Middle School
Middle School students in grades 5 and 6 have homeroom teachers and grades 7 and 8, an advisor. Homeroom teachers and advisors are faculty members who oversee the students’ performances and serve as a liaison between other teachers and parents, and assist students in understanding their own needs, decisions, attitudes and behaviors.
GRADE TEAMS
The Middle School is comprised of teams of teachers who primarily teach one grade level. Each team of teachers meets once a week to discuss students’ progress and curriculum planning. Through these grade level meetings the teams are able to focus on individual student learning and coordinate a flexible approach to their Student Learning Profile. The Head of Middle School appoints a grade team leader every year who serves as a liaison between the Middle School office and the team. The grade team leader is also the point person who deals with any behavioral issues before they are brought to the Head of Middle School.
PLAN BOOK
Each Middle School student is given a plan book at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to record assignments daily in their plan books. Homeroom, classroom teachers and advisors may check these books in order to assist any student who is experiencing difficulty keeping up with his/her assignments. Plan books may also be used as a means of communication between school and home. Parents are encouraged to check their child’s plan book on a regular basis to monitor assignments and test dates.
EXAMINATIONS
All grades operate on a semester school calendar, with each semester further divided into two quarters. Students in grades 7 and 8 take examinations twice a year in December and May/June. In grades 5 and 6, major assessments may be given in the basic academic areas during class periods in the final week of each quarter.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
Students in grades 5 through 8 take standardized achievement tests in the spring of each year. The results of these nationally standardized tests are recorded on the student’s permanent record. These scores offer a profile of the student’s cognitive growth and academic achievement over the year. Copies of testing results are sent to parents during the summer. In addition to Stanford 10 Achievement tests, often students in grades 5 through 8 are administered diagnostic pre- and post- tests in math and reading. These tests, if used, are given during literature and math classes in the fall and the spring. They are considered informal and do not become part of a student’s permanent file. Parents may request to meet with the Learning Specialist or to review these tests’ results. Parents will be contacted if any significant patterns emerge on the diagnostic tests.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
Back-to-School Nights are held at the beginning of the school year. This is a time for parents to learn about the academic program and to meet their children’s teachers and advisors. If parents need to conference about their child, we ask that you request a separate time.
CONFERENCES
Conferences are scheduled twice a year for parents to meet with all teachers. Individual conferences may be scheduled with teachers at any time throughout the year. Parents should request an appointment by calling the Middle School Office. For students in grade 8, student-led conferences are held in the spring. The goal is to give the students an opportunity to talk to their parents about their educational goals and progress and to their teachers about what they need from them to finish the year successfully. Assessing their strengths and weaknesses, the students, their teachers and the parents will each determine what each will do to help the student move closer to achieving the student’s educational goals.
ACADEMICS
Report Cards
At the end of each quarter, summative grades are sent home to parents. Second and fourth quarter include narrative comments from each individual teacher explaining the student’s performance and progress achieved. During the first quarter teachers write comments for new students to McLean and for any students that have averaged a C- grade or less. There are no written comments in third quarter, unless the student has dropped an entire letter grade and/or has averaged a C- grade or less. Instead, we hold parent conferences during the first and third quarters.
Grades
Students earn grades in each class, depending on how well they met each course subject requirements in the class. Grades are assigned using letters as symbols for achievement as shown below:
| A : 93-100 | B+ : 87-89 | C+ : 77-79 | D+ : 67-69 |
| A- : 90- 92 | B : 83-86 | C :73-76 | D ::63-66 |
| B- : 80-82 | C- : 70-72 | D- : 60-62 | |
| F : 59 or below |
Electives
For Electives, grades are assigned as follows:
O = Outstanding
P = Pass
F = Fail
Alternative Grading
NG To be eligible for a “No Grade” a student must have been placed in a class past the mid-point of any given marking period, have been absent from school for an extended period of time due to an illness, or have missed more than 50% of classes due to scheduling him/her with outside providers.
INC To be eligible for an “Incomplete” Grade, a student must not have completed the academic quarter’s requirement. An “INC” cannot be given in the fourth quarter.
