Audra Sydnor, Assistant Superintendent of Cluster I, Fairfax County Public Schools announced on June 26^th that Dr. Deborah Jackson, principal of Langston Hughes Middle School, has been appointed as principal of McLean High School. Dr. Jackson's official start date will be July 9, 2007. To view more information on Dr. Jackson please click here.

College Career Center Web Site/Blackboard

The College Career Center web site is the place for students and parents to access information about post secondary choices as well as scholarships, jobs, volunteer and summer opportunities. The Post Secondary Handbook for the Class of 2008 can be found here, as well as testing schedules for ACT and SATs, college programs both on campus and in the DC area, a calendar of events, parent resources, military contacts, college visits to MHS (in the fall), career and college resources, college and major of the week, and special programs. It can be accessed from the MHS home page or through the Guidance site www.fcps.edu/McLeanHS. The site is updated once a week as new information becomes available

Don't forget about Career Connections www.fcps.edu/ss/CareerConnections. This site, maintained by FCPS, provides a variety of resources for students and their families to assist with career and post high school planning. The scholarship and summer data bases are searchable. Some of these resources are web based software programs that require school-specific logins and school IDs. Others are free. For more information, contact Mrs. Rahn by email at Isobel.Rahn@fcps.edu in the College Career Center or locate them in college or career resources on the College Career Center web site.

The College Career Center is now on Blackboard. Check out the announcements for items of interest as well as nominated scholarships.

WALK-IN-STUDY CENTER

THE WALK-IN-STUDY CENTER is available to any student who is looking for an alternative to the cafeteria where they can do homework, study with friends or by themselves, eat a bag lunch or snack, and get free tutoring if needed. Come to the Walk-In-Study Center during A, B, and C lunches. We are located in the College/Career Center in the guidance department. National Honor Society students will be available to help you. If you need to eat lunch in the cafeteria first, see Mrs. Rahn in the College/Career Center for a pass.

Class of 2008 senior pictures will be taken at McLean High School on Monday, June 25 & Tuesday, June 26 in the Lecture Hall. Appointment cards have been mailed home and will list the student’s scheduled appointment time. A drape will be provided for the yearbook portrait. The make-up date is in August and an appointment card will be mailed home closer to that date. If you have questions please contact the senior portrait photographer, Segall Majestic by Lifetouch, at 1-800-445-1189.

Paul Wardinski has accepted the position of principal for West Springfield High School, effective July 1, 2007. Mr. Wardinski was principal at McLean for three years and initiated many positive measures to improve the success of all students at McLean High School. Please click here to read a farewell letter from Mr. Wardinski to the school community.

End of Year 2007 Schedule

June is full of events, including final exams. Please click here to see the schedule so you may plan accordingly.

McLean High School Spirit Decals

Show your school pride!

Order your McLean High School Spirit Decals today. Decals are $3.00 each. Click here to view and print the order form. Send your order form and check, payable to MHS PTSA, to the McLean High School Main office. Decals will be ready for pick up within 5 school days. Questions should be directed to Reg Devlin at 703-734-2754 or rddevlin@cox.net.

Many of you may have seen the news and learned about the house fire in Falls Church. Unfortunately it was a family who has a freshman at McLean High School. The home was totally damaged. Fortunately, everyone escaped without injury. In an effort to assist the family at this time, the PTSA will be accepting monetary donations on the family’s behalf. If you would like to participate, you may drop off your check in the main office payable to MHS/PTSA and on the memo line indicate fire assistance fund.

McLean High School is having an annual sports physical examination night on Tuesday June 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm (new time). If you plan on playing sports in any season of next school year (2007-2008)get your physical exam done early and be all set to go. This one time physical will qualify you to tryout for all Fall, Winter, and Spring sports. You will receive a thorough physical exam geared for the athlete. You will receive a neuropsychological screening for concussion, body fat, flexibility assessment, posture assessment, General Practice physician evaluation AND an Orthopedic evaluation. To make an appointment, please email David Lee at David.Lee@fcps.edu with a preferred time. Cost is $40.

