helping them thrive in all aspects of their lives!

It's easy to get lost in our screens and miss out on real-life connections. Consider setting some tech-free zones at home. Dinner time is a perfect opportunity to put the phones away, have actual conversations, and reconnect as a family. Maybe even try a weekly "unplugged" night – game night, movie night, or just hanging out and talking. Those shared experiences are what build strong family bonds.

National School Lunch Week - 11/14-11/18

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is celebrating National School Lunch Week from October 14-October 18. National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is a celebration of the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which provides millions of children a nutritious meal each school day. Last school year, FNS served over 13 million lunches to students! This year’s NSLW theme is “Find Your School Lunch Treasure.” 

On October 16, school cafeterias will participate in “X Marks the Tray”, where lucky students can find a sticker on the bottom of their hot entree container randomly. This can be redeemed for our popular whole grain, reduced sugar sweet treat at the end of the lunch period. 

Power Puff - 10/17

Junior Girls v. Senior Girls compete in the annual Power Puff Game! The first half of the game will take place during Highlander Time Flex. The second half of the game will take place during 3rd period. 

Bonfire - 10/17

Thursday Oct. 17th - Come out for a spirited night at the bonfire on the practice softball field @ 6:00 pm. All grades are welcome, s’mores fixings and pizza available while they last! Admission is free. 

Homecoming Dance - 10/19, 8pm - 11 pm

The theme this year is Tangled Under the Lanterns. Tickets for students are on sale now through e-tix. The QR code will be posted in the cafeteria, on the McLeadership Instagram account, grade level Schoology pages, outside of B175 and on the TV screens. Directions for purchasing tickets and bringing guests has  been posted on all grade level Schoology pages. See you there!

From Student Testing 2024-25 AP Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees

As part of the FCPS FY 2025 Approved Budget, FCPS is continuing to assess Advanced Placement (AP) test fees. As in previous years, the fees for the first six AP tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s). 

FCPS encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt-Out form to be provided by the student's 3rd period teacher on Tuesday, October 15th. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP course enrollment. AP students must make Opt-Out decisions by October 31st. Parents/Guardians will be billed a $99 non-refundable test fee for AP exams in December 2024 for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. All Opt-Out forms are due to the box located in Student Services by October 31st. When a student turns in their form, they must sign their name on the list acknowledging their Opt-Out form has been turned in.

2025 AP Testing

Reference the College Board 2025 AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams.  If you have any questions or need an AP Opt-Out form reprinted please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at [email protected].

PSAT & SAT School Day Score Release

Students who participated in the Digital PSAT & SAT School Day on Wednesday, October 9th will be able to access their scores via their College Board account on October 24th beginning at 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions about score reporting, please contact your counselor or Ms. Donlen.

From Student Services Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (9th Graders Only)

Parents of current 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2023-24 standard school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to October 31, 2024.  This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf 

Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.

National Honor Society Inductees

Congratulations to our 2024-25 MHS National Honor Society Inductees.  Newly accepted students received emails of their acceptance on Friday, October 11th.  Information about the induction ceremony will follow in the upcoming weeks. 

Coming Up Fall College Planning Panel - 10/21

Our Fall College Planning Panel will be Monday, October 21st.

We will start the program with a mini college fair with all six panelists at 6:00 PM followed by the panel at 6:30 PM.

This panel is geared towards underclassmen as they begin to think about what all is involved in the college application process.

Our panelists represent liberal arts & sciences colleges. If you don’t have a good sense of what these types of colleges offer, this is a great way to learn.

Colby College, Davidson College, Hollins College, Lehigh College, Longwood University and St Olaf College reps will comprise the panel.

End of 1st Quarter & Early Dismissal - 10/31

Thursday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. 

 

Diwali & Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day - 11/1

(Schools and offices are closed)

 

Friday, November 1, is a holiday this year for Diwali and Dia de los Muertos and All Saints Day. All schools and offices will be closed. 

Diwali - Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos - For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world.

Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back) - 11/3

This Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time ends. Don’t forget to move your clocks back one hour! 

School Planning,Teacher Workday, & Election Day - 11/4-11/5

Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5! The day will be observed as a holiday for students and a teacher work day. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections webpage. 

Veterans Day - 11/11

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov. 

Fairfax County Youth Survey - 11/12 & 11/13

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

McLean High School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13 during all tenth and twelfth grade English classes.While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete this form and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

From FCPS Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

McLean HS PTSA McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 10/7/24

GovDelivery2 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day - Student Holiday/Staff Development Day

October 17 - Power Puff Game/Bonfire

October 18 - Pep Rally/Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

October 21 - Fall College Panel

October 20-22 - College Fair and Look to the Future Events

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day - 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

Student Achievement Congratulations to our Marching Band!

Our McLean Highlander Marching Band kicked off their competitive season with an impressive performance on Saturday, September 28th, at the Virginia Marching Band Cooperative’s Showcase of Bands in Herndon, VA. They placed 3rd out of 35 bands and were awarded for Best Color Guard and Best Percussion. In addition to their third place finish, the band won 1st place in Ensemble Music and 1st Overall in General Effect Visual. Congratulations to our Marching Band students on a strong start to your season!

Highlanders Give Back 100 Potholder Challenge

The McLean High School Library has invited students and staff to participate in the 100 Potholder Challenge. The goal is to donate 100 handmade potholders to the Thanksgiving Potholder Project, a nonprofit that donates handmade potholders to be included in Thanksgiving food donation bags at local food pantries. This handmade addition is both useful and a way to show care.  Every potholder takes about an hour to complete, so the 100 Potholder Challenge represents roughly 100 service hours! 

Look for more Highlanders Give Back projects coming soon!

