The McLean Community
| ADMISSION OFFICE | BUSINESS OFFICE | DEVELOPMENT OFFICE |
| PARENTS ASSOCIATION | SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS | SUMMER PROGRAM |
| HEALTH AND SAFETY | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | TRANSPORTATION |
| COMMUNICATIONS | CRISIS PLAN |
ADMISSION OFFICE
The Admission Office is the primary information resource for prospective students and their families. Open houses and individual campus visits are our opportunity to introduce McLean’s mission to anyone interested in learning more about the school. Additionally, the Admission Office is responsible for the exchange of pertinent information throughout the application process. Please contact the office for a list of procedures, dates, and requirements for the current school year.
BUSINESS OFFICE
The Business Office staff is responsible for many of the day-to-day operations of the school, including safety, security, finance & insurance, personnel benefits, transportation, food service, and buildings & grounds. The Business Manager works closely with the Board of Trustees to provide financial oversight of the school’s programs.
The Business Office staff is available to discuss tuition, fees and the tuition refund plan. In addition, field trips, lunch, lost books, and other student-related functions are handled through this office.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
The Development Office works closely with volunteers to provide support for the school. The office oversees the Annual Fund and other fundraising, publications, alumni and constituent relations, the school database, and special events. In addition, the office acts as a liaison with the Parents Association and provides support for the annual McLean Celebration. The Director of Development works closely with the Board of Trustees in garnering philanthropic support for the school. Annual giving, major gifts, planned gifts, and capital and endowment gifts are directed and supported by the Office with critical help from volunteers. The office welcomes volunteers, feedback, and ideas.
PARENTS ASSOCIATION
All current parents are members of the Parents Association; dues are included in the school fees. The PA, a vital link between the school and home, sponsors special activities for students, provides logistical support for faculty and staff, and raises funds for the school through special projects and events. The Parents Association Board is elected in the spring of each year and schedules both morning and evening meetings during the year. Meetings are open to everyone.
Being a Parents Association volunteer is an important way to establish and maintain close ties with the school. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Parent Coordinators
- Grade Parents
- Parent Peer Group Coordinators
- Library Aides
- Auction
- Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale
- Book Fair
- Faculty Appreciation Activities
McLean School is a member of the Parents’ Council of Washington. The purpose of the Parents’ Council, which services parents with children in grades 4-12, is to establish close communication among independent school parents, students, and schools, and to provide information to schools and to parents while supporting them in successfully and responsibly guiding their children. The Parents’ Council is composed of two representatives from each of the approximately fifty member independent schools.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale
The Parents Association sponsors the Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale as a fundraiser for McLean. Orders are taken in September with delivery in October or early November.
Fall Festival
The annual Fall Festival, held on a Saturday in the fall is a day of fun, food and festivities for all McLean students and their families. The Parents Association sponsors the school-wide event.
Book Fair
The Parents Association sponsors a Book Fair just before winter holiday time, which offers books and other related items for children and adults.
Auction
The major fund raising event of the school is the annual auction. Organized by parent volunteers with the support of the Development and Business Offices, the evening celebrates McLean and raises money to benefit McLean students and faculty. All parents are encouraged to attend.
Grade Parents
Each grade is assisted by parent volunteers who help the school, teachers and classes in many important ways. Lower, Middle and Upper School Parent Coordinators meet regularly with their respective grade parent representatives to plan and coordinate activities. These include pizza lunches, support for school events, and other student social functions.
Parents on Campus The school appreciates the volunteer activities of all parents. We do request that only faculty and staff use the Faculty Lounge and the vending machines and that adults do not buy sodas and snacks for the students. If a parent has a note for a teacher’s mailbox or fliers to be distributed to all teachers, please leave them with the Receptionist. The “mailbox” for the Parents Association is located near the Receptionist’s desk.
SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS
The Yearbook is overseen by a member of the Upper School faculty who works closely with a student yearbook staff in its production and publication. Yearbook production is an elective course that students take for credit.
McLean Magazine is produced two times a year by the Development Office. It is mailed to all parents, alumni/ae, past parents, grandparents and friends of McLean.
The Report of Gifts is produced in the summer by the Development office and is included as part of the McLean Magazine. This report is a documentation of philanthropy to McLean during the previous fiscal year.