Senior Parents, All Night Grad Party (ANGP) sign-up/permission forms were mailed to your home around May 9th. If you need another copy of the form please click here. Please sign the form and indicate with whom your senior wants to ride on the buses to and from Dave & Buster's. Return the form to the McLean HS Main Office with a $35 check made out to McLean HS ANGP as soon as possible so we can make up the bus rosters.

Junior and senior parents are invited to attend the Prom June 9 to chaperone and provide security. If you're interested in serving as a chaperone, please contact Kate Altmeyer at (703)734-2343 or email at Altmeyer@cox.net. The shift schedules are 8:30-11 pm and 11 pm-1:30 am. Please provide name, phone number, email and desired shift. If you would like to volunteer or contribute in any other way, please contact: Stephanie Russo (703)556-0424 or Jane Beddoe (703) 560-1234 or Susan Belardi (703) 201-1330.

Parents of Seniors: WE NEED PHOTOS!! Please email your photos for the annual Senior Slide Show to ttandler1@cox.net. We want photos from your child's 4-year high school career: music, sports, prom, camp, BFFs, whatever! Group or individual photos are great. The Slide Show is presented at the Senior Breakfast on June 8, before the trip to Hershey Park. DVDs will be available at that time for $10 each. To get a copy, seniors should bring the form plus $10 cash to the Senior Breakfast on June 8 or can drop off the form in the front office anytime before June 8. A copy of the form can be downloaded by clicking here.

The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA) has a newly released concurrence statement in support of later start times for Fairfax County middle and high schools: The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area believes that it is desirable to delay the start time for instruction at all high schools and middle schools in order to provide the best opportunity for student learning and to promote adolescent health and safety. The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area recommends that Fairfax Public Schools fully explore the feasibility of adopting later start times for middle and high schools. More..

Volunteers are needed to sell tickets May 21-24 and May 29-June 1 during the lunch period. We will divide the volunteer time into two shifts from 10:55-12:00 noon and 12:00 noon until 1:10 pm. Please try to volunteer for two shifts if possible. If you can help, please e-mail Pam Smith at jdsphs@aol.com or Dana Hecht at dhecht6@cox.net.

Please join us for a spectacular free concert bringing together the talents of the McLean Chamber Soloists and the visiting Detmolder Jungendorchester at 7:30pm on May 30th in the McLean HS Theater. See you there!

McLean High School is exploring the possibility of offering the ACT Practice Test—Explore—instead of the PSAT for freshmen. Sophomores and juniors would still take the PSAT. We believe that by offering a practice ACT test to freshmen and the PSAT test in subsequent years, we will provide students with a choice to either take the ACT or SAT once they apply to admission to college. We want parent opinions on whether to offer the ACT Explore test instead of the PSAT test for freshmen only. Please provide your opinion via this very brief survey by clicking here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=275353809129 The survey will be available until Friday, May 25th. For more information, please visit the McLean HS website or email Kimberly Carney.

Please join us for two free concerts featuring McLean’s talented bands. The annual Spring Concert will be presented at 7:30pm on Thursday, May 24th in the McLean HS Theater. This will be the last concert of the year for this year’s phenomenal, nationally recognized bands. And, to complete your musical weekend, please join the band for a special, first-ever Alumni Band concert on Saturday, May 26th at 2:00pm in the MHS Theater. The Alumni Band will feature 42 alumni (1984-2006) in addition to selected current musicians; the Alumni are performing in recognition (and celebration) of 25 years under the direction of Mr. Jim Kirchenbauer. Congratulations and thanks, Mr. K! See you there!

The Warning Signs of Youth Depression and Suicide will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Fellowship Hall, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition, this program will feature specialist Mary Livingston Azoy, LPC, CPT, Director of Community Education & Crisis Response for CrisisLink. The workshop will include a brief presentation, video and Q & A session. The event is free, but for planning purposes, please register at http://www.safecommunitycoalition.com/upevents.html.

Friday, May 25th School Start Time Changed!

To better accommodate the SOL testing (which is taking place the week of May 21-25) and allow maximum time for all students, Friday, May 25th, will be a regular Monday through Thursday start time of 7:20am. Please make note of this change since a student arriving late will not be allowed to start their test. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Senior Parents please note that permission/registration forms for the All Night Grad Party will be sent to your home in early May. Please review the information, sign the form, and have your senior indicate with whom he/she would like to ride on the buses to and from the party. Include your check with the form and turn them in to the Main Office by MAY 23, either via your senior or mail, marked ANGP.