Academic Probation
If a student’s grades and effort are determined to be deficient —performing at the “D” or “F” level in any class, he/she may be placed on Academic Probation until his/her performance reaches “C” level. After consultation with the student’s teachers and parents the Head of Middle School may determine that the student should not participate in extra-curricular activities until his/her grades is raised to “C”. This means that the student on Academic Probation may not be involved in social events or Student Climate Committee activities without the permission from the Head of Middle School. The student’s re-enrollment contract will be held until his/her grades and effort has improved sufficiently. Continued poor grades and lack of effort may result in the student not being offered a re-enrollment contract for the following year.
Academic Honesty and Honor Violation
Every student in the Middle School is expected to be honest and be a positive member of the McLean School community. Students are expected to adhere to the Middle School policies on academic honesty and plagiarism detailed in this handbook. Honor Violations behavior includes:
- Cheating —using notes or study guides/aids, or information on a quiz or test without the teacher’s knowledge or permission; forging anyone’s signature or giving false information of any kind including permission.
- Plagiarism —submitting work that in part or whole is not written by the student including unfair use of digital media.
- Getting Unfair Advantage —stealing, circulating, reproducing information about tests and quizzes; working with another student on an assignment without the teacher’s knowledge or permission; intentionally interfering with another student’s work.
Lapses in integrity such as lying, stealing, cheating or plagiarizing including lying, deceiving or concealing to avoid disciplinary or academic consequences are considered Honor Violations. Any work submitted by students must be their own work. All students using material that is not that of the student (Internet, books/magazines, newspapers or any other printed material) should be properly cited.
Academic Achievement Recognition
The Middle School recognizes our students’ accomplishments throughout the year through Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, PRIDE and Effort Awards during the Award Ceremonies held at the end of each quarter. Art, Music and Drama accomplishments are recognized at Community Meetings.
Honor Roll and High Honor Roll
The Honor Roll recognizes all students who maintain a grade point average of B+ (3) or higher in the core academic courses and receive no grade lower than a B- minus in any subject including the “specials” (art, music, physical education, and computers). Grades of B- through A will be weighted with the numerical values listed below. In addition, any student earning all A’s in any given marking period will receive High Honor Roll recognition. Students who earn an A- minus in any subject will not be eligible for High Honor Roll.
| A = 5 | A- = 4 | B+ = 3 | B = 2 | B- = 1 |
Example
| Courses | Student A | Student B | Student C |
| Literature | B- (1) | B+ (3) | B+ (3) |
| English | B (2) | B+ (3) | C+ (N/A) |
| Geography | A- (4) | A (5) | B (2) |
| Math | B (2) | B (2) | B (2) |
| Science | B- (1) | B+ (3) | A- (4) |
| Foreign Language | B+ (3) | A- (4) | B+ (3) |
Student A: grades’ average of 2.17 disqualifies him/her from making Honor Roll.
Student B: grades’ average of 3.33 places him/her on the Honor Roll.
Student C: grade (C+) in English makes him/her ineligible for Honor Roll.
YEAR END AWARDS The Terry J. Edwards Award (Grade 5) The Terry J. Edwards Award was established in 1983 in memory of the father of grade 5 student Chris Edwards. Mr. Edwards’ relatives and friends established this annual award which is presented to a 5th grade student who is conscientious and exhibits excellent effort, good citizenship and a desire to learn.
The Charles H. Levine Memorial Award (Grade 6) The Charles H. Levine Memorial Award honors the memory of grade 6 student Jordy Levine’s father, who died in September 1988. Charles H. Levine was a distinguished professor of public administration and political science at the American University and an expert on government civil service. This annual award is presented to an energetic, hardworking grade 6 student who demonstrates a keen sense of right and wrong and who is able to overcome difficulty in accomplishing his or her goals.
The Arnold P. Cornblatt Second Mile Award (Grade 7) Established to honor Mr. Arnold R. Cornblatt, a member of the Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1984. During his service on the Board, Mr. Cornblatt gave unselfishly of his time and talents to support the school. He often went the “second mile” in fulfilling his Board responsibilities. This award goes to that student who has gone the “second mile” in fulfilling his or her school responsibilities.
