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Greetings McNair Families and Students,
It has finally started to feel like Fall around the McNair ES campus and there are many great events that accompany us this time of year. We are looking forward to our upcoming Back-To-School Night for ALL grade levels and programs that we support (including preschool-2nd grades), hosting our first PTA meeting, and attending the Westfield High School Homecoming Parade and Football game next Friday. Be sure to mark your calendars as we have a lot of wonderful events planned for our students and families this Fall. We hope you can join us for it all!
For Back-To-School Night, we know it will be an informative and engaging night because of our teachers’ careful planning and focus on fostering strong home-school partnerships with each family. Our teams are eager to share highlights from our first month of school and provide information about what learning experiences you can expect for your child this year. Teachers will also be sharing ways in which we will partner with you to ensure your child thrives.
At McNair Elementary School, we are continuing to work on ensuring all of our Mustangs are in their classrooms and ready to learn at 8:45am. We appreciate your partnership and the many steps you take to ensure your child attends school regularly and on time. Your support and partnership in your child's education is invaluable. We will be celebrating our Mustang's great attendance this month with a ✨POP✨ of fun!
We are always available for your questions, suggestions, and feedback. Please email us if there is anything we can do to support your student or your family.
Have a wonderful weekend, Mustangs!
All the best,
Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant
Please contact us with any questions!
Principal: Elizabeth Watson, evwatson@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Brandy O'Bryant, bmobryant@fcps.edu
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🤒When a Student Should Stay Home From School
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent.
Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.
🤧Tips to Stay Healthy
Flu season is quickly approaching and communicable diseases continue to be present in our schools. Families and staff are encouraged to follow the health practices below to prevent the spread of illnesses and help keep our schools safe:
- Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine (with rare exceptions). Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ and pediatricians’ offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. As of Tuesday, September 12, updated COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use among those aged 6 months or older for the 2023-24 season. Find out where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in your community by visiting Vaccinate Virginia, or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA or 877-829-4682. Note: Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines can be provided in the same appointment.
- Check with your student’s healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on their required school entrance immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form.
- Check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. If a child is sick, please keep them home and get them tested for COVID-19 to stop further spread from occurring. Additional guidance on when to keep your child home due to symptoms and illness is available on the FCPS Attendance webpage. FCPS employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.
- Don’t forget to wash hands regularly, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and limit the time children spend in large group settings with contagious individuals whenever possible.
The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 school health practices is available on the Health and Safety Guidance webpage.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy.
Back to School Night is for ALL grade levels at McNair including Pre-K, Preschool, PAC, Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades.
This year’s annual Back to School Night will be held on the evening of Thursday, September 21st. We will offer two sessions.
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Session #1: 6:00-6:45 pm
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Session #2: 6:45-7:30 pm
At Back to School Night, classroom teachers will share information with families about grade level curriculum your child will be learning about this school year and specific grade level events such as field trips your child may attend this upcoming school year. You will also hear about the classroom practices and expectations your child’s teacher will employ this school year to support them.
This is a great opportunity to begin establishing your partnership with your child’s classroom teacher(s) to support their success this school year. It is important that families plan to attend one of our session offerings.
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News from Mrs. Burg, AART
Save the Date: Advanced Academics Program Elementary Services Parent Overview
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When: Friday, October 6th –9:00-10:00am
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Where: In the cafeteria at McNair Upper Elementary School
You are invited to join for an information session with Kaitlin Burg (McNair ES Advanced Academic Resource Teacher) and Mallory Janofsky (McNair Upper ES Advanced Academic Resource Teacher). At the meeting, we will provide an overview of Advanced Academics in FCPS and explain the AAP levels of service. A separate presentation regarding the spring Level IV screening process will be held in November.
Click here to view Mrs. Burg’s September AAP Newsletter.
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FLE Family Preview Meeting on September 28th
Students in grades K-3 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) instruction through their classroom teacher. Students in kindergarten through grade three receive instruction in an emotional and social health unit. For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed grade-level program descriptions at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle.
You are invited to attend an evening opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons and to talk with school staff about the program. The meeting will be held on September 28, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. in McNair Library. All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time.
Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child participate in FLE instruction may choose to opt their child out of any or all of the lessons. If you would like to opt your child out of one or more lessons, please fill out the form sent home in Thursday folders or you may access the opt out forms online at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle.
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Information Session for Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants
Learn more about becoming a substitute teacher or instructional assistant at a virtual information session on Wednesday, September 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. Register for this session.
Visit the Recruitment Events calendar for a list of all FCPS job fairs.
🏗️ School Bonds Benefit Students
A bond referendum to benefit Fairfax County Public Schools will be on the ballot this election season. The building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds.
Similar to an individual or a family obtaining a mortgage on a residence to spread the cost of home buying over several years, bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This ensures that current and future residents and users share in the payment. The county’s bonded debt is not likely to be a contributing factor to any increase in local taxes.
Hear from teachers how FCPS prioritizes safety with bond funding.
Read more about the FCPS 2023 Bond Referendum. Learn about registering to vote. Vote on Tuesday, November 7.
✨2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access and Opportunity
The 2023-30 strategic plan sets five main goals to create positive change in FCPS. These five goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts. Our equity commitment and a set of measures in each goal will monitor our progress toward these goals.
Under Goal 4, high-quality academics will be available to all students. They will have access to excellent resources that support their success. Visit the Strategic Plan webpage to learn more about how we will measure the success of Goal 4.