McLean High School presents: A candid panel discussion highlighting recent alarming behavior led by McLean High School Seniors. The discussion will be moderated by Principal Paul Wardinski on Tuesday, May 22nd at 7:30 in the McLean High School Cafeteria. Please click here for the flyer. Topics: Your child and drinking, drugs, internet risks, sex, stress, & depression. Sponsored by the McLean High School Parent Networking Committee.

Please Consider Volunteering!

There is a urgent need for volunteer proctors for the upcoming AP exams May 7 through May 18. Please volunteer for a shift! There are twelve shifts that still need to be filled. Training only takes 30 minutes and is offered on Thursday, May 3rd from 6:30 to 7 p.m. or on Saturday, May 5th from 9 to 9:30 a.m. For more information about what is needed please click here. To see the time/day slots where help is still needed please click here.

Thinking about life after high school? Prepare for the future and meet with area professionals to discover what you can do with your high school diploma. Explore a variety of career options, two-year colleges, apprenticeships, and vocational programs and learn about the endless opportunities that are available to high school graduates. Fair will be held on May 3, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 PM at ROBINSON SECONDARY SCHOOL, GOLD CAFETERIA, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22032. For more information click here.

Help support the 2007 All Night Grad Party. Buy large or individual size pizzas, Calzones & more! Click here to view the brochure. Click here to print out the order form. Deadline Extended!! Order by May 1st. Questions should be directed to MHS2007@msn.com.

Third Annual Special Education Conference sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, Department of Special Services, Office of Special Education in collaboration with the Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) on April 28, 2007, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. Click here to view the flyer.

America at a Crossroads is a major public television event premiering on PBS in April 2007 that explores the challenges confronting the post-9/11 world — including the war on terrorism; the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; the experience of American troops serving abroad; the struggle for balance within the Muslim world; and global perspectives on America’s role overseas. Aimed at creating a national dialogue surrounding the crucial issues explored in the series, an extensive media and outreach campaign in more than 25 communities accompanies the series. The episode entitled "The Muslim Americans" explores the diversity of Muslims in America today. This episode includes footage of Sarah and Farah Albani from McLean High School and will air on April 18th at 10 pm (Channel 22 and Channel 26).

The McLean PTSA approved the following people to serve as the nominating committee for the 2007-2008 PTSA Board: Janet Gonzalez, Walfika Albani, and Elizabeth Ende. The Nominating Committee will present the slate of officers for approval at the April PTSA Board Meeting. The candidates will be elected at the General Membership at the May PTSA Board Meeting.

The College Planning Process for Students who Receive Special Education Services or Have 504 Plans on March 21, 2007, 10:00 am to 11:45 am at the Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035

During all lunch periods on March 21, students can participate in mini-sessions in salsa dance, hip-hop dance, pilates, meditation, and yoga as well as mini-workshops on nutrition, and sleep, and the popular chair massages. Encourage your students to take part in their special activities!

Parents please mark your calendars and plan to attend Parents Night on March 21. This informative evening is not to be missed!!! Doctors from the INOVA Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services Program, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Family Medicine Residency Program and a Captain from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will discuss the Physiological Effects of Alcohol & Substance Abuse in Teens.

On March 22, the Health and Wellness program will focus on teachers and staff.

For more information on any of the above programs click here to view the flyer or contact Susan Belardi, MHS PTSA Health & Wellness Chair at (703) 201-1330.

The Chorus Department will participate in the Spring Choral Festival on March 17th at Madison High School. Students are required to participate and are responsible for getting themselves to the school, on time for the call. The schedule below outlines specific times, but we look forward to support from all who can attend and encourage and cheer for our school!

Choir Attendance performance:

Free College Expo from 6-8 PM on March 14th. Students have access to over 100 colleges and universities during this free event; downstairs outside Bloomingdale's and LL Bean.

Thursday is Jazz Night at McLean High School, featuring McLean's own terrific Jazz Band and the Commodores, the Navy's premier jazz ensemble. The Commodores are a specialty unit of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., featuring 18 of the Navy's top jazz and "big band" musicians. For more information go to http://www.navyband.navy.mil/commodores.shtml. The concert is free, at 7:30 pm Thursday, March 15th in the McLean High School auditorium.

