Throughout February, we celebrated Black History Month with impactful stories, meaningful discussions, and unforgettable events that honored Black culture, history, and contributions. From daily announcements sharing powerful moments in history to the beautiful MLK Mural led by Ms. Zamora and our talented student artists, this month has been full of inspiration and learning.

We wrapped up Spirit Week with Throwback Day, and we can’t wait to see everyone at the Black History Month Cookout today! Join us for an afternoon of community, music, and delicious food from Chuy’s Tacos, House of Treats, Funnel Cake Guys, and Creolicious.

Let’s celebrate culture, unity, and excellence together! 🎶🍔🌭

On Monday, representatives from the Northside Hospital Foundation visited McClure Health Science High School to explore potential partnerships aimed at enhancing student learning and career readiness in healthcare.

Our guests were welcomed by five outstanding student leaders: Maria Guzman, Tanaya Pinkston, Natalie Velasquez, Christie Khalil, and Nabila Sayeed, our Class of 2025 Salutatorian. These student leaders, all part of our healthcare pathways, led an engaging campus tour, sharing their experiences at McClure and showcasing the impact of our healthcare-focused curriculum. We are incredibly proud of them for representing our school with professionalism and enthusiasm.

A special thank you to Maria Salazar for her invaluable support in coordinating this visit. Her dedication and efforts ensured a smooth and meaningful experience for our guests. We look forward to building a meaningful collaboration with Northside Hospital!

Special Acknowledgment

We also want to give a shoutout to Mr. Marinelli for his collaboration with the Health Department the week before the break. His work continues to strengthen our community partnerships and provide enriching opportunities for our students.

We are excited about the future opportunities these partnerships will bring to McClure Health Science High School!

Our talented students secured 6th place in the entire county at the competition this past Saturday! We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and passion for reading. 📚🔥

A special shoutout to Ms. Fritz, our amazing adult volunteer from McClure, for her support and commitment to our team. Thank you for making this experience unforgettable! 🙌❤️

Way to go, team! You make us proud! 🎊

This past weekend, in honor of American Heart Month, our students volunteered at the Run The Reagan event, organized by our incredible partners at Piedmont Eastside. Despite the chilly weather, our students showed up at the First Aid Tent to support participants, demonstrating their dedication and community spirit. We’re so proud of their hard work and commitment!

A big thank you to Ms. Taylor, Ms. Juan, Ms. Klimp, Ms. Zaretsky, Mr. Kirkpatrick, Ms. Brooks, Ms. Guzman, and Ms. Sly for ensuring we had a fully functioning tent stocked with MHSHS swag at Run the Reagan. Your hard work made sure our school was well-represented and connected with the community.

A special shoutout to Ms. Stephanie Howard for managing all the last-minute orders to get us the materials we needed, and to Dr. Mitchell and our amazing students for their dedication as vendors. Not only did we have the opportunity to volunteer, but we also made valuable connections through networking with the community.

Thank you to Piedmont Eastside for organizing this impactful event and to our students and staff for making a difference! We are incredibly proud of our McClure Health Science High School community!

A huge shoutout to our amazing Counselors for being in the Commons during lunches on 2/24 and 2/25 to help students with class registration!

Their dedication to guiding students and ensuring they are set up for success is truly commendable. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our students’ futures! 🙌💙

🎉🛼 Skate Along USA was a blast! Huge shoutout to our Student Council for organizing an unforgettable night of fun, music, and skating! Thanks to everyone who joined us on the rink—your energy lit up the night!

This week, Dr. Hernandez visited the fair to cheer on our talented students and show support for their hard work and creativity! A special shoutout to Dr. Shang and Ms. Alaina Davis for their dedication and guidance in inspiring our young innovators every step of the way. We are proud to have such passionate educators supporting our students’ curiosity and excellence!

Keep reaching for the stars! 🌟

Huge congratulations to our very own Raul Roldan for his incredible achievement on the field! Representing Meadowcreek’s Varsity Soccer Team, Raul scored the game-winning penalty against Tucker High School on Tuesday, sealing an unforgettable victory! Watch his game-winning moment below!

We are so proud of his hard work, determination, and talent. Keep shining, Raul! 🌟

Tanaya was honored at the GCPS District Ceremony for her outstanding achievements! She was joined by Mr. Marinelli, Ms. Chambers, and Dr. Hernandez as she celebrated this incredible accomplishment.

👏 Way to go, Tanaya! You make McClure Health Science High School proud! 👏

On February 11, McClure Health Science High School had the unique opportunity to host members of the Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale (GNR) Health Department, including experts from their Epidemiology Department and other public health divisions. This first-of-its-kind event allowed our science students to engage directly with professionals, ask insightful questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical role public health plays in our communities.