The Jamie Kleeblatt Friendship Award (Grade 8) This award honors the memory of Jamie Kleeblatt, who in 1987 died in a tragic accident after completing grade 7 at McLean School. One of Jamie’s most outstanding qualities was the capacity for friendship he shared with his fellow students. This annual award, established by his parents, honors a student in grade 8 who, by vote of the entire class, is felt to exhibit the greatest capacity for friendship. Grade 8 students also write an essay entitled Friendship. The winning composition is read at the Closing Ceremony.
The Gareth C. May Leadership Award (Grades 5-8) Established to honor Mr. Gareth C. May, founding member and chair of the McLean School Board of Trustees in the first year the school became non-profit. Mr. May remained chair for six years, from 1978 to 1984, before retiring from the Board in 1986. Under his outstanding leadership and guidance, McLean School grew and prospered. This award goes to that student who best exhibits the qualities of outstanding leadership.
The William P. McClure Citizenship Award (Grades 5-8) Established to honor Mr. William P. McClure, founding member of the McLean School Board of Trustees in the first year the school became non-profit. Mr. McClure’s abiding interest was a well-disciplined school in which students were good citizens. This award goes to that student who best exhibits the highest qualities of good citizenship.
Head of Middle School Award This award goes to the grade 8 student who demonstrates persistence, integrity, and character.
Homework
Homework is given to reinforce learning through additional practice and to develop independent study habits. The homework guidelines that are mentioned below are based on the assumption that the student is organized in their study skills, and are able to manage time and content well. Preparing for tests and working on projects should be paced to avoid last minute rush and overload study schedule. Students are encouraged to utilize their plan book as a tool to assist them in their organization.
We recommend that in grades 5 and 6, students work at home on an average of one hour to an hour and 30 minutes per day. Students in grade 7, an average of one hour and 30 minutes to two hours per day, and grade 8 an average of two hour and two hours and 30 minutes per day.
DISCIPLINE
CODE OF CONDUCT
The school encourages students to be positive members of the McLean School community. Every McLean community member is expected to be honest and courteous, to show respect for the rights and opinions of others. This often means going beyond an individual commitment to abide by stated rules. In all situations—on or off campus—McLean students are to display the good judgment, behavior, and attitude that are cornerstones of constructive relationships with others and that reflect positively on the entire school community. Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
Middle School strives to maintain a safe and respectful educational environment for all. Established in 2003, the P.R.I.D.E. expectations (including Positive Interaction, Respect and Responsibility, Individual Safety, Dependability, and Effort) are the foundation from which we reinforce positive behaviors.
Students may earn P.R.I.D.E. banners for exhibiting these positive behaviors. By encouraging and recognizing positive behaviors, we shape the climate of our Middle School community.
BULLYING, TEASING, AND SOCIAL AGGRESSION
As a Middle School, we are committed to a learning environment that is safe and respectful for all students. As the research suggests, issues of bullying, teasing, and social aggression can peak during the Middle School years. As a Middle School community, we all have a responsibility to address these behaviors and help students treat each other with empathy and respect. In our common understanding, the definition of bullying involves behaviors that can be direct or indirect, blatant or subtle. It involves an imbalance of power, repeated actions, intentional actions, and unequal levels of feelings. Bullying is any behavior considered physical aggression, social aggression, verbal aggression, intimidation, written aggression, sexual harassment, or racial, purposeful exclusion, religious, ethnic, or gender-related harassment.
Bullying behavior through the use of student electronic communication (cyber-bullying), including that sent from off-campus, to or about any member of the school community, will be treated as if it had been written or spoken at school. Any bullying behavior demonstrated at school or outside of school that impacts our school community will be addressed by the school. Bullying behaviors will be responded to, as all negative behaviors are, through a continuum of consequences and interventions up to and including suspension and/or social probation, depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior. Any student who is suspended will not be permitted to return to school without a re-entry meeting with parents and an administrator. A student may be asked to leave our community if deemed appropriate by the Head of School.
COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
Any attitude or behavior that disrupts or destroys the learning process in the Middle School is unacceptable. Middle School faculty is the first line of discipline for problems in the classroom.
Any student who disrupts the learning process in an academic or co-curricular activity may be removed from a class or an activity and may face disciplinary action. Students who do not support the accepted community guidelines in spirit can expect to meet with the Grade Team Leader and/or the Head of Middle School. Repeat offenders may face suspension or expulsion.
Faculty members are responsible for daily discipline. In their interactions with students, faculty uses a variety of positive and encouraging behavior management techniques, in coordination with staff, parents and administrators to support positive reinforcement systems. At times, faculty may also need to define consequences for negative behavior to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. Homeroom teachers and/or advisors keep a record of discipline infractions through Behavioral Reports as a tool to notify parents and the Head of Middle School of behavior offences.
The Grade Team Leaders examine each case fairly and equitably, assessing the
circumstances and seriousness of the negative behavior, the frequency of the offence, the student’s attitude and the potential impact or effect of the behavior on the school environment, which usually will include direct communication with parents. The faculty and the Head of Middle School work together to determine the most appropriate consequences for negative behavior. Disciplinary actions range from warnings to expulsions.
Other Behavior Issues
· Dress code violations
· Being untruthful
· Cheating
· Excessive horseplay. Students in the Middle School must not engage in any physically aggressive behavior or any inappropriate activity that has the potential for injury. Except in the friendliest of instances, students should keep their hands to themselves.
· Unexcused absence from school or lateness to school or class
· Destruction of property/defacing property
· Gum and sodas are not allowed at any time
· Eating or drinking beverages in unauthorized areas or at unauthorized times
· Acts of disruption in school, on buses, or on field trips
· Possession of cell phones, music playing devices, hand-held electronic games. These are not allowed to be used during the school day and must be turned in to the Advisor/Homeroom teacher at the start of each day. The item will be returned to each student at the end of the school day. Any of these devices found in locker or backpack during the school day will be confiscated and returned directly to a parent. None of these devices are allowed to be used in the building except with permission from a Homeroom/Advisor or Head of Middle School.
Physical Contact
Middle School believes that every student has the right to learn in an atmosphere free from the fear of unwanted physical contact. Students are expected to keep their hands and feet to themselves. Unwanted physical contact between students or contact that could be perceived as fighting is not permitted. Excessive horseplay or pretend fighting is also not allowed and will be handled as if it were actual fighting, as it might be difficult to discern fighting from pretend fighting.
Definition of Consequences
Behaviors are addressed through a continuum of proactive and responsive strategies as well as through the use of consequences. Proactive strategies include anything that can be helpful to a student before a particular behavior occurs or in anticipation of a trigger that may lead to a behavior. These strategies may target individuals or groups of students. Responsive strategies are any strategies implemented once a behavior has occurred that can help a student to move past the inappropriate behavior and begin to demonstrate more appropriate behaviors. Depending on the severity of the behavior, responsive strategies may be enough to assist the student. Consequences also occur on a continuum and can range from temporary removal from the situation, to a detention, suspension, or expulsion. All disciplinary actions may provide students with an opportunity to process and learn from the incident so they may make better behavioral choices in the future. Behaviors are documented using Behavior Reports as a means of tracking as well as a tool for communication between administrator, faculty and with parents.
Social Probation:
If a student’s behavior is deemed to be detrimental, he/she may be placed on Social Probation. This means that the student’s re-enrollment contract is held until such time as the Head of Middle School deems that student’s ongoing actions reflect a change towards safe and respectful behavior and the student is a positive member of our community. Continued negative behavior may result in the student not being offered a re-enrollment contract for the following year.
Students, parents and the Head of Middle School will sign the contract of the terms and reasons for the social probation. Students failing to show the necessary improvements may be recommended for expulsion.
Temporary removal from a situation:
A student may be removed from the class/activity in which the behavior is occurring or from recess and/or lunch. Temporary removal may be used as either a responsive strategy or a consequence. This action does not require parental notice; however, the Head of Middle School will be made aware and parents will be notified if repeated offenses occur.