Broadcast e-mails are the primary way that information is communicated to parents. A weekly update of McLean events, notices and information is sent every Friday.
SUMMER PROGRAM
The McLean Summer Program offers coeducational programs for students between the ages of 5-18. Our unique, create the summer of your dreams design 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 6-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 Summer Program mission is to provide students with a wide range of activities that stimulate learning and enrich their summer experience outside of the classroom.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The McLean School health room has been established to provide care for students who become sick or injured while at school, to maintain school health records and to coordinate the health screening program. In the event a student becomes ill or is injured, the health room staff will take appropriate actions as required for the nature of the visit. This may include an evaluation by a trained RN, or in certain cases the athletic trainer. If the visit is of a minor nature, it will be dealt with and the incident logged in the student’s medical record. More serious incidents, or where in the opinion of the staff the student needs further care, the parents will be notified by telephone. In the case of students whose needs are such that they cannot be handled at school it is expected that the child will be picked up within 45 minutes. When arriving for your child, please report to the reception desk. A parent or guardian must sign out all students. If parents cannot be reached, the office will call the emergency number listed on the student’s emergency card. Therefore, it is essential that the cards are filled out and updated with changes as needed. In the case of serious emergencies the school staff will activate the county EMS system.
- The health of the students at McLean is the joint responsibility of the student, the family, the faculty, the staff and the nurses.
- It is not a policy of the Health Room to write notes to excuse students from class, such as physical education. If you feel that your child is unable to participate in a particular class, please address this issue with the child’s teacher.
- Communicable diseases: In the interest of prevention and control of illness, AND to comply with Maryland state law, please report any communicable disease and significant illness or medical episodes (including but not limited to lice, strep throat, chicken pox, conjunctivitis, or drug abuse) to the nurses.
- It is not the policy of the Health Room staff to notify parents of student visits. Only serious conditions, especially those which may require further intervention will be communicated to the parents or guardians.
Health Forms
- All students new to McLean are required to have a physical exam. This is a requirement for enrollment at McLean School. A physical exam is recommended for returning students entering grades 3, 5, 7, and 9.
- A Sports Physical is required for all students in grades 9 through 12 before they can participate in any team sports, including tryouts and practices.
- All students must comply with Maryland regulations for immunizations, and have a form on file in the Health Room.
- Two Emergency Contact Cards are required per student. The cards contain names and phone numbers of persons to contact in the event of an emergency. One card is kept in the Health Room and one in the Athletic Directors office. This form must be kept current.
- Health records MUST be updated by all parents for all current medication changes (whether they are administered at the school or not) and all for allergies, including environmental sensitivities.
- Please Note: All of the above forms are due in the Health Room before August 1 each year. Without these forms completed to our satisfaction your child will not be allowed to start school.
Medications
The Health Room recommends that, whenever possible, all medications be given to students at home, prior to or following the school day, especially if long acting preparations are appropriate. RN Staff is available to administer medication during school hours (8:00am-3:15pm.)
If your child must have medication during the school day:
- An Authorization for Medication or a note from a physician must accompany all medications. This includes prescription, over the counter or “alternative” therapies. This is a state law.
- Any changes in medication or dosage through the year must have a physician’s authorization on file prior to being carried out. This includes starting a medication, a dosage change, discontinuation or substitution.
- Morning medications missed at home will be given at school only when the Authorization for Medication form has been completed to include a “p.r.n.” early administration time, AND the family supplies the Health Room with sufficient medication. - Emergency treatments, such as bee sting therapy or inhalers for asthma must have a doctor’s order and permission from the parent. Additional medications must be kept in the PE department for students that participate in after school sports and after school PE.
- All medications must be in the original pharmacy bottle, with the proper labeling intact.
- Medications cannot be accepted in envelopes or plastic bags.
- The Health Room only stocks acetaminophen (Tylenol) (which requires authorization as with any medication). All medications are the responsibility of the child’s parents.
- All medications must be brought to the school by a parent or responsible adult. Students are not allowed to carry medications.
- Medications may be given within 30 minutes of the prescribed time. Lunch meds will be given during the lunch period.
- A cooperative effort is necessary to ensure timely administration of medication. Age appropriate responsibility is placed upon students to remember to come to the health room for their medication.
