PTSA Current eNews 

Disclaimer: Opportunities, programs, and events offered by organizations outside the McLean High School PTSA (MHS PTSA) are shared for informational purposes only and are not sponsored or endorsed by the MHS PTSA Board, President, or any PTSA committee. Views expressed by guest speakers, contributors, or outside organizations do not necessarily reflect those of the MHS PTSA, McLean High School, or Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). The MHS PTSA makes reasonable efforts to share accurate information but does not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Families should verify details with the provider, obtain parental or guardian permission before students participate in non-PTSA or non-FCPS enrichment opportunities, and review applicable terms of service and privacy policies for any technology platforms used.

November, 2026

Giving Thanks by Giving Back

As the Nov. 5th PTSA General Meeting closed, we thanked the custodian coming to clean up and he thanked us for the recognition of the custodians held in October. This seems to be the best way to segue into the 2026 edition of Giving Thanks by Giving Back.

Fundraising has been a challenge this year, this is obvious compared to just last year.  Still, for 2026 we are setting an ambitious goal to raise $10,000 in the Giving Thanks by Giving Back campaign.  This will help cover PTSA’s costs in showing thanks and appreciation to the school’s staff and faculty, and help cover other activities.

A Mid-Year McLean PTSA Impact Report lists our work this academic year.  The link for the report is https://www.mcleanptsa.org/about-ptsa/our-impact .

Please give what you can. Last year donations ran from $30 to  $1,000 per donor.  For donations over $250 received by December 15th, PTSA will give back a $50 gift card to either Uber Eats or Door Dash.  And for those with matching funds programs at place of employment, please make use of them. 

To donate, use this link.

The fine print: Gift cards will be obtained in December, supplies may vary.  If the card you prefer is not available, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative gift.

Shop Local. Give Back.
Support McLean HS PTSA!

Here’s a deliciously easy way to support McLean High School! McLean HS PTSA is partnering with Munch & Match, a local McLean café, to bring you a new community fundraising opportunity.

Shop at Munch & Match on FRIDAYS through the end of 2026, use promo code 265401, and 20% of your purchase will go directly back to McLean HS PTSA!

📍 Munch & Match, 6888 Elm St., Suite 101, McLean, VA 22101
🌐 www.munchandmatch.com
Promo Code: 265401

Thank you for supporting our local business partners and McLean HS PTSA!

We Need Your Help: McLean Staff Breakfast

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

Friday Staff Breakfast Station

The PTSA organizes a weekly Friday Breakfast Station during the year stocked with contributions by fellow McLean HS families. The Friday Breakfast Station is set up in the front office for the 250+ teachers & staff who are grateful each week for your donations. Donations can be dropped off in person or ordered online and shipped. Please click on the link to donate a breakfast item from the sign-up list this month. 

Thank you, Highlanders, for your kind support!     

November Fridays:  11/13, 11/20

Please use this link.

Learn More about PTSA Hospitality Committee

Self-Esteem and Executive Functioning Skills: 

Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Stress

When high schoolers struggle with time management, organizing materials, or starting homework, it often leads to late-night stress, school burnout, and low self-esteem. Capable, intelligent students can quickly start to feel like "failures" due to challenges with executive functioning skills. In time, executive functioning support can improve your teen's confidence and independence, while reducing stress.  Please join Becky Kohm, M.A.T., Ed.S and Carey Hitchcock, LCSW from the Safe Community Coalition on Thursday, November 19th at the McLean Community Center at 7 PM to gain insights in helping your teen build their executive functioning toolkit.   

Event Link is HERE.

Volunteer at McLean Winterfest! 🎄

Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 9:30–5:30 PM

Langley Shopping Center & Downtown McLean

Looking for a fun way to earn community service hours while giving back to your community? Join us as a volunteer at McLean Winterfest!

Winterfest is an annual community celebration featuring a festive holiday parade, live performances, children's activities, food vendors, music, and plenty of holiday cheer.

We're looking for enthusiastic high school students to help make the event a success! Volunteer opportunities include helping vendors, supporting parade logistics, and keeping the festivities running smoothly.

It's a great opportunity to earn service hours, meet other students, develop leadership skills, and be part of a fun community tradition.

Interested?  Sign up here by 11/27.

PSAT/SAT/ACT Mock Testing and Testing Resources

Get ready for test day with virtual, full-length practice tests offered through McLean PTSA partners The Princeton Review and Marigold Prep.

Upcoming Practice Tests

• PSAT: July 17, 2027

• SAT: October 17, 2026 • January 23 • March 13 • May 15 • July 17, 2027

• ACT: October 24, 2026 • February 27 • April 24 • July 24, 2027

Registration closes three days before each test.   Fee: $20 per exam

Register

PSAT & SAT: Register here,   ACT: Register here

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

Additional Testing Resources

The Princeton Review
McLean families receive 25% off review courses with promo code MCLEAN25. Explore Princeton Review resources

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

Enroll for the Starter Kit →

Questions? Contact tests@mcleanptsa.org

MHS PTSA Reflections Arts Program

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

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

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

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

Students who identify as having a disability and who have an FCPS IEP or 504 may choose to participate in the Accessible Arts Division.

Submission Deadline: November 8, 2026  

Registration & Submission Form HERE

• November 8: MHS student submission deadline

• Late November: Blind judging

• Early December: Finalize MHS winners and prepare advancing entries

• December 10: FCCPTA submission deadline

• February 19, 2027: FCCPTA Reflections Awards Ceremony

Questions? Contact reflections@mcleanptsa.org

Thank You for Joining our 2nd PTSA General Membership Meeting

Thank you to Principal Raven Jones and all the parents and families who joined our second PTSA General Membership Meeting on Thursday, November 5. Your presence and participation mean so much to our school community.

A special thank you to our guest speaker, Navy Captain Burt J. Canfield, for sharing information about global careers, debt-free college, and leadership in the U.S. Navy, and to our committee chairs for their program updates.

The presentation slides from the meeting are HERE.

If you missed the meeting, we invite you to view the slides and join the PTSA. All McLean HS families are welcome to become members, and you can sign up HERE.

Don’t miss what is happening in our Highlander community:

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