Highlander Happenings
September 8th, 2023
Thomas McKean High School
Principal's Corner
Welcome Back Highlanders!
We celebrate a new school year, one filled with so much excitement. Our students and school community have returned with such passion and enthusiasm that it has even exceeded my own expectations!
Let us use this momentum as we move forward with confidence, proudly representing our school and remaining always ahead. One of our goals is to continue to grow our school community through communication. Please utilize all of our modes of communications including the school website https://www.redclayschools.com/mckean and social media platforms @mckeanhsde on Instagram and @MHS_highlanders on X(formerly Twitter). This is crucial for us to build and maintain our strong relationships among students, parents, teachers, and staff. Here is to a great 2023/2024 school year.
We A.R.E. McKean!
Important Dates
September
- ASAP - Student Data Cards Returned to School - REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS
- Friday September 8th - Thomas McKean Highlanders host the Conrad Schools of Science Red Wolves to kick off the 2023 DIAA Football Season at 6:00pm - Student Tailgate before the game, please see Mr. Baker with more information
- Saturday September 9th - 2nd Annual Red Clay Back to School Block Party - 10:00am - 1:00pm - Stanton Middle School
- Saturday September 16th - 1st Annual Latinos Unidos Student Summit - Hodgson Vo-Tech High School
- Wednesday September 20th - School Picture Day - All Grades
- Friday September 22nd - LAST DAY TO DROP/ADD CLASSES
- Friday September 22nd - HBCU College Fair - Chase Fieldhouse
- Monday September 25th - School Closed - Observance of Yom Kippur
- Tuesday September 26th - Parent Café - The Well Parent - 6:00pm-7:00pm - New Castle Library
- Thursday September 28th - Highland Hospitality's Back to School Night - 5:00pm-7:00pm
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
Pregame Tailgate - $7
Please see Mr. Baker or Ms. Kradjel with questions. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the game and tailgate!
Back to School Block Party
Back to School Night & Meet the Teachers
9/28/2023 - 5P-7P
Academic Updates
Chromebook Distribution
The staff at Thomas McKean High School has been working closely with Red Clay Consolidated School District's Technology Office to ensure all students start the 2023-2024 school year with operational Chromebooks. Most students have received their devices for the year, and classroom instruction will begin to require the use of Chromebooks starting next week. Please bring your $20 deposit and signed forms to school as soon as possible!
Chromebooks not returned were disabled and unusable for the summer, please return these devices immediately to have your access renewed.
All Students Need to Submit Data Cards
Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid Course
Thomas McKean High School is proud to add to the course offerings and opportunities for future ready students with the new addition to the Health and Physical Education program. Students enrolled in our newest course will receive instruction on swimming, life guarding, first aid, and CPR techniques to prepare them for employment opportunities at swimming pools in our community. Mr. Word is off to an amazing start with his students already this year! We hope to continue to grow this program, as well as all of our other programs in the future, so that all Highlanders graduate with the skills and knowledge to be future ready citizens.
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:
- Last day to change classes for all students will Friday September 22nd. Please see your counselor before then if you need to change a class.
- 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
District Grading Policy Reminders
- Earn .6 average quality points overall
- A = 4
- B = 3
- C = 2
- D = 1
- F = 0
- Pass at least two marking periods with a C and D or higher for full year courses, pass one marking period with a C or higher for semester courses.
HBCU Week Wilmington
iReady Testing
iReady Testing has begun and will be wrapping up by the end of September. All 9th grade Math and ELA students are assessed using the iReady system three times over the course of the year (Fall, Winter, Spring) to assess their progress in both content areas. Please encourage your students to give their best every day this school year!
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
Mauro Chairez-Jimenez
12th grader Mauro Chairez-Jimenez runs on McKean’s Cross Country Team. He puts in the extra miles on the course and in the classroom. Let’s go McKean!
Arianna Turner
Position Player
#13 rising sophomore Arianna Turner has shown a lot of growth and promise since last season. Look for her to be a force to be recognized all over the field this year.
Mauricio Marquez-Tapia
Defensive Back
12th grader Mauricio Marquez-Tapia is a defensive back who combines technical prowess with tactical cleverness, physical aptitude, and mental fortitude to protect our goal.
Daniel Crooks
Offensive Line/Linebacker
Senior DJ Crooks is a great student-athlete who demonstrates a strong sense of balance, commitment, and dedication to both his athletic and academic pursuits. DJ is a force on both sides of the ball, anchoring the team on both offense and defense. Filling multiple roles on the team he will look to help lead the Highlanders into the postseason! He understands that success in one area can complement and enhance success in the other. Way to go DJ!
Shaquille Lebrew
Position Player
Senior Shaquille Lebrew is electric! Shaq is recognized for his exceptional speed and athleticism on the field. Anytime he touches the ball there is a potential big play ready to happen. Let’s go McKean!
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.
- Highlander Sportsmanship is expected from all athletes, student fans, and family fans at all sporting events.
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. Returning from last year is Mr. Gavin Coates and Ms. Shavonne Carter, and Mr. Taureen Taylor joins the team this year. Our student advisors 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 are subject to towing from campus at the owner's expense.
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
Newest Highlanders at Highlander Hospitality Night
Ms. Carter and a Highlander Student Guide
Nurses Cunningham and Hoffman Greeting New Families
New Highlanders Receiving Schedules and Meeting Teachers
Highlander Students
Congratulations to the Class of 2027 on a successful first two weeks of high school! The Highlander Family wishes you the best as you start your journey with us!