A huge thank you to Mr. Marinelli for spearheading this initiative and creating an invaluable learning experience for our students. We appreciate GNR Health Department’s partnership and look forward to future collaborations that inspire the next generation of healthcare and science professionals!

As you may know, the official beginning of Ramadan is determined by the Islamic Calendar which follows a lunar cycle. This year, Ramadan has been calculated to begin during the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on Sunday, March 30, 2025. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to sunset. This religious duty of fasting is known as sawm in Arabic. It is one of the “Five Pillars,” or basic acts of worship in Islam. As Muslim families across the world and here in Gwinnett prepare for the start of Ramadan, we wanted to be sure to share some important information with you to better support your students.

Which school-age students are likely to be fasting in Ramadan?

Fasting is required for adults, but children and youth practice fasting during part of the month, or part of the day. Many older Muslim students fast for the whole month, and some younger children want to fast during part of the month, if they are willing and able and if their parents allow them to do so. Children love to participate in the practice as a way of feeling included in this festive month, even if they fast only a few days or part of a day.

How can school officials and teachers accommodate fasting students?

During Ramadan, Muslims may decline to participate in parties or other events that feature food and beverages. School administrators can show sensitivity to fasting students by providing alternate locations during lunchtime so that they can be away from the cafeteria. Teachers may also notice that fasting students may be subdued in their behavior, especially by the afternoon. It is worth noting that fasting becomes much easier for most after the first few days as the body adjusts. Additionally, the beginning of Ramadan this year is a week and a half earlier than last year and overlaps with the beginning of Daylight Savings Time which may impact the sleeping patterns of these students and potentially further exacerbate fatigue. Being aware of and addressing possible bullying and ridicule of fasting students is a good way to support this challenging experience.

This year, Cafe Gwinnett will offer takeaway meals to GCPS students fasting during Ramadan.

What school activities may require accommodation during Ramadan?

Some Muslim students or their parents may ask that they be exempted from rigorous activity in their Physical Education classes during Ramadan. Physical Education teachers are encouraged to allow fasting Muslim students to participate in alternative activities during Ramadan to avoid the possibility of dehydration or hypoglycemia resulting from strenuous exercise, especially when the weather is hot and could lead to heat exhaustion. Grading practices in P.E. should not penalize students who strive to fulfill this religious obligation.

The links below provide educational material to increase our knowledge about Muslim students’ religion and culture. Thank you for sharing this information with your staff members and helping us to increase religious tolerance and more culturally responsive school environments.

https://www.whyislam.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Teachers-Guide-to-Islam-Muslims-v2-1.pdf

https://www.youtubeHe.com/watch?v=UWlserxzIKU

Thank you all for your work with creating inclusive and supportive environments for our students. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

Join us for a week of reflection, growth, and fun activities as we celebrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Week!

We’re kicking off SEL Week with a show of unity and positivity!

📅 Monday, March 3rd
👕 Wear Your SEL Shirt

• Join us in celebrating Social Emotional Learning by wearing your favorite SEL-themed shirt! Let’s spread kindness, positivity, and community spirit as we start this mindful week together!

📅 Monday, March 3rd👕 Wear Your SEL Shirt

📢 Daily Quotes & Actions – Start each day with an inspiring quote and action from the morning announcements.

🔍 SEL Scavenger Hunt – Use the QR Code on Viewsonic Boards to participate!

🎡 Spin the SEL Wheel – Join us during Friday lunch to spin the wheel and complete an SEL activity for a treat!

Let’s make this week unforgettable by growing together and celebrating who we are!

Did you know that March is:
🎨 Youth Art Month
🎶 Music in Our Schools Month
💃 Dance in Our Schools Month

Basically, March is a celebration of all things Fine Arts in schools! Check out the exciting events happening this month:

• Tapestry of the Arts Exhibit

  • March 4-11 at the ISC
  • Showcasing top talents from our cluster at the Gwinnett County Visual Arts Festival

• GAEA Capitol Arts Exhibition

  • March 10-14 (Reception on March 12, 4-5:30pm)
  • Featuring work from Angela Velasquez (12th) and Sofia Lobo-Rodriguez (11th) at the State Capitol
  • A chance for state legislators to see the talent of our students!

