Archive 2009-2010

On March 10 at 9:00am in the LHS Auditorium, the Family Network committee will present a program entitled, What's the big deal-kids will be kids. Recent research indicates that even occasional binge drinking can have a lasting effect on a teen's brain. In fact, a comparison between teens who binge drink (even just twice a month) and those who do not shows a 10% difference in thinking and memory test--in school, that could be the difference between one letter grade or another. Our guest speakers will discuss how alcohol use really does affect teens differently than adults, and how "pre-gaming" has changed in recent years. In the most recent FXCo. Youth Survey, McLean area high schools had some of the highest rates of alcohol use and binge drinking in the County; come learn what that means for our kids and why teen drinking really is a big deal.

We look forward to seeing you at the program.
Betsy Shomaker
Chair, PTSA Family Network Comm
shomaker.jb@verizon.net

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Bid On The
Chesterbrook Elementary School Online Auction

The Fairfax County School Board voted to adopt the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) FY 2011 advertised budget of $2.3 billion, restoring some programs previously identified for elimination in the proposed budget. Restoration of these programs depends on whether or not FCPS receives adequate funding from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the state. Details

Tune In: FCPS Superintendent Jack Dale will be a guest on the Kojo Nnamdi show on National Public Radio station WAMU (FM 88.5) on March 4 from noon to 1 p.m. to discuss the FY 2011 budget.

No doubt, projected budget cuts will have enormous impact on our students and staff. What can we do?

· Write to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to ask for a favorable vote on school funding

Please join representatives from the Fairfax County Planning Commission and the McLean Citizens Association for a program on The planned Tysons Redevelopment Effort and its impact on our community (taxes, traffic, schools, etc.) The program will be held at the McLean Community Center on March 2nd at 7:30 PM. Click here for more details.

Teaching Your Teen to Drive - Family Network Program
on March 2nd at 7 PM in Yorktown HS Room 1B

A 16-year-old is 12 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than his or her parents. Fifty-eight percent of new teenage drivers will be involved in a car accident within a year of getting their license, and a significant portion of these crashes will be fatal.

The good news is that research has shown that car crashes can be reduced by up to 30 percent when you, the parent, are actively involved in your teen's instruction and set certain limits. Don't leave this important skill to chance. Author Phil Berardelli, a journalist, former teacher and father of two, offers common sense advice for parents teaching this lifesaving skill, and he addresses teens with refreshing candor.

Phil Berardelli's book, Safe Young Drivers: A Guide for Parents and Teens, will be available for purchase both before and after the presentation. The price is $15.

This Arlington Family Network event is free and open to the public. Family Network programs are organized by Arlington Public School PTAs to help parents share resources on guiding teens to adulthood. See www.familynetwork-arlington.org for a calendar of upcoming events.

Education Funding Rally in Richmond on February 27^th

The Virginia PTA and their partners in the Virginia Education Coalition will rally in Richmond on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11am in support of K-12 funding. The rally is sponsored by the VEA. The press will be there. Here is the new action alert on VA PTA's web site: http://capwiz.com/npta2/va/issues/alert/?alertid=14722091 For more information, contact Debbie Kilpatrick, CVHS PTSA 1st VP at debbie.kilpatrick@gmail.com

Update on FCPS 2011 Budget

On January 7, School Superintendent Jack Dale released the proposed FY 2011 FCPS school budget. The attached press release gives an overview of the proposed cuts and increases in fees - most of which were in the “straw man” budget released in November 2009.

Of note, the proposed budget includes a request for an increase of $57.8 million in the county transfer to preserve all-day Kindergarten, elementary band and strings, elementary foreign language immersion, and to avoid further increases in class size (above the class increase size of one student already in the proposed budget). If the Board of Supervisors (BOS) does not agree to this request, these programs are also at risk.

Even if the BOS agrees to the $57.8 million increase – and that’s a BIG “IF” - the proposed budget still includes major cuts to programs as well as increases in fees. Of particular interest to our McLean High School community: no general education summer school (which could affect graduation rates); no freshman sports, winter track and winter cheerleading, 50% reduction in swim and dive team practices; class size increase of one student; $100 fee per student/per sport; $75 fee/ AP test; and no salary increase for a second year in a row.

No doubt, these cuts will have enormous impact on our students and staff. What can we do?

· Attend the Town Hall Meeting with State Senator Janet Howell and Delegates Jim Scott and Barbara Comstock on Saturday, January 23, 10:00 am at Longfellow Middle School to voice your concerns, including the need for Virginia to fund the $61 million of the Local Composite Index which is due to Fairfax County (but was not part of Jack Dale’s budget)

· While probably too late for this year’s budget cycle, if you are interested, ask your state officials to increase the cigarette tax to help fund future education and health programs in our state. Virginia currently ranks 49^th in the nation in cigarette taxes at $.30/pack vs. the median tax rate of $1.18/pack http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0097.pdf

· Attend the School Board public meetings on January 25^th and 26^th. Sign up to speak by calling 571-423-1075 or online at www.fcps.edu/schlbd/requestspeak.htm

· Write to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to ask for a favorable vote on school funding

· Attend the BOS public hearings scheduled for April 6-8.

McLean Student Produces FAIRGRADE Documentary

Congratulations to McLean HS student Elizabeth Lee whose documentary about FAIRGRADE recently placed in the top five for a national student documentary competition. Check out Lee's piece on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2DimgdFFro

KEEPING PACE WITH KIDS' INTERNET AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY USE: EMPOWERING PARENTS

Thursday, February 25, 7:30 pm, Cooper Middle School Cafeteria (Note: Snow Date is Tuesday, March 2 at 7:30 pm), Iris Beckwith, president of ConnectED4Safety, will discuss include how to help your child safely navigate the social networking world of the Internet and other digital technology. Find out how as parents we can help protect our children's digital reputations, which are put at risk by their use of Facebook, MySpace, online gaming, emailing, texting, sexting, and, cyber-bullying.

This program is sponsored by the Safe Community Coalition with grant funding from Verizon. For more information about the SCC please visit www.safecommunitycoalition.net For more information about the February 25th talk please contact Stephanie Berkin at 703-917-0705.

PTSA Board Meeting Rescheduled for February 22nd

Please join us for the PTSA Meeting which has been rescheduled for February 22nd at 7:30 PM in the MHS Library.

