Highlander Happenings
January 26th, 2024
Thomas McKean High School
Principal's Corner
McKean School Community,
I hope you have stayed safe and warm in these first few weeks of 2024 with the winter snow storms and freezing temperatures. Nevertheless, despite a couple of snow days in the past week, we continue to schedule and reschedule all the impacted events. Our students are deep into winter sports and getting rolling in their courses for the second semester. As a school, I am very proud to report that a huge percentage of all 2nd marking period grades earned by our students were passing grades. We want our students to keep up the hard work and remember, we are here to support EVERY student. Reach out to teachers, counselors, our Student Advisors, and Administration for additional support or questions. We are on this journey together and want the best for every Highlander. Please be sure to read through this newsletter for more important information.
We A.R.E. McKean!
McKean PTO Invitation
Attention McKean Parents and Guardians
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.
Next Meeting - February 21st at 6pm
Invitación a la reunión del PTO de McKean
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.
Important Dates
February
- Thursday, February 1st - DECA Career Development
- Friday, February 2nd - Project Soapbox Competition - Wilmington University
- Sunday, February 4th - McKean Best Buddies and Special Olympics Take the Plunge! - Donate/Join the Team
- Wednesday, February 7th - Art Club Meeting in the Art Room at McKean
- Tuesday, February 20th - Prom Ticket Sales Begin - See Below for more information!
- Tuesday, February 20th - Thursday, February 23rd - National FFA Week
- Wednesday, February 21st - McKean PTO Meeting - McKean Library - 6pm
- Wednesday, February 28th - Red Clay Referendum - Red Clay remains dedicated to identifying the most effective solutions to benefit our students and community. On Wednesday, February 28th, the Red Clay Consolidated School District community will have the opportunity to vote on two important proposals aimed at preserving, revitalizing, and enhancing our District's programs, services, facilities, and staff positions.
March and Beyond
- Friday, March 1st and Saturday March 2nd - Shrek the Musical, Jr. - In the Highfield Audion
- Tuesday, March 5th - PSAT and SAT Testing Day for Grades 9th thru 11th - Virtual Day for 12th Graders
- Thursday, March 7th - FAFSA Night at McKean - Room A24 - 3pm-6pm
- Friday, March 8th - No School for Students - Teacher Professional Learning Day
- Monday, March 18th & Tuesday, March 19th - Technology Student Association Competition - University of Delaware
- Thursday, March 21st - Highlander Chorale present Jazz Night on Broadway - 6pm - Highfield Audion
- Saturday April 27th through Saturday May 4th - McKean Spring Plant Sale
- Friday, May 10th - Thomas McKean High School Prom - The Waterfall in Claymont, DE - 7pm-11pm
- Thursday, May 23rd - Spring Instrumental Band Concert - Gus Highfield Audion - 6pm
Rock Your Socks Day
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is selling Rock Your Socks t-shirts for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. This is the day that we wear crazy, mismatched socks to celebrate the things that make each of us UNIQUE! This year they are selling them directly online and they have t-shirts, hoodies, youth shirts, and long sleeve shirts in multiple colors! The design of the shirt is the same that we have ordered previously. Depending on the particular item, they have sizes XS-5XL.
https://www.bonfire.com/dsade-world-down-syndrome-day-shirts/
Class Advisor Information
Class of 2024
Don’t forget about your class dues - $50
Class dues must be paid as soon as possible in order to purchase prom tickets, attend your senior class trip, and/or participate in graduation.
Please see Ms. Wakefield if you have any questions.
Class of 2025
Don’t forget about your class dues - $30
Class dues must be paid as soon as possible in order to purchase prom tickets!
Prom is going to be Friday May 10th from 7PM-11PM at the Waterfall in Claymont. Tickets will go on sale February 20th and can be purchased from Senior Secretary Lori Bianco during lunches. Tickets will be $75 before spring break and $80 after. Please take a moment to check out our prom letter and the guest form (both will also be available on the class of Schoology pages for Juniors and Seniors).
Please see Ms. Dukes if you have any questions.
Class of 2026
The Ring Assembly for the Classes of 2025 and 2026 will be held on Friday, March 1st during Advisory.
Please contact Ms. Marchak with questions or visit Jostens.com to view ring options.
Academic Updates
Early College Academy
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 Corner
What is AVID?
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.
Red Clay's Side-by-Side Program
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.
Attention Current 10th Graders - Are you interested in a career in Health Care?
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.
Highlander Athletics
Winter Sports 2023-2024 Season in in full force!
Please visit HighlandersSports.com for information about Highlander Athletics as we wrap up the Winter Season.
Please check out the recent article written about our 12-1 Boys Basketball Team.
Tickets Must Be Purchased Prior to Games - No Tickets Sold After Site Closes
Athletic Director Updates
- Tickets to home football and basketball games must be purchased in advance from Ticket Spicket.
- Students will not be permitted to re-enter the stadium or gymnasium once they have left.
- 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.
