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Welcome to McKinley Tech – Family Portal

Welcome, McKinley Technology High School families!


Whether you are joining the McKinley Tech community for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we are proud to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year.


This page is designed to serve as a resource for our families and students throughout the year. Here, you will find important information, updates, resources, and guidance to help your scholar stay informed, prepared, and on the path toward a successful school year.


At McKinley Technology High School, our commitment goes beyond providing an excellent education. We strive to provide an award-winning educational experience that challenges students academically, develops their talents, strengthens their character, and prepares them for college, careers, and the real world.


We believe that student success is strongest when schools and families work together. Your partnership, support, and involvement are an important part of the McKinley Tech experience.


We look forward to an outstanding year of learning, innovation, achievement, and growth. Together, we will continue the tradition of excellence that makes McKinley Technology High School a special place to learn and grow.
Welcome to McKinley Tech—where excellence is our tradition and the future is being built today.

SUPPORTING NEW HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS

Here at McKinley Technology High School, we understand that the transition from 8th grade to high school can come with its challenges—not only for students, but for families as well. Increased workloads, new academic expectations, navigating a larger school environment, and meeting new teachers and classmates can sometimes make the first year of high school feel overwhelming.

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For many students, ninth grade is also the first time they are expected to take greater responsibility for managing assignments, communicating with teachers, monitoring their grades, and balancing academics with extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities.  That adjustment takes time.  Parents and guardians continue to play an important role during this transition. Although your scholar may be seeking more independence, they still need your encouragement, guidance, and involvement.

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We encourage families to stay connected by regularly checking grades and attendance, discussing upcoming assignments and assessments, communicating with teachers when concerns arise, and helping students establish healthy routines for studying, sleeping, and managing their time.  Most importantly, give your scholar room to grow while reminding them that asking for help is a sign of maturity—not weakness. High school is a time for students to learn who they are, discover new interests, make mistakes, develop resilience, and begin preparing for life beyond graduation.

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At McKinley Tech, you are not navigating this transition alone. Our teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff are here to partner with you throughout your scholar's high school journey.

The goal is not simply to help students survive ninth grade. We want them to build the habits, confidence, skills, and relationships that will help them thrive throughout all four years of high school and beyond.

1. Acknowledge your student's anxiety as normal. Maintain consistent routines, offer reassurance, and keep communication open without adding pressure. Stay engaged with grades and attendance via ASPEN.

2. Celebrate small wins, set realistic expectations, and be a calm, steady presence at home. Take care of yourself too.

3. Connect with other parents, use school counselor resources, and remember, a supported parent raises a supported scholar.

Resources & Support

Empowering Academic Success: At McKinley Tech, we provide families with real-time access to student performance. Use Aspen to monitor grades and attendance, and stay connected through ParentSquare for all vital school announcements. Explore the guides below for seamless access.

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Access Grades & Attendance

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Your initial login information for ASPEN will be sent via email.

 

If you haven’t received your username and password, contact our registrar: carolin.hernandez@k12.dc.gov

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-Your correct email address

-Parent Portal access

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LiveSchool

 

LiveSchool is a free, school‑wide platform that helps teachers track student behavior, award points for positive actions, and share updates with parents — all through a secure app or website

If you haven’t received your ASPEN login information, please contact our registrar at carolin.hernandez@k12.dc.gov.

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