McLean PTSA February 2010 Newsletter

Click here to read the February 2010 PTSA Newsletter which includes great information including a message from MHS Principal, Dr. Deborah Jackson; information about SAT and ACT testing, obtaining a Parent View Account (Blackboard), the FCPS Budget, the All Night Grad Party, Class Notes; information on Student Services; information on PTSA, club and school fundraisers and more!

Fairfax County School Board Budget Forum
Saturday, February 20th at Marshall High School

Interested in learning more about the Fairfax County School Board’s advertised budget scheduled to be adopted on February 4? If so, please attend a Budget Forum hosted by the School Board on Saturday, February 6, at Marshall High School from 9 a.m. to noon (snow date, Saturday, February 20). Participants will learn more the budget process as well as how to communicate effectively for change. In addition, two breakout sessions will feature principals who will share the budget impact on their schools. Other session topics include how central office staff supports schools from the principals’ perspective; budget realities and misconceptions; and working on behalf of all children from PTA leaders’ perspective. There will be ample opportunity for questions and answers. If you are planning to attend, please e-mail budgetforum@fcps.edu or call 571-423-1075.

College Planning Night (To be Rescheduled)
MHS Auditorium

Junior parents are invited to attend a college planning night, presented by the Department of Student Services. A panel of college admissions representatives from Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Christopher Newport University, Davidson College and The University of Alabama will discuss the following topics:

Marijuana and Other Drugs - The Real Story
Feb 17, 7PM at HB Woodlawn

Do you know who reports using marijuana in the previous 30 days. . . .?
26% of McLean/Langley12th graders

Do you know who reports using alcohol in the previous 30 days. . . .?
36% of McLean/Langley 10th graders
56% of McLean/Langley 12th graders

*These percentages are from the 2008 Fairfax County Youth Survey

Do you know . . . .
How to recognize the signs of marijuana and other drug use?
What you can do to help prevent drug use and abuse?

Join Toni Brooks, Arlington County Substance Abuse Specialist and Mental Health Therapist for Marijuana and Other Drugs – The Real Story: Presented by the H-B Woodlawn PAC, the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families and the Arlington PTA Family Network

Note from School Board Member Jane Strauss Regarding
Governor McDonnell's Announcement that He Supports
Updating the Local Composite Index

Dear all, We have just received the news that the Governor has agreed to unfreeze the LCI. This is fantastic news and should bring an additional $61 million to FCPS.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support for our children and for your hard lobbying efforts!

Most gratefully,
Janie Strauss

Food Pantry Assistance
Request for Donations and Information for Families in Need

As you know, these are difficult economic times for many in our area and nation. But did you know that over 1,000 school-age children in FCPS are homeless or living in shelters, including some right here at McLean? In addition to the homeless, there are many families in need of food assistance.

To assist these families, McLean High School has started a food pantry located in our school in Room 138. Donations of non-perishable food items and other goods can be dropped off at the main office, or placed in one of the collection bins. The food pantry is a coordinated effort of many at our school – including our school psychologist, Debra Tucker, our school social worker, Marly Jerome-Featherson, Emily Castro, one of our special education instructional assistants, and the school administration. The PTSA, along with the SGA and other community members, have worked closely to make this need into a reality. A special thanks is extended to Mark Thompson’s Work Study students, who are assisting with taking inventory and stocking the shelves, and Jesse Frederick, a 10^th grade student who actually built the shelving needed to stock our pantry.

At its October meeting, the PTSA membership voted to add a Food Pantry Assistance line item to the budget. If you would like to help with this effort, please donate grocery gift cards, (i.e., Giant or Safeway cards in any denomination) or checks made payable to McLean HS PTSA; note “Food Pantry” in the memo line. Please enclose either the grocery cards or checks in a sealed envelope to the attention of “PTSA Food Pantry Assistance” and deliver these to the main office at the school. The grocery cards will then be distributed to needy families as determined by our special services team. Families may arrange to visit the food pantry by contacting their child’s school counselor.

Fairfax County, VA – Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – Leaders from respected and influential parent advocacy groups announced today they have officially joined forces with Fairfax County teachers and community members to form the “Fairfax Education Coalition” – a new coalition that will use its collective influence to advocate for improved accountability, transparency and community participation in the Fairfax County Public Schools’ decision-making process < More >

Thirty-six Fairfax County public schools have been recognized by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine with the 2010 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the Virginia Board of Education under the Virginia Index of Performance incentive program.

Schools must meet all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and achieve goals for elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra 1 by grade 8, enrollment in college-level courses, high school graduation, attainment of advanced diplomas, increased attainment of career and industry certifications, and participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiatives. Schools can also earn points for other performance measures, including the Governor’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Scorecard. This information is based on last year’s SOL data.

The following Fairfax County public schools were recognized with the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence: Carson Middle, Cherry Run Elementary, Chesterbrook Elementary, Churchill Road Elementary, Clermont Elementary, Cooper Middle, Fairhill Elementary, Flint Hill Elementary, Forestville Elementary, Fox Mill Elementary, Franklin Middle, Frost Middle, Greenbriar West Elementary, Haycock Elementary, Hunt Valley Elementary, Langley High, Louise Archer Elementary, Madison High, Mantua Elementary, McLean High, Navy Elementary, Oak Hill Elementary, Oakton High, Rocky Run Middle, Sangster Elementary, Shrevewood Elementary, Springfield Estates Elementary, Sunrise Valley Elementary, Thoreau Middle, Vienna Elementary, Virginia Run Elementary, Waples Mill Elementary, West Springfield Elementary, Westbriar Elementary, Willow Springs Elementary, and Wolftrap Elementary.

For the past two years, we have earned the VA Board Of Education Educational Excellence Award. This year, we have reached a new height-- the top award, Governor’s Award. Congratulations McLean High School staff for a job well done!

Huge Budget Rally at Churchill Road ES

See videos and pictures of parents and students who participated in a budget crisis rally in Churchill Road Elementary School’s gym held at Sunday, January 24th to urge state legislators to unfreeze the Local Composite Index (LCI), an action that could slash the $175 million anticipated 2011 school budget shortfall by more than one-third. Class sizes will be even larger next year if we don't take action now! <Read More>

SGA Winter Charity Dance – Chaperones Needed
February 6, 8:30 – 11:00 pm

The SGA is sponsoring a semi-formal winter dance “Winter Wonderland” on Saturday, February 6, from 8:30 – 11:00 pm in the school cafeteria. FYI, tickets are only $10.00, so please encourage your students to attend and show their school spirit!

