Archive 2006-2007

FCPS is collaborating on a research study of FCPS grading policies. A roundtable with college admission officers is planned for Monday, August 25, 1 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. It is open to the public. Details.

Parent and student volunteers are needed for the Back-To-School packet stuffing on August 19 at 8:00 am in the Library. Community service hours will be given to students. Please join us and help get the year off to a great start!

We need 12-15 parent volunteers (no students please) to help stuff Guidance Packets on Tuesday, August 12, at 8:00 am in the College and Career Center. The project will likely be finished by noon, but your assistance is appreciated even if you can only stay for an hour or two. Please email susan.perla@gmail.com if you're able to assist.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is sponsoring a bike camp called Lose the Training Wheels, a program where children with disabilities learn to ride a standard 2 wheel bicycle without training wheels. This life changing program will run for three weeks during the summer: July 14-18 2008 at Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy in Chantilly and July 21-25 & July 28-August 1 at Herndon High School. They are recruiting volunteers to commit to at least one 75 minute session for at least one week to be one of two roles: spotters or administrative. They have a greater need for spotters. The session times are:

Additionally, they are looking for individuals to assist with the loading and unloading of bikes and equipment for the weeks of July 21-25 and July 28-August 1st for the times of 7:15-8:15 am and 4:30-5:30 pm.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for groups, families, and individuals. You can really make a difference in a child's life. Volunteers receive lunch, RECenter passes, and a Lose The Training Wheels bike camp t-shirt as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

Check out the June 2008 PTSA Newsletter which includes year end acknowledgements, and news on outgoing staff, programs for the upcoming freshman class and summer and fall start-up activities.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey about student transportation in Fairfax County Public Schools. Your feedback is important This survey should only take about 5 minutes of your time. Your answers will be completely anonymous. This survey will close at midnight on Wednesday, July 9 and will be unavailable after that. The information in this survey will be presented to the School Board at its July 14 work session. The following link will take you to the online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=LYJ8WKsQCS7H0LjKHzvDVA_3d_3d Questions can be directed to fcpsinfo@fcps.edu

The McLean PTSA expresses its condolences to Janie Strauss and her family on the death of Mrs. Strauss' mother on July 3^rd.

If your household has not yet responded to the 2008 Virginia School Census, please visit http://www.fcps.edu/news/census.htm where you can respond electronically or send in your form as soon as possible by mail or fax to 703-329-0791. If you have misplaced your form, visit the FCPS website. For each child counted, a portion of your state sales tax dollars—approximately $3,000 over three years—goes directly back to our schools. FCPS needs your help to return our tax dollars back to our kids and our communities.

Your SENIOR PICTURE DAY is fast approaching! All members of the Class of 2009 will be photographed on Wednesday, June 25 & Thursday, June 26 in the Lecture Hall. Appointment cards will be mailed home and will list the student’s scheduled appointment time. A drape will be provided for the yearbook portrait. There is no sitting fee for yearbook portraits -- it is absolutely FREE! Students will receive proofs in the mail of their pictures and may order a variety of packages, if they wish. There is an additional sitting fee for those students who wish to be photographed in a variety of poses and outfits -- please see the appointment card for more details.

If a student is unable to make the assigned time, make up dates are August 19 & 20 and October 7, 8 and 10. An appointment card with your specific date and time will be sent in the mail to you. Please note that students who wait to have their picture taken in October will have less time and will NOT have a chance for retakes.

***If you do not receive an appointment card in the mail or need to reschedule your
appointment, please call Lifetouch at 1-800-445-1189.

PTSA Members at the May 13^th Board Meeting elected the following slate of candidates to serve as McLean PTSA officers for the 2008-2009 school year:

McLean High School All Night Grad Party

Seniors, sign up now to attend McLean High School's All Night Grad Party. Click here to print your ticket order form. Hurry! Send in your completed form and check to the McLean High School front office so transportation can be finalized. For more information on the All Night Grad Party click here.

