Highlander Happenings
March 21, 2025
Thomas McKean High School
Principal's Corner
McKean School Community,
I hope that you and your family are well and looking forward to the beginning of Spring! However, this can be a trap for some students as it tends to bring on the ever-dangerous “spring fever,” causing students to slip in their schoolwork. As we look forward to the warmer weather and increased daylight, it's important for students to remember that the remaining days of school can move quickly, so avoid taking any day for granted.
This week, our counseling team began scheduling for the 2025-26 school year, using teacher recommendations and student course selections. Please take the time to discuss your child's schedule with them and if you have any other questions, please reach out to their counselor.
As we have shared, we encourage and expect that students treat each other with empathy, respect, compassion, and kindness. With that being said, don't forget to "Rock Your Socks" on March 21st for World Down Syndrome Day!
We A.R.E McKean!
The theme of Women's History Month 2025 is “Moving Forward Together,” highlighting educators, mentors, and leaders who shape our values and inspire future generations. Too often, women are left at the margins and their critical contributions to art, science, culture, and progress go unrecognized.
Family Feedback
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.
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Important Dates
Highlander Counselors Updates
PTO Updates
Join us for a fun-filled evening in support of our McKean PTO! Our special event on April 9th will be at Anthony’s Pizza and Cork & Barrel in Pike Creek. Portion of the proceeds will go directly to benefit our school programs and activities. Come out, tip big, and make a difference!
PTO Note
McKean High School Parents and Guardians,
As we continue working to support our students, teachers, and school community, we are seeking new officers to join the McKean High School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).
The PTO plays a vital role in organizing events, fundraising, and enhancing our students' educational experience. To keep this momentum going, we need dedicated parents like you to step up and help lead the way. Open positions for next year include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to contribute and make a difference! If you are interested or would like more information, please email Thomas McKean PTO mckeanpto@gmail.com or join us at our next PTO meeting on Wednesday, 3/26 at 6:00
in the school library.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working together to make McKean High School the best it can be!
Class Advisor Information
Class of 2025
Senior Dues $50
Dues need to be paid for students to attend prom, their senior class trip, and/or participate in graduation. Dues can be paid to Ms. Bianco in the main office. Time to order your cap and gown. See info below
Class of 2026
Junior Dues $30
Dues need to be paid for students to attend prom, their senior class trip, and/or participate in graduation. Dues can be paid to Ms. Bianco in the main office.
Class of 2027
Welcome to Sophomore Year
See Ms. E Carroll for Class of 2027 Information
Teacher of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Ray Rocha (MLL Teacher) has been selected as
McKean’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026!
With unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence, Mr. Rocha has gone above and beyond to inspire students and create a positive impact in our school community. His innovative teaching, kindness, and leadership have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many McKean Students.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Rocha on this well-deserved honor!
Academic Updates
AVID Corner!
YES Conference
On February 28th Thomas McKean students attended the YES Conference (Youth Environmental Summit) at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. A graduate from Thomas McKean was also a keynote speaker.
Highlander Athletics
Congrats to seniors, Brandon Rogers and Lenar Anderson on making @delawareonline Final Top 63 player rankings. #ItsAGreatDayToBeAHighlander
Spring Sports 2025
Highlanders,
Spring sports have officially started! There's still a chance to join—don't miss out!
Monday, March 24th- Spring Sports Competition Start Date
- Baseball - Jaxon Brown
- Softball - Jourdan Zickgraf
- Boys Track & Field - Lakayla Williams
- Girls Track & Field - Shakir Ali
- Unified Track - Grace Guillebeau
- Golf - Mike Freccia
- Girls Soccer - Emily Carroll
- Tennis - Ray Smith
- Boys Volleyball - Brian Starrett
- Boys Lacrosse - Nick Dorda
All Athletes playing a spring sport must have the following to participate in Spring Athletics:
- DIAA physical DIAA Physical Form
- Academically Eligible: All Incoming 9th, 10th and 11th grade students need to have 5 passing classes with 2 being majors (Math, Science, Social Studies, English or a Foreign Language) based on their first marking period report card.
- Register on Family ID Family ID Link
- Students must sign McKean Sportsmanship contract (Students will complete at the start of the regular school year)
School Resources and Upcoming Events
Highlander Highlights
Zoo Field Trip
Biology and Earth Science/ Astronomy Classes took a trip to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington D.C. thank you Ms. Carroll and Ms Wile! .
Phelan Lucky at McKean!