Each school pyramid has a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist (SAPS) to provide substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention services. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialists are part of the FCPS Office of Student Safety and Wellness. Like other members of the mental health team (school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors), SAPS do not provide treatment services, but we support students while they are in the buildings.
Key roles of a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist:
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug education for students, parents, staff, and Fairfax County community stakeholders.
- Intervention services upon violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook or referral for suspected substance use involvement.
- Assessment of a student’s level of substance use and, if appropriate, subsequent referrals to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for additional services or other community resources as appropriate.
- Individual and group interventions for students. Prevention services for students, staff, parents, and Fairfax County community stakeholders.
- Most importantly, building and maintaining positive relationships with students to provide support and encouragement.
Resources:
Free Virtual Parent Support Group
Free Online Narcan Training for Opioid Overdoses (English & Spanish)
Free Lock Boxes for Medications & Firearms
Spiritual Support by Phone for Adults
Spanish Podcast: Tips on How Parents Play an Important Role in Substance Abuse Prevention
Juvenile Court Parent Support Group
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Friday, September 15, is a half-O day in recognition of Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. See the complete school year calendar.
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Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, is a holiday that recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and honors all of those who are citizens, as well as those who have become citizens of the United States. It is observed on September 17, the day on which the constitution was adopted in 1787.
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From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fairfax Fiesta
Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.
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✔️ Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?
During the first weeks of the year, caregivers receive many forms to complete. Several of the most important ones are below:
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Digital Resources Consent: Some FCPS-approved digital resources require parent/caregiver consent before they can be used by students. Find the list of resources which require consent on the Digital Resources - Parent Consent page. This page also includes directions on how to provide permission.
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Student Rights and Responsibilities: This document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage.
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Opt-Outs: The Opt-Out Booklet is online or available from your child’s school. It contains information on:
- Parents’ rights to inspect and consent or opt out before their child participates in certain surveys.
- Parents’ rights to inspect instructional materials.
- Rules regarding student records and disclosure of student information (including photo/video of students) and the right to opt out.
- Parents’ rights to opt out of the Social Emotional Learning Screener, physical exams not required by state law, career or social emotional counseling, Library Equity Access Pass Project, and/or Tutor.com.
- The process by which complaints may be filed if parents or students believe their rights have been violated.
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Before and After School Clubs!
Before and After School Clubs are coming soon! Registration opens September 20th and clubs start October 3rd. Registration information coming soon!
If you're interested in running a club, please fill out this form prior to September 18th: After School Club Leader Form
September PTA General Membership Meeting
Our first meeting of the year is Wednesday September 20th at 6:30pm and all are welcome! You do not need to be a PTA member to join us!
Shoe and Clothing Drive is on Now!
The McNair PTA is raising funds to support our school and all you have to do is clean out your closets! We are collecting gently used shoes, clothes, and soft goods. There are collection tables at each school -- simply drop off your donation of shoes, clothes, purses, backpacks, blankets, sheets, towels, and more!
DROP OFF DATES: Tuesday September 5th to Tuesday October 31st
Upcoming Competitions!
We have a lot of upcoming competitions at McNair!
Fill out interest forms below for more information!
Virginia Science Olympiad Division A (Grades 3-5)
Virginia Science Olympiad Division B (Grade 6)
First Lego League (All Grades)
American Computer Science League (All Grades)
Odyssey of the Mind (All Grades)
McNair Chess is Back!
The first tournament of the school year will be held on Saturday October 7th at 9:00am in the McNair ES Gym. More details to follow very soon!
Get Involved with the PTA!
The PTA supports our schools through help from our community. One way we do that is through the help of our wonderful volunteers! Whether you're available for an hour a year or an hour a week to pitch in - we have opportunities that meet everyone's busy schedule!
If you join before October 1st, you get a discount on the membership price and you are entered to win a raffle of Amazon gift cards, spirit wear, and more!
Support PTA: Become a Member or Volunteer
Please contact president@mcnairespta.org if you want to know more information about our PTA and opportunities to get involved within our school community!
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week
- Tips to Stay Healthy
- When a Student Should Stay Home From School
- College and Career Fair
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
👍❤️ Follow Our School on Social Media!
Want to see more photos and videos of what’s going on at McNair Elementary School? Follow us on social media!
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Mark your calendars!
As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.
September 17: Constitution Day
September 20: PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:30pm (McNair ES Cafeteria)
September 21: Back to School Night (Pre-K, Kindergarten,1st,& 2nd Grades)
- Session # 1: 6:00-6:45pm
- Session #2: 6:45-7:30pm
September 22: Westfield HS Homecoming Parade at 5:00pm
September 25: Yom Kippur Holiday (No School For Students/Staff)
September 28: FLE Parent Preview Meeting 4:30-5:30pm at McNair ES Library
September 29: Parent Coffee with the Principals at 9:30am (Location and more details coming soon!)
October 3: Fall Picture Day!
October 4: Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day (More information coming soon!)
October 6: AAP Elementary Services Parent Overview 9:00-10:00am at McNair Upper Elementary School
October 9: Staff Development Day (No School For Students)
October 14: STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest 11:30-3:00pm at South County HS
November 3: Quarter 1 Ends (2 hours Early Release For Students)
November 6 & 7: School Planning and Teacher Workdays (No School For Students)
November 17: Thanksgiving Luncheon at McNair ES (Parents/Guardians Invited, more information to come next month!)
November 22, 23, 24: Thanksgiving Holiday (No School For Staff/Students)
2023-2024 Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.
Thank you for your partnership and galloping together with us this school year!
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