The All Night Grad Party Committee is asking parents of all McLean High School students, regardless of your child’s grade level, to help “Pay It Forward” by making a donation to the All Night Grad Party (ANGP). This party is a gift from the parents to our Graduates, and gets no support from the school or the PTSA. Think of your annual donation to the ANGP as one payment spread out over the four years your child will be in high school. The goal is to have every Graduate, every year, attend the event, while keeping the ticket price reasonable. It’s been especially tough this year to raise money. We really need your help. More

Work has started on creating a specific school-by-school bell schedule based on the Transportation Task Force (TTF) recommendations for later high school start times. It should be completed by the end of July. The School Board will start considering it in the fall, including holding town hall meetings. The earliest it could be implemented would be September 2009. More...

Project Hospitality is an initiative of the Safe Community Coalition and a key component of the “Parents Who Host” campaign in Fairfax County. Through this community-wide education program, we urge parents to plan alcohol-free post-prom parties for their graduating seniors. Founded thirteen years ago by Margi Vanderhye, a McLean parent and current member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Project Hospitality each spring brings together area hotels, motels, restaurants, the public and private schools of Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria, and the police to promote safe prom nights for high school seniors. Through this initiative we hope to persuade parents to chaperone the parties they host and discourage un-chaperoned post-prom parties in hotels. Because many parents are unaware that the legal age for drinking is twenty-one, we inform parents that there are legal consequences for them and their teens if they permit underage drinking. We let parents know that if they rent a hotel room for a post-prom party, the hotels require them to be there chaperoning the party the whole time. If there is an accident, the adult signing for the room is legally liable. We warn parents about the dangers of teens driving under the influence of alcohol that night, and therefore we urge parents to offer their own teens and their friends a ride out of any risky situation with no questions asked. In circulating the dates and places of the proms to area hotels, restaurants, and the Arlington and Fairfax County police, we unite the whole community in promoting common sense and safety for our area youth on prom night. For more information click here to view the news release and here to view the flyer.

The Booster board would like to thank the MHS community for supporting Booster membership and fundraising initiatives that have allowed us to recently contribute over $13,000 to athletic field maintenance. We would also like to thank McLean Youth Basketball for a generous donation that will allow us to upgrade the main gym scoreboard!

Booster members, reps and coaches please note the May Booster meeting will be held Wednesday, 7 May, 7pm in the cafeteria. There will also be a final meeting on Wednesday, 4 June, 7pm in the cafeteria. Both meetings are very important for ALL team reps to attend as we will be discussing the Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser - this event is one major way we support field maintenance and facility upgrade expenses. PLEASE HELP!

To show our appreciation for his almost 22 years of service to Longfellow Middle School, the Longfellow PTA is hosting a reception in the cafeteria on June 2^nd from 5:00-7:00 PM. Students, parents, educators and community members are welcome to attend. Mark your calendars and please come wish Mr. Lynch well and check out the new Lynch Lunch Lot in his honor!

We need your help with the food! The menu will be finger foods of heavy appetizers and desserts. If you would like to provide food for this event, please contact Katherine Key by May 19th, Kathy.key@cox.net to provide the name of the dish you plan to prepare.

Please bring your favorite appetizer or dessert. If you need some suggestions, here are a few ideas:

Egg Rolls Bar Cookies Brownies Cocktail Shrimp Bruschetta Canapes Mini Tarts Tortilla Wraps

McLean HS Seniors who are actively involved in community service can apply for Wheat’s Landscape 2008 Student Volunteer Scholarship award. This scholarship awards one student $2,500 for their service involvement. Applicants must be high school seniors in Wheat’s Landscape service areas which include: McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, North Arlington and Falls Church. The application deadline has been extended to June 1^st. The application form and instructions can be obtained by clicking here. For more information, call Karla Martinez at 703-641-4790.