Detention:
Students are expected to stay after school on a designated Friday, for up to one hour in a supervised setting to reflect upon their behavior and the need for disciplinary action. Detention slips must be signed by Head of Middle School and copied to the student’s Homeroom teacher or Advisor. A student may receive three behavioral slips before earning a Friday detention. However, if the behavior is deemed serious, a Friday detention may be given. A student will be given a 48-hour notice of the detention whenever possible.
Suspension:
Students may be removed and excluded from school community and any school-related activities for a specified period of time for disciplinary reasons. A notice will be given to the parents by the Head of Middle School and/or Head of School. A parent conference as a re-entry meeting will be required between the Head of Middle School, parents and student before the student may return to regular classes. During an in-school suspension, students remain in the building in a separate setting with teachers sending students their work from the classroom. When a student is suspended, they are not permitted to participate in after-school activities. During an in-school suspension, students are not permitted to ride the bus to or from school.
Expulsion:
Severe or repeated cases of student behavioral offences will lead to the removal of a student from school and all activities related to the McLean School community. Expulsion may be recommended when it is determined that a student is a threat to the safety of the community, or when a student has been placed on a Social Probation contract by the Head of Middle School and has either violated or failed to fulfill the requirements of the contract.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE
Dress Code for Grades 5-8
(Foot notes for each dress item apply to both Males and Females for clarification)
| Males | Females |
| Shirts1 | Shirts |
| Plain White or Navy Blue Polo Shirts (with no logos except McLean insignia), not to hang below pants’ pockets |
Plain White or Navy Blue Polo Shirts (with no logos except McLean insignia), not to hang below pants’ pockets when wearing skirts, not to hang below six inches from the waist |
| Pants/Shorts2 | Pants/Shorts |
| Khaki or Navy Blue (well-fitted) Dress Pants or Capri length Khaki or Blue Shorts (Bermuda length) |
Khaki or Navy Blue (well-fitted) Dress Pants or Capri length Khaki or Blue Shorts (Bermuda length) Blue Plaid Skirt |
| Sweaters/Sweatshirts3 | Sweaters/Sweatshirts |
| White or navy blue crew neck, v-neck or cardigan with buttons and no logos Blue crew neck and hooded McLean sweatshirts |
White or navy blue crew neck, v-neck or cardigan with buttons and no logos Blue crew neck and hooded McLean sweatshirts |
| Footwear/Socks4 | Footwear/Socks |
| Flat-heeled/soled shoes (with backs) Athletic shoes Black or brown loafers or tie shoes Crew or low white socks |
Flat-heeled/soled shoes (with backs) Athletic shoes Black or brown loafers or tie shoes Crew or low white socks White or blue tights |
| Hair5 | Hair |
| Clean and neatly trimmed Uniform, natural color, not dyed or bleached |
Clean and neatly trimmed Uniform, natural color, not dyed or bleached |
| Game Day Attire6 | Game Day Attire |
| Collared Dress Shirt & Tie Khaki Pants or Dress Slacks Black or White Athletic Shoes Game Jersey Khaki Pants |
Dress Pants and Dress Blouse Flat-heeled Dress Shoes Black or White Athletic Shoes Game Jersey Khaki pants or Blue Plaid Skirt |
1 Only white T-shirts may be worn under, not it place of, the white/blue polo shirts. Under T-shirts should not protrude from arms or waist. For girls, chest and midriff areas should be covered, and undergarments should not be visible. Camisoles or other see-through garments may not be worn.
2 Students should wear a black or brown belt, unless the pants have no belt loops. No cargo pants, over-sized, frayed, patched, torn, or faded pants allowed. All pants must be worn at the natural waistline. Low-ride pants are not permitted. Skirts’ lengths should not be shorter than 3 to 3.5 inches above the top of the knee. Soft shorts may be worn under the skirt, but should not show below the 3 to 3.5 inches hemline. No skorts are permitted in the Middle School.
3 Only McLean insignia sweatshirts are allowed; other sweatshirts are not permitted. A dress code shirt must be worn underneath sweaters/sweatshirts. All sweaters and sweatshirts must be longer than the shirt underneath. Students are not permitted to wear their sweatshirt hoods indoors.
