Highlander Happenings
February 7, 2025
Thomas McKean High School
Principal's Corner
It's February already and time certainly is going by quickly! This month, we will engage in several high stakes athletic, academic, and extracurricular competitions. We continue to raise the bar and set an example. Meeting expectations is good enough in most places, but at Thomas McKean High School, our goal is to exceed expectations and strive to be the very best at everything we do. This mentality is fostered by the leadership of our faculty, staff, and administration. Let’s go McKean!
Happy National School Counseling Week!
Mrs. Leary, Mrs. Neild, Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Davis. We appreciate all the support, guidance, and kindness you bring to our school every day. Your dedication to helping students navigate academic challenges, personal growth, and future goals makes a world of difference. Thank you for being a source of encouragement, a listening ear, and a guiding light for so many.
Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for all that you do!
We Need Your Feedback!
This survey aims to gather feedback on the use and effectiveness of out-of-school suspensions (OSS) in schools. Your responses will help us understand how OSS are perceived and their impact on students, teachers, and the school community.
Esta encuesta tiene como objetivo recopilar información sobre el uso y la efectividad de las suspensiones extraescolares (OSS: out-of-school suspension) en las escuelas. Sus respuestas nos ayudarán a entender cómo se percibe el OSS y su impacto en los estudiantes, los maestros y la comunidad escolar.
Important Dates
Highlander Counselors Updates
PSAT9, PSAT10 & SAT Testing Day
March 11th for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders.
2025 Governor’s School of Excellence:
The following students have been nominated to represent McKean for the 2025 Governor’s School of Excellence:
Peyton Yaich – Academic
Jalena Apa – Art
Jacob Rutter – Choral
Delaware College Scholars and Upward Bound
Delaware College Scholars and Upward Bound recruitment event with 9th and 10th grade students.
Red Clay Updates
Teacher of the Year
It's that time of year!
We are seeking nominations for the 2025/26 Red Clay Teacher of the Year. Being selected as a Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors the district bestows on Red Clay teachers.
The nomination window closes on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
PTO Updates
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.
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
class ring ceremony on
Friday, February 28th during advisory.
Yearbook
Academic Updates
AVID Corner!
AVID 9 & 10 Team Building Obstacle Courses
Work Based Learning and Career Pathways at McKean
4rd Annual Job Fair for High School Students in New Castle County.
Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) is excited to announce our 4rd Annual Job Fair for High School Students in New Castle County.
JDG Career Expo for High School Students in New Castle County
Wednesday, February 19, 2024 | 5:30PM-7:30PM
Wilmington University - New Castle Campus
320 N Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Pulsera Project
Our World Language department put together a meaningful social project "Pulsera" that our Native Spanish IV, AP Spanish, and advisory students led Jan 31 through February 14. They will be selling handmade bracelets and small bags crafted by artisans from Central America, whose only source of income is their art.
Highlander Athletics
🚨❕🔔 ATTENTION SPORTS FANS 🔔❕🚨
All Tickets for McKean Boys Basketball games must be purchased online using the link below. No tickets will be sold at the gate and all tickets will be $5 for General Admission (This includes JV/Varsity). There will be no entry after halftime. No hats, hoods, or facial coverings - No re-entry - Ticket sales close at 2:45 on gameday. Failure to comply with the DIAA spectator code of conduct will result in removal from the game and campus.
DIAA Spectator Code of Conduct
- Be informed of the playing rules of the sport.
- Appreciate a good play regardless of who makes it.
- Cooperate with the cheerleaders and do not interfere with their cheers.
- Show concern for an injured athlete regardless of team affiliation.
- Do not taunt, jeer or attempt to distract the members of the opposing team.
- Avoid the use of profanity and derogatory or disrespectful yells, chants, songs or gestures.
- Refrain from offensive or unruly behavior which reflects poorly on the school you are supporting.
- Respect school property and the authority of school officials. Remember you are a guest of the host school.
- Do not publicly criticize the coaches or athletes for the loss of a contest.
- Respect the contest official and accept their decisions with out public protest. Recognize that without them we do not have a game.
Failure to comply with McKean's Procedures and Policies along witht the DIAA Code of Conduct may result in your removal from the athletic contest.
Climate and Culture
Highlander Family,
It’s hard to believe that the end of this month also brings us to the close of the second marking period– time truly flies!
I’d like to remind everyone that hats, hoods, and ski masks are not permitted inside the building. Parents, please take a moment this weekend to speak with your students about following this policy while at school. We will continue to enforce this rule daily and begin giving students consequences if they do not comply.
I hope everyone is feeling healthy, happy, and motivated as we continue the school year on a strong note. Our climate and culture team is here to support every student daily. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Quig at the school or via email.
Warm regards,
Mr. Quig
Assistant Principal
Highlander Highlights
RCCSD Art Slideshow - Winter 2025
Please congratulate Zula Ali, Victor Anderson, Jonarielys Rodriguez Vega and Jalena Apa for being selected to represent McKean in the Red Clay Visual Arts Winter Slideshow
Polar Bear Plunge
McKean’s 10th year plunging as a team! We had 37 students, alumni, staff and family members join us to raise $12,285 towards Special Olympics! Incredible job to all those who participated and supported! Big thanks to Mrs. Schnittger for leading and organizing this incredible group.
Phelan Lucky at McKean!
Spread the Word Shirts
The McKean Special Olympics and Best Buddies Club will be selling the Spread the Word t-shirts for $7.00. The shirts are for the first week of March when we celebrate Spread the Word-Inclusion Day. This is where we will have a banner signing to pledge to show respect and kindness to all. This year we will host events throughout the week and wear the new shirt on Wednesday, March 5th.
We have Youth Sizes Small, Medium, and Large and Adults sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL.
If you would like to order one, please click the link and fill out the form below. You can pay by cash or check written out to McKean High School. You do not have to pay now, just let me know what size you would like.