Segall Majestic photographers will be at McLean High School on Monday, March 12 to take cap and gown pictures for the Class of 2007. These photos do not appear in the yearbook but many families like to have them as a keepsake of their child’s senior year. A cap and gown will be provided for the photo and proofs of the pictures will be sent to each senior’s home so you may decide which pictures, if any, you’d like to purchase. There is an $8 sitting fee for these portraits – seniors should bring payment with them to their appointment on March 12. Appointment times will be mailed home to each senior and will be posted on the yearbook bulletin board in the Red Hallway. Seniors who need to change their appointment time because of conflicts with tests or Academy classes, or those who are new to McLean and do not receive an appointment card, should contact Ms. Percival in the Yearbook Room (S105) or at meghan.percival@fcps.edu prior to March 12 to make the change. There will be no makeup dates.

Capitol Steps Performance to Benefit The ANGP

Come support the Class of 2007 All Night Graduation Party (ANGP) by attending the Capitol Steps performance at Mclean High School Auditorium on Sunday, March 11, 2007 at 4 PM. The price is $30 per ticket. To order tickets, please contact Ilene Robeck at 703-790-0947 or by email at ir obeck@hotmail.com. Or print the attached flyer and mail a check made out to Mclean High School ANGP to Ilene Robeck, 1718 Chesterbrook Vale Court, Mclean, VA 22101.

Support the McLean Crew Club's annual mulch sale. Top quality shredded hardwood mulch is available in three cubic foot bags. Order by March 5th. Order includes free delivery to your driveway on March 10 or 11, 2007. For more information or to print the order form click here.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW -- TICKETS ARE GOING FAST! The passion, pageantry and music of the European Renaissance come to life when the McLean High School Choral Department presents the 55th Annual Boar’s Head Feast on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at the McLean Baptist Church at 7:00 p.m., and feature live performances by the McLean Madrigals, comprised of audition-only, advanced level choral students who recently ranked 11th in the nation by the Society for Historical Performance. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for children, ages 12 and under, with proceeds benefiting Scholarships for choral students. For information and reservations, please contact Patrice Comey at p.comey@mcleanchoral.org or call Carla Johnston at (703) 628-8827 or visit http://www.mcleanchoral.org/

The FCCPTA invites all constituents to attend their General Membership Meeting at Luther Jackson Middle School in the Lecture Hall on Feb 26, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a discussion of the 2007-2008 FCPS budget. School Board Member, Janie Strauss, will attend. For more information on other items covered at the February 5th FCCPTA meeting, please click here.

Financial Aid Awareness Day will be held on February 10 at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale from 10:00 am-3:00 pm. The purpose of the day is to provide assistance to high school students and parents who are navigating the college financial aid process. Financial aid officers will be on-site to answer individual questions students and parents may have about the financial aid process. Workshops will be offered on various topics related to financing a college education. For more information visit www.nvcc.edu/finance or 703-323-3199.

Benefit Performances For Brian Anderson

The McLean Community Players will give two benefit performances of "Life with Father" for Brian Anderson at the Alden Theater at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 4 and Sunday, February 11. For more information, click here. Or, visit the Players' website at www.mcleanplayers.org.

The Parent Resource Center and Assistive Technology Services, part of the Office of Special Education, are offering two workshops for parents. Please be sure to call the Parent Resource Center at 703-204-3941 to reserve space if you are interested in attending either one.

1) The College Planning Process For Students who receive Special Education Services or have 504 Plans will be held on two dates: February 15, 2007 9:30-11:45 AM and February 28, 2007 7:30 - 9:15 PM at the Dunn Loring Center at 2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA. For more information, call 703-204-3941 or download the flyer from the website of the Parent Resource Center at www.fcps.edu/ss/prc/workshops.htm#workshopsprc.

