January 27
Dear Middle School Families,
Grade 5 Parent Speaker Bruce W. (Samantha ‘19) works at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and part of his job deals with endangered species issues. Mr. W. brought in a collection of animal and plant products to share with the students. These products were confiscated from people trying to bring them into this country illegally, or without a permit. The students tried on coats made from snow leopards and python skin and viewed decorative items such as a sea turtle, a monkey’s head, a whale’s tooth, a pocketbook made from a crocodile (with the head and feet still attached), a hippo’s foot made into a trash can, and even a walrus tusk! The students posed many interesting questions and discovered that when a bald eagle is found dead, Mr. W. is permitted to give the eagle’s feathers to Native Americans who use them for religious purposes.
The Grades 5-8 School Ski and Snowboard trip to Whitetail has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 4. We have some additional openings if students are interested in joining in on the fun. Students who are already signed up must submit the Change of Date Form to Jonathan Tyson or Elyse Dworin. We look forward to an exciting day on the slopes.
Grade eight students in Joanne Levin’s class will be writing a five-page research paper this quarter. Parents, please ask to see the packet of information pertaining to this project and sign off on the due dates list. Students may work on this at home (with assistance if necessary), as well as in school. They will type their drafts in school, under Ms. Levin’s direction. Hopefully, this practice with writing research papers will assist students in the future and improve their confidence as writers!
Auditions for the Spring Musical: Babes in Arms premiering at McLean on April 26, 27, 29 and May 4 & 5 will take place on Wednesday, February, 8 from 3:30-5:30 pm. Audition scripts are available on the Drama Bulletin Board located across from the main entrance to the APR. All Middle School students who are interested in auditioning should come prepared to deliver their lines of the script from memory. The audition process will also include singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” or “Happy Birthday” and a few dance steps taught by our choreographer, Abby Olsen to get a sense of each student’s dancing capabilities. Rehearsals for the show will begin mid-to-late February and will be scheduled from 3:30-6:30 pm Monday through Friday with a few Saturday rehearsals from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Not all characters will be scheduled every day until two weeks before opening night, but are expected to keep their schedules open during this time frame. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Performing Arts Chair Greg Mugione at gmugione@mcleanschool.org.
Grade 8 students in Lance Levenson’s science class traveled to the Upper School on Thursday to safely complete lab activities involving chemicals and open flames in the chemistry classroom. Students observed several examples of chemical and physical reactions and identified the signs of chemical changes.
Spearheaded by Frankie Engelking, our Students’ Affair Coordinator, students and faculty celebrated a Pep rally in the gym for the upcoming Mustang Mania taking place on Saturday, January 28. With our very own Master of Ceremony, Zach L. ‘16, drummers, Marc L. ‘16 and Jordan L. ‘16, and Mustang mascot, Carter C. ‘16, the Pep Rally started with the participation of our Upper School dance team coached by Rebecca Balint. The gym quickly got loud and cheery supporting the dancers and athletes. Teams and coaches were presented to the entire Middle School, along with a cheer competition with the coordination of J.D. C. ‘16 and Garrett R. ‘16, and a foul shooting contest between faculty and students as well. At the end, the best shooter was Justin R. ‘16! Thanks to all the students and coaches for showing the best of McLean Spirit! Go Mustangs! And speaking about Mustang Mania, on Saturday during the sports events (Girls 5 & 6 Basketball at 10:00 am, Boys 5 & 6 Basketball at 11:15 am, Grades 5-8 Wrestling at noon, Girls 7 & 8 Basketball at 1:00 pm, and Boys 7 & 8 Basketball at 2:15 pm), a Concession Stand sponsored by the grades 7 & 8 Student Climate and Spirit Committee will be raising funds for their projects. Please stop by for snack or a drink and help support the Middle School activities. Start the weekend with us!
Best Wishes
Judy Townsend
Head of Middle School
240.395.0676
jtownsend@mcleanschool.org
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Re-Enrollment Contracts Mailed
Grades 7 & 8 Interims
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
8:30AM-3:00PM Grade 7 Field Trip to Maryland Science Center in Baltimore
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
6:30AM-9:00PM Grades 5-8 Ski & Snowboard Day Trip
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
It’s Valentines Day — Have You Made Plans for a Romantic Evening?
No need to hire a babysitter—just drop the kids off at our K-5 Parents’ Night Out On Tuesday, February 14 from 6:00-8:30 pm for supervised babysitting (only $25 first child/$10 sibling, must be a McLean student). You can’t beat that price for a whole evening! There will be games, movies, music, pizza, snack, arts and crafts for them, and a fun-filled evening alone for you. Contact SummerEdge & After School Program Director Jenny Whichard ‘92 at 240.395.0690 or jwhichard@mcleanschool.org.
Cecily’s Advocacy Workshop
Have you registered for the 3rd Annual Cecily’s Advocacy Workshop sponsored by the Parents Association? You (and your friends) are invited to this exciting day of workshops (over 8 to choose from) on Saturday, February 11 from 8:30 am—1:30 pm at McLean. The keynote address, given by Thomas G. West, author of Amazing Shortcomings, Amazing Gifts. Fees include keynote speaker, workshops and lunch.
Current & Prospective Families - Complimentary
Community Guests - $25 by check payable to McLean School of Maryland
Questions? Email cecilysday@mcleanschool.org
Click for Workshop Information
Click to Register
Phone in your Registration to Rosanne Urick at 240.395.0692
| LOOKING AHEAD | |
| Tuesday, February 7 | Grades 7 & 8 Interims |
| Friday, February 10 | 8:30AM-3:00PM Grade 5 Field Trip to the National Museum of American History |
| Saturday, February 11 | 8:30AM-1:30PM Cecily’s Advocacy Workshop |
| Monday, February 13 | Pizza Lunch |
| Wednesday, February 15 |
Re-Enrollment Contracts Return Deadline 3:20 Club, Study Hall & K-8 After School Activities NOT Available |
| Thursday, February 16 & Friday, February 17 |
NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Days |
| Monday, February 20 | NO SCHOOL — Presidents’ Day |
| Wednesday, February 22 | 9:00AM-2:30PM Grade 5 Field Trip to the Holocaust Museum |
| Saturday, February 25 | 9:00AM Admission Kindergarten Student Visit |
CLICK THE LINK TO VIEW McLEAN IN PHOTOS
White Teeth + Kindergarten Class = Smiles
Grade 5 Parent Speaker Program
Upper School Equity Club Celebrates World Religions
Grade 8 “Expert” Presentations on youtube