Parents and Students -The college admissions process can be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. Join the University of Rochester College Admissions Forum Saturday, May 31 at the Reagan International Trade Center, 10 am - noon. An experienced admissions representative, a financial aid counselor, and a high school counselor will speak to students about the college admissions frenzy and how to navigate the process. To learn more and to register for the forum, visit: www.enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/events or call 1.888.822.2256.

On May 28th and 29th, McLean HS will be showing the junior and senior classes SMASHED: Toxic Tales of Teens and Alcohol, a hard-hitting HBO documentary on the consequences of underage drinking. Juniors and seniors will complete pre- and post-viewing questionnaires as well. The film has been generously provided free of charge to schools and community groups around the country by HBO (www.hbo.com) and the RADD Youth Coalition (www.radd.org). Rated TV-14 (equal to the film rating of PG-13), SMASHED pulls no punches in its presentation of consequences from unsafe decisions, including brief views of medical procedures in the ER. MHS Administration hopes that this film will spark discussion among students and at home on the real dangers of underage drinking and alcohol related driving, especially since prom and graduation are rapidly approaching. We appreciate your support as we tackle this difficult and important subject and work together to keep your teen healthy and safe.

Due to such a positive response and interest from 9th and 10th grade parents, the McLean High School Administration, in conjunction with the PTSA will host a special parents’ night on Thursday, May 29th from 7:00 -9:00 PM. School Resource Officer Stokley will also be present to discuss any questions parents, and students have about underage drinking, including the repercussions parents face if they buy alcohol for minors. Parents of students from all grade levels are invited to attend, and parents of 9th and 10th graders are encouraged to bring their students to the meeting and viewing of the film. Questions on the program can be directed to Kimberly Carney, Assistant Principal.

The effort to change Fairfax County Public School start times by parents concerned about the health impact of too-early high school start times on adolescent students has been going on for 10 years. SLEEP was started in January 2004 by Sandy Evans and Phyllis Payne. Momentum appears to be building for a change. In March 2008, the School Board's Transportation Task Force (TTF) recommended that FCPS change bell schedules and improve system efficiency to enable later start times for high school students. The TTF Preferred Bell Schedule (ES/HS/MS) is:

The TTF expects its recommendations to be cost neutral (no extra buses or drivers would be required). Other schools have switched to later start times with no added costs (Arlington, VA; Minneapolis & Edina, MN; Wilton, CT; Albemarle, VA).

Every three years, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires all school districts to conduct a census of their residents. The census data are used to help determine equitable distribution of the portion of the state sales tax revenues designated to support public education programs. Fairfax County Public Schools also uses the data to help forecast future school enrollment and new funding requirements. With such vital economic and planning issues at stake, it is critical that all households respond to the census—whether or not they have school-age children. Virginia School Census forms will be mailed to ALL HOUSEHOLDS on March 1. Please watch for this form and be sure you respond because each child counted between the ages of 5 and 19 will bring approximately $3,000 back to our schools. Responding to the census is quick and easy, via the web, mail, phone or fax.

McLean High School's Athletic Training program is hosting Pre Participation Physical Examinations (PPEs) on May 21st from 5:30 - 7:30pm. The cost is $40 for pre-registered students and $50 for walk-ins. All proceeds go to purchasing supplies for the athletic training program that supports all of McLean's sports teams. Pre-register at www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/ppeschedule.htm

Once you have registered you will receive an email confirmation. You will receive a follow up email with the time of your appointment. Walk-ins are on a first come, first served basis. The VHSL Physical Form can be found at http://www.mcleanactivities.org/index.cfm?action=files Please fill out parts I, II, IV, and V prior to arriving for your appointment.