2) Join Assistive Technology Services, Mayer-Johnson and DynaVox Technologies for an EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP developed specifically for staff members, parents and caregivers of students who receive special education services in Fairfax County and use or may need augmentative communication devices. Topics: Communication for Participation: AAC in the Classroom and Hands-on Introduction to Boardmaker Family Version 6: Curricular Instruction. The session will take place from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Friday, February 2, 2007 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax at 3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA. Registration is free, but you must register ahead as lunch will be provided. For more information, download the flyer from the website of the Parent Resource Center at www.fcps.edu/ss/prc/workshops.htm#workshopsprc or call 703-204-3941.

3) The College Planning Process For Students who receive Special Education Services or have 504 Plans will be held on February 28, 2007 7:30 - 9:15 PM at the Dunn Loring Center at 2334 Gallows Road.

4) Sensory Integration: Supporting Your Child’s Performance from a Sensory Perspective Framework on Friday, March 2, 2007 9:30 to 11:00 am at the Dunn Loring Center, Room 11.

Parents of the class of 2011 are cordially invited to an informational meeting on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the The Burks Theatre at McLean High School. For more information visit the McLean HS website at www.fcps.edu/McLeanHS

If you are a certified fitness instructor and wish to participate in this year's Health & Wellness Days on March 21-22, please contact Susan Belardi, PTSA Health Wellness Chair, at SB4229@aol.com.

Please join the Safe Community Coalition and McLean Presbyterian Church for Just Point& Click: Internet Safety Strategies for Parents. Learn from technology expert, Jennifer Krell, how our youth use the Internet via instant messaging, chatrooms, weblogs, webcams, cell phones, MySpace, Facebook, and more. Find out how you can help protect your kids with Internet filtering and monitoring software. (Note: This program is for adults only.) When: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Where: McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean VA 22101 Information: Sheri Berman sheri.berman@safecommunitycoalition.net There is no fee for this event, but so they can properly plan for the program, please register at www.safecommunitycoalition.net/events.html.

VIRGINIA PTA DAY at the General Assembly will be held Monday, January 29, 2007 at the Richmond City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond. Click here to get registration information.

Considering taking an Advanced Placement (AP) class next year? Then you'll want to come McLean High School this Thursday at 7:00 PM. You will have a chance to learn about the requirements and expectations for those taking AP classes as you prepare for registration in the next month. Please click here to view the agenda for the evening.

The McLean Citizens Association will host Dr. Jack Dale, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), at their general meeting on January 18, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the McLean Community Center. The public is invited. Dr. Dale will give a presentation on the 2007 School Budget, Thomas Jefferson HSST and the 2007 School Board goals, followed by an open question and answer session. The McLean Community Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA.

Senior Parents Graduation Announcements/Caps & Gowns

On January 10, seniors completed their order for caps and gowns. They were also given a packet of information to bring home regarding graduation announcements. For parents wanting more information, the representative from Balfour, the company that supplies the invitations and announcements, will be present at school during all three lunches on 1/16 and 1/17. Also, on 1/16 parents are invited to attend an informational session with Balfour from 4:00-7:00 pm in the school cafeteria.

Seniors have several meetings during the next few months regarding graduation. The next meeting is February 1 which will begin with a Senior Breakfast. Several parents are needed to help with this event. If you'd like to assist with this breakfast, please email MHS2007@msn.com or call Randy Fama at 703-538-3262.

Senior students must pay their class dues ($110) in order to graduate.

There will be a wonderful Choir Concert on Thursday, January 11, at 7:30 PM in the school auditorium. Pieces covered will include: Carmina Burana and Opera Choruses from Carmen, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Madame Butterfly, and the Mikado! All are invited. Bring your appetite for sweets.

The postponed MHS Orchestra Winter Concert is rescheduled for Tuesday, January 9, at 7:30 PM in the school auditorium. The concert will include a special performance by the Orchestra’s “Rockin’ Cellos”!

The first PROM 2007 meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm in the library. All parents and students interested in working on Prom 2007 should attend. If you have questions, please consult Prom Chairs Stephanie Russo, Susan Belardi sb4229@aol.com or Jane Beddoe jane.beddoe@verizon.net

Sophomore parents: There will be a planning meeting for the 2008 Prom on January 8th at 7:30 pm at Betsy Sigman's house -- 6416 Old Chesterbrook Road, McLean. RSVP to Betsy Sigman at 703-448-9511 or sigman6@verizon.net. Coffee and dessert will be served.