Information on FCPS Budget Cuts Affecting Sports

McLean Booster Presidents Cyndee Cannon and Jennifer Bargerstock attended the Area Wide Booster Presidents Meeting on January 19, 2010, and gathered the following information.

Last night Booster Presidents and Representatives from 25 Fairfax County High Schools met to discuss the proposed Budget Cuts and “Athletics Tax” being levied as an income generator for the Fairfax County General Fund. While the Cuts to the Athletic Program (notably the end of Freshman Sports in Fairfax) and the proposed Athlete’s Tax was at the forefront of the discussion, the general consensus of the group was that the further cutting of service in Fairfax County Schools is not only detrimental in the short term to our Students, but in the long term also. Concerns about Students not having activities to enhance the education process, thus leaving Students unoccupied in the critical 2:30-7pm hours, will have county-wide impacts. Concerns were expressed about Truancy, Petty Crime, Drop in Attendance and GPA’s county-wide, and the overall reduction in property values as we lose valuable citizens and new community members to adjacent school systems that offer the benefits Fairfax County is proposing to cut. A Band-Aid is needed immediately to stop the bleeding of our important programs; long term efforts are necessary to shape the future of our wonderful county through Reform at the State Level.

How can you help right now? Plan to attend the School Board Meeting on January 27th from 8-9 pm (Please arrive VERY EARLY as parking will be at a premium) dressed in your School Colors, Team Jerseys or RED to signify the BLEEDING these cuts are causing our community. Location: Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042

JOIN “VOTERS FOR VIRGINIA SCHOOLS”
To Lobby Legislators in Richmond on Friday, February 5th

Where: Meet at 8:45am at Visitor's entrance to the State Capitol at 10th and Bank streets. Public pay parking available at 8^th & Grace and 7^th& Marshall. Our first Delegate meetings are at 9am. Citizen lobbyists will be home by 4pm

Why: Gov. Kaine proposed, and Gov. McDonnell may support, freezing the Local Composite Index (LCI) by which school divisions receive state education funds. The LCI was designed to be automatically indexed every 2 years to account for changes in local governments' ability to pay education expenses. Northern VA schools will lose due to LCI freeze:

If these school districts lose money, economic development in NoVa suffers, and then the rest of state suffers. All of Virginia needs our schools to remain among the best in the nation.

*If you would like to go but need a ride, please contact Mary Rouvelas at mrouvelas@mac.com

Voters for VA School's LCI Petition Can Be Signed Online

The Voters for Virginia Schools Delegation is hoping to have 1,000 signatures on their petition when they visit Richmond Friday morning. If you are interested in signing, please visit the following link and spread the word! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/do-not-freeze-the-lci

Virginia PTA Essay Project for Students - Deadline is Feb 1

Students in grade 9-12 are eligible to participate in the Virginia PTA Citizenship Essay Project. The 2010 theme is “Strong Citizens – Strong Communities.” Savings bonds in the amount of $1,000; $500 and $250 will be awarded for first, second and third place winners. Last year, a McLean High School student was awarded the third place high school division $250 savings bond!

Churchill Road PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day
January 24, 5:00 pm

This Sunday is PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day! This is your BEST chance to make a difference. It will take less than 30 minutes of your time.

· What: Petitions, letters and e-mails to the Virginia Assembly, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and to Fairfax County Public Schools

· Why: Right NOW the State House Finance Committee is deciding if Fairfax County will get its fair share of tax revenues--that could potentially close 70% of the budget gap

· Who: At least one parent from every family who wants to keep class sizes from growing in Fairfax County Public Schools. Children are welcome if you need to bring them with you.

We hope to have media coverage at this event, and need a fantastic turn out for this to be effective. Let's make sure to have a good turnout so we don't appear complacent about the budget issues facing Fairfax County Public Schools next year.

Town Hall Meeting with Senator Janet Howell
Saturday, January 23, 10:00 am

Virginia State Senator Janet Howell is holding a series of town hall meetings to hear your views on the issues facing Virginia. One of the upcoming meetings will be held on Saturday, January 23, from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, at Longfellow Middle School in the Little Theatre. Senator Howell will be joined by Delegate Jim Scott and Delegate Barbara Comstock. This would be a great opportunity to voice your concerns about important education and budget issues.

Dance to music provided by the Mclean High School Jazz Band at the 2010 Winter Gala on Saturday, January 23rd from 7-11 p.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Chain Bridge Road. Larry Michael, the voice of the Washington Redskins, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for a memorable evening featuring dinner and dancing, a silent auction (including weekend getaways, a flat screen TV, cameras, sports memorabilia, and tickets to Taylor Swift).

Tickets are $50 each; 2 for $80. Deadline for ticket purchase is January 14th! Order online at www.mcleanband.org or mail your check to: Mclean High School Band Association—Gala, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean, VA 22101.

It seems like every day in the Washington Post, there is another article about next year’s school budget, which is projected to have a $176 million deficit. Various parent advocacy groups are being created to help save programs like elementary school foreign language and band and strings. But before we can save any individual program, the overall funding issue must be addressed. In an effort to keep our membership informed, we are providing the following:

2) FCPS Budget Information document, compiled from various FCPS and County budget presentations, and which also includes a call to action. (Please feel free to contact other elected officials at the federal, state and local level.)

4) Comparison of Tax Rates document, compiled by Greg Brandon and Kristin Cabral, President and Vice President (respectively) of Chesterbrook PTA. This document compares neighboring states’ local taxes, real estate taxes, state taxes and cigarette taxes. One interesting point made by Kristin in a recent e-mail was: “the state corporate income tax at 6% has not been raised since 1972. What has happened to our schools, roads and services since then?”

The PTAs in the McLean/Langley pyramid are working together to come up with a coordinated message and plan of action, and we will continue to keep you updated. In the meantime, please take time to contact your county, state and federal elected representatives on this important funding issue for our schools.

Beach Week: Understanding the Reality

Are you a high school student who is thinking about going to “beach week” after graduation? Are you a parent or guardian whose child who is thinking about going to “beach week?” Are you uncertain about the benefits, risks, or possible consequences of such an experience? Are you wondering what kind of alternatives to the beach week experience there might be?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this Family Network session is for you. The general public, including parents and students, are invited to a panelist session on Wednesday, January 20, 7-8:30 PM in the Little Theater in Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA. For questions, please contact Bill Browning, 703-276-9846 (browning@gmail.com). Panelists will include:

Drowsy Teen Driving Video

Key points covered in the Today Show investigation include:
·         Fatigue is a factor in 100,000 car crashes every year; with one half of these crashes involving drivers under 25.
·         36% teens report driving drowsy on a regular basis.
·         Changes in the circadian rhythm that occur during adolescence make it nearly impossible for teens to fall asleep before 11PM.
·         Teens need 8.5 to 9 hours of sleep; but they average only 6 hours.
·        The combination of early school start times, after-school activities and late-night socializing results in chronically sleep-deprived teens.
·         Students at high schools that start later DO sleep longer.