This Week PSAT/SAT School Day - October 9th

9th Graders- Stay home and do not report to McLean HS. Teachers will not provide work for students to complete on 10/09. However, students may have work previously assigned by their teachers to complete that is due 10/10 or later.

10th & 11th Graders- Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the digital PSAT. All 10th & 11th grade students were automatically registered for the digital PSAT.

12th Graders- If you did not sign up to take the SAT, stay home. Only the 12th graders who completed the intent to participate form were registered to take the digital SAT. Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the SAT. 

All students testing should bring:

  • FCPS Chromebook and charger *
  • Two or more No. 2 pencils (not mechanical)
  • Graphing Calculator
  • Water and snacks (Snacks may be consumed during breaks)

*Students who forget to bring their FCPS Chromebook and charger on October 9th will be offered the make-up PSAT/SAT opportunity on October 21st. 

Student testing locations were sent to each student’s FCPS Gmail on 9/25. If you have any questions, please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen ([email protected]).

From Student Services Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (9th Graders Only)

Parents of current 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2023-24 standard school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to October 31, 2024.  This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf 

Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.

Coming Up Yom Kippur - 10/11

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day) - 10/14

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day.See the complete school year calendar.

Power Puff - 10/17

Junior Girls v. Senior Girls compete in the annual Power Puff Game! The first half of the game will take place during Highlander Time Flex. The second half of the game will take place during 3rd period. 

Bonfire - 10/17

Thursday Oct. 17th - Come out for a spirited night at the bonfire on the practice softball field @ 6:00 pm. All grades are welcome, s’mores fixings and pizza available while they last! Admission is free. 

Homecoming Dance - 10/19, 8pm - 11 pm

The theme this year is Tangled Under the Lanterns. Tickets for students are on sale now through e-tix. The QR code will be posted in the cafeteria, on the McLeadership Instagram account, grade level Schoology pages, outside of B175 and on the TV screens. Directions for purchasing tickets and bringing guests has  been posted on all grade level Schoology pages. See you there!

College Fair and Look to the Future Events - 10/20-10/22

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

Fall College Planning Panel - 10/21

Our Fall College Planning Panel will be Monday, October 21st.

We will start the program with a mini college fair with all six panelists at 6:00 PM followed by the panel at 6:30 PM.

This panel is geared towards underclassmen as they begin to think about what all is involved in the college application process.

Our panelists represent liberal arts & sciences colleges. If you don’t have a good sense of what these types of colleges offer, this is a great way to learn.

Colby College, Davidson College, Hollins College, Lehigh College, Longwood University and St Olaf College reps will comprise the panel.

Heritage Months, Celebrations & Traditions National Hispanic Heritage Month -  9/15-10/15

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

National School Principals Month

Each October, National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great.

Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. Each October, NASSP, NAESP, and AFSA seek to honor these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.

National Principals Month is a widely recognized celebration of the principalship, marked by national and state resolutions supporting the event, as well as acknowledgements from U.S. Senators and Representatives, and top government officials. However, the most important National Principals Month celebrations are the ones that take place in schools and communities across the country.

Disability History & Awareness Month

Disability History and Awareness Month In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

McLean HS PTSA Mock Testing - SAT and ACT

Looking for an opportunity to practice for the SAT, and ACT? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows: 

SAT:  November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025

ACT: November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025

Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam

Register for SAT practice tests

Register for ACT practice tests

Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS 📚 Social Studies Basal Resources Review

FCPS is adopting Social Studies Basal Resources for the 2025-26 school year. Basal resources are the primary resources used to support instruction in a given subject. Public review of the instructional materials under consideration — which is part of the process for selecting new resources — is underway. Visit the Community Review webpage for more information on how to view the materials online or in person. 

All community feedback will be shared with School Board members before they vote to select materials in spring 2025. FCPS adopts basal resources by the process outlined in Regulation 3004.

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students 

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

Middle and High School Clinics

FCPS is partnering with the health department to host immunization clinics at middle and high schools. Clinics will take place during the school day. Students may only participate in the clinic at the school where they are enrolled. Parental/caregiver consent is required for students to receive immunizations.

Please check the Immunization Resources page for clinic locations, dates, and how to submit a consent form.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar 

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 9/30/24

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

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Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday

October 2 - Love Like Adam Presentation - 11th and 12th Grade Presentation

October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day

October 3 - Holiday for students & staff - all FCPS schools & offices are closed

October 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

October 7 - Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 14 - Indigenous Peoples' Day - Student Holiday/Staff Development Day

October 18 - Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

October 21 - Fall College Panel

October 20-22 - College Fair and Look to the Future Events

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day - 9th, 10th, and 11th grades

This Week Love Like Adam Presentation for 11th and 12th Grade Students - 10/2

The Love Like Adam Foundation was established in honor of  Adam Oakes, who died from hazing in February 2021 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The foundation provides hazing prevention education to middle, high, and university students. On Wednesday, October 2nd, 11th and 12th grade students will be dismissed from 1st period at 9:30 am. The presentation will be in the Lower Gym and will last approximately 90 minutes. 

Rosh Hashanah - 10/2-10/4

Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only Observation day, and important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar.

Testing Information PSAT/SAT School Day - October 9th

9th Graders- Stay home and do not report to McLean HS. Teachers will not provide work for students to complete on 10/09. However, students may have work previously assigned by their teachers to complete that is due 10/10 or later.

10th & 11th Graders- Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the digital PSAT. All 10th & 11th grade students were automatically registered for the digital PSAT.

12th Graders- If you did not sign up to take the SAT, stay home. Only the 12th graders who completed the intent to participate form were registered to take the digital SAT. Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the SAT. 