Boundary Town Meetings

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been holding a series of town meetings as part of the boundary study process for South County Secondary School; the gifted and talented program boundaries for Frost, Kilmer, and Jackson Middle Schools; and the gifted and talented program boundaries for Haycock and Churchill Road Elementary Schools. Click here to view the summaries from these meetings.

The All-Night Grad Party Committee is selling White House Christmas tree ornaments to support the 2007 party. The 2006 ornaments, which come with a brochure and gift box, may be ordered by mail. For more information view the flyer or contact Martha Floyd at marthflo@aol.com or (703) 237-1218 or Julie Stern at juliededit@aol.com or (703) 237-8591.

These magnificent poinsettias are sure to brighten your home and are the perfect way to say thank you to your employees, friends and family. Plants are available in red. White poinsettias are available only when pre-ordered. View the flyer for more information or to order poinsettias or contact Julie Smith at 703-760-9837 or by email at McLeanTakeDown@aol.com.

The McLean High School Baseball team would like to thank everyone who participated in the fall fundraiser by purchasing See's candy. If you ordered candy, but were not able to pick it up at the Winter Bazaar, please contact Laura Kaiser at 703-848-0440 to arrange pick up.

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines! Save the date! Come one, come all to the fabulous McLean High School Bazaar on Saturday, December 9th starting at 9:00 AM. Don't forget to bring your checkbook! In addition to the beautiful plants and delicious fruit, there will be lots of spirit wear for sale to brighten the Holiday for even the most cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge. These items include new trendy MHS tee shirts, flannel pants and yes---even plaid boxers!! Also available, of course, are those comfy seat cushions. Don't miss out on this exciting event.

Fairfax Town Meeting Highlights Teen Sleep Epidemic

By Judith Fogel (SLEEP Volunteer)

It was the first day of school and thousands of middle and high schoolers scattered across Fairfax County were standing on darkened street corners, waiting to board a school bus. Among them were the two teenage sons of Wall Street Journal columnist Stephen Moore. “The single greatest teen crisis in America is not drugs, alcohol, smoking or early sexual activity, but sleep deprivation,” Moore declared. (more)

MPS Report

Phase 2 of the Transportation study is looking at three later start time scenarios to see what resources/money would be needed to accomplish them. The consultants, Management Partnership Services, Inc. (MPS), are modeling the scenarios in the Langley/South Lakes/Herndon HS pyramids. The study is also looking at how much could be saved with modifications to transportation to some programs, boundary realignments and changes in walking distances. The MPS Phase 2 Report is available for examination online. The report was reviewed by the School Board during their December 11^th 3 p.m. work session. Click here to review the report.

VA PTA Passes Later Start Time Resolution

At its annual state convention in Roanoke in November 2006, the Virginia PTA approved a Resolution endorsing later high school start times. The resolution encourages PTAs throughout Virginia to educate school boards and superintendents about "the importance of quality sleep and the positive impact that later school start times would have on the health, safety and productivity of teens."

The McLean High School Theatre

The McLean High School Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, adapted by Paul Sills. Performances will be held on November 30^th, December 1^st & 2^nd at 7:30 pm and on December 3^rd at 2:00 pm. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.

Winter Sports Parent Meeting

The Winter Sports Parent Meeting will be held Tuesday, November 28, 7:00 in the McLean High School Cafeteria. All parents of Winter Athletes should attend this meeting. This is a great opportunity to meet the coaches, activity staff, athletic trainers and booster reps. You will also receive information about schedules, team rules and have an opportunity to ask the coaches questions about our programs.

Brian's 5K Race December 2

Don't forget to register for Brian's 5K on December 2nd! Please help to spread the word to your friends and families and encourage their participation. Visit www.brians5k.org for details and online race registration, or see Joe Russo for mail in forms. Fees go up on November 29th and those registering after November 28th or on race day are not guaranteed a T-shirt! For those who don't know...Brian Anderson, a 2002 McLean High School graduate, Captain of the 2001 football team, All District lineman and Highlander staffer, is paralyzed from the chest down due to a dive accident this summer. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Teacher-Parent Mini-Conferences November 17

On Friday, November 17, from 7:30-9:30 a.m., McLean High School will hold parent-teacher mini-conferences. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to quickly touch base with their students’ teachers and find out how the year is going. Teachers will be located alphabetically in the upper gym, lower gym, and cafeteria. Guidance counselors will be in the dance room for short parent conferences. The allotted time allows for brief, three-minute conference, hence the term “mini-conference.” If more than a few minutes are required, this is also an opportunity to schedule a time for a longer conference with your student’s guidance counselor. Police will permit unrestricted parking on local streets. School will start at 10:20 a.m.

