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                                                                                                                   McLean High School

 

FAIRFAX COUNTY                                                                                                 1633 Davidson Road

PUBLIC SCHOOLS                                                                                             McLean, Virginia  22101

                                                                                                                                         703 714-5700

                                                                                                                                 703 714-5797 FAX

 

April 20, 2009

 

Dear Senior Class and Parents/Guardians:

 

Graduation and related activities will take place very soon. In order to make these events successful and allow each family to make the appropriate plans, we are providing the following schedule and information. Additional information can be found by going to the McLean High Web page, http://www.fcps.edu/McLeanHS, clicking on Student Information, and dragging down to “Seniors 2009”

 

 

  1. Ways to help your senior be successful and avoid “senioritis”.

There are approximately 40 school days left in this school year. This is not the time to slack off or stop pushing to achieve. Please don’t give your seniors permission to miss school. Not only are these last weeks important to their education, they are also essential for character building. Stressing the importance of good attendance and reliability now sets a standard for future college and work place attendance.

 

  1. Senior Dues and other Fines

Senior dues are now $130.00 per student and cover cap and gown, diploma cover, one tassel, rental of the DAR Constitution Hall, Senior Trip, and other graduation costs. Students that have not yet paid senior dues should do so by April 30, 2009. Checks should be made out to McLean High School and can be mailed or dropped off at the main office.  Students should also contact Mr. Sekely in the school security office to see if they owe any fines. All fines must be paid before students will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

 

3.       Academic Awards Night

Academic Awards Night will take place in the McLean High School Auditorium on Tuesday, May 26th at 7pm.

 

  1. Prom

The McLean High School Prom will take place on May 30, 2009 at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna.  Tickets will go on sale in the school cafeteria approximately two weeks prior to the prom. The cost of prom tickets will be announced in May.

 

5.       Sports Awards Banquet

The Sports Awards Banquet will take place in the McLean High School Cafeteria on Monday, June 1st at 7pm.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Senior Exam Schedule

            DATES                                   PERIODS      

 

                Thursday, June 4th                        5 and 7                 full day for seniors

 

                Friday, June 5th                               6 and 7                 full day for seniors

 

                Monday, June 8th                          1 and 3                 Graduation Rehearsal #1 after exams

 

                Tuesday, June 9th                           2 and 4                                Graduation Rehearsal #2 after exams

 

 

  1. Graduation Rehearsal #1 ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!

On Monday, June 8th, all seniors should meet in the McLean High School Upper Gymnasium beginning at 11:30am for Graduation Rehearsal #1. Those individuals who fail to attend the rehearsal will be excluded from the graduation ceremony. No one will be excused from this rehearsal unless prior approval is granted by Ms. Taylor, Class of 2009 Administrator.

 

Seniors will be given seating and marching arrangements and will practice the processional and recessional for graduation. A complete rehearsal of the program will be conducted.

 

Following Graduation Rehearsal #1, seniors who have met all their academic and financial obligations will receive their caps and gowns for graduation.

 

  1. Graduation Rehearsal #2 ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!

On Tuesday, June 9th, all seniors should meet in the McLean High School Upper Gymnasium beginning at 11:30am for Graduation Rehearsal #2. Those individuals who fail to attend the rehearsal will be excluded from the graduation ceremony. No one will be excused from this rehearsal unless prior approval is granted by Ms. Taylor, Class of 2009 Administrator.

 

Seniors should report to the Upper Gym by 11:30 am.  Seniors will be given seating and marching arrangements and will practice the processional and recessional for graduation. A complete rehearsal of the program, including staff members will be conducted.

 

During this rehearsal, tickets for graduation will be distributed to those seniors who have met all of their financial and academic obligations. All textbook fines, library fines, parking fines, senior dues, and other obligations must be paid in order to receive graduation tickets.  This will be the only opportunity to pick up graduation tickets.

 


  1. Senior Breakfast and Senior Trip to Kings Dominion

On Wednesday, June 10th, all seniors should meet in the McLean High School Cafeteria at 7:30am for their final Senior Breakfast. 