All students testing should bring:

  • FCPS Chromebook and charger *
  • Two or more No. 2 pencils (not mechanical)
  • Graphing Calculator
  • Water and snacks (Snacks may be consumed during breaks)

*Students who forget to bring their FCPS Chromebook and charger on October 9th will be offered the make-up PSAT/SAT opportunity on October 21st. 

Student testing locations were sent to each student’s FCPS Gmail on 9/25. If you have any questions, please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen ([email protected]).

Is your student thinking about self-studying for an AP exam this school year?

Self-studying means that a student plans to take an AP exam for a class they are not currently enrolled in. Each AP exam a student self-studies for will cost $99. 

Please have your student complete the self-study google form, and pay the non-refundable exam fee in MySchoolBucks by October 27th. As your student considers self-studying for exams, please check the AP Exam schedule to ensure that they do not over-schedule themselves. Exams will only be moved to the late testing schedule for extreme circumstances. If you have any additional questions, please contact the McLean Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen, at [email protected]

English 11 WorkKeys Testing

For the 2024-25 school year, all students enrolled in English 11 will take the WorkKeys® Business Writing test to earn their Writing verified credits. English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students will be assessed in their English class during the November test window. English 11 on-level students will be assessed in their English class during the end of January test window. The WorkKeys® assessment will provide the required verified credit for writing while preserving classroom instructional time, as it is a single 30-minute assessment. All students enrolled in AP Lang can receive their Writing verified credit by earning a 2 or higher on their AP exam.

If you would prefer your student take the Writing SOL in March in place of the WorkKeys writing, you will need to complete the WorkKeys opt-out form no later than October 30th for English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students and January 8th for English 11 on-level students

If you have any additional questions, please contact Elly Donlen ([email protected]), McLean Assessment Coach.

Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (9th Graders Only)

Parents of current 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2023-24 standard school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to October 31, 2024.  This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf 

Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.

Coming Up Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar - 10/7

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

This quarter's session will be October 7, 2024

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

Walk and Roll to School Day - 10/9

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.

Yom Kippur - 10/11

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Staff Development Day) - 10/14

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. Monday, October 14, is a student holiday and staff development day.See the complete school year calendar.

College Fair and Look to the Future Events - 10/20-10/22

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

Fall College Planning Panel - 10/21

Our Fall College Planning Panel will be Monday, October 21st.

We will start the program with a mini college fair with all six panelists at 6:00 PM followed by the panel at 6:30 PM.

This panel is geared towards underclassmen as they begin to think about what all is involved in the college application process.

Our panelists represent liberal arts & sciences colleges. If you don’t have a good sense of what these types of colleges offer, this is a great way to learn.

Colby College, Davidson College, Hollins College, Lehigh College, Longwood University and St Olaf College reps will comprise the panel.

Heritage Months, Celebrations & Traditions National Hispanic Heritage Month -  9/15-10/15

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

National School Principals Month

Each October, National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making a school great.

Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. Each October, NASSP, NAESP, and AFSA seek to honor these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.

National Principals Month is a widely recognized celebration of the principalship, marked by national and state resolutions supporting the event, as well as acknowledgements from U.S. Senators and Representatives, and top government officials. However, the most important National Principals Month celebrations are the ones that take place in schools and communities across the country.

Disability History & Awareness Month

Disability History and Awareness MonthIn Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. 

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition. 

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.  

McLean HS PTSA Mock Testing - SAT and ACT

Looking for an opportunity to practice for the SAT, and ACT? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows: 

SAT:  November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025

ACT: November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025

Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam

Register for SAT practice tests

Register for ACT practice tests

Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS 🎓 Prepare for Your Future at College Fair and Postsecondary Nights

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies. 

Following the fair, a two-night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the college fair and postsecondary virtual event.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence. 

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit. 

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources. 

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more. 

Weekly Reminders McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 9/23/24

GovDelivery2 months 4 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

September 15 - October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 21-29 - Blue Star Welcome Week

September 24 & 25 - Yearbook Photos for 9th, 10th and 11th graders

September 26 - Parent Book Talk

October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday

October 2 - Love Like Adam Presentation - 11th and 12th Grade Presentation

October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day

October 3 - Holiday for students & staff - all FCPS schools & offices are closed

October 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 18 - Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

October 20-22 - College Fair and Look to the Future Events

November 8 - Yearbook Photo Makeup Day

Testing Information SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 9, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students. 

Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. If you choose to opt your student out of the pre-survey, please notify the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at [email protected] by Friday, September 20, 2024, and include your student’s full legal name and FCPS ID number in the email.

All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including SAT preparation. Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App

If you have questions about the SAT School Day or PSAT/NMSQT administration at McLean High School, please contact the Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen ([email protected]).

Is your student thinking about self-studying for an AP exam this school year?

Self-studying means that a student plans to take an AP exam for a class they are not currently enrolled in. Each AP exam a student self-studies for will cost $99. 

Please have your student complete the self-study google form, and pay the non-refundable exam fee in MySchoolBucks by October 27th. As your student considers self-studying for exams, please check the AP Exam schedule to ensure that they do not over-schedule themselves. Exams will only be moved to the late testing schedule for extreme circumstances. If you have any additional questions, please contact the McLean Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen, at [email protected]

English 11 WorkKeys Testing

For the 2024-25 school year, all students enrolled in English 11 will take the WorkKeys® Business Writing test to earn their Writing verified credits. English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students will be assessed in their English class during the November test window. English 11 on-level students will be assessed in their English class during the end of January test window. The WorkKeys® assessment will provide the required verified credit for writing while preserving classroom instructional time, as it is a single 30-minute assessment. All students enrolled in AP Lang can receive their Writing verified credit by earning a 2 or higher on their AP exam.

