Upcoming Events
October 8 - PSAT/SAT School Day
October 13 - Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 16 - Volleyball Dig Pink Game
October 20 - Diwali
October 8 - PSAT/SAT School Day
9th Graders- Stay home and do not report to McLean HS. Teachers will not provide work for students to complete on 10/8. However, students may have work previously assigned by their teachers to complete that is due 10/09 or later.
10th & 11th Graders- Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the digital PSAT. All 10th & 11th grade students were automatically registered for the digital PSAT.
12th Graders- If you did not sign up to take the SAT, stay home. Only the 12th graders who completed the intent to participate form were registered to take the digital SAT. Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the SAT.
All students testing should bring:
- FCPS Chromebook and charger *
- Two or more No. 2 pencils
- Calculator (Optional): All students will have access to the Desmos online calculator. If you choose to bring a handheld calculator, it must be a College Board approval model.
- Water and snacks (Snacks may only be consumed during breaks)
Student testing locations were sent to each student’s FCPS Gmail on 9/25. If you have any questions, please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
October 13 - Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, October 13, is a student holiday and staff development day for Indigenous Peoples' Day. See the complete school year calendar.
October 16 - Volleyball Dig Pink Game
The McLean Girls Volleyball team is calling on our community to help "PINK OUT THE GYM" on October 16 and raise awareness for breast cancer! This event is more than just a game—it's an opportunity for our community to come together, learn about a serious health risk, and support our student athletes. Bring your family and friends, wear your pink, and enjoy Freshman, JV, and Varsity girls volleyball along with fun and "fun"draising activities throughout the evening, including a bake sale. Let's fill the home stands and show our support! The games start at 4:45 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm.
October 20 - Diwali
Monday, October 20, is a school holiday for Diwali and all schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.
Student Achievement
Congratulations to McLean's band for an outstanding competition performance at VMBC Rock Ridge! McLean Band placed 2nd in class 6 and 3rd place overall out of 22 bands. Go Highlanders!
Superintendent's Message
The superintendent publishes a weekly e-newsletter, Weekly Reflections, as well as statements and updates about important matters. Please see Dr. Reid's October 1st message regarding the federal government shutdown.
October 1, 2025
Good Afternoon FCPS Staff and Families,
I know today’s federal government shutdown is weighing heavily on the hearts and minds of families and staff in our community. In the shadow of the nation’s capital, we have many dedicated public servants and military personnel who live and work in Fairfax County.
Please know that we are here to support you and your family if you are impacted by this shutdown. When families are under stress – including work stress – children feel it too, which is why we are committed to providing a safe and routine environment for each and every student. There are also resources available that can support your family during the shutdown – which we all hope will not last long. Here is some important information that you may find useful at this time:
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Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year. If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again.
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Free, virtual mental health sessions are available through our partnership with Hazel Health. This is a great way for students to access care quickly and easily from the school clinic or home, providing support for stress, anxiety, worry, and other concerns that might be heightened during the shutdown.
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The Fairfax County Government and various local organizations are stepping up to offer a range of assistance, including food, financial, and housing resources. I encourage any of our families who are experiencing financial distress, due to the shutdown or for any reason, to visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) website.
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Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) also provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18 to 65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
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Fairfax County residents can take advantage of many of the free offerings the county provides to residents and students. Our incredible public libraries have a wide-selection of books and other activities that families can check out. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass through Fairfax County Public Libraries, which allows them to check-out up to 3 items for 6 weeks. And Fairfax County’s many parks and recreation areas are open and free to residents as well.
My hope, as I know is the hope of many in our community this morning, is that consensus can be reached in Congress and this government shutdown ends quickly. In the meantime, please know that you have the support of Team FCPS and we will continue to provide our students with a safe and routine learning environment that allows them to reach their full potential.
Take good care,
Michelle C. Reid Superintendent Fairfax County Public Schools
Homecoming Week
Spirit Days
- Tuesday Oct. 14th - Country v. Country Club
- Wednesday Oct. 15th - Jersey Out
- Thursday Oct. 16th - Twin Day
- Friday Oct. 17th - Class Color Day
- Freshman: Gray/Silver
- Sophomores: White
- Juniors: Black
- Seniors: Red
Teacher v. Student Flag Football
On Wednesday October 15th come watch the brand new Flag Football Team take on teachers DURING HIGHLANDER TIME!
Bonfire
On Thursday Oct. 16th Come out for a spirited night at the bonfire on the practice softball field @ 6:00. All grades are welcome, s’mores fixings and pizza available while they last! Admission is free.
Homecoming Game
Come out to the Football Game on Friday night 10/17 at 7:00pm. The theme is Black Out. The Homecoming Court will be announced at halftime!
