Highlander Happenings
October 6th, 2023
Thomas McKean High School
Principal's Corner
The first marking period is halfway over! As we enter October, please remind students how important it is to continue working daily to get off to a good start academically. One of our primary goals this year is to improve student eligibility and cumulative grade point average (GPA), which compels us to work with our students to maintain strong performance during this first marking period. Please encourage your child to seek that support, as the staff and I are here to ensure our students’ success.
Thank you to all parents who attended our Back-to-School Night last Thursday. We had a very successful evening. Parents had various opportunities to meet teachers and receive valuable information about parent involvement, policies & procedures, and school operations. We were thrilled to be able to share the great things that are happening at Thomas McKean High School with our parents.
Finally, Mr. Downes and I hosted the Fall Sportsmanship Assembly for all our Fall student-athletes last week. Our message was simple: At McKean, we believe that sportsmanship is essential because it upholds the values of fairness, respect, and integrity in sports, promotes character development, and positively influences individuals, teams, and society.
Win or lose, we, the Highlanders, believe in being good sports.
We A.R.E. McKean!
Important Dates
October
- Week of October 9th through 12th - Homecoming Spirit Week
- Friday October 13th - School Closed - Inservice Day for Teachers and Staff
- Friday October 13th - Homecoming Football Game - 6:00pm
- Saturday October 14th - Homecoming Dance - Thomas McKean High School
- Thursday October 19th - Parent Café - Nutritional Wellness - 6:00pm-7:00pm - New Castle Library
- Friday October 20th - The Backyard Brawl - 6:00pm at The John Dickinson School
- Tuesday October 24th - College and Career Night - 6:00pm-8:00pm - Bob Carpenter Center @ UD
- Monday October 23rd thru Friday October 27th - College Application Week for Class of 2024
- Tuesday October 31st - LAST Senior Portrait Day - Sign Up Here
Surveys and Screeners
We have received questions about surveys and screeners that our students take during the school year. Screening and assessment provide valuable information about each child's interests, strengths, and needs. Our school and district also use assessment as an ongoing process to improve our educational process. If you have any specific questions about a survey or screener, feel free to reach to our administration team.
Academic Updates
Scholarship Information
Class of 2024: The Scholarship Compendium is now available online for all seniors in the class of 2024. This lists hundreds of scholarships across the state that are available for graduating seniors planning to attend college next year. Please go to scholarships.delawarestudentsuccess.org to access the compendium.
Class of 2025: Of you are interested in taking the PSAT/NMSQT for scholarship consideration, please go to the class of 2025 Schoology page to register.
If you do not see a "Class of" page on your Schoology. Please let your School Counselor know.
France 2024 - Spring Break Trip Information
Dear Highlander Families,
It was so lovely to meet many of you last week during open house. As I mentioned to some, we’re going to France in Spring 2024, and you’re invited! Our trip will run for nine days over spring break of 2024, and students are eligible to attend with, of course, the understanding that the student meets behavioral expectations in the classroom and on the trip.
We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
Please use this link for more information.
https://www.eftours.com/enroll
Then select VIEW after entering the tour number: 2642172AV
You will learn:
• How this opportunity will benefit your student
• What we’ll see and do on our trip
• Everything that’s included in this experience
• How your child can earn academic credit
• How we’re keeping this safe, including behavioral expectations, and affordable
• How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period
Thank you,
Mme Brunton
All Students Need to Submit Data Cards
From Our Highlander School Counselors
Thomas McKean High School's School Counselors are available to meet with students by appointment only. Please check "Class of" Schoology Pages for more information. A few reminders as we start the new year:
- School Counselors visited all 12th Grade English classes and spoke to students about their plans for after graduation
- There will be a 12th grade assembly on Monday October 16th to discuss College Application Week, scholarships and FASFA
- Counselors are meeting individually with all seniors to discuss their plans for after graduation.
- College application week for our 12th graders will Monday October 23-Friday October 27
- College & Career night October 24th 6-8 pm Bob Carpenter Center University of Delaware
- This year’s FAFSA for students attending college next year will not open until December
Highlander Athletics
Fall Sports 2023 Information
Please visit HighlandersSports.com for information about Highlander Athletics throughout the offseason as we prepare for Fall athletics pre-season in August. Spring sports have competed in their last competitions this week.
Tickets Must Be Purchased Prior to Games - No Tickets Sold After Site Closes
Athletic Director Updates
- Tickets to home football games must be purchased in advance from Ticket Spicket.
- Students will not be permitted to re-enter the stadium 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.
Climate and Culture
Safety & Security
As we begin the 2023-2024 school year, the Thomas McKean High School administrative team would like to take some time to discuss climate and culture expectations for the building. Safety and security is one of the main foci within our building and community. Students and staff feel safe and excited to come to school being amongst their Highlander community family. A few reminders about Thomas McKean High School's expectations and commitment to a positive learning environment for all.
- The school day starts at 7:10am and runs until 2:10pm. Students arriving late to school must check in at the front office before heading to class. Any students arriving after 10:30am must have a note explaining their tardiness. If a student is absent for more than 50% of his or her instructional day/classes, the student is considered absent from school. Any student arriving after this time will not be permitted within the building without proper documentation.
- All students must have a note or other form of prior authorization in order to receive an early dismissal. Students are not permitted to leave campus early without documentation.
- No student is permitted to return to campus after leaving the building without proper documentation and approval from school administration.
- No student or staff member is permitted to prop open any exterior door at any time. Only the main office doors should be used by students, families, or guests to enter the building.
We A.R.E. On Time
From the Student Advisors
Thomas McKean High School has three dedicated individuals committed to the success of each and everyone one of our Highlanders. Mr. Gavin Coates and Ms. Shavonne Carter, and Mr. Taureen Taylor work closely with our students, teachers, staff, and other resources to support all students' paths to success.
Student Drivers and Parking Passes
All vehicles must be registered and display the parking pass at all times while on campus. Unregistered vehicles and improperly parked vehicles are subject to towing from campus at the owner's expense.
Student Parking in Upper Lot: Any students utilizing the upper student lot.
- Any vehicles parked illegally or not displaying a parking permit are subject to being towed at your own expense.
- Students who are reported driving aggressively or recklessly in the Student Lot or any other areas on campus are subject to having all parking privileges revoked.
- If for any reason students lose this privilege that will not be permitted to drive/park on campus.
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.
Dress Code Expectations
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.
Highlander Highlights
National Custodian Day - October 2nd
Thomas McKean High School says thanks to our Highlander Custodial Staff!