The Freshman Class will host a bake sale at the Teacher-Parent Mini-Conferences on November 17th. The table will be near the main school entrance on Friday morning. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Gutkin at rgagng@verizon.net or Gayla Hassett at ghassett@cox.net.

♫♪ McLean Choral Parents Association Fundraiser ♪♫

Help support the music programs at McLean High School including the spring trip to Nashville. Purchase cookie dough and soft pretzels from the McLean Choral Parents Association through Monday, November 13^th. Jeanne’s Gourmet offers 10 varieties of Cookie Dough that you can scoop and bake for a quick treat. It keeps in the freezer and can be refrozen. The hand-twisted Gourmet Soft Pretzels come in five different varieties and are a healthy and convenient snack. Students in the choral program will receive $5.00 towards their trip for each item sold. Contact a choral student or the choral department (703) 714-5816 to order your cookies and pretzels today, or email ccj5906@aol.com for information! Details are also available on the MHS Choral Home Page

**We are currently ranked 11^th in the country and the only public high school in the top 20!!!!

McLean High School Baseball See’s Candy Fundraiser

Support the McLean High School Baseball Team’s See’s Candy Fundraiser. Six varieties of candy are available priced at $15.00 a box. Candy may be picked up at McLean High School on Saturday, December 9^th at the McLean High School Bazaar. Order forms must be received no later than November 17^th. For more information or to view the order form click here.

McLean High School Band Fruit Sale

Fresh from the Florida groves to you! Help support the award-winning McLean High School Band. Buy some delicious, healthy fruit (navel oranges, red grapefruit, and decorative fruit baskets) and nuts (jumbo pecan halves and maple sugared walnuts) for yourself or give it as a gift for the Holidays. Orders accepted through November 22. Please note that a flyer that was distributed a few weeks ago with the newsletter incorrectly referenced last year's prices. For information on prices for the 2006 fall campaign or to order please view the following flyer. Email any questions to band-fruit@cox.net.

Senior Ethics Day

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at Marymount University 9:00 am-1:30 pm. At Senior Ethics Day, members of the McLean community and McLean High School seniors meet to discuss how to deal with certain ethical dilemmas. Participants will attend three separate sessions covering a wide range of ethical issues presented by trained facilitators. Breakfast will be provided before the seminar, and students will be transported by school bus to and from Marymount University. Lunch is also provided.

PTSA 2006-2007 Officers Elected

The PTSA has elected the following individuals as officers for the 2006-2007 school year:

The PTSA board still has openings for the following committee chairs: School Renewal Council. Please contact Susan Perla, 703-534-8509.

Summer Reading at the Library

After school’s out, share the joys of stories old and new with your kids. Visit a local library branch to sign-up for “Once Upon a Time,” the Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. The library invites kids from preschool to high school to enjoy the magic of reading this summer. The library's reading program, held in cooperation with the Fairfax County Public School system, encourages students to read for pleasure during summer vacation.

The program runs from June 20 to Sept. 2. Preschoolers through sixth graders read 15 books. (Children can have books read to them.) Students in grades 7-12 read eight books. Kids who finish the required number of books win coupons for free and discounted prizes donated by area businesses.

Kids also can enjoy free library events and activities all summer long from magicians and puppeteers to musicians, animal wranglers and more. Pick up a calendar of events at the nearest library branch or visit the library's Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library .

Summer Reading

Every student who will be entering grades six through 12 in the fall must read at least one book over the summer. The follow-up in the fall is determined by each school. The Summer Reading Lists contain suggestions for reading. Students may read any other book that is approved by their parents. To review the Summer Reading Lists, go to: http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/readlist/index.htm.

Archive 2006-2007

2006-2007 PTSA Newsletters and Minutes