- Medications are sent on field trips to be administered to students at their prescribed times.
- Lunch time medications will NOT be given on noon dismissal days.
- Unused medications must be picked up by a parent or designated adult within 14 days of discontinuation or on the last day of school at the end of the year. If they are not picked up by the appropriate date the medication will be discarded.
Immunization Policy
It is the responsibility of each school to ensure that children are fully immunized in accordance with school immunization regulations (COMAR §10.06.04). A school principal or other person in charge of a school may not knowingly admit a pupil to, or retain a pupil who has not furnished evidence of primary immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, (rubeola), and rubella (German measles). Please note that chickenpox (varicella) and Hepatitis B vaccines are required for children entering kindergarten. Proof of immunizations must be provided in the manner approved by the Health Officer. The immunizations must be in accordance with the schedule of immunizations recommended by the Subcommittee on Immunizations and Infectious Diseases of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland.
Personal Safety
McLean remains committed to providing a safe environment for all students. Any observed or reported concern about a behavior or statement exhibited by a student indicating a threat or actual harm towards self or others will result in immediate action by the school. All concerns will be reported to a school counselor for consultation and a school administrator. Parents will be notified as appropriate. Other action may include removal of the student from the school community, requirement of an emergency risk assessment, and contact with outside health or mental health providers. Any student asked to leave the school community for medical leave or any other reason will require a re-entry meeting prior to their return to school. (A medical leave policy is available upon request). Re-entry plans are designed to facilitate a smooth transition back into the school community.
The following are organizations and telephone numbers for parents to use in emergencies or crises:
Emergency Numbers
National Domestic Violence …………………………………………….800-799-7233
Child Protective Services ………………………………………………..240-777-4417
National Youth Crisis Center…………………………………………… 301-738-9697
Maryland Poison Center …………………………………………………800-492-2414
Montgomery County Hotline …………………………………………….301-738-2255
The Open Door Shelter Hotline …………………………………………301-770-0193
Related Health Issues
At the beginning of each school year, all faculty and staff receive instruction about Blood-Borne Pathogens and the Maryland Child Abuse, Neglect, and Mental Injury Law. This law requires educators, health practitioners, and human service workers to report any suspected case of child maltreatment. Any suspected incidents will be reported to an administrator, school counselor, or health room nurse and then filed with the appropriate county agency.
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act “AHERA”
McLean School is in compliance with Title 40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E (AHERA) whereby a copy of this school’s AHERA plan is available for your inspection in the Business Office. This management plan contains information regarding inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspections and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress. Should you wish to review the AHERA management plan, please contact the Business Manager at 240-395-0678.
FEES AND COSTS RELATED TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
When McLean School is called upon, or the school’s faculty and/or staff are called as witnesses or are otherwise asked to participate in legal proceedings initiated by or involving former, current, or prospective parents/students, the school may incur significant expenses. In addition to the continuation of compensation for faculty/staff required to participate and the compensation of their replacements, the school may also incur attorneys’ fees and other costs.
Any fees, expenses, or costs incurred by the school related to legal proceedings involving a current, former, or prospective student and/or parent will be charged automatically to the student’s account and will be due within 30 days of billing and under the same terms as tuition and other fees.
TRANSPORTATION
The transportation system at McLean School was established to aid the forward movement of the school. As we continue to add new families at all levels, it is necessary for everyone to understand the reasons behind our system and participate in making it work positively and productively. Our ability to add the Upper School by expanding the building to increase enrollment in 2001 depended on a new condition in our lease with our landlord, the Board of Education of Montgomery County. We agreed to a school-wide transportation plan that would eliminate carpool lines and reduce vehicular traffic coming into the neighborhood.
Bus Arrival and Departure — All Students
All students arrive and depart McLean School via satellite or cluster locations. In the morning parents, carpools, vans, taxis, and bus services bring students to our off campus sites where all students board buses and are driven to school and in the afternoon, at dismissal, students board these buses at school and are driven back to these sites for parent, carpools, vans, taxis, and bus services pick-up.