If you would prefer your student take the Writing SOL in March in place of the WorkKeys writing, you will need to complete the WorkKeys opt-out form no later than October 30th for English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students and January 8th for English 11 on-level students

If you have any additional questions, please contact Elly Donlen ([email protected]), McLean Assessment Coach.

Information for Seniors Senior Planning Page

Counselors have completed one-on-one meetings with their seniors reviewing graduation requirements, post-secondary planning, and the McLean college application process. Seniors have access to all materials on their Senior Class Schoology page and should review the follow-up email sent from their counselor. Parents can view the same materials on our Senior Planning page. Reach out to your student’s counselor or Mrs. Barnes if you have any follow up questions.

Grading Policies McLean HS Grading Policies

As grade books are now viewable in SIS ParentVUE, please remember our grading practices and standard comments. Teachers will communicate the status of assignments and assessments using these practices and comment codes. If you have questions about your student’s grades, please reach out to their teacher directly.

Yearbook & Photo Information Yearbook Photos - 9th, 10th & 11th graders

9th & 10th graders will be photographed with their Health/PE class on Tuesday, Sept. 24 or Wednesday, Sept. 25.

11th graders will be photographed with their US History class on Tuesday, Sept. 24 or Wednesday, Sept. 25.

9th & 10th graders who do not take Health/PE on-campus at McLean this year, and 11th graders who do not take US History on-campus at McLean this year, should check their email for a message from Ms. Percival about which day and time to report to the auditorium to have their picture taken. 

 

MAKEUP DAY - 9th, 10th & 11th graders

Students who missed the original picture day, will have an opportunity to have their picture taken on our makeup day, Friday, November 8 in the Dance Room. 

 

Yearbook Photos - 12th  graders

Many members of the Class of 2025 have already been photographed. If you still need to schedule your senior portrait appointment you can do so here: https://seniors.legacystudios.com/mclean-hs-va/  The remaining dates are  Sept. 30 and Nov. 12 & 13.

 

Student ID cards

9th, 10th and 11th graders will receive their student ID card when they have their picture taken on Sept. 24 or 25, or on the makeup day, Nov. 8. Seniors will receive their ID cards in October.

Students who enroll after Nov. 8 or who lose their ID card, can go to the security office in the cafeteria to have an ID card printed..

 

Ordering Photos

Ordering Photos - 9th, 10th & 11th graders:

  • Before, on or after picture day, go to https://legacystudios.com/purchase/
  • On the page titled: View and Purchase Your Portraits, click on the image of the student on the left that says Underclass
  • On the next page, you'll be asked if you have your online code 
  • Click on the gray bar marked “No - what’s my code
  • Copy your online code
  • Click “Visit Online Gallery”
  • Paste your online code
  • Enter your email address
  • Review package and product offerings and make your selections
  • When you've made your selections, click on the green button on the bottom right of the page marked Checkout
  • On the next page, you'll find options for retouching, teeth whitening, etc. as well as your portrait background choices
  • Make your selections and click on the blue button on the bottom right of the page that says Next
  • From there, you'll enter your student's information and proceed to checkout by clicking the blue Next button
  • Keep in mind that all packages and products will be sent to the home or mailing address provided.  Pictures are not returned to the school for distribution.

For assistance, please contact Legacy Studios Customer Care team directly at [email protected] or 716.512.6336. 

National Honor Society NHS Applications Due 9/30

Applications for the National Honor Society have been sent to all eligible students via student email last week.  To be eligible to apply to the McLean Chapter of the National Honor Society students must be in 11th or 12th grade, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, be a student at McLean for at least 1 semester, and have no major disciplinary infractions.  Applications will be submitted electronically and are due by Monday, September 30th, 2024.  Seniors who applied last year and were accepted do not need to re-apply.  Please contact the NHS Advisers, Ms. Handy ([email protected]) or Ms. Murphy-Neilson ([email protected]) with any questions.

This Week Blue Star Welcome Week - 9/21 - 9/29

Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community. 

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Be on the lookout for McLean High School Instagram posts this week highlighting some of our faculty members with military backgrounds, and a special newsletter celebrating our military connected staff!

Book Talk - 9/26

The McLean High School Administration will host book talks for parents and students that focus on learning and the brain. The goal of the book talks will be to provide strategies that both parents and students can use at home to support learning, growth, and independence. Our first book talk is based on the book, Learn Like a Pro, by Barbara Oakley. We invite all parents to join us in reading this text, but reading the text is not a prerequisite for attending our book talk. A community meeting to discuss the book for parents and students will be facilitated by the McLean High staff and administration on September 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The McLean High School PTSA will hold their September meeting immediately following the book talk. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month -  9/15-10/15

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

Coming Up Love Like Adam Presentation for 11th and 12th Grade Students - 10/2

The Love Like Adam Foundation was established in honor of  Adam Oakes, who died from hazing in February 2021 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The foundation provides hazing prevention education to middle, high, and university students. On Wednesday, October 2nd, 11th and 12th grade students will be dismissed from 1st period at 9:30 am. The presentation will be in the Lower Gym and will last approximately 90 minutes. 

Rosh Hashanah - 10/2-10/4

Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only Observation day, and important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar.

Walk and Roll to School Day - 10/9

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.

Yom Kippur - 10/11

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

College Fair and Look to the Future Events - 10/20-10/22

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Backpack and Calculator Drive 2024

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at, or below, the poverty level. That is 12% of the student body. We are collecting donations of backpackscalculators, and school supplies for our MHS Students-in-Need. Rising costs and higher demand has made school supplies donations scarce, particularly graphing calculators. Many of our Students-in-Need are unable to obtain items from local charities that normally provide their back-to-school supplies. 

Please click the Amazon Charity Wish List HERE to purchase backpacks, calculators, and school supplies for donation. Items will be shipped directly to Mclean High School. 