 

Immediately following the Breakfast in the Cafeteria, will be the Senior Slide Show.  In order to make the Senior Slide Show both fun and a memory to last long after the students have left McLean, we need pictures.  We are looking for memorable pictures that show the seniors throughout their career at McLean.  If you have any pictures that fit the bill, please email them to mcleanclassof09@gmail.com.  In order to make the show as professional as possible, we’d like to have all pictures to us by Friday, May 15th.

 

At approximately 9:00 a.m., all seniors who have met their academic and financial obligations (as well as completed the necessary field trip permission forms) will board motor coaches for Kings Dominion.  Seniors going on the trip should be aware that weather conditions could vary in early June, but tend to be on the hot side.  As a result, they should dress accordingly, while keeping in mind that since this is a school-sponsored event, the FCPS dress code is still applicable.  Seniors will return to McLean at approximately 8pm that night. 

 

Students will receive their permission forms for this trip from their Government teachers and will return the forms to their Government teachers by Friday, May 1st.  Seniors who are not enrolled in Government should speak to Mr. Plunkett to obtain a form and return their form once it has been signed. 

 

  1. Convocation

On Thursday, June 11th, all seniors who have received their caps and gowns will participate in Convocation (McLean’s annual school wide celebration of the senior class). Seniors are to wear their caps and gowns over casual clothes for this event.  In addition, seniors may decorate their caps (in a school-appropriate manner) to celebrate their accomplishments.  These decorations must be removed, however, prior to the graduation ceremony.

 

Seniors are to meet appropriately dressed in the Cafeteria at 9am for the Convocation Processional.  The ceremony itself will begin at 9:30am in the Football Stadium.  Parents are invited to attend this event, but be aware that since the entire student body attends this event, it is best to arrive early to get a good seat. 

 

  1. Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate will take place at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church (1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean) on Friday, June 12th, at 7pm. 

 

This ceremony has been organized and sponsored entirely by senior students and parents. This program is a multi-faith ceremony – a time of thanksgiving and reflection for graduates, their families and friends. Participation by students is voluntary. Attendance at this ceremony by any school employee is the result of a voluntary, private decision by that individual and does not indicate endorsement by the school.

 


  1. Graduation

Graduation will be held at DAR Constitution Hall, 18th and D Street, NW, Washington, DC, on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:30 PM. For directions, please call (202) 628-4780.

 

The doors will open at 2:00 PM. There will be no admittance to Constitution Hall without a ticket.

 

Each senior who has fulfilled his/her obligations will receive seven tickets for the graduation ceremony at the second graduation practice.  If there is an additional need, parents and students are encouraged to share extra tickets with those who need them.  The red tickets are for general seating, and the grey tickets are for handicapped seating.

 

All school fees, fines, obligations, parking tickets, returned checks, and Senior Dues must be paid and attendance at all graduation rehearsals is MANDATORY in order to receive your tickets and to participate in the graduation ceremony

 

All graduates MUST ride the school provided bus to graduation. Students must be at McLean no later than 12:00 PM (Noon) on June 15. Prior to getting on the buses, students will be searched for contraband.  Students will only be allowed to bring an Identification Card/Driver’s License and car keys with them to DAR Constitution Hall.  Buses will leave promptly, DO NOT BE LATE! Transportation will be available for all seniors to return to McLean but graduates who wish to leave Constitution Hall after the ceremony with their parents may do so. Parking garages located in the area of New York and Pennsylvania Avenues, and 17th and 18th Streets, but please be advised that parking is very limited.

 

We are honored to announce that General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), has accepted the class of 2009’s invitation to be the guest speaker.  A respectful, dignified ceremony has been planned that will require everyone’s cooperation. No messages on caps or gowns, noisemakers, or other toys will be permitted. Food and drink are not permitted. In addition, no backpacks, briefcases, or large containers of any kind will be permitted inside Constitution Hall. All such objects will be confiscated at the door. All guests should plan to arrive at DAR early since there is no admittance after the ceremony begins promptly at 2:30 PM. Those who violate the formal and secure atmosphere, including students, will be immediately escorted from the ceremony.