The physical examination with be a comprehensive screening for athletic participation. Our screening includes a general medical evaluation, an orthopedic evaluation, flexibility check, posture evaluation, concussion base line evaluation, and body composition evaluation. Please email David Lee at David.Lee@fcps.edu for more information. Please pre-register online at the following address: www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/ppeschedule.htm

Principal Vince Lynch has retired after 23 years at Longfellow. To honor his leadership, the Longfellow PTA is raising money to buy six picnic tables. These tables will be dedicated to 8^th grade students and will be used to reward positive lunch room behavior…. something Mr. Lynch tried to personally assure by being in the lunch room every day! For more information, please click here to view the fundraising letter sent out by the Longfellow PTA.

On May 4th at 7:00 p.m. ABC-7 will devote an entire hour of primetime to cover the topic of teen driving. Prom and graduation are right around the corner. It is crucial we educate young people about driving risks and about preventative measures to create safer roadways. Please make time in your schedule to view this important program with your students.

GOING GREEN! The Junior class is now accepting barely used PROM dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories to help bring PROM costs down for some and to raise funds for a charity. Please bring donated dresses to the front office between now and April 28th. The Sooner -- the Better!

Come enjoy a wonderful array of foods and entertainment from around the world on Friday, April 25^th from 6 to 9 pm in the McLean High School Cafeteria. It’s a potluck dinner. Everyone brings a favorite international main dish or dessert to share while the International Cultures United Club with the PTSA provides the drinks, accompanied by multicultural entertainment. We will also see and hear some great talent from the school and community. It’s a festive time and a great chance to get to know each other better. If you have traditional clothing from your country of heritage, please wear it. So bring your food, family and friends. It’s sure to be a memorable and fun evening! Questions can be directed to Wafika Albani, the PTSA Multicultural Liaison at 571-232-0132 or Dr. Alba Ben-Barka, the ICU Club Sponsor, at 703-714-5918.

The McLean Citizens Association, through its Education and Youth Committee, is again sponsoring the Teen Character Award to recognize teens with exceptional ethical and compassionate character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation or other formal recognition, cared for elderly relatives or younger siblings, or who have helped out in their neighborhood or community (defined as the Greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area), deserve to be recognized not only for themselves but as an example to others.

If you know a teen you would like to nominate, please pick up an application form at the McLean Community Center or McLean High School. Nominations must be turned in to the McLean Community Center no later than Saturday, April 19th. All teens whose nominations indicate they meet the criteria specified with the application will be notified and must be present – unless other arrangements have been made with the Committee – to receive certificates at McLean Day on Saturday, May 17, 2008. For further information, contact Laura Kayser by phone (703 629 2676).

Support the Class of 2008's All Night Graduation Party and enjoy the best political satire around: Don't miss the Capitol Steps' annual performance at McLean High School on Sunday April 13 at 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale now to benefit the ANGP 2008. This important fund-raiser helps provide our seniors a safe and fun alcohol- and drug-free graduation night to remember. To order tickets, contact Vickie Middleton at 703 785 6488, Jeanie Blumenthal at 703 533 2060, or Laura Kayser at 571 242 3984 or email angp2008@yahoo.com. Or click here to print an order form and send in with your check made out to MHS ANGP. Please note we must receive your order by April 12th for it to be processed. Tickets are $30 each and will be available for purchase at the door. Tickets to the Capitol Steps make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduation.

The McLean Project for the Arts is hosting an art show from March 25-April 8 at The McLean Community Center. There are several hundred works of art by students in grades 9 - 12. About 100 of them are pieces by McLean High School Students. Their teachers, Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Meizlek, and Ms. Grefe are proud of their students' work.

All parents are invited to attend one of the upcoming FCPS regional parent meetings where topics to be discussed include:

The Langley High School PTSA is hosting a forum to discuss the impact of Fairfax County Public Schools grading policies on our students. A presentation will be given by co-founders of the parent coalition, FAIRGRADE, who have collected compelling data demonstrating the effect of FCPS grading policies on college admissions, college merit scholarships, and admissions to college honors programs. This meeting is open to the general public. Please join us in the Langley High School Auditorium on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at 7:00pm.