Alternatively, Sign Up HERE to purchase a backpack or calculator for donation. If you choose to sign up to purchase an item at the store, you or your student can drop it off, or ship it to:

Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road McLean, VA 22101

Items are needed by Friday, September 27.

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

NOTE: McLean High School PTSA is a 501(c)3 organization.

Help the MHS PTSA Meet it's Fundraising Goal

We are beginning our exciting journey into the 2024-2025 school year feeling inspired by the tremendous impact that the McLean High School community can make—your involvement was crucial to last year’s success in helping our students and teachers. This year, we can build on that momentum with your continued support.

Our PTSA Fundraising efforts are vital to enhancing the educational experience for all students at McLean High. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $48,175 last year! Your contributions made a significant difference by supporting:

  • Student Club and Teacher Grants: Fostering innovative projects and enriching extracurricular activities.
  • Science Enrichment: Providing essential resources and opportunities to ignite students' passion for science.
  • School and Curriculum Support: Ensuring access to top-quality educational materials and programs.
  • Hospitality: Creating engaging events that strengthen our school community.
  • Celebrate McLean: Highlighting and celebrating our school’s achievements and spirit.

Looking ahead, our goal is to raise $51,000 this year to continue supporting these important initiatives. We invite you to join us by contributing to our 2024-2025 PTSA Fundraising Campaign. Your donation will have a direct impact on our students’ educational experiences and help us achieve new milestones.

To help us reach this year’s goal, we are looking for a donation of $180 per family, which includes a $30 PTSA membership fee. You can contribute through this link: Donation and Membership.

Every gift, regardless of size, is deeply appreciated. If you prefer to make a customized donation, please use this link: Custom Donation. And don't forget to join the PTSA: https://mclean.givebacks.com/store/items/75000.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to McLean High School. Together, we can make this school year our most successful yet!

Mock Testing - SAT and ACT

Looking for an opportunity to practice for the SAT, and ACT? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows: 

SAT:  November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025

ACT: September 21, 2024; November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025

Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam

Register for SAT practice tests

Register for ACT practice tests

Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS SEL Screener Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. 

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office. 

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

  • Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
  • Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
  • Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
  • Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
  • A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family. 
  • Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact our school psychologist, school counselor, or school social worker at to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies? 

Parents/caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice

Community Conversations

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages. 

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

October 7, 2024

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 9/16/24

GovDelivery3 months ago

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Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

September 15 - October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 17 - Constitution Day

September 21-29 - Blue Star Welcome Week

September 26 - Parent Book Talk

October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday

October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day

October 3 - Holiday for students & staff - all FCPS schools & offices are closed

October 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 18 - Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

October 20-22 - College Fair and Look to the Future Events

Testing Information SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 9, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students. 

Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. If you choose to opt your student out of the pre-survey, please notify the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at [email protected] by Friday, September 20, 2024, and include your student’s full legal name and FCPS ID number in the email.

All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including SAT preparation. Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App

If you have questions about the SAT School Day or PSAT/NMSQT administration at McLean High School, please contact the Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen ([email protected]).

Is your student thinking about self-studying for an AP exam this school year?

Self-studying means that a student plans to take an AP exam for a class they are not currently enrolled in. Each AP exam a student self-studies for will cost $99. 

Please have your student complete the self-study google form, and pay the non-refundable exam fee in MySchoolBucks by October 27th. As your student considers self-studying for exams, please check the AP Exam schedule to ensure that they do not over-schedule themselves. Exams will only be moved to the late testing schedule for extreme circumstances. If you have any additional questions, please contact the McLean Assessment Coach, Elly Donlen, at [email protected]

English 11 WorkKeys Testing

For the 2024-25 school year, all students enrolled in English 11 will take the WorkKeys® Business Writing test to earn their Writing verified credits. English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students will be assessed in their English class during the November test window. English 11 on-level students will be assessed in their English class during the end of January test window. The WorkKeys® assessment will provide the required verified credit for writing while preserving classroom instructional time, as it is a single 30-minute assessment. All students enrolled in AP Lang can receive their Writing verified credit by earning a 2 or higher on their AP exam.

If you would prefer your student take the Writing SOL in March in place of the WorkKeys writing, you will need to complete the WorkKeys opt-out form no later than October 30th for English 11 Honors & English 11 DE students and January 8th for English 11 on-level students

If you have any additional questions, please contact Elly Donlen ([email protected]), McLean Assessment Coach.

Information for Seniors Senior Planning Page

Counselors have completed one-on-one meetings with their seniors reviewing graduation requirements, post-secondary planning, and the McLean college application process. Seniors have access to all materials on their Senior Class Schoology page and should review the follow-up email sent from their counselor. Parents can view the same materials on our Senior Planning page. Reach out to your student’s counselor or Mrs. Barnes if you have any follow up questions.

Applying to a University in the UK? - 9/16

For seniors applying to universities in the UK, our Goldsmith, University of London rep will be here right after school in the Career Center to review how to apply via UCAS (the UK’s version of the Common App) and he will answer questions in general about applying and living in the UK.

College Essay Workshop - 9/18

Student Services will host an essay workshop immediately after school in the Lecture Hall. This workshop is free and open to all seniors. There will be counselors and an admissions rep on hand to review drafts as well as brainstorming activities to get you started.

Grading Policies McLean HS Grading Policies

As grade books are now viewable in SIS ParentVUE, please remember our grading practices and standard comments. Teachers will communicate the status of assignments and assessments using these practices and comment codes. If you have questions about your student’s grades, please reach out to their teacher directly.

This Week National Hispanic Heritage Month -  9/15-10/15

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

Coming Up Blue Star Welcome Week - 9/21 - 9/29

Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community. 

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21 - September 29, 2024, and throughout the year! 