Fall 2024 Boys Soccer Coach Opening! Please contact Nicholas Dorda with any questions or interest
Expectations for Winter Sporting Events
As we kickoff our Winter sports season, a gentle reminder that all ticket sales for all Boys Basketball games will be available to purchase ONLINE ONLY through Ticket Spicket. Tickets are $5 for Adults and $2 for Students. Tickets will be available to purchase up until 3 pm on game days. Tickets need to be purchased for both JV and Varsity Boys Basketball games. Tickets are not required to attend Girls Basketball Games or Wrestling Matches. Spectators are expected to follow all procedures and expectations listed below at all times, while attending any Athletic Events at McKean High School.
Spectator Expectations and Procedures
The following procedures and protocols will be in place for all spectators at McKean Athletic Events:
- Ticket is required for entry.
- Spectators must enter the game via the pool lobby.
- Only spectators with ties to the two teams or schools will be permitted to enter into the game. This includes family members, students, faculty, and staff of the participating teams.
- No entrance to the game after the end of the second quarter.
- No re-entry to the game at any time.
- No outside food or drink.
- No bags are to be brought into the gym.
- No fan seating will be allowed behind the team benches..
- No ski masks or full face gators are permitted.
- Spectators are not permitted to enter the playing court at any time for any reason.
- At the conclusion of the game all spectators should exit through the gym lobby in a timely manner. Visiting teams will not be re-entering the gym following the game.
- All Spectators must follow the DIAA Spectator Code of Conduct (Can be found on the Highlanderssports.com)
Climate and Culture
A Message from Principal Downes
Highlander Families,
We would like to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and New year. We hope you have a joyful and restful break enjoying time with your families! We do ask that upon our return from Winter break, we want to gently remind everyone of our dress code policies.
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.
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.
We A.R.E. On Time
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.
Highlander Highlights
McKean Sophomore to Attend the 2024 Governor's School for Excellence
Members of the Class of 2026, have been chosen to represent Thomas McKean High School at the Governor's School for Excellence this summer at the University of Delaware.
Grace Starrett - Academic Excellence
Additionally, three other members of the Class of 2026 have been nominated and will audition for the Governor's School for Excellence in the Arts Program! We wish them the best in their audition!
Kevyn Skinner - Percussion
Andre John-El Ford - Choral & Theater Arts
Chloe Redd - Visual Arts
The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence is a one-week summer residential program that brings together academically and artistically talented Delaware high school students who have completed their sophomore year. Students live in residence halls on the Newark campus and attend either the academic program, consisting of discussions, lectures, debates and films revolving around a specific theme, or the visual and performing arts program, which provides tutorial instruction with a noted artist and culminates in a performance or public display of the students’ work. Students are nominated to participate in Governor’s School through their schools via a competitive application process.
AVID Professional Development - Teacher Leaders
AVID Site Team Members Emily Carroll, Shavonne Carter, Stacey Stokes, Bryan Cummings, Brandi Mycoff, and Lowell Buford provided excellent professional development for teachers at the January faculty meeting on Socratic Seminars, Focus Note Taking, Reading Strategies, Interactive Notebooks, and World Cafes! Well done AVID Site Team Members!
Snow Days + Science = Fun for Lil Highlanders and the Early Childhood Education Pathway Students
Students in the ECE Pathway blended snow, science, and fun recently by taking advantage of last week's storms to bring science hands on to the four littlest Highlanders!
French 4 Students Reading to Lil Highlanders
The French 4 students did an amazing job engaging with the preschoolers and reading them familiar children's stories in French this morning!
Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast
To welcome the last semester at McKean for our Seniors, Class Advisor Kim Wakefield with the help of Chefs Rosato and Fox from the McKean Culinary Pathway, the McKean Administration Team, and other Highlander Staff held a successful breakfast for the Senior Class in the recently renovated McKean Cafeteria.
Highlander Boys Basketball Team and Coach Johnson
From DelawareOnline article by Brad Meyers:
"McKean is Delaware’s biggest surprise so far this season, riding high at 12-1. The Highlanders have already clinched the program’s first winning season in eight years, and they want more."
"“They bought in to the stuff I was selling,” third-year coach Stephon Johnson said. “They showed up every day. They worked. … They’re a close-knit group off the court. They’re always together. They love each other.”"
“We know the teams that we need to beat to stay relevant,” Johnson said. “But I tell them, one game at a time. Every night is a championship.”
Highlander Wrestlers Continue to Dominate
Shaq Lebrew placed 2nd and Vaughn Brooks placed 5th at the Canal Classic Wrestling Tournament helping the team improve to 4-0 in Conference matches (4-2 overall) and on their way to a 5th straight Blue Hen Conference Title!
New School Record Set!
Justin Scott set a new an all-time new school record for the Triple Jump at the Indoor Track meet at Ursinus College on January 24th. His jump also qualifies him to compete at the DIAA Indoor Track & Field State Championships on February 3rd.
Senior English Students Write to Author Julia Alvarez
Senior English students are writing letters to Julia Alvarez who is the author of our novel they are reading, "In the Time of the Butterflies."
Carlene Sowden has even sent her own writing portfolio to Julia Alvarez's agent, Stan Bernstein.
Community Service Advisory Students Collect and Distribute Hygiene Products to Classmates in Need
Ms. Collier's Community Service Advisory students are decorating and passing out hygiene product donation boxes. Our goal is for every single teacher to have their own box in their classroom so that students can personally drop off products such as deodorant, shampoo, and soap to their teachers. These products are then "discreetly" dropped off to students that need them at Thomas McKean.