Please help support our school and its multitude of activities by supporting its various fundraisers. Click here to view more information on current fundraisers including: All Night Grad Party's Capitol Steps Performance, MHS Boosters Bricks for the "Scott Walk" and McLean Spirit Wear High School Decals.

The MHS Choral Madrigals 56^th Annual Boar’s Head Feast is coming….March 7-8 at 7 p.m. Get your order forms here. Get tickets while they last. For information and reservations, please contact Patrice Comey, at comey8@mcleanchoral.org or call (703) 356-0911.

Support the McLean Crew Club's annual mulch sale. Top quality shredded hardwood mulch is available in three cubic foot bags. Order by March 3rd. Order includes free delivery to your driveway on March 8 or 9, 2008. For more information or to print the order form click here.

The McLean High School PTSA is hosting a forum to discuss the impact of Fairfax County Public Schools' grading policies on our students. A presentation will be given by a committee of parents, who have collected compelling data demonstrating the effect on college admissions, college merit scholarships and admittance to college honors programs. Join us in the McLean High School cafeteria Thursday, March 6, at 7:30pm.

Chesterbrook Elementary School’s Online Auction continues now through March 2^nd at 10 PM. There are many great items which you could score! Here’s a sneak preview of a few of the HOT items:

So, tell your friends, family, neighbors and community that the bidding has begun! Check out the cool items you can bid on at http://chesterbrook.cmarket.com. This site will be continually updated as we add new items, so be sure to check back frequently!

The Athletic Boosters will be meeting March 3rd, 7 PM in the cafeteria. All parents of student athletes are invited and urged to attend to learn about the many initiatives underway to support the athletic program. An inclusive list of future meeting dates, as well as the Booster membership form, can be found at www.mcleanactivities.org. We are in need of volunteers to help us prepare for the Varsity Sports Banquet to be held June 2nd at MHS. Additionally, we are forming the Fall '08 Golf Tournament Fundraiser committee. Anyone interested in volunteering for either event can call Cindy Flint, 703-821-5070 or email flintmp@verizon.net

The McLean High School Baseball team is holding a silent auction for tickets to the Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Hornets Basketball game on Sunday, March 2nd at 6:00pm at the Verizon Center. We have three auction items consisting of: One Suite – 12 tickets and 2 Parking Tickets ($1800 value) and (2) sets of 4 Club Level Seats and one Parking Pass ($600 value each). More information and current bids can be found at www.mcleanbaseball.com. To place your bid please contact Terry Wilkins at ttwilkins@cox.net. Bidding closes Friday, Feb. 22nd 8:00 pm.

Back by popular demand...mark your calendars to attend a High School Only Casino Night, sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition and the Old Firehouse Teen Center on Saturday, February 9 from 8:00 – 11:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 at the door, which is redeemed for 2K in casino cash. Prizes will be awarded! There will be music and dancing, too! For more information, visit www.safecommunitycoalition.net. Click here for the flyer.

Junior Parents College Night will be held Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium. Speakers representing large public universities, small private colleges, community colleges and Colleges That Change Lives (check out their website www.ctcl.com will participate in a lively program about college and the admissions process. Be a part of the discussion. If you would like to have a specific question answered by the panel, please email Isobel.Rahn@fcps.edu with your question. She will compile the most popular questions for the panelists to answer. Students are receiving the same information, and therefore will not be expected to come.

The Safe Community Coalition Invites You to Participate in the 2008 Teen Summit Press Conference and Community Discussion, Tuesday, February 5, 11:45 am – 1:15 pm, at Gannett/USA Today Headquarters, 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. We often talk about the importance of listening to the voices of teens – this is our chance! We often talk about the need for teens to take responsibility for solving their own problems – this is their chance!