Book Talk - 9/26

The McLean High School Administration will host book talks for parents and students that focus on learning and the brain. The goal of the book talks will be to provide strategies that both parents and students can use at home to support learning, growth, and independence. Our first book talk is based on the book, Learn Like a Pro, by Barbara Oakley. We invite all parents to join us in reading this text, but reading the text is not a prerequisite for attending our book talk. A community meeting to discuss the book for parents and students will be facilitated by the McLean High staff and administration on September 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.. 

Rosh Hashanah - 10/2-10/4

Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only Observation day, and important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar.

Walk and Roll to School Day - 10/9

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.

Yom Kippur - 10/11

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

College Fair and Look to the Future Events - 10/20-10/22

The annual FCPS College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Approximately 220 colleges and universities will be represented, including two and four-year colleges and US Service Academies. Following the fair, the Two-Night Postsecondary Virtual Event will be held on Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 5- 8p.m. Both events will help students be better prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey. Students may REGISTER HERE.

Volunteers are needed for the College Fair. SIGN-UP TODAY to help make this event a success for students and their families.

McLean HS PTSA McLean Matters Backpack and Calculator Drive 2024

McLean High School has approximately 300 students who are at, or below, the poverty level. That is 12% of the student body. We are collecting donations of backpackscalculators, and school supplies for our MHS Students-in-Need. Rising costs and higher demand has made school supplies donations scarce, particularly graphing calculators. Many of our Students-in-Need are unable to obtain items from local charities that normally provide their back-to-school supplies. 

Please click the Amazon Charity Wish List HERE to purchase backpacks, calculators, and school supplies for donation. Items will be shipped directly to Mclean High School. 

Alternatively, Sign Up HERE to purchase a backpack or calculator for donation. If you choose to sign up to purchase an item at the store, you or your student can drop it off, or ship it to:

Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road McLean, VA 22101

Items are needed by Friday, September 27.

If you have any questions, please contact McLean Matters Chair Emma Blankenbaker at [email protected].

NOTE: McLean High School PTSA is a 501(c)3 organization.

Help the MHS PTSA Meet it's Fundraising Goal

We are beginning our exciting journey into the 2024-2025 school year feeling inspired by the tremendous impact that the McLean High School community can make—your involvement was crucial to last year’s success in helping our students and teachers. This year, we can build on that momentum with your continued support.

Our PTSA Fundraising efforts are vital to enhancing the educational experience for all students at McLean High. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $48,175 last year! Your contributions made a significant difference by supporting:

  • Student Club and Teacher Grants: Fostering innovative projects and enriching extracurricular activities.
  • Science Enrichment: Providing essential resources and opportunities to ignite students' passion for science.
  • School and Curriculum Support: Ensuring access to top-quality educational materials and programs.
  • Hospitality: Creating engaging events that strengthen our school community.
  • Celebrate McLean: Highlighting and celebrating our school’s achievements and spirit.

Looking ahead, our goal is to raise $51,000 this year to continue supporting these important initiatives. We invite you to join us by contributing to our 2024-2025 PTSA Fundraising Campaign. Your donation will have a direct impact on our students’ educational experiences and help us achieve new milestones.

To help us reach this year’s goal, we are looking for a donation of $180 per family, which includes a $30 PTSA membership fee. You can contribute through this link: Donation and Membership.

Every gift, regardless of size, is deeply appreciated. If you prefer to make a customized donation, please use this link: Custom Donation. And don't forget to join the PTSA: https://mclean.givebacks.com/store/items/75000.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to McLean High School. Together, we can make this school year our most successful yet!

Mock Testing - SAT and ACT

Looking for an opportunity to practice for the SAT, and ACT? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows: 

SAT:  November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025

ACT: September 21, 2024; November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025

Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam

Register for SAT practice tests

Register for ACT practice tests

Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

From FCPS ✔️ Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage

🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school. 

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

  • A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.

✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.

The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they're joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice

🍽️ Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS

Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias  starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings. 

View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available. 

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Newsletters:

Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation! 

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. 

The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow! 

💻 No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies? 

Parents/caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

October 7, 2024

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

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National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Please join us in congratulating our McLean High School National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists! Over 1.3 million juniors across 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in 2023. The students below have been identifed as being among the 16,000 semifinalists based on their performance on this assessment. They also have the opportunity to continue in the next step of the competition to become finalists. 

Back row, left to right: Axel Lundback, David Sheng, Jakob Siyoni, Aileen Wu, Anaya Batish, Lisa Hu, Tranh-Hoa Tran-Luu, and Blake Powell

Front row, left to right: Lauren Wood, Peyton Rydzewski, Andrew Egorin, Eric Xue, Phoebe Jang, Claire Yan, Aria Colaco, and Rachel Noh

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 9/9/24

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Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

September 11 - Commemoration/Patriot Day

September 15 - October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 17 - Constitution Day

September 21-29 - Blue Star Welcome Week

October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday

October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day

October 3 - Holiday for students & staff - all FCPS schools & offices are closed

October 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 18 - Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

Testing Information SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 9, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students. 

Prior to test day, students will complete a digital readiness check during an advisory lesson at school. During the digital readiness check, students will see a voluntary pre-survey that asks questions about a variety of topics. You may opt out of this pre-survey for your student. If you choose to opt your student out of the pre-survey, please notify the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at [email protected] by Friday, September 20, 2024, and include your student’s full legal name and FCPS ID number in the email.

All FCPS students have access to Varsity Tutors and Khan Academy’s free online test preparation. Varsity Tutors provides live tutoring services, including SAT preparation. Khan Academy provides a library of practice questions, videos, lessons, plus test taking tips and strategies. Students will also have access to full length paper tests and digital SAT practice tests via the College Board Bluebook App

If you have questions about the SAT School Day or PSAT/NMSQT administration at McLean High School, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen ([email protected]).

