Highlander Happenings
February 9th, 2024
Thomas McKean High School
Principal's Corner
McKean School Community,
Happy February! While February has the least number of school days in a year, it happens to be one of our busiest and most productive months on the calendar. Our students are actively engaged in their education while also involved in clubs, activities, athletics, and community service. They proudly represent our school as we continue to support and empower them. This relationship creates an environment that promotes success!
Also, I wanted to communicate one additional item. This is a reminder that the Red Clay School District is going for a referendum this month. These funds are crucial for maintaining and improving school facilities, purchasing necessary resources like textbooks and technology, and supporting various educational programs for our McKean students. Remember We A.R.E McKean!
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
- 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.
Shrek the Musical
Please Join McKean Theater Arts for Shrek the Musical!
Rock Your Socks Day
Buy a Shirt for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st.
McKean Chorale Concert
"Broadway" Jazz Night Concert is March 21st . at 6PM in the Highfield Audion.
March and Beyond
- Friday, March 1st and Saturday March 2nd - Shrek the Musical, Jr.
- 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
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 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. Tickets will be $75 before spring break and $80 after. Check out our prom letter and the guest form.
Please see Ms. Dukes if you have any questions.
Class of 2026
Don’t forget about your class dues - $20
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 is wrapping up!
Please visit HighlandersSports.com for information about Highlander Athletics as we wrap up the Winter Season.
Spring Sports Start on Monday, March 4th. Please contact head coaches with any questions about joining a team!
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
Boys Basketball Makes the State Tournament
Sitting at 14-4, the Highlander Boys Basketball Team is headed back to the State Tournament after a 15 year hiatus. Lead by Coach Stephon Johnson, the boys will play their first DIAA Tournament game on February 27th or February 29th.
Athletic Director Updates
- Tickets to home 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
These 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
Highlanders Raised Over $15,335 for Special Olympics Delaware
Thomas McKean High School extends heartfelt gratitude to all who rallied behind our Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge Team this year. Through the collective efforts of our community, we are thrilled to announce that we raised an impressive $15,335 and had 43 courageous plungers take the icy plunge, all in support of a great cause.
The dedication and enthusiasm of our plungers exemplify the spirit of giving and camaraderie. We extend our sincerest congratulations to the following individuals who fearlessly took the plunge!
The success of this event underscores the generosity and commitment of our community towards supporting the Special Olympics. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to achieve their full potential through sports.
Highlander DECA Students Compete at DECA Career Conference
Congratulations to the following DECA students: Jacquelyn Molina, Jennifer Meneses-Lara, Kristopher Dunn, Corryn Meadows, Gionna Fleming, and Samuel Salazar-Lopez, who competed in our DECA Delaware Career Conference in Rehoboth Beach on February 1st.
Jacquelyn Molina won 1st Place in Personal Selling Event.
In addition to students preparing and competing in individual and team events , they attended numerous Business workshops throughout the day to include:
Value in a Multi-Channel Marketing Approach, Mastering the Art of the Ask, Mastering Linked-IN, Making your Technical/Vocational Education Work for You, Design Thinking with SCAD, and Careers in Hospitality.
McKean FFA Officers Attend Delaware Vision Leadership Conference
They participated in Leadership training workshops and learned may great skills and ideas to use with our McKean FFA Chapter.