 

The dress code for Graduation is as follows:

 

Boys (red caps and gowns)                                             Girls (red caps and gowns)

White or light colored shirt with tie                                  Appropriate business casual attire

Khaki or dark slacks (no shorts)                                                          Khaki or dark colored slacks  (no shorts)                              Modest heels or flats (no sandals or

Dress shoes (no boots, sandals, sneakers,                           flip flops)

or flip flops)                                                                  

 

 

A professional photographer will be taking pictures of seniors receiving their diplomas during the graduation ceremony and will be available for viewing and/or purchase online at www.candidcolor.net , approximately 2-3 weeks after the graduation. Select "Diploma Presentation (Graduations)" as your type and enter McLean's code: MCLG09.  There will NOT be a professional videographer at graduation; however, there will be a designated place at DAR for individuals to take pictures and/or film the graduation.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Doors open at 2 pm. Tickets are required for this event, and each student who has met his/her financial and academic obligations will receive seven (7) tickets for the event.  If you require extra tickets, or know that you will not be using all of your tickets, a blog has been set up at http://mhs09.blogspot.com to allow you to notify other members of the McLean High School community.  Be aware, however, that neither McLean High School nor Fairfax County Public Schools are responsible for the content of that site. 

 

If you require tickets in the handicapped accessible section of DAR Constitution, you must send an email request with both your graduate’s name and “handicapped accessible” in the subject line to Patricia.McNeill@fcps.edu by Friday, May 29th.  Because the number of these seats is limited, please understand that your entire family may not be able to sit in this area.  Also, be aware that even with handicapped accessible tickets, the maximum number of tickets for each graduating senior is still seven. 

 

Remember, this is a formal affair. Noisemakers and any other inappropriate items such as signs, balls, balloons, etc. are not allowed and will be confiscated and not returned. No backpacks, bags, coolers, or outside food or beverages will be allowed into DAR Constitution Hall. If you disrupt the ceremony, you will be asked to leave. We are guests at the DAR and a reflection of our community.

 

Make plans with your family for a meeting place outside of DAR Constitution Hall after the ceremony. You will not be allowed back into the building after the ceremony. Graduates will exit through both the C Street and D Street exits depending on what section they are sitting in.  Please speak to your graduate after the second rehearsal to determine the side he/she is sitting on.

 

  1. Reminder: Substance abuse and your son/daughter

 

As your son/ daughter prepares to attend the McLean High School Senior Week events, it is an appropriate time to review the substance abuse policy and the consequences of violation as it pertains to school sponsored activities.

 

                Violations include the use, possession, distribution, manufacturing, giving, and being         under the influence of a controlled substance, imitation controlled substances, illegal               drugs or intoxicants, including alcohol, while on school property or while attending a           school activity such as Prom, Senior Trip, Convocation, or Graduation.

 

In addition to receiving the consequences outlined in the FCPS Student Responsibilities   and Rights Handbook, seniors in violation of substance abuse policies within thirty days of any of the Senior Week activities (including the Senior Trip to King’s Dominion, Convocation, and the Graduation Ceremony) will not be permitted to participate in those activities.

 

                Please do not allow substance abuse to ruin what should be a joyous time for all     students and their families. We want this to be a safe and happy time.

 

We are very proud of the class of 2009 and have been honored to work with them toward this most significant accomplishment. Should you have any questions regarding the information, please contact Mr. Rob Plunkett at robert.plunkett@fcps.edu, Ms. Daniella Minetti at daniella.minetti@fcps.edu. 

  1. The All Night Grad Party

Date:               Monday, June 15th

            Place:               Dave and Busters in Bethesda, MD

            Dress:              Casual

            Time:               Seniors must be at MHS at 11:15 PM. The buses will return to MHS around 5 AM.

            Contact:         Stefanie Schoepfle, 703-356-8250 or Stefanie@pcgrp.com

 

Thank you for all your outstanding support. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Deborah R.  Jackson, Ed.D          Ms. Christie Taylor           Ms. Daniella Minetti, Mr. Rob Plunkett

Principal                                             Class Administrator            Class Sponsors