Highlander Happenings

It is hard to believe that we are already in May! The school year is drawing to a close, but our students have a lot left to accomplish before the first week of June and there are a lot of upcoming events to look forward to. As always, I encourage you to regularly check our social media at Instagram @mckeanhsde and on x(formerly Twitter) @mckeanprincipal for all things McKean. Also please remember to monitor your child's grades and attendance. Finishing the year strong is extremely important leading into the summer for our underclassmen. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school counselor. Finally, our Final Exam schedule and end-of-the-year schedule will be posted in the next few weeks through Schoology. We A.R.E McKean!

We are excited to invite you to be a part of something extraordinary – our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)! The PTO plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for our children and fostering a strong sense of community within our school.

Join a community of dedicated parents, teachers, and staff who share a common goal – creating a positive and enriching environment for our students.

How Can You Get Involved? 👉 Attend PTO Meetings: Join us for informative and engaging meetings where we discuss upcoming events, fundraising opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive community that empowers our students to thrive.

Estimados padres y tutores de McKean:

Espero que este mensaje te encuentre bien. Nos complace invitarlo a nuestra próxima reunión de la Organización de Padres y Maestros (PTO), donde discutiremos asuntos importantes relacionados con la comunidad escolar.

We are asking you to complete a survey to help us learn what parents and guardians think about McKean High School. Your thoughts and opinions are very important. Through this survey, we will use your experiences and opinions to help us build on our strengths and work to make improvements.

The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed by computer or cellphone. If you have more than one child in this school, please complete the survey with one child’s experiences in mind.

Le estamos pidiendo a usted que complete una encuesta sobre McKean High School para que nos ayude a saber que piensan los padres, madres y guardianes sobre nuestra escuela. Sus pensamientos e ideas son muy importantes. A través de esta encuesta, utilizaremos sus experiencias y opiniones para ayudarnos a desarrollar las áreas en buen funcionamiento y trabajar para mejor las débiles.

Solo le tomará 15 minutos para completar la encuesta. Si usted tiene más de un niño/a en esta escuela, por favor complete la encuesta basándose solamente en las experiencias de uno de sus hijos/as.

Para acceder a la versión HOME de la Encuesta Clima Escolar de Delaware

• Friday, May 3rd- In-service Day- No school for students
• Friday, May 10th - Prom - The Waterfall in Claymont, DE - 7pm-11pm Tickets go on sale 2/20
• Friday, May 10th- Interim Grades Due
• Wednesday, May 15th Outdoor Choir Concert
• Thursday, May 16th Spain information meeting #2
• Monday, May 20th- Senior Chromebook collection
• Monday, May 20th-Thursday, May 23rd: Senior Final Exams
  
• Thursday, May 23rd - Spring Instrumental Band Concert - Gus Highfield Audion - 6pm
• Friday, May 24th- Final Day for Seniors
• Wednesday, May 29th- Underclassperson Chromebook collection
• Thursday, May 30th- Senior Awards
• Thursday, May 30th- MANDATORY rehearsal for all graduates @7:45am

June 2024

• Saturday, June 1st: McKean Graduation @9AM
  
• Friday, June 7th- Final Day For Underclassmen

Red Clay Consolidated School District is growing the Early College Academy partnership with our neighbor Goldey-Beacom College! More information will come for this opportunity to attend college classes at GBC and earn college credit while enrolled at Thomas McKean High School. Click the photo to the right for more information! Please contact Mr. Downes with questions.

AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. This is done by a schoolwide approach to teaching and learning styles, as well as, supported by identified students who are in the AVID elective to raise their rigor and access to higher education opportunities. We will be sharing out more AVID information monthly – see where are some of our AVID Alumni now in the linked slide show. Please contact Ms. Brandi Mycoff with any questions regarding AVID at McKean!

Members of the Thomas McKean AVID site team has now offered two after school professional developments that focus on different AVID teaching strategies. These strategies are being shared to staff members to maintain student engagement and success in the classroom. Professional developments have been in the areas of Socratic seminars, interactive notebooks, reading strategies, World Café’s, and Focused Note taking.

Do you enjoy working with young children? Are you looking for steady employment after high school? Any senior interested in learning more about becoming a classroom paraprofessional after high school is invited to attend an informational session on April 17th. The sign-up link can be found on the Class of 2024 Schoology Page. If more information is needed regarding this matter, please see Dr. Galloway.

Greetings Class of 2026!!!

Are you interested in learning more about the Patient Care Assistant Pathway at Delaware Technical Community College?

I invite you to sign up to learn more about this wonderful and exciting opportunity.

Sign up by using the Delaware Tech Patient Care Assistant Informational Session Link on the Class of 2026 Schoology Page or see Dr. Galloway in Room C3C.

Please visit HighlandersSports.com for information about Highlander Athletics as we wrap up the Winter Season.

Spring Sports have started!

