Our Title I Rising 9th Grade Night was a HUGE success! 🎉 We loved welcoming our future Class of 2029 and their families, giving them a glimpse into the incredible opportunities at McClure! From hands-on health science experiences 🏥 to meeting our amazing teachers & staff, the energy was electric! ⚡

A massive THANK YOU to our student volunteers, teachers, and staff for making the night so special. The Pulse is STRONG, and we can’t wait to see our future leaders in action next year!

Right after our Title I Rising 9th Grade Night, future students and their families had the chance to dive into the Extracurricular Night, where they explored the many clubs, organizations, and student opportunities that make McClure thrive! From leadership groups to academic teams, performing arts to health science clubs, there’s something for everyone!

A huge thank you to our dedicated club sponsors and student leaders for sharing their passion and welcoming the Class of 2029 with open arms. We can’t wait to see these future Pulse students get involved and make their mark!

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.

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!

It’s that time of year again! One of McClure Health Science High School’s most cherished traditions is our Senior Breakfast, where graduating seniors receive heartfelt letters of encouragement, recognition, and celebration from parents, friends, teachers, and staff.

Want to make a senior’s day? Write them a letter! Whether it’s words of wisdom, a funny memory, or a simple congratulations, your message will mean the world to them.

📬 How to Submit:
Drop off your senior letters at the Attendance Office throughout March and April.

📅 Deadline: Let’s aim to have all letters in by April 14th!

Last year, we received over 700 letters, making it an unforgettable experience for our seniors. Let’s keep the tradition alive and make this year even more special! ❤️🎓

📅 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