McNair Elementary Mustang News

Yearbook Cover Winner

Yes, we agree that McNair Elementary Runs with the Best!  Take a look at this amazing yearbook cover submission by Sarah Saravanan.  We are excited to announce that we had 42 delightful entries in our contest.  Staff took time to peruse all the pictures and voted.  It was a tough decision as they were all so well done and creative.  As a school, we are enjoying all the entries each day as they are hanging in the main hallway.  It's an amazing gallery wall.  Thanks to all the contestants, you are amazing artists!



Celebrating Time Together

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, the upcoming winter break offers us the opportunity to slow down with our loved ones and enjoy the best gift of all, time with one another.  While we are happy to be together as a school community this school year, we know that it has had its challenges and worries that have been stressful for students and families.  Yet, no matter what, we are lucky to have each other and know any time we have together is a gift!

During this winter break, we encourage you to engage your Mustang in different kinds of learning opportunities to broaden their experiences and create special memories.  What might it look like?  Perhaps it’s sharing a family recipe with your child and inviting them to bake a special treat with you to share with others.  Try spending some quality time curled up and cozy, reading a good book together--or each reading your own.  Talk about what you’re reading and what’s sparking your interest. Lively conversations about books are great at any time.  Dust off the board games and play as a family.  Games are a great way to explore cooperation and strategy!  You can also explore volunteer activities and teach your loved ones how to take care of others, and in the process, how good it feels to do so. 

Whatever winter break brings for you, we hope it is full of big and small moments together in which you can cherish the gift of family and friends.  The McNair Elementary Family wishes you a very special holiday season and a wonderful winter break.  We look forward to an amazing new year when our Mustangs return! 



Student Holidays in December

Mark your calendars!  The McNair school office will be closed from December 20-31. The office will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022. 

As a reminder, please make sure you health screen your child before sending them to school on Monday, January 3.  If your child does not feel well or presents with any COVID-like symptoms, kindly keep them at home and seek medical advice.  We appreciate your support in keeping our McNair community healthy!  

For parent convenience, click here for the Daily Health Questionnaire.


COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Available for All Students

Starting this week, students may obtain COVID-19 diagnostic testing at six drive-through sites in Fairfax County. Diagnostic testing is provided for anyone who has symptoms or is identified as a close contact of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

COVID-19 testing helps us reduce the virus’ spread and keep our schools safe places for all students to learn. McNair families are encouraged to utilize the county's new diagnostic testing services as needed.

Appointments are not required for diagnostic testing but families must register in the secure online portal. When you register and provide consent for your child to be tested, you will also be added to McNair's screening testing pool. If you do not wish for them to be part of the weekly screening testing pool, simply log back into the online portal after your child’s test is complete and withdraw consent. 

More information about diagnostic and screening testing, including site locations and schedules, is available here.  


vaxup

Did you know that more than 33% of children ages 5-11 in Fairfax County have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?  Wow, we are impressed!  Please remember that there are school-located vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 every day next week and two on Saturday, December 11. Find out where the next pop-up clinic will be or look for other local vaccination opportunities on the health department’s website.

Children do not need to be an FCPS student to attend the school-located clinics. Vaccines will not be available for those 12 years and older. Children must be accompanied by a parent or another responsible adult at all community vaccination sites.


Don’t Forget to Mask Up Your McNair Student

We have noticed an increase in the number of students requiring a mask upon arrival.  Please make sure your child has a mask each day for school.  It’s also helpful to have an extra mask or two in your child’s backpack for emergencies.  Remember, masks are an important mitigation measure that helps all of us stay healthy!  If you need an extra cloth mask for repeated use, please contact the school office at 703-793-4800. 


AAP Level IV Questions & Support: Virtual Office Hours

Ms. Stoermann, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, will host one final virtual session to help you with your questions regarding AAP Level IV screening (for grades 2-6 only) or any other AAP questions parents may have. The final virtual session will be held on Tuesday, December 14 from 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Here is the link to join Zoom Meeting https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92152512812

The county deadline for submitting the AAP Level IV Parent referral is Wednesday, December 15, 2021. This is a county deadline and late entries will not be accepted. Additional supports can be found here.


Tweet AAP

Looking for more Critical and Creative Thinking ideas to practice at home? Check out the AAP Office Twitter page at @fcpsaap! During the month of December they are posting a variety of ideas that you can try as a family to continue to build strong thinking routines for all learners.


Celebrate December With Us!

Winter Count Down

FCPS Parent Resource Center

Did you know that FCPS has a Parent Resource Center?  This great parent resource provides families with access to information and resources to support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.  The center provides:

  • Free consultations and resources
  • Free webinars
  • Free lending library
  • FCPS tutor list

For more information, click here.  Don't miss an opportunity to check out all the amazing parent resources available to you and your family!


dates to remember

December 15

December PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Join with Google Meet: meet.google.com/teo-zsio-yvc

Join by phone: (US) +1 619-836-1328 (PIN: 943585838)

December 20-31

Winter Break, No School; School Office Closed

January 3

Students return to school.  Please health screen your child before sending them to school.