• Shutter Sense Photography Exhibition

  • Congratulations to Camilo Neuto Prieto for winning 2nd place!
  • Recognition event on March 8, 2-4pm at Pickneyville Park Community Center

• National Art Honor Society Fundraisers

  • Coloring Book for Sale – $8 each, available through Successfund
  • Annual Art Class for All – March 26, after school until 3:30
    • $25 on Successfund (All materials and snacks included)

• Band & Orchestra Preview

  • February 25 at 6pm (Theater)
• Chorus Preview
  • February 20 at 6pm (Theater)
• Band LGPE Performance
  • March 18 at Meadowcreek High School
• Orchestra LGPE Performance
  • March 6 at Peachtree Ridge High School
• Chorus LGPE Performance
  • March 4 at First United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville

Join us all month long as we honor and celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history! Check out our events and activities, and show your support by participating and wearing the colors of empowerment!

👜 Donation Drive to Women’s Shelter

• Drop off donations in designated bins around the school.

📚 Books Celebrating Women’s History

• Check out our digital and physical displays in the Media Center!

🎤 Morning Announcements Trivia

• Listen daily for fun and inspiring Women’s History facts!

🖥️ View Sonic Posters

• Learn more about influential women throughout history!

Wear Purple, Green, or White – Show your support by wearing the colors of empowerment!

🎲 Red Light/Green Light Trivia

• Test your knowledge of Women’s History in a fun and interactive way!

💌 Write a Thank You Card

• Write a heartfelt note to a woman who has inspired or supported you.

💜 Get Purple Hair Tinsel

• Add a pop of color and show your support by getting purple hair tinsel during lunch!

📢 Volunteer Opportunities – Sign up to help during events. Email Ms. Eichler.
🎁 Donation Drive – Support a Women’s Shelter by donating essential items.

Let’s come together to honor, appreciate, and celebrate the powerful women who shape our world!

📅 March 25th is the deadline to participate in Dual Enrollment for the 25–26 school year.

📌 Important Details:

• Students must attend the February 27th meeting and schedule a meeting with Mrs. Tinsley to complete all required documents.
• Don’t wait—get started now to ensure you’re ready for this amazing opportunity!

For any questions, see Mrs. Tinsley. Let’s make it happen! 🎓✨

• Students can be dropped off in the back of the building, entrance at Steve Reynolds Blud starting at 6:30 am.
• No student should be dropped off before 6:30 am due to safety and security reasons.
• Follow the orange entrance line from Steve Reynolds Blud on the map and begin to drop off at the red line where the sidewalks begin by the intramural field and building.

• Please exit your car as soon as you see the sidewalk in the back of the building.
• Do not wait to get to the back door as this backs up traffic.
• Please do not drop off in the middle of the parking lot as this is not safe for students or drivers.
• Please do not move the cones as they are placed in the locations for the safety of all staff and students.
• Follow the green line on the map to exit out onto Steve Reynolds Blud.

• Afternoon pick-up begins at 1:52 pm.
• Follow the orange entrance line from Steve Reynolds Blud on the map.
• The blue line is where afternoon pick-up will take place which is on the side of the building.

• Students must be picked up no later than 2:00 pm unless they are staying with a club or teacher for help sessions.
• The latest time to pick up a student from a club or help session is 2:50 pm.

• Student drivers will enter from Steve Reynolds Blud.
• Follow the orange entrance line from Steve Reynolds Blud on the map
• Please pull forward into your parking spot. Do not back in as it causes traffic to back up.
• Student drivers will exit out of Steve Reynolds Blud in the afternoon.
• Follow the green exit line on the map.

Everything you need to know about the new FAFSA® changes

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the gateway to getting federal student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study for school, but there can be so much confusion around it.

The FAFSA® used to be a super long application that took a lot of time and effort—that’s now a thing of the past. The FAFSA® for the 2024-2025 academic year is the new and improved version. Check out the link below to see all the changes!

Tips on how to avoid these common FAFSA® mistakes

Every year, families postpone filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Some skip it entirely because they think it’s a waste of time, the application is too long, or it's only a fast track to federal student loans. However, the FAFSA® package can also include college scholarships, work-study, and grants. Not filling it out—the most costly FAFSA® mistake—can result in losing money that could have helped you pay for college. Don’t be that student, and make sure you avoid these common FAFSA® mistakes by checking out the article link below!

GCPS has transitioned from SchoolMessenger to ParentSquare for two-way communication between schools and families, and we encourage all families to download the app and create an account. With its user-friendly interface, ParentSquare offers seamless two-way communication through text, newsletters, posts, emergency alerts, and direct messaging. One of our favorite features is the integrated translation feature, which enables automatic translations for multilingual families.

MHSHS Website | Mission & Vision | Family Resources | Student & Family Handbook

GCPS Portal | GCPS 23-24 School Calendar | GCPS Newsletter | GCPS News |

McClure Health Science High School

3921 Club Drive, Duluth, GA

770-806-7900

MHSHS Website