Baseball - Jaxon Brown

Softball - Jourdan Zickgraf

Lacrosse - Nick Dorda & Stephon Johnson

Girls Soccer - Lamora Kaylor & Anthony Smith

Track & Field - Gavin Coates & Shakir Ali

Unified Track & Field - Grace Guillebeau

Boys Volleyball - Brian Starrett

Tennis - Ray Smith

Golf - Mike Freccia

1) McKean Sportsmanship Policy

• Students must attend a presentation on Sportsmanship with Ms. Dukuray
• All students must sign McKean Sportsmanship Contract prior to competing in games/practices. Form can be found on the bottom left of the Highlanderssports.com page under Forms.

2) DIAA Physical

• Students must have a DIAA physical on file with the school to be eligible for practices, scrimmages, and games.
• Physicals must be completed on the approved DIAA Physical Forms.
• Physicals must be completed after April 1st of the year that the school year begins.
• Physicals may be uploaded to Family ID or submitted to the school nurse.

3) Academic Eligibility

• Academic eligibility is determined each marking period.
• Students must be passing 5 classes to be eligible to participate in athletic activities.
• 2 of the 5 classes must be in the core subject areas: Math, Science, English, or Social Studies.
• Seniors must also be passing all classes needed for graduation.

Athletic Director Dorda would like to share the following information regarding Fall Sports:

• After-school buses are reserved for active roster student-athletes only. NO STUDENT FANS PERMITTED
• Highlander Sportsmanship is expected from all athletes, student fans, and family fans at all sporting events. All Highlanders are expected to adhere to the codes of conduct set forth by Thomas McKean High School, Red Clay Consolidated School District, and the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Questions - Contact Mr. Dorda - Athletic Director

Highlander Families,

The end of the year is quickly approaching and there are some events upcoming, we need to provide some information and direction on expectations. Please read and process the following information.

PROM:

This year's Prom event will be held on May 10th at the Waterfall in Claymont, DE from 7-11PM! I know that our Junior and Senior students have been talking about it and asking questions. Tickets have been for sale over the recent weeks and students should see Ms. Bianco, in the main office, if there are any questions.

If a student would like to bring a guest to Prom that is not a current McKean student, they must fill out a Guest Form. Forms can be found in the main office and are also linked on the Class of 24/25 Schoology pages, inside of the white Prom 2024 folder. All forms must be filled out and returned to Mr. Downes by Friday May 3rd (one week before prom.)

Forms are broken into three sections. The top section is to be filled out by the McKean student's parent/guardian. The middle section is to be filled out by the guest's parent/guardian. The bottom section is to be filled out by an Administrator at the guest's school. All guests must be under 19 years old and have a valid form of identification to accompany the guest form.

If anyone has questions about the guest procedures for Prom, or the guest form itself, please direct them to Mr. Downes.

ANY STUDENTS attending this year’s Prom:

Please be advised that any students planning to attend this year’s Prom must attend our mandatory meeting, which is May 3, 2024 @9:45 am to hear our expectations regarding our school event. All students are expected to attend in person that day. If they do not have classes scheduled that day or are an online student, they are still expected to attend the meeting, then be on their way once we dismiss at 10:30 am. If any students have concerns or significant reasons that would affect their attendance should reach out to Mr. Downes directly. Any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly.

We want to provide a some gentle reminders to everyone regarding the following policies below, while summer weather is finally here:

Dress Code:

• Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent.

• The torso must be covered and undergarments must not be visible.

• Students must wear shoes with a sole.

• Hats and other head coverings are not to be worn in schools except in cases of medical, and religious reasons.

Clothing May Not

• Depict, advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.

• Depict pornography, nudity or sexual acts.

• Share or depict hate speech.

• Depict violence or threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff member.

• See page 15 of the Student Handbook for more information.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up:

• Any families dropping or picking up Students need to be aware about the designated drop-off and pick-up procedures to ensure the safety and efficiency of our school community.

• All Students being picked up or dismissed early from our building must provide consent from only listed Parent/Guardian in our system. We will not allow any students to leave without consent/permission from appropriate legal appointed guardians.

Upper Lot Usage:

All parent drop-off and pickup activities are to take place exclusively in the upper parking lot. This area has been designated for these purposes to streamline traffic flow and enhance the safety of our students.

No Entry to Bus Lane:

Please refrain from entering the bus lane for any drop-off or pickup activities. The bus lane is reserved for school buses and needs to remain clear to facilitate the smooth and safe flow of school transportation.

Safety First:

By adhering to these guidelines, we collectively contribute to the safety and well-being of all students, parents, and staff. Your cooperation in following these procedures is greatly appreciated.

After School Activities, Clubs, Sports, and Other Event Expectations:

For any and all students attending any After-School activities are to abide by the Red Clay Student and Family handbook, whether at McKean campus or any other school campus.

• The Student and Family handbook is enforced at all school-sponsored events and other activities where school administrators have jurisdiction over students.