Changing high school start times to later in the morning would help achieve these FCPS goals:
·         To provide “a safe and healthful learning environment” (FCPS Strategic Goal 6.7).
·     To help students “achieve their full academic potential in the core disciplines (Student Achievement Goal 1.1).
·         To help students “make healthy and safe choices” (Student Achievement Goal 2.8).

For more information on the National Sleep Foundation’s third annual Drowsy Driver Week™, campaign, visit www.sleepfoundation.org.

SLEEP’s mission is alive and well. They will continue to call on the School Board and Administration to collaborate with the community in coming up with a bell schedule that best serves the health and academic needs of all of our students. Neighboring counties have found a way to do this while maintaining competitive school sports and extra-curricular activities for children of all ages. Fairfax can, too. Visit www.SLEEPinFairfax.org for more information, updates and to sign the petition.

Attention Former Franklin Sherman Students and Families

Franklin Sherman Elementary School is in the final phase of renovation and there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave your mark on the school!

To commemorate the 95th anniversary of the school opening and the renovation, we are selling engraved brick pavers that will be installed in the new outdoor courtyard. Get your name permanently placed on a brick to be apart of a brick pathway leading through the center to an outdoor classroom. Consider buying a brick TODAY for only $50 for a 4x8 size or $100 for a 8x8 size. GO TO www.bricksrus.com/order/franklinsherman to place your order.

Come find your name on a brick this spring at a dedication ceremony to be held on April 25, 2010. More details to follow. Questions - contact Jen Herzberg at jmherzberg@verizon.net. Many thanks for your consideration!

Fairfax County Association for the Gifted Presents:
Summer Academic Programs and Enrichment Camp Fair

Oakton High School - 2900 Sutton Rd - Vienna, VA
Tuesday, January 12, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Admission is Free

Camps to be represented include: JHU’s Center for Talented Youth, Nysmith, TIC (Tech is Cool), Fairfax Collegiate, Exploring Engineering, Joy of Motion, Camp Flintlock, Math Camp Watonka, Best Academy, Camp Horizons, GWU Summer Scholars, Camp Rim Rock, GMU’s Summer Enrichment Programs, and many more!

In case of inclement weather, check: http://FCAG.org for snow date FCAG’s Yahoo discussion group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FCAG Contact: secretary@fcag.org

If you missed Dr. Stixrud's lecture at McLean High last spring, please consider attending it at Langley High School's cafeteria on January 14, 2010, 9:30-11:00 A. M. It is insightful and highly recommended.

Parents: You knew how much growth was possible in your young child's brain, how dangerous even a slight head injury could be. So you read to them to promote language and reasoning skills. You put bicycle helmets on them to safeguard from falls. Guess what? Science is learning that a teenager's brain is just as impressionable--capable of tremendous growth in performance and dexterity--and just as vulnerable to permanent damage from risky behaviors. Neuropsychologist William R. Stixrud will summarize what is now known about the enormous developmental and biological changes taking place in a teenager's brain and what you and your student can do to tap into that potential. Learn how to foster self-motivation, to recognize and facilitate individual differences in academic achievement, and to help your teenager develop critical self-regulation patterns for healthy sleep, study, eating, and stress management before he or she goes off to the pressures and irregular schedules of college life. Above all, Dr. Stixrud's tour of the teenage brain will help you deal with the challenges of the teenage years with humor and optimism.....

Dr. William Stixrud, Ph.D. and clinical Neuropsychologist. Dr. Stixrud is a noted clinical neuropsychologist and frequent lecturer on brain development. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and is on the faculty of the Children’s National Medical Center and George Washington University Medical School. Join us and learn!

Next PTSA Meeting – Monday, Jan 11, 7:30 pm, Library

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, January 11, at 7:30 pm, in the Library. All are welcome to attend – hope to see you then!

Pie-Tanza of Falls Church (family friendly restaurant with delicious pizza) is donating 20% of sales to the McLean Band for any in house dining or take-out on January 11th 11:30 am - 9 pm! This is the Pie-Tanza in the shopping center next to Giant Food at the intersection of Rte 7 and Haycock Road. Click here to print out the flyer that you need to take with you when you eat.

Shop ANGP at the MHS 2009 Holiday Bazaar

Do your holiday shopping with the All Night Grad Party! Stop by our tables at the MHS 2009 Holiday Bazaar to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 12. We’ll have beautiful jewelry for sale, courtesy of McLean’s own Purple Pearl distributor. These are high-quality pearls at amazingly low prices: see samples at www.mypurplepearl.com. Jewelry from the Purple Pearl makes lovely gifts for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Mother’s Day, and, of course, graduation!

We will also be selling the 2009 White House Ornaments. At $20 each, these make great holiday gifts and all profits support our alcohol- and drug-free celebration. (See details below).

The 2009 White House Ornaments are now available for sale for $20 from the 2010 ANGP Committee. All proceeds go directly to fund our alcohol- and substance-free 2010 All Night Grad Party. This year’s ornament celebrates the second administration of President Grover Cleveland (1893-1897), when electric lights decorated a White House Christmas tree for the first time. The ornament features a view of the South Portico of the White House where Cleveland’s Christmas tree can clearly be seen from the second floor window.

Click here to print out the order form or look for White House Ornament sellers at upcoming school events. Questions? Please contact Peggy Vans at peggyvans@cox.net or 703-734-1731.

McLean PTSA December 2009 Newsletter

Click here to read the December 2009 PTSA Newsletter which includes great information including a message from PTSA President Susan Perla; information on the FCPS 2010-2011 Budget; information on the Food Pantry; upcoming activities including: Creative Leaders Conference and a Program on the Teenage Brain; Information on Student Services and Class Notes; the Class of 2010 All Night Grad Party Committee; Information on PTSA, Club and School Fundraisers and More!

A French high school student is looking for a home where he can complete the school year as an exchange student. He signed up with an organization (AYUSA) through which one can live with an American family as well as take classes in High School. He was placed in a family in Texas, but it seems that things aren’t working out with that family. He is looking for a family who would be willing to take him in and help him experience the real American Family Way of Life. The organization is called Ayusa International, and their website is www.ayusa.org.