Upcoming Workshops for Seniors Common App Workshop - 9/12

Student Services will host a Common App Workshop immediately after school in the Lecture Hall. There is no registration and it is free. If you did the summer 2-day workshop, this will not be new information for you but if you have some outstanding questions, feel free to stop by.

Applying to a University in the UK? - 9/16

For seniors applying to universities in the UK, our Goldsmith, University of London rep will be here right after school in the Career Center to review how to apply via UCAS (the UK’s version of the Common App) and he will answer questions in general about applying and living in the UK.

College Essay Workshop - 9/18

Student Services will host an essay workshop immediately after school in the Lecture Hall. This workshop is free and open to all seniors. There will be counselors and an admissions rep on hand to review drafts as well as brainstorming activities to get you started.

Safety Parking Tips - McLean HS
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always look before you step out and look before you back out.
  • Check Mirrors: Before backing out, ensure your mirrors are adjusted correctly to see behind you.
  • Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks.
  • Park in Designated Spaces: Avoid parking in fire lanes or handicap spaces.
  • Parking on Surrounding Streets: Make sure to read and heed all street signs. Failure to do so can result in parking violations.
McLean HS Grading Policies

As grade books are now viewable in SIS ParentVUE, please remember our grading practices and standard comments. Teachers will communicate the status of assignments and assessments using these practices and comment codes. If you have questions about your student’s grades, please reach out to their teacher directly.

This Week National Day of Service Commemoration/Patriot Day - 9/11

With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.

Coming Up National Hispanic Heritage Month -  9/15-10/15

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

Blue Star Welcome Week - 9/21 - 9/29

Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community. 

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21 - September 29, 2024, and throughout the year! 

Rosh Hashanah - 10/2-10/4

Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only Observation day, and important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar.

Walk and Roll to School Day

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.

Yom Kippur - 10/11

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

From FCPS 🩹 Immunization Requirements 

Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office. 

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:  

  • A health care provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
  • A health care provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  • A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with their religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations

✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12

The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. 

Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.

The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they're joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

  • Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
  • Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
  • Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
  • Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
  • Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid

🍎 Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school. 

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

October 7, 2024

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

McLean HS PTSA Mock Testing - SAT and ACT

Looking for an opportunity to practice for the SAT, and ACT? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows: 

SAT:  November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025

ACT: September 21, 2024; November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025

Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam

Register for SAT practice tests

Register for ACT practice tests

Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

McLean HS: Dr. Reilly's Monday Message 9/2/24

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Important Upcoming Dates

2024-2025 School Year

September 7 - Band Tag Day

September 11 - Commemoration/Patriot Day

September 15 - October 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 17 - Constitution Day

October 2-4 - Rosh Hashanah/Teacher Workday

October 2 - National Custodian Appreciation Day

October 3 - Holiday for students & staff - all FCPS schools & offices are closed

October 4 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

October 9 - PSAT/SAT Day

October 9 - Walk and Roll to School Day

October 11 - Yom Kippur

October 18 - Homecoming Football Game

October 19 - Homecoming Dance

Testing Information 12th Grade SAT Intent to Participate

On Wednesday, October 9, McLean High School twelfth graders will have the opportunity to participate in the SAT School Day. FCPS will cover the cost for any twelfth-grade student to take this test. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during SAT School Day. 

To reserve a seat for your twelfth grader to take this exam and ensure appropriate test materials are available for your student, families are asked to complete the McLean HS SAT Intent to Participate Form below by Wednesday, September 4. Your student will need to use an @fcpsschools.net email account to access and complete this form.  

If you have questions about the SAT School Day administration at McLean High School, please contact the Assessment Coach Elly Donlen ([email protected]).

SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 9, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.

📈 SOL Scores Posted in SIS ParentVUE

Families can find Standards of Learning (SOL) reports for spring testing in the SIS ParentVUE Documents section on or before the last day of school. Log in to your ParentVUE account to access the following:

  • For all students – the official SOL Score Report with overall and reporting category performance for all spring tests.
  • For grade 3-8 students – the SOL Growth Parent Report shows performance over time for state reading and math tests completed this school year.

Visit the FCPS website for additional information about spring assessment reporting practices and timelines.

Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Safety Parking Lot Safety at McLean HS

Parking lots can be a hotbed for accidents. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and others safe:

  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always look before you step out and look before you back out.
  • Check Mirrors: Before backing out, ensure your mirrors are adjusted correctly to see behind you.
  • Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks.
  • Park in Designated Spaces: Avoid parking in fire lanes or handicap spaces.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a safe parking experience for everyone.

This Week MHS Band Tag Day - 9/7

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, McLean High Band students will be out in the community canvassing neighborhoods and performing at local shopping centers while collecting donations during this year’s Tag Day. Tag Day, the program’s largest, and perhaps oldest, fundraising event, helps the band purchase new instruments and uniforms, secure talented instructors, travel to competitions and cover other essential expenses that fall outside of the FCPS budget.

Coming Up National Day of Service Commemoration/Patriot Day - 9/11

With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.

National Hispanic Heritage Month -  9/15-10/15

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

Rosh Hashanah - 10/2-10/4

Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only Observation day, and important events will not be held after school. 

Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed. 

Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar.

Walk and Roll to School Day

FCPS will participate in International Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9, in an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools.Students and employees are encouraged to bike or walk to school and work where safe to do so. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools are encouraged to register online with Walk and Bike to School. Get more information about Walk to School Day.