The Teen Summit provides a forum in which high school students from local public and private schools share common concerns and brainstorm solutions. The following topics will be discussed:

Following a morning of frank discussion, the teens will present their ideas to the media and members of the community during a press conference. You are invited to join with community leaders, the press, educators, parents, and representatives of local business and religious institutions. This is a unique opportunity to listen, question, and participate in helping to make this community safer and stronger. Due to security and parking issues, please register at http://www.safecommunitycoalition.net/up_events.php by January 28 For more information – please contact Safe Community Coalition Board Member Laura Zoll, laurazoll@hotmail.com. Click here to view the flyer.

The Athletic Boosters will be meeting February 6th at 7 PM in the cafeteria. All parents of student athletes are invited and urged to attend to learn about the many initiatives underway to support the athletic program. An inclusive list of future meeting dates, as well as the Booster membership form, can be found at www.mcleanactivities.org.

Who:      Head Varsity Football Coach Jim Patrick and family
What:     Dessert and Coffee
When:   Thursday night, January 31st at 7:00 PM
Where:   McLean High School Cafeteria
Why:     This is your chance to meet Coach Patrick, socialize with other football families and show your support for our McLean Highlander Football Program!

This will be an opportunity for you to hear Coach Patrick's goals for our football program and his expectations for our players. It will also be an important time for you to mark your calendars with upcoming dates, including spring training and summer camps.

Safe Community Coalition 2nd Annual Cyber Summit:
Cyberethics, Cyberbullying, Cybersecurity

The mission of this program is to inform our adult, parent, and educational community about the ethical, legal, safety and security implications of technology use and how educatorsv and parents can apply these concepts to their own setting and help keep our children safe.

When:   Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Time:   7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church
            1545 Chain Bridge Rd.
            McLean, VA

January 16 EAT...EAT...EAT and you will help the Dance Department! Fine dining at McLean's very own "Kazan's Restaurant" A fundraiser evening has been scheduled for January 16, and 20% of your check will be donated to the Dance Boosters Club. We are a brand new club and NEED your support, so won't you please consider dinner on Tuesday a win-win? There will be "coupons" in the main office, dance room, and restaurant, so pick one up and we will see you there.

Who:   Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; Parents
When: January 10th, 7:00-8:30
Where: MHS Cafeteria
What:   Ask questions of the AP teachers, All AP Classes Will Be Described,
          See typical assignments and textbooks

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.

The Athletic Boosters will be meeting January 7th, 7 PM in the cafeteria. All parents of student athletes are invited and urged to attend to learn about the many initiatives underway to support the athletic program. An inclusive list of future meeting dates, as well as the Booster membership form, can be found at www.mcleanactivities.org.

Please visit the MHS Orchestra website at www.mhsorchestra.org and click on "fundraisers" to view all the delectable items offered during this fundraiser, which runs until January 7, 2008. You may download an order form at the website as well. Orders will be available for pick up on February 6, just in time for Valentine's Day. The cheesecakes and pre-baked pies, such as pecan and lemon meringue, arrive frozen, so that you may thaw and eat them whenever it suits you; the fruit pies arrive frozen and may be baked when you're ready to eat them. These tempting items range in price from $13 to $20 (for the cheesecake variety.

Purchase a 2007 White House Christmas Tree Ornament for $20 and help raise money for the All Night Grad Party. To print the order form, click here. Questions? Please contact Pamela Dunning pdunning@npc.org.

"On December Twen-ti-eth, sing fum, fum, FUM!!!" We took some liberty with the lyrics here, but YOU don't need to know them for the great holiday favorites--just come to the MHS Orchestras' Winter Concert on Thursday, December 20, in the MHS auditorium and enjoy the wonderful music. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the program will include "Sleigh Ride" and "Waltz of the Flowers" from the Nutcracker. A special program piece will be the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, performed by senior soloist Tony Zheng. It promises to be an evening filled with the spirit of the holidays--please come enjoy the wonderful talent of all the MHSO musicians. Light refreshments will be served following the concert.