4 Sandals, flip-flops, plastic shoes, platform shoes, and clogs with no backs are not permitted. Shoes with laces and athletic shoes should be neat, tied and fastened at all times. Students may not wear shoes with lights, wheels and decorative studs or knee high colored socks. Socks worn with tights/leggings must be of the same color.
5 Hats are not permitted indoors and will be confiscated. Boys are not permitted to wear headbands. For girls, only white, black and blue headbands/bows are allowed. Jewelry must not be excessive or ostentatious. Students are not permitted to wear long, dangling earrings or heavy chains as jewelry nor as accessories. One pair of simple one-inch hoops or stud earrings may be worn.
6 The following are Game Day guidelines: Dress shirts should be tucked in at all times during the school day. For girls, high heels are not permitted.
Eighth grade students who have PE the last period of the day may leave without changing back to dress code clothes. All others should get on the bus in dress code.
Beyda’s Lad and Lassie at Westbard Shopping Center in Bethesda carry the McLean dress code. Sweatshirts and polo shirts with the McLean logo can be purchased through the School Store. No other logos are permitted. The following apply to all students in the Middle School:
- Students must be in compliance with the dress code during school hours or they will not be permitted to participate in the day’s activities.
- If in doubt, students should ask before wearing the item to school
- All clothing must fit properly, be neat, clean and in good repair.
- Students my not wear clothing advocating violence, sex, or the use of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. Symbols that demean any individual or group (racial, ethnic, or religious) may not be displayed.
- No outdoor clothing such as jackets, scarves, hats and gloves may be worn indoors during the school day.
- Students are not permitted to wear make-up at school.
- Free Dress Attire does not include hats, short shorts, cropped shirts, flip flops, cut-out, shoulder tops, tube, tank, sheer and halter tops, low necklines, mini skirts, open-toed or open-heel shoes, sweat suits or warm-up suits.
Student Climate Committee
The Student Climate Committees are conformed by students to create attitudes and systems that impact our community and develop awareness in the need and value of service. Committee meets periodically throughout the year to decide and carry out a variety of efforts to help organizations in the Greater Washington D.C. area.
Student Council
The experience of serving and leading the school through student government provides excellent educational and leadership training. Elections are held in the fall for class representatives and officers. Representatives serve as liaisons between the Student Council and their respective classes. All students are considered active members of the student government. They are encouraged to discuss their ideas with any member of the council and to offer suggestions for overall improvement of the school.
Public Display of Affection
For Middle School students a quick greeting or farewell embrace, a smile, laughter or handshake is acceptable displays of affection. Holding hands, kissing, hugging, caressing, etc … are not appropriate in the Middle School.
Absences
Students are expected to attend school every day. Only absences for illness or family emergencies will be excused. When a student will be late or absent, the parent is required to call the Middle School office that morning by 8:00 am to explain the lateness or absence. We ask that advance notice of absences be provided whenever possible. A parent should call the school before 9:00 am for homework. A student who has been absent for any reason must bring a note to the homeroom teacher (5-6) or advisor (7-8). In addition, students must see their teacher for make-up work immediately upon their return to school. The school will be as flexible as is reasonable with make-up work for students who miss school for excused reasons. Extensions of vacations for family convenience, trips, and/or excursions will not be acknowledged as excused absences and are strongly discouraged.
If a student leaves school early for any reason, a parent must notify the school in writing or by phone and the student must stop by the Middle School office to check out. Any absence caused by a communicable disease must be reported immediately to the school nurse as soon as a diagnosis is made.
The non-public schools division of the State of Maryland, which regulates all aspects of Maryland schools, requires that we report unexcused absences and excessive absences and tardiness for that agency’s investigation.
Lateness
Students are expected to be in class on time. All students who are late to school for any reason must sign in both in the front office and in the Middle School office before reporting to class so that their name can be removed from the absentee list. Students will not be admitted to class until they have reported to the Middle School office. Parents may not walk students to class.