• Any student who actively hinders an investigation or any student who aids, is involved with the planning, or helps another student in any way in an act which violates the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

• Students can be subject to be revocation or loss of privileges at any time being unable to attend any After-School activities violating the Code of Conduct.

After School Activities, Clubs, Sports, and Other Event Expectations:

For any and all students attending any After-School activities are to abide by the Red Clay Student and Family handbook, whether at McKean campus or any other school campus.

• The Student and Family handbook is enforced at all school-sponsored events and other activities where school administrators have jurisdiction over students.

• Any student who actively hinders an investigation or any student who aids, is involved with the planning, or helps another student in any way in an act which violates the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

• Students can be subject to be revocation or loss of privileges at any time being unable to attend any After-School activities violating the Code of Conduct.

For any and all students attending any After-School activities are to abide by the Red Clay Student and Family handbook, whether at McKean campus or any other school campus.

• The Student and Family handbook is enforced at all school-sponsored events and other activities where school administrators have jurisdiction over students.
• Any student who actively hinders an investigation or any student who aids, is involved with the planning, or helps another student in any way in an act which violates the Student Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Students can be subject to be revocation or loss of privileges at any time being unable to attend any After-School activities violating the Code of Conduct.

We would like to stress the importance of on time arrival to both school and every class this year. As a team, we are ramping up interventions and supports, as well as consequences and celebrations, for students around on time arrival to class. Attendance interventions have been designed to help all students maximize their learning time by incentivizing being on time, and we have a team dedicated to addressing any challenges students face with tardiness to school and class. Students that arrive to class late will not be eligible for hall/bathroom passes during the period.

This crew of helpful Highlanders picked up plastic and trash on Slaughter Beach Thursday, May 2nd. Mayor Bob Wood is in the back row.

Let's celebrate Mrs. Lori Bianco, Mr. Rob Yacucci, Ms. Erika Zavala and Ms. Donna Albera

On Tuesday, April 23rd, McKean/Meadowood participated in the Special Olympics Unified Soccer Competition. We had five teams in the Developmental Division, one in the Competitive Division, and additional students participating in the Unified Soccer Experience. Thank you to Ms. Kaiser and all of the amazing teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff that made this happen.

Jackson Seward recited the Special Olympics oath and Josh Page-Bennett held the torch to open the event!

Please help us congratulate Sam Miller and Imani Bright for capturing 3rd place at the 5th Annual DelDOT Bridge Design Challenge. Besting all but 2 of 82 teams representing 18 Delaware high schools! #wearemckean

McKean’s leap into the workforce program Thursday April 25th at Prices Corner Car Wash!

Tuesday April 23rd students took a trip to the Delaware Art Museum to see a dance show by the “Hispanic Flamenco Ballet”. The students had an immersive experience in Spanish through music and dance, and when they returned to school, they ate a Hispanic lunch, prepared by our chefs and their students.

Please congratulate the following students who were voted into the National Honor Society by the faculty council based on their service, leadership, scholarship, and character:

Seniors:

1. Carlene Sowden

Juniors:

1. Makayla Eubanks
2. Taliya Hayman
3. Michael Hernandez
4. Jesus Lopez Rico
5. Haydn Orr
6. Ma’zzine Thomas
7. Lizbeth Tovar-Lemus

Sophomores:

1. Olivia Barnes
2. Holden Bickford
3. Vaughn Brooks
4. Grace Starrett

On Thursday, May 2nd the Red Clay community came out to support the visual arts at the Delaware Art Museum at our Art Smart Exhibit. Please congratulate the following Highlanders who were selected to represent McKean! Thank you, staff, students, and families who supported our students.

Jalena Apa

Allison Ramirez

Chloe Redd

Jazmin Luna Zavala

Ashlin Aguilar-Bonilla

Jennifer Meneses-Lara

Shania Whittaker

Juan Juarez Leon

Serving our community partners with song. Dr. Haas is very proud of the members of the advanced women’s ensemble and the Highlander Chorale for sacrificing their time to sing and serve the residents of Cokesbury Village with selections from their Broadway Jazz Night concert. Students expressed interest in working at Cokesbury Village. You are cordially invited to attend the outdoor spring choir concert on May 15 at 5:30 PM at McKean.

The Penn Relays are the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since April 21, 1895, by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. More than 17,000 athletes competed over three days. The Relays are unique in that it is age-inclusive meaning any runners from youth to masters get to compete if qualified.

Participating Highlanders

Tyhir Connor

Justin Scott

Zion Nieves

Jarrod Mace

Nathan Boyles

Shaquille Lebrew

Janae Connor

Alisatu Manssaray

Tori Prysko

Gionna Flemming

Anesha Brown

Alisatu Manssaray

Makeida Wiggins

The school presented Mr. Worlds with balloons and praise Wednesday, May 1st to celebrate his leadership in our community.