According to someone who knows him, Benjamin is a very serious young man who just graduated from his French High School with honors. Before he signs up with a University, he wants to complete a full year of High School in the USA in order to improve his English. If you are interested in hosting Benjamin, please contact Nadja Golding at nzgolding@hotmail.com

Due to increased demand, three additional community dialogue meetings have been scheduled for December 2, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at the following locations: Hayfield Secondary School; Herndon High School; and Lake Braddock Secondary School. See the attached flyer for additional information, including how to register to attend

The following is a list of potential program reductions and or eliminations that may be considered as the FY 2011 budget is being developed.

This list is the starting point for discussions, and no decisions have been made. This list is not comprehensive and is intended to begin the discussion of the impact of potential reductions that may be required to meet FCPS’ projected deficit of $176 million.

The PTSA would like to acknowledge the volunteer efforts of John J. Haffey, III for his assistance in preparing the 990 tax form for the PTSA. John is a partner in the CPA firm Bish & Haffey, PC, in Vienna, VA, and a former McLean parent, who generously donates his time each year preparing and filing the 990 forms. It says a lot about our wonderful McLean Highlander community when there are caring people like John who continue to volunteer years after their children have graduated from McLean!

We will also be selling the 2009 White House Ornaments. At $20 each, these make great holiday gifts and all profits support our alcohol- and drug-free celebration. (See details on All Night Grad Party page).

Thinking about college right out of high school? Have you thought about travel, community service, work or additional academic strengthening? And if you have thought about these options, have you thought about how they might affect your college application or experience? Come to this Family Network session where several experts will address these issues and answer your questions. Wednesday, December 2, 7-8:30 PM in the Little Theater in Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA. The general public, including parents and students, are invited. Panelists will include:

· Ray Anderson (AGM-College Advisors) has been an educator and principal for thirty-five years in the Arlington Public Schools. AGM works with students to help identify the right colleges for them, prepare college applications, and make some decisions about when and where to attend school. Ray has special skills in identifying student personalities and learning styles through long-established interviewing techniques. He is the founder of H-B Woodlawn.

Holly Bull (Center for Interim Programs) has counseled over a thousand families through the gap-year process for the last twenty years. Her company helps students match interests with over 5,600 internships, volunteer positions, apprenticeships, and cultural study programs. She will address the benefits of a gap year, address parent and student concerns, and describe a wide range of available programs. She has been on a number of gap-year panels with college admissions officials and can offer some perspectives of how these institutions view the gap-year option.

David Hart (City Year) is originally from Arlington, attended St. John's College High School in Washington, DC, and is in his second year with City Year, which is a national non-profit service organization. Every year, City Year unites over 1,500 idealistic, action-oriented 17- to 24-year-olds from diverse backgrounds for 10 months of full-time service in 19 locations across the U.S. and in South Africa. Currently, David serves as Project Leader for Recruitment and Alumni Affairs at City Year and last year, he participated in the program by helping educate DC public school students about preventing HIV/AIDS. He is currently in the process of applying to colleges.

The Family Network is a collaboration of Arlington Public School (APS) parent organizations who work with the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families (Partnership) and the APS Department of Student Services to organize programs to help parents share resources on guiding children to adulthood.

For further info on this program contact: Bill Browning at 703-276-9846 or browningwh@gmail.com

College Financial Aid Information Night - December 1, 7 pm
at Langley High School

The College Financial Aid Night will be held at Langley High School on Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. The speaker will be the Director of Student Financial Aid at George Mason University. As was done last year, Langley has invited McLean High School parents to attend this session. We hope many of you can attend.

FCPS Familygram Is Now Online

Please read the latest issue of the FCPS parent newsletter Familygram, which includes important news and information for parents. A new issue has been posted to

In addition to the supermarket rewards programs (Giant, Safeway and Harris Teeter), McLean High School (MHS) is also enrolled in rewards programs with Target and Office Depot. Please see the attached Target Flyer and the attached Office Depot Flyer for more information on how to participate and earn money for MHS while shopping!

Attention McLean High School Parents/Shoppers

At the end of May 2009, Giant presented Dr. Jackson with a check for $9,867.45 which represents the Bonus Card donations to the school. Thank you for registering your Bonus Card with the PTSA and designating McLean High School to receive the funds. The PTSA is continuing to administer this program and Safeway and Harris Teeter for the 2009-2010 school year, so look for the registration form in your back-to-school packets! Our Grocery Programs page also includes instructions, but if you have questions please contact Jihui Kim at Jihuiandchris@cox.net

FCPS and College Access Fairfax Program

“How to Pay for College”

Uncertain about how you can pay for college? Please join us for a FREE seminar on How to Pay for College. Seminar locations and times are as follows:

November 14th (Saturday) at 9:30 am – Fairfax High School

November 23rd (Monday) at 7:00 pm – Hayfield Secondary

Spanish and Korean translators will be available at both locations. For more information, visit www.collegeaccessfairfax.org. This event is jointly sponsored by FCPS and College Access Fairfax, a non-profit organization.

Annual TJ Craft/Gift Fair - Saturday, November 21

The Annual Craft/Gift Fair at the Thomas Jefferson High School of Science & Technology (TJ) will be held in the Cafeteria on Saturday, November 21st from 9 am to 4 pm (6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA) - be a Vendor or Customer, visit www.tjgiftshow.com. If you have a ART/CRAFT/MUSIC or any personal invention or service that you would like to sell at the Gift Fair, please check out our website at www.tjgiftshow.com or contact tjgiftshow@gmail.com for more information. The Gift Show is for the shared benefit of the arts/crafts community and TJ Crew. The vendors keep their entire 100% proceeds, and TJ Crew retains 100% of the space rental fees and food sales in its control. Spaces are limited, reserve your space early.

You Can't Take it With You - MHS Theatre

Come support McLean High School's Theatre Department as they perform "You Can't Take it With You" on November 19 through 21st at 7 p.m. in the McLean HS Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door: $5 for students, $7 for adults, and $20 for center section rows 1-3.

Fairfax County Association for the Gifted Upcoming Programs

Attached is a flyer of some upcoming events including the AMC 8 math contest, the summer camp fair, and a free event on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:30 p.m. at McLean High School where the admissions officer from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will be speaking about changes to the admissions process this year.

International Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner

The International Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner will take place at McLean High School from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m on Friday, November 20th. We all have an ethnic heritage, so come celebrate yours and enjoy the flavors of other cultures. It's a potluck dinner (bring a favorite international main dish or dessert to share). Bring your food, family and friends. It's a great chance to know each other better.

WHAT:          Multicultural Night with Family Potluck dinner
WHEN:          Friday, November 20, 2009
WHERE:         McLean High School Cafeteria
TIME:           5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

QUESTIONS- Call Wafika Albani, the PTSA Multicultural Liaison at 571-232-0132 or Dr. Alba Ben-Barka, The ICU Club Sponsor, at 703-714-5918.

Next PTSA Meeting – Monday, Nov 16, 7:30 pm, Library

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, November 16, at 7:30 pm, in the Library. All are welcome to attend – hope to see you then!

FCPS Budget FY 2011

At the October 19^th PTSA meeting, School Board member Jane Strauss gave an update on the preliminary budget outlook for 2011. In a word, the outlook is grim. Assuming the county transfer is the same as last year, there will still be a loss of state funds, leaving a projected deficit of approximately $176 million. This could result in even more drastic cuts than last year. Some of the potential cuts in the preliminary straw man budget are: loss of 1,700 positions; salaries and benefits, textbooks/supplies at all levels; all summer school programs; all full-day Kindergarten (except Title I schools); all elementary school instrumental programs; all elementary school foreign language programs; eliminate two sports; close one alternative high school. In addition, the budget could include increased class size, participation fees for sports, and fees for AP/IB tests.

It will be important for parents to stay on top of the situation and provide input to the decision-makers. Please visit the following website to complete the Budget Feedback Form www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11suggestions.htm, and/or plan to attend the Community Dialogue Meetings www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11communitydialogue.htm). You can also keep up to date on the budget and budget discussions via the FCPS website www.fcps.edu.

                         McLean PTSA October 2009 Newsletter

Click here to read the October 2009 PTSA Newsletter which includes great information including a message from MHS Principal, Dr. Deborah Jackson; information on upcoming activities at McLean High School including: McLean HS Chorus Best of Broadway, a Program on the Benefits of a Gap Year, a Program on Healthy Food Choices and a Program on Protecting Your Child From the Realities of Substance Abuse; Information the Safe Community Coalition; Information on Student Services and Class Notes; Recruitment of Volunteers for Senior Ethics Day and the Class of 2010 All Night Grad Party Committee; Information on PTSA, Club and School Fundraisers and More!

       Senior Ethics Day – Call for Table Leaders – November 10

The 17^th annual Senior Ethics Day will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at Marymount University, from approximately 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. As part of its commitment to character education, McLean High School has dedicated an entire day for the senior class to attend this seminar and discuss real-life ethical dilemmas. This year’s sessions will include an involuntary manslaughter mock-court trial, the “Bad Samaritan” session; and a session on Cyber Ethics.

The sessions are conducted by trained facilitators; but we need more than 50 adult/parent table leaders to help guide small group discussions. That’s where we need your help. If you would like to participate, please contact Stoney Goodsell at goodsell7@gmail.com

We hope you will join us; past table leaders have remarked that it is a wonderful and truly eye-opening experience!

       Safe Community Coalition Meeting Announcement – Nov 5

The Safe Community Coalition invites you to attend our Community Dialogue on Thursday, November 5 at 7:30pm at the McLean Community Center. This conversation will feature Ashley El Zein, Injury Prevention Coordinator for the INOVA Regional Trauma Center. Ashley will be discussing the dangers of underage drinking and drug use, including the long term effects that early alcohol consumption can have on a developing teen. Please plan on joining us for this important discussion. We look forward to seeing you then.
                Community Service Hours Available

                                      Teen Volunteers Needed for
                  Kent Gardens Elementary School’s Fall Fun Fete

Have fun while you earn community service hours at Kent Gardens Elementary School’s Fall Fun Fete on Saturday, November 7. We need your help! Fun Fete shifts are from 10:45 – 12:00, 11:45 – 1:00, and 12:45 – 2:00. Clean up will be from 2:00 – 4:00. Sign up for as many shifts as you like. To sign up, just follow this link to our Eventbrite site: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/455472330 You can sign up for the exact activity or game you prefer and the shift(s) that work best for you. If you aren’t sure what a certain activity is, just click on more info next to activity name and you will get a full description. ALL VOLUNTEERS GET THREE FREE FOOD TICKETS!

*Important Note Regarding Eventbrite: EventBrite.com is our new online volunteer sign up and tracking tool, which will prompt you to “purchase a ticket.” There is in fact no purchasing to be done, but simply log on to sign up. Feel free to sign up for any activity except those identified as PARENTS ONLY as the type of volunteers needed. You will see this information by clicking on more info by the specific activity (which are called “ticket types” in Eventbrite). If you are able to help for multiple shifts, you must “purchase” a ticket for each shift or activity.

If you have any questions, please contact Diana Kost at dkost@cox.net.

Teen Volunteers Needed for Chesterbrook Elementary’s Book Fair

Earn community service hours and have fun at Chesterbrook Elementary School’s Fall Book Fair. We need your help with treat distribution on October 27 and 28. Shifts run from 4-7:30 PM (4-5, 5-6 and 6-7:30 pm). October 27th children will wear their PJs to the Book Fair and on October 28th children will wear costumes. We also need help during the day packing up books on November 2nd (9am-4pm). To sign up to volunteer or for more information, please email Laurie Plishker at lplishker@gmail.com

Controversies In Diet and Nutrition: The Myths and Facts

Are you confused about all the conflicting diet and nutrition advice; concerned about your teenager's health and diet; or questioning the role of nutritional supplements?

Remember the adages: "An Army marches on its stomach" and "You are what you eat"? Food is fuel. The right foods keep us healthy, energetic, and able to pursue our goals. The wrong foods (which are all too tempting!) can make us sick, lethargic, and barely able to make it through a day's long list of activities. This is especially true of teenagers. Our students' ability to study, to focus in class, to have a positive attitude and self-image, and to participate in both the challenges and joys of high school are largely determined by what they eat. On OCTOBER 27TH, 7:30, MCLEAN HIGH AUDITORIUM, hear DANA LAAKE, RDH, MS, LDN, licensed nutritionist, author, educator and talk show host, outline a healthy diet and how to achieve it. Learn:

·         how foods can affect attention, behavior, and mood
·         how to combat allergies, asthma, "brain fog" or inability to focus
·         how to optimize nutrition
·         how food affects sports performance
·         about food and chronic diseases
·         about the myths of some foods' benefits
·         about gluten and casein
·         what vitamins and supplements are safe and useful
·         what contributes to hunger and weight gain

Arm your student to be strong, happy, and quick. We encourage parents, educators, and students to hear this very informative lecture. Please contact PTSA Health & Wellness Chair, MaryAnn Lastova, at last4ever1@verizon.net with any questions.