You’re invited to come out and support the MHS Chorus on Saturday Dec. 15, from Noon to 2 p.m. in its first annual holiday sing-a-thon. MHS Choral quartets will be serenading shoppers with holiday songs all around downtown McLean. You'll find them at the McLean and Chesterbrook Starbucks, the Giant, the International Safeway, McLean Family Restaurant, the Artisans, TreeTop Toys, the McLean Hardware Store, Books a Million, and other locations. It’s fun to sing to friendly faces, so please join them.

The McLean Humane animal drive will be ending next Monday, Dec 17. PLEASE bring in your donations this week so we can deliver them to the Arlington Welfare League and Shelter. We want all the animals to have a warm and happy holiday while waiting to be adopted! Don't forget to consider adopting an animal over the holiday. What a special way to say "I care about YOU" to both your loved one as well as the loved one you have just rescued!

Join Melissa Schoeplein, Amanda Hurowitz, and Paul Cammer at 7 pm on December 12th in Room 210 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA for an interest meeting to connect with other interested parents, teachers, and students, hear about LEED certified schools, CHPS schools, and brainstorm next steps for getting FCPS schools LEED or CHPS certified. To learn more about LEED certification, visit the U.S. Green Building Council's website: www.buildgreenschools.org/. To learn more about CHPS, visit: www.chps.net/

McLean High School Fundraisers

Please help support our school and its multitude of activities by supporting its various fundraisers. Click here to view more information on current fundraisers: MHS Chorus Fundraiser - Cookie Dough and Soft Pretzels; McLean Crew - Leaf Raking Fundraiser; McLean Wrestling Boosters - Poinsettia Sale; All Night Grad Party - White House Christmas Tree Ornament Sale: McLean Spirit Wear High School Decals. Many of these items will also be available for sale at the Upcoming McLean High School Holiday Bazaar which will be held on Saturday, December 8th 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. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

McLean High School Holiday Bazaar

Save the date! Come one, come all to the fabulous McLean High School Bazaar on Saturday, December 8th 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. Don't miss out on this exciting event.

McLean Wrestling Boosters Poinsettia Sale

The wrestling boosters are once again taking orders for holiday poinsettias. These magnificent poinsettias are sure to brighten your home and are the perfect way to say thank you to your employees, friends and family. Red and white poinsettias are available in 8 and 10 inch pots. Click here to view and print the order form. Feel free to call Cindy Flint with any questions at 703-821-5070.

McLean High School Winter Musical

The McLean High School Performing Arts Department will be presenting Seussical: The Musical, based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters on December 6, 7 and 8 (Thursday through Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. in the MHS auditorium. This memorable musical has a great score and familiar characters -- great for all ages. Tickets go on sale November 26. Advance tickets are priced at $12 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets at the door will be $15 per person…so get yours early. Seussical cast members are selling tickets students (also during lunches). If you can’t find a student, please call the MHS Performing Arts Director at 703-714 -5816. Please make checks out to MHSCPA (All proceeds go to the MHS Performing Arts Department.) Dismiss your inner Grinch and come see the MHS theater, dance, chorus, band and orchestra departments dance, sing and play.

McLean Crew Leaf Raking Fundraiser

If you need leaves raked, McLean Crew has a great deal! A team of four students supervised by one adult will rake and bag your leaves for $45/hr. Dates are Nov 17-18 or Dec 1-2. To get scheduled please contact Mark Sanders at mncsanders@verizon.net (703-847-9409) or Debbie Karr 703-241-3861 DebbieKarr@verizon.net. Slots are limited, so sign up now! Mclean Crew appreciates your support.