Homecoming Dance
The Homecoming Dance Saturday is Saturday Oct. 18th 8-11pm! The theme this year is GlowCo! Tickets for students are on sale now through e-tix. The QR code will be posted in the cafeteria, on the McLeadership Instagram account, grade level Schoology pages, outside of B175 and on the TV screens. Directions for purchasing tickets and bringing guests will be posted on all grade level Schoology pages.
Testing Information
PSAT/SAT School Day - October 8
9th Graders- Stay home and do not report to McLean HS. Teachers will not provide work for students to complete on 10/8. However, students may have work previously assigned by their teachers to complete that is due 10/09 or later.
10th & 11th Graders- Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the digital PSAT. All 10th & 11th grade students were automatically registered for the digital PSAT.
12th Graders- If you did not sign up to take the SAT, stay home. Only the 12th graders who completed the intent to participate form were registered to take the digital SAT. Report to McLean HS by 8:00 am to take the SAT.
All students testing should bring:
- FCPS Chromebook and charger *
- Two or more No. 2 pencils
- Calculator (Optional): All students will have access to the Desmos online calculator. If you choose to bring a handheld calculator, it must be a College Board approval model.
- Water and snacks (Snacks may only be consumed during breaks)
Student testing locations were sent to each student’s FCPS Gmail on 9/25. If you have any questions, please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen (ekdonlen@fcps.edu).
2025-26 AP Test Opt-Out Timeline and Fees
As part of the FCPS Approved Budget, the fees for the first six AP tests taken for courses in which students are enrolled for high school credit will be paid for by FCPS. Students taking AP tests without enrolling in the corresponding FCPS course are responsible for the test fee(s).
FCPS encourages all students to take AP tests for courses in which they are enrolled. However, students will have the opportunity to opt-out of the test(s) by filling out an Opt-Out form that was distributed by your student's 5th period teacher on Tuesday, September 29th. To assist in the decision-making process, students will be provided a report with their previous tests and current AP course enrollment.
AP students must make Opt-Out decisions by October 31st. Parents/Guardians will be billed a $99 non-refundable test fee for AP exams in December 2025 for tests that exceed the six FCPS-funded tests. All Opt-Out forms are due to the box located in Student Services by October 31st. When a student turns in their form, they must sign their name on the list acknowledging their Opt-Out form has been turned in.
2026 AP Testing
Reference the College Board 2026 AP exam dates site for dates of AP Exams. If you have any questions or need an AP Opt-Out form reprinted please contact our Assessment Coach Elly Donlen at ekdonlen@fcps.edu.
Student Services
Paperless Report Cards
We’re excited to offer you a more convenient option for receiving your child’s report cards: Go Paperless!
By choosing to go paperless, you'll be able to:
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Access report cards directly in ParentVUE with just a few clicks.
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Reduce wait time in seeing your child’s report card.
Here's how you can opt-in:
- Log into ParentVUE, click on "My Account," and select “Go Paperless.”
- All parents/guardians living with the student at the same address must have an active SIS ParentVUE account to opt-in.
- Once selected, the “Go Paperless” option will apply to all associated students, no matter their grade level.
- If you’ve already opted for paperless for your secondary students, it will automatically apply to any younger siblings at the elementary level too!
FAFSA
2026-2027 FAFSA Form Now Open
Federal Student Aid has released the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application has not yet opened, but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Get Help Filling Out the FAFSA
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will offer several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to help complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
Expunging High School Courses Taken in Middle School (9th Graders Only)
Parents of current 9th grade students who completed a high school credit bearing course (World Languages, Algebra, and Geometry) in the 2024-25 standard school year may request the final grades for these courses be omitted from your student’s transcript. You must submit a Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School form to McLean High School Student Services, after the course is completed and prior to October 31, 2025. This form may be obtained at the following link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/is104.pdf
Please reach out to your student’s school counselor with any questions.
Resources for Life After High School
Roadmap to College: What Students Should Do Each Year of High School Join the FCPS Family Resource Center for this engaging and informative webinar on what high school students should do to stand out on college applications. Attend for a guide for families and clear strategies for college preparation and success. This webinar is for families of upper-middle and high school students. Register to attend online on Friday, October 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
College Fair and Postsecondary NightPrepare for your student’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 19, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6 p.m. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Tuesday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and postsecondary virtual event.
Financial Aid Resources for Parents and StudentsParents and students in the Class of 2026 are invited to attend a series of workshops designed to help them understand the financial aid and scholarship processes. Join College Access Fairfax at any of the following virtual presentations. Click on a date to join the session:
- Paying for College for Military Families
- FAFSA Line-by-Line
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