Campus Hours
Arrival is at 8:15 am and scheduled classes end at 3:15 pm. Students are expected to leave campus promptly at the end of the day unless they are under the supervision of a teacher, coach or tutor, or a participant in the After-School Program. If for any reason a student needs to remain after school for a special activity, a written note from home giving permission for the late stay must be submitted to the Middle School office, homeroom teacher (5-6) or advisor (7-8).
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The school is responsible for the supervision of students during the regular school hours and until the end of After-School Programs. A Middle School student whose transportation is delayed will be directed to the appropriate After-School Program and must remain there until signed out by a parent or a guardian.]
Lunch
Milk is provided daily to students at no extra cost. Your child may bring a bagged lunch to school (sorry, no facilities for heating food) or enroll in McLean’s catered lunch program for an additional fee. We ask that food and drink be restricted to assigned areas and not consumed in the hallways or common areas. Sodas are not permitted in the Middle School. (Please note: vending machines in the Faculty Lounge are for faculty use only. Students will not be permitted to buy from the Faculty Lounge vending machines.)
Lockers
On the first day of the school year, every student in the Middle School will be assigned two lockers: an academic locker and a physical education locker and lock combinations. Lockers may not be switched without the approval from the Middle School office. Students are advised not to share lock combinations.
Property of Students
All personal belongings, including clothing worn to school, should be clearly marked with the student’s name. The school cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen property. Student athletes should not leave their backpacks or sports’ bag unattended in the gym hallway or PE locker room. Items should be locked in their Middle School hallway lockers, and students should not share locker combinations with others. To avoid property theft, we discourage all students from bringing personal valuable items, such as cellular phones, iPODs, MP3 players and/or handheld games to school.
If a student finds something, it must be returned immediately to either the Middle School office or to the Main Reception Desk. Stray clothing is deposited in the bins in the Middle School hall; watches, glasses, keys, backpacks and lunch bags and other items at the Main Reception Desk.
Telephone Calls
Students who need to call home may do so from the Middle School office. Parents are welcome to call the Middle School office to leave a message for a student. Students are not to use the telephone from the Main Reception Desk without the supervision of a teacher, coach or tutor. Students are not allowed to call parents to request being picked up due to an illness. Dismissals due to illness are only to be done by the Health Room —the nurses will make a telephone call to the parents and will inform the Middle School office of the student’s dismissal.
Health Office
Staffed by two nurses, the Health Room’s function is to promote health and safety of our students and the McLean Community. The nurses’ responsibilities include to assess student’s illnesses and injuries and provide basic first aid as needed, review and maintain student health records, communicate disease prevention and control, administer daily medications to students, assist in managing students with asthma or other heath conditions, and medical emergency preparedness. If a student is ill or has an injury and needs to go home, the nurses will contact the student’s parents. The student must be picked up from the Health Room by a parent or other adult.
Field Trips
Teachers schedule periodic educational field trips that relate to what is being taught in the classroom. Students are required to submit a signed permission slip for all field trips. Students are expected to be in dress code during school related field trips unless otherwise notified. Prescribed medications normally dispensed at school by the Health Room will be sent on all applicable field trips. The medications are labeled and a unit dose is provided for the teacher/chaperone to administer during the field trip. Good behavior is expected on all field trips.
Library
The library is open daily and McLean encourages students to use it as much as possible. Along with a comprehensive collection of books and reference materials, students enjoy a variety of online subscription services. These services can also be accessed from home in order to support homework and research. Books can be borrowed for two weeks and the cost of any lost books will be charged to the student.
School Store
The school store, located next to the Library, sells McLean sweatshirts, notebooks, pens, pencils, other supplies, and novelties. Cash and checks are accepted. The school store is run by grade 4 students.
SUMMER PROGRAM
McLean’s SummerEdge offers coeducational programs for students between the ages of 5-18. Our unique program invites students to design a schedule of half day and/or full day experiences. Academics are offered in the morning and recreational activities in the afternoon. Throughout the 8-week program students are encouraged to sign up for a variety of options. The name of the course does not change from week to week, but the content does, so the activity can be taken more than once! The SummerEdge mission is to provide students with a wide range of activities that stimulate learning and enrich their summer experience outside of the classroom.