Yom Kippur - 10/11

Friday, October 11, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Welcome to the McLean HS Family McLean HS Welcomes Juanita Baptiste

We are excited to introduce Juanita Baptiste as our new Family Liaison. Juanita is passionate about building strong relationships between schools and families and is committed to supporting our students' educational experiences.

As the School Family Liaison, Juanita will be a valuable resource for parents and guardians, providing support and facilitating communication between the school and our community.

To reach Juanita, please email her at [email protected] or call her at 517-359-5360. She will be splitting her time between McLean High School and Longfellow Middle School and her current schedule at McLean is Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. 

Please join us in welcoming Juanita to the McLean HS family. We are confident that she will be a great asset to our school community.

From FCPS 2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30

You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.

✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars
  • While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:
  • The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
  • The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
  • The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
  • The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions. 

Visit our Strategic Plan webpage for more information. 

Safety Drills During the School Year

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance. 

The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. 

Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.

⚠️ Know Our Security Terms

FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.

Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned. 

If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.  

🎤 Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your questions or concerns regarding Fairfax County Public Schools. Your voice matters! Community Conversations will be held this Fall 6:30-7:30 p.m. on:

  • Monday, September 9, at Holmes Middle School 
  • Monday, September 23, at Newington Forest Elementary
  • Monday, September 30, at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary 
  • Monday, October 14, at Fairhill Elementary 
  • Monday, October 21, at Virginia Run Elementary 
  • Wednesday, October 30, at Herndon Middle 

Click the date above to register. Registration is not required but helps with planning. Additional registration links will be shared in next week’s This Week at FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid

🌍 Receive Credit for Proficiency in Languages

This year's World Languages Credit by Exam will be administered at each FCPS middle, high, and secondary school. 

The World Languages Credit by Exam is an optional test for students in grades 7-12 who can speak and write (type) proficiently in a language other than English. Based on the results of the exam, they can earn 1, 2, and/or 3 passing world language credits. 

Registration opens on Wednesday, September 4, at 8 a.m., and closes on Friday, October 4, at 4 p.m. Late registrations will not be accepted. Please contact your student’s school counselor to register for the exam. 

Find more information, including the list of eligible languages

Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time. 

Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.

🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. 

Student Insurance

During the school day, a student may have an accident that results in injury. There is a common misconception that FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) is financially responsible for medical bills resulting from such injuries. However, this is not the case.

Students who participate in sports are required to have health insurance. FCPS does not provide medical insurance for students, but parents can purchase low-cost Voluntary Student Insurance through K & K Insurance Group.

This student accident insurance program offers an affordable way for parents to cover medical or dental expenses resulting from their child's accident. For those who already have medical or dental insurance, this additional coverage can help with deductibles, limitations, and exclusions. For those without medical insurance, these accident policies provide primary coverage.

Please read the information on K&K Student Accident Insurance found here, to determine if this coverage would be beneficial for your child.

Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone! 

Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!

 

Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family.

Weekly Reminders Partners in Safe Teen Driving Seminar

As part of the FCPS Health and PE curriculum, all 10th grade students enrolled in Health & PE 10 complete one quarter of classroom Driver Education.  As part of the Driver Education curriculum, students are required to attend the Partners in Safe Teen Driving Presentation, in person, with at least one parent or guardian. Successful completion of classroom Driver Education AND attendance by the student and parent/guardian enables the student to obtain the DEC-District 8 completion card needed to pursue obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.  While it is recommended that the PSTD seminar requirement be satisfied during the quarter in which the student is taking classroom driver education, students are welcome to attend any quarter within their 10th grade year. All seminars will be held in-person from 6:30-8:00 PM in the auditorium. Please arrive early. Doors will close promptly at 6:30. 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 2023-2024 calendar year are below.

October 7, 2024

January 13, 2025

February 24, 2025

May 12, 2025

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.

This program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at no charge. Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school, are home schooled, are enrolled in another school division, or are FCPS students in grade 11 or 12 must register to attend the 90-minute PSTD seminar. A $30 fee applies, and registration is available through FCPS Adult and Community Education (aceclasses.fcps.edu). Please reach out to Marissa Gaines ([email protected]) with any questions.

McLean HS Tech Support for Students

If you are experiencing issues with your FCPS issued laptop, please use the link below to enter your information.  The tech support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

We will continue to support students remotely as much as possible. If a computer has been identified as needing hands-on repair, we will schedule an appointment for you to come to the school to exchange it.  

Description:  This form should be filled out by a student if they are experiencing issues with their FCPSOn laptop.

Please click on the link below to access the Tech Support Request Form.

Parent/Student Support Portal Link

McLean HS PTSA Mock Testing - SAT and ACT

Looking for an opportunity to practice for the SAT, and ACT? The McLean PTSA is partnering with The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep to offer practice tests. Each testing session starts at 9am. The test dates are as follows: 

SAT: September 7, 2024; November 16, 2024; January 11, 2025; April 5, 2025

ACT: September 21, 2024; November 9, 2024; January 4, 2025; March 1, 2025; April 26, 2025

Join us virtually to take the full-length practice tests. The registration fee is $20 per exam

Register for SAT practice tests

Register for ACT practice tests

Registration closes 3 days prior to each exam, and you will receive an email with further instructions regarding the testing session. After each test, you will receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

McLean High School PTSA Information

Here are some quick links:

Social-Emotional Support Information 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, [email protected]

Beverly Parker-Lewis, School Psychologist, [email protected]

Marly Jerome-Featherson, School Social Worker, [email protected]

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 and Red/Silver Calendar

 

McLean High School Website

 

Student Parking Information

 

FCPS School Year Calendar

 

Student Information System (SIS)

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.

1633 Davidson Rd McLean, VA 22101 | Main Office: 703-714-5700
Attendance: 703-714-5725 | Web | Twitter

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McLean HS: News and Announcements
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