MHS Chorus Fundraiser: Cookie Dough and Soft Pretzels

Just in time for the holidays, please support MHS choral students and place your order for all-natural, ready-to-bake cookie dough and soft pretzels. Sales end November 27, so please find a choral student and order in time. Choose from 11 kinds, from chocolate chunk to white macadamia. Each 3-pound container makes 4 dozen cookies. Containers can be frozen, so stock up or give another busy person a present. 4-pound containers cost $13.

But wait…there's more! MHS chorus is also selling Auntie Anne's Gourmet soft hand-twisted pretzels. Six 4-ounce frozen pretzels with salt or cinnamon sugar for $15 per package - a great after-school snack option with no-trans-fat. This fundraiser will help support the students' spring trip to Orlando, advanced musical training, and in-school choral programs and equipment.

Don't know a choral student? Have a look at your cookie or pretzel choices, print your cookie order form or pretzel order form and mail to MHS Choral Parents Association, P.O. Box 624, McLean VA 22101. Note: All orders must be pre-paid. Checks payable to: MHS Choral Parents Association or MHSCPA. Note: All orders must be pre-paid.

FutureQuest

December 1st at George Mason University, Johnson Center Time: 8:30-2:40 Students with disabilities and their parents can learn about educational and career opportunities for after high school. Speakers, workshops, and displays will cover all aspects of transition from school to the real world, including the college application process, financial aid, strategies for success, career planning, and career opportunities. Representatives from colleges, universities, technical schools, and adult service and advocacy agencies will be present to answer questions from students and parents. This one day conference is FREE….the link below has info on all sessions and the keynote speaker. http://www.vacollegequest.org/resources/futurequest2007.shtm

Highlights from the No. VA District PTA Newsletter

The Virginia Board of Education is seeking public comment on the proposed revised Standards of Learning for History and Social Science, Health Education, Physical Education, and Driver Education for use in the public schools of the Commonwealth. More information and links to the proposed revisions can be found on the BOE Website. Public comment on the proposed revisions will be taken until November 27, 2007, and can be submitted via e-mail, mail or fax. Four public hearings will be held to solicit comments on the proposed revisions. Robinson Secondary School (5035 Sideburn Road Burke, VA 22032) will host one of the four hearings. The hearing is on November 26th and begins at 7pm.

As you may know, our schools are operated under a Career and Technical Education Transition State Plan during the 2006-07 school year. Under the guidance of the Virginia State Plan Review Committee, Virginia has been in the process of developing a Five-Year State Plan to submit to the U.S. Department of Education (due April, 2008). Virginia State Board of Education approval must be granted before the plan is submitted to the federal government. Public Hearings will be held across the Commonwealth before the plan is submitted to the state board. We encourage you to provide support and input at a public hearing to be held in December 12, 2007 in 7 regions across the state. The public hearing site in our area is: Falls Church High School, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church, VA 22042.

For more information on these and other issues, click here to access the November 2007 OneVoice District Newsletter from the Northern Virginia District PTA.

McLean High School Band Fruit Sale

Fresh from the Florida groves to you. Delicious, healthy citrus for yourself or as a gift for the Holidays. Click here to view and print the order form. Please place orders by November 15. For more information visit website at www.mcleanband.com or email band-fruit@cox.net. Orders must be picked up at McLean HS on Saturday, December 8th from 9 am to 3 pm.

McLean Baseball Team's See's Candy Sale

With the holidays coming up, we have the perfect gift for family, friends, and coworkers. With our wide variety of chocolate, gift giving is easier than ever. To view the brochure click here. To view and print the order form click here. Orders must be placed by November 17^th. Any questions please email ttwilkins@cox.net Thank you for your support!

The McLean High School Community is invited to attend the ICU Club annual International Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner. It will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria this Friday, November 16, 2007. Please bring a friend and a “heritage” dish to share. You’ll be sure to enjoy scrumptious international food together with traditional American Thanksgiving fare. Come and celebrate with our many newcomers!

Archive 2007-2008

2007-2008 PTSA Newsletters and Minutes

McLean High School All Night Grad Party

Show your school pride!