“Reaching Out” Program on Substance Abuse
Monday, October 19, Westfield High School

A free program for parents and students entitled "Reaching Out to Protect Your Child from the Realties of Substance Abuse" will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, October 19th in the Westfield High School auditorium. Parents and teens are invited to hear from local parents whose children have used illegal substances, a teen who has abused substances, and treatment professionals about the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, actions you can take, and resources that are available. Parents, Greg Lannes, Greg Richter, and Jody Stokely, who had their wake up call with their own children, now wish to share their insight with you to help YOU protect your children. Knowledge is power and it helps with prevention of substance abuse!

Westfield High School is located at 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA 20151. For more information, please contact Jennifer Campbell, WHS PTSA President at JCampbellpta@aol.com. The event is free and open to adults and teens. Please share with others who would be interested in helping prevent substance abuse in their communities!

Benefits of a Gap Year Program at Langley High School
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00 pm

Langley High School P.T.S.A. invites all junior and senior students and parents to attend a Gap Year presentation on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm in the Langley High auditorium. The panel of speakers will include: Holly Bull from the Interim Center at Princeton (an independent gap year counseling organization), a representative from AmeriCorps (state/national volunteer service programs); a parent of a current college student who took a gap year program; and a James Madison University student who just completed a diverse gap year program. This program is free and sponsored by the Langley High School P.T.S.A.'s Family Network committee.

Next PTSA Meeting
Monday, October 19, 7:30 pm, Library

The next PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, October 19, at 7:30 pm, in the Library. School Board member Janie Strauss will join us at approximately 8:00 pm. All are welcome to attend – hope to see you then!

                Homecoming Football Game and Boosters Tailgate
                                            Friday, October 16

Come on out and support the Highlanders varsity football team, the Athletic Boosters, and the Marching Band at the Homecoming game on Friday, October 16. See the attached poster for more information. Go Highlanders!

Buy a Homecoming Boutonniere and Support the 2010 ANGP

The ANGP is taking orders for Homecoming boutonnieres through Thursday October 15. Order a red or white rose to show your Highlander Pride!

Download an order form here, place your order, and pick it up on the day of the dance (Saturday, October 17). It’s that easy!

**Thank you for supporting the 2010 MHS All Night Grad Party**

Call for Volunteers – Sorting Forms in the Main Office

Remember all those forms that you received in your back-to-school packets? Well, they all get returned to the school during the first week (hopefully) and need to be sorted out, alphabetized… If you can spare any time (before work, during lunch, etc.) please come to the main office of the school, between the hours of 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. The sorting room is the conference room, located across from the kitchen, near the Assessment Coach’s desk. Thank you!

                     McLean PTSA September 2009 Newsletter

Click here to read the September 2009 PTSA Newsletter which includes great information including a message from MHS PTSA President, Susan Perla; a congratulatory note to Dr. Jackson on her McLean Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award; information on crosswalk safety issues; information on upcoming activities at McLean High School including recruitment of volunteers for Senior Ethics Day; an update on the FCPS grading scale; a note from New Director of Student Services, Crissie Ricketts, with an update on new staff, making appointments with counselors, visiting the career center and other Student Services; information on PTSA, club and school fundraisers and more!

                        Safe Community Coalition Presents:
     A Community Conversation on Depression and Suicide

Everyone is invited to join in supporting young people and families in our community. This dialogue will involve members of the McLean clergy in response to needs of our local congregations. The program is open to all faiths and cultural backgrounds. Panelists will include local clergy members, mental health professionals, and community representatives

                TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 7:00
                REDEEDMER LUTHERAN CHURCH
                1545 CHAINBRIDGE RD, MCLEAN

Safe Community Coalition Holds First Community Meeting at McLean Community Center on Thurs, Oct 8 at 7:30 pm

For well over a decade, the SCC along with parents, teachers, faith and business leaders has provided a crucial support system for the young people of our community. We partner together with our local schools, public and private, so that our children will make good choices, stay healthy and commit to be alcohol and drug free. We provide excellent programming for the students as well as their parents. Our hallmark programs consist of Teen Summit, Middle School Forum, and 6th Grade Ethics Day. These events are held each year in our community.

All Safe Community Coalition Community meetings are open to the public. We invite you to attend and participate in our discussion of the important issues affecting the youth in our community. We welcome your input and value your support. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 7:30 P.M. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean.

Future Meetings Dates: November 5, 2009; February 11, 2010; May 6, 2010 (Annual Meeting)

Mission-- Safe Community Coalition's vision is a community where youth learn to make responsible decisions and where they are safe, healthy and free from alcohol and drug use. The SCC offers programs for youth, parents, and the community in collaboration with other community sectors concerned about our youth: schools, PTAs, faith organizations, businesses, public safety organizations, the medical community, and civic organizations.

Neal M. Callander, McLean High School Liaison

McLean Project for the Arts Teen Volunteers Needed
October 3 and 4

The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is looking for teen volunteers to assist with their annual outdoor arts festival. The MPA Artfest is Sunday, October 4 at the McLean Central Park from 10 am to 5 pm. High School volunteer shifts are available for set-up on Saturday, October 3 from 3-6 pm and on Sunday, October 4 from 7-10 am and for breakdown/clean-up from 5-7 pm. These hours can be counted toward community service hours for NHS and other honor societies. We are also looking for teen artists to sketch at our Arts for All Ages tent during the festival (materials will be provided). For further information or to volunteer, please email Susan Mayman at smayman@verizon.net.

Back to School Night for Parents Thursday, Sept 24

6:00 p.m. - Online database information training session in MHS Library - Parents are invited to an online database information/training session in the Library. The McLean librarians, Mrs. McCarthy and Ms. Cuccia, will be conducting a half hour session to familiarize parents with the online subscription databases and online catalog that are available to students 24/7.