The satellite sites are at: Cabin John Shopping Center, Potomac Woods Shopping Center, White Flint Mall, and the Latter Day Saints Church. Upper School students with driving permission park at Cabin John Shopping Center and take the Upper School bus to school. There are five additional ‘cluster’ sites (fee for service sites): one stop in Montgomery County, two stops in Virginia and three in Washington.
The student’s site location is parent requested and assigned before the start of the school year. McLean’s buses are the only allowed transportation permitted in the neighborhood for arrival and dismissal. Detailed parking/drop off safety instructions for each separate site are available on our website.
In the event that a student misses their regularly scheduled morning bus at any location, students must be brought to the Cabin John Shopping Center satellite site for the late bus which departs at 8:45am. Individual vehicles may not come to campus between 7:45am—9:00am and 2:45pm-3:45pm unless they have specific permission from the Transportation Coordinator.
Driving and Carpool General Considerations
- We encourage families to create multi-rider carpools. All carpools must drop off and pick up at one of the satellite or cluster sites.
- Please explain the carpool regulations to your nannies, caretakers, visiting family members and others who may drive your carpool.
- If you know that your child will not be riding home with his or her carpool or bus, please notify the Receptionist as early as possible in the day.
- Our satellite and cluster site owners have been generous in allowing McLean School to use their property. Please remember that these are businesses in operation and we encourage you to show a courteous McLean School spirit while at these locations by:
- following the directions for entering and exiting these sites
- observing the posted speed limits
- driving with extreme care as there are pedestrians in the area
- keeping fire lanes, store fronts, emergency exits and mailboxes clear so that businesses can operate with the least amount of disruption
- being a great role model for the students. They learn best by watching adults; let them see cooperation, courtesy and responsible behavior.
Parking During the School Day
If you want to come to McLean for school business (Parents Association, teacher conference, or just to visit, etc.), please do so after 9:00 am, prior to 2:45 pm or after 3:45 pm. Please park in the McLean lot first (using the parent reserved parking in front of the school or any other open space). However, should there be no spaces readily available; you may park on our side of Lochinver Lane between our two driveways, or, as a last resort, at the curb in front of the school advising the Receptionist upon entering the school
Enter the school through the wide west driveway and exit by the east, upper driveway.
- There is no parking (or standing or “waiting”) on the circle, at any time. There is no parking in the 3 spaces reserved for handicapped vehicles, unless your car has a handicap tag or windshield display.
- If your child must be picked up early for a special appointment or reason, that pick-up must occur prior to 2:45 pm.
Taxis, Vans, Private Limo Services, Etc.
If you use a taxi, van, private limo service, or any other transportation to transport your child, it is your responsibility to inform the driver of the McLean transportation rules.
COMMUNICATIONS
during the school day, including morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times. Parents are asked not to visit the classrooms for impromptu conferences. They may leave a message at the Reception desk or on faculty/staff voice mail or email and the teacher will contact them as soon as possible. We encourage everyone to communicate through email. McLean employees have an email address which begins with the first name initial, followed by the last name, then mcleanschool.org Example: Sally Brown’s email address is sbrown@mcleanschool.org
We ask that all messages to students during school hours be kept to matters of importance only. Arrangements with your child for all after school activities should be made before the school day begins. Only under special circumstances will a student be allowed to use the school telephone. We ask parents not to call their children directly. We only pull them out of class for emergencies.
To obtain daily information about after-school games and practices, please call 240-395-0693 for the Athletic Hotline.
CRISIS PLAN
Throughout the year we routinely discuss and practice our role in emergency situations. All students have seen our Emergency Action Plan, as it is posted in each room and in common areas. We not only plan fire drills, but emergency lock down and hazardous weather scenarios. It is our belief that these practices will allow the students to feel prepared for the unthinkable and comforted by their knowledge of how to react.
In the event that a crisis should develop and affect the operation of the school, we will make every attempt to notify parents and families as we do in snow emergencies; by the local news media and in the emergency message on our web site. Please do not attempt to come to the campus prior to being instructed to do so. The safety of our students is our number one concern and we have made provisions for their health and well being. Emergency cards will be with us at all times and should we need to relocate to our off-campus site (Cabin John Middle School) you will be directed, via the web site, to a central point for reunification ONLY when it is safe to do so. Please listen for instructions on television/radio or log on to www.mcleanschool.org for regular updates.