6:30 p.m. - Booster Sales, Club Sales, PSAT/ACT Signups, Yearbook
sales, PTSA Student Directory Sales

7:00 p.m. - Classroom visits begin

Parent volunteers are needed to help sell the Student Directory at Back-to-School Night on Thursday, Sept. 24^th If you can help out, please contact Lisa Hymes at 703-356-3411 or lisahymes@aol.com. Parents will not miss any class time at Back-to-School night, all you need to do is bring a supply with you to your classes and sell them you go from class to class.

All Freshmen and 10-12 grade transfer students and families are invited to attend the PTSA Newcomers’ Potluck Dinner before the first home football game! The dinner will take place in the cafeteria on Thursday, September 17, at 6:00 pm. This is a chance to meet members of the school administration, PTSA board, and class parents to find out more about McLean High School. Please bring a dish to share for 8-10 people (with a serving spoon), as follows: last names beginning with A-K (main dish or pasta); L-R (salad, vegetable or fruit); S-Z (dessert). Beverages and paper products will be provided. We look forward to seeing you then!

The first PTSA meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, September 15, at 7:30 pm in the Lecture Hall. All are welcome to attend! We look forward to seeing you then.

Student schedules will be available for pick up – along with the back-to-school packet – on Tuesday, September 1, from 7:30 am – 3:00 pm and on Wednesday, September 2, from 7:30 am – 3:00 pm in the Library. In order to pick up schedules and packets, students must bring in their completed (and signed) emergency care form and ethnicity survey form. (These forms were mailed home along with the Guidance mailing) the week of August 17. If you would like to sign up to help with the packet distribution, please contact Susan Perla, susan.perla@gmail.com.

Fairfax County Health Department Town Hall Meeting - What to Expect this Flu Season – September 1, 7:00 pm

The Fairfax County Health Department will host a series of town hall meetings throughout the month of September. These community wide events were organized in response to the ongoing pandemic to better prepare residents for the 2009- 2010 flu season. These town hall style meetings will give residents the opportunity to ask any flu-related questions they may have.

“I look forward to meeting with residents to discuss this important topic,” said Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H., Fairfax County Director of Health. “Our goal is to ensure that residents understand how influenza is transmitted and what they can do to protect themselves and others from catching the flu and limit its spread within our community.”

Dr. Addo-Ayensu will begin each meeting with a brief presentation before taking questions from the public. Residents will learn about:

One town hall meeting will be held in each of the nine Board of Supervisors districts. For the Dranesville District the meeting details are as follows: Tuesday, September 1, 7:00 pm, McLean Governmental Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA.

Freshman Fling Schedule Details

Click here to view the schedule details for the Freshman Fling (Orientation) on September 3rd.

Archive 2009-2010

What's the Big Deal - Kids will be Kids
March 10 at 9 AM, Langley HS Auditorium

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Bid On The
Chesterbrook Elementary School Online Auction

Education Funding Rally in Richmond on February 27^th

Update on FCPS 2011 Budget

KEEPING PACE WITH KIDS' INTERNET AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY USE: EMPOWERING PARENTS

PTSA Board Meeting Rescheduled for February 22nd

McLean PTSA February 2010 Newsletter

Fairfax County School Board Budget Forum
Saturday, February 20th at Marshall High School

College Planning Night (To be Rescheduled)
MHS Auditorium

Marijuana and Other Drugs - The Real Story
Feb 17, 7PM at HB Woodlawn

Note from School Board Member Jane Strauss Regarding
Governor McDonnell's Announcement that He Supports
Updating the Local Composite Index

Food Pantry Assistance
Request for Donations and Information for Families in Need

SGA Winter Charity Dance – Chaperones Needed
February 6, 8:30 – 11:00 pm

Information on FCPS Budget Cuts Affecting Sports

Virginia PTA Essay Project for Students - Deadline is Feb 1

Churchill Road PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day
January 24, 5:00 pm

This Sunday is PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day! This is your BEST chance to make a difference. It will take less than 30 minutes of your time.

Town Hall Meeting with Senator Janet Howell
Saturday, January 23, 10:00 am

Beach Week: Understanding the Reality

Drowsy Teen Driving Video

FCPS Familygram Is Now Online

Archive 2009-2010 What's the Big Deal - Kids will be Kids March 10 at 9 AM, Langley HS Auditorium

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Bid On The Chesterbrook Elementary School Online Auction

Education Funding Rally in Richmond on February 27th

Update on FCPS 2011 Budget

KEEPING PACE WITH KIDS' INTERNET AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY USE: EMPOWERING PARENTS

PTSA Board Meeting Rescheduled for February 22nd

McLean PTSA February 2010 Newsletter

Fairfax County School Board Budget Forum Saturday, February 20th at Marshall High School

College Planning Night (To be Rescheduled) MHS Auditorium

Marijuana and Other Drugs - The Real Story Feb 17, 7PM at HB Woodlawn

Note from School Board Member Jane Strauss Regarding Governor McDonnell's Announcement that He Supports Updating the Local Composite Index

Food Pantry Assistance Request for Donations and Information for Families in Need

SGA Winter Charity Dance – Chaperones Needed February 6, 8:30 – 11:00 pm

Information on FCPS Budget Cuts Affecting Sports

Virginia PTA Essay Project for Students - Deadline is Feb 1

Churchill Road PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day January 24, 5:00 pm This Sunday is PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day! This is your BEST chance to make a difference. It will take less than 30 minutes of your time.

Town Hall Meeting with Senator Janet Howell Saturday, January 23, 10:00 am

Beach Week: Understanding the Reality

Drowsy Teen Driving Video

FCPS Familygram Is Now Online

Archive 2009-2010

What's the Big Deal - Kids will be Kids
March 10 at 9 AM, Langley HS Auditorium

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Bid On The
Chesterbrook Elementary School Online Auction

Education Funding Rally in Richmond on February 27^th

Fairfax County School Board Budget Forum
Saturday, February 20th at Marshall High School

College Planning Night (To be Rescheduled)
MHS Auditorium

Marijuana and Other Drugs - The Real Story
Feb 17, 7PM at HB Woodlawn

Note from School Board Member Jane Strauss Regarding
Governor McDonnell's Announcement that He Supports
Updating the Local Composite Index

Food Pantry Assistance
Request for Donations and Information for Families in Need

SGA Winter Charity Dance – Chaperones Needed
February 6, 8:30 – 11:00 pm

Churchill Road PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day
January 24, 5:00 pm

This Sunday is PTA Budget Crisis Rally Day! This is your BEST chance to make a difference. It will take less than 30 minutes of your time.

Town Hall Meeting with Senator Janet Howell
Saturday, January 23, 10:00 am