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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We had another fantastic week at McNair Elementary, filled with learning and growth!
Get Ready for College & Career Week!
Next week, we'll be celebrating College and Career Week! We're excited to see your Mustangs show their school spirit and explore future possibilities. Look for more details about next week's activities below in this newsletter.
Safety First!
Please take a moment to review our McNair Arrival and Dismissal Procedures . This ensures a smooth and safe arrival and dismissal process for everyone. More information about these procedures is included below.
Join Us for Upcoming Events!
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PTA Meeting: We look forward to seeing you at our PTA meeting this Wednesday at 6:30 PM here at McNair Elementary School.
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Principal Tea: Mark your calendars! Join Principal Watson and Reading Specialist Mrs. Carper for a Principal Tea on Friday, March 22nd, at 9:30 AM. This informative session will focus on The Science of Reading strategies, literacy instruction at McNair, upcoming summer reading initiatives, and the importance of student attendance.
We appreciate your continued support in your child's education. Have a fantastic weekend, McNair Families. We'll see our Mustangs back on Monday to finish the last week of the third quarter strong!
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
🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
As safety it is a priority, we want to ensure that families are continuing to follow our Kiss & Ride procedures and routines. Please ensure to enter the Kiss & Ride lane from Thomas Jefferson Drive. Loop around the school and follow the directions of staff. You will be directed to pull forward and a staff member will open the door for your child when it is time to be released from the car. To maintain safe entering and exit from vehicles, your child must be seated on the passenger side of the car as they will exit from the right side only. Please ensure your child is prepared to buckle/unbuckle their seatbelt independently. Parents must stay in their vehicles at all times. Please wait for staff directions before letting students exit the vehicle. Kiss & Ride cars will exit right onto Thomas Jefferson Drive.
Please remember to not pass cars in the Kiss & Ride lane unless a staff member directs you to do so and to refrain from using your cell phone. With over 1300 students arriving at both school campuses at the same time, all attention should be focused on the procedures for safety.
Preschool Based Programs
Preschool based programs participate in a hand-to-hand arrival and dismissal routine. This means that preschool aged families wishing to provide transportation for their child need to utilize any street parking and cross-walks in order to walk to meet their child’s teacher at the front of the building. This ensures the safety of all of our students and families during arrival and dismissal each day.
Students that are Tardy
Arrival time at McNair is 8:35-8:45am. For any student that arrives after 8:45am that is a walker or a car rider, does need to escorted to the office by a parent/guardian in order to sign their student in upon arrival. We appreciate your attention to this matter.
Please take the time to review our McNair Arrival and Dismissal Procedures .
March 25-29 is Spring Break.
Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
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If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
🖍️ It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including kindergarten orientation on May 3rd at 9:30am. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
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Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
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Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
McNair Elementary School invites you and your child to work with us to celebrate Earth Day by beautifying the outside of our school. You and your child will participate in activities to make our school beautiful and learn about caring for the earth. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27th from 9-11am. We hope to see you there! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Click to view Ms. Burg's & Ms. Mallory's March AAP Community Newsletter!
In addition, check out the video created by Mrs. Burg, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, as she shares with you a few of the tools she hopes to use with your students in Thinking Lab! Please be sure to sign the Digital Resource Parent Consent so that your Mustang has access to these wonderful resources.
If you have any questions about Advanced Academics Programming at McNair, please email Ms. Burg at kmburg@fcps.edu.
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Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.
A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.
Caregivers can guide students to access expert tutoring, homework help, and writing support by clicking on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal—anytime, anywhere.
Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.
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Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from fiscal years (FY) 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements.
If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to invest in excellence.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget.
A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.
This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation will be available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed.
Learn more about the event and register online.
Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?
We would greatly appreciate your support! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us! If you are interested, please contact the Main Office at 703-793-4800. You may also email our Administrative Assistant, Julia Smoot at jcsmoot@fcps.edu.
Please see below for opportunities to make donations to support McNair Elementary School! We greatly appreciate any contributions!
Please help us keep our staff lounges and teacher planning spaces stocked with individually wrapped healthy snack foods, beverages, and a few sweet treats for our awesome staff as a way to keep them energized as they educate and support our Mustangs!
Please sign-up for any of the items listed below and drop off any donations to the main office. The main office is open daily, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm. Thank you for your partnership and supporting our AMAZING McNair Staff! Please click here to make a donation.
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Student Scholarships:
- Students eligible for the Free Meal program can also apply for the Club Scholarship. PTA offers a 50% discount on the club fee, with the remaining 50% to be covered by the Parent/Guardian/Club Sponsor.
- PTA can award a scholarship to one student per season.
- PTA has the capacity to grant scholarships to two students per club.
- To apply for the scholarship, please use this link. Scholarships are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Any questions/Suggestions? Email Us : board@mcnairespta.org
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!
Support PTA: Become a Member or Volunteer
Please contact Miranda Butzlaff, our PTA President at president@mcnairespta.org if you want to know more information about our PTA and opportunities to get involved within our school community!
Fairfax County Science and Engineering Fair Open House
Members of the general public are invited to attend the science fair open house at Robinson Secondary School on Sunday, March 17, 1-3 p.m.
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are designated areas within McNair Elementary and on school premises for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact Ms. Watson, school principal, Selene Vargas, the family liaison, or your child's homeroom teacher regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
This year, the first full day of Ramadan is Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. March 11 is an O day. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar. Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their student’s principal, Ms. Watson, regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
 This week we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. This year's Good Friday artwork was created by Chantilly High School student Summer S. On this day, Christians observe the commemoration of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for those who believe. #OurFCPSSummer’s artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
 A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! This year's Easter artwork was created by Falls Church High School student Dayanara M. The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who sacrificed so that Christians may have life with God after death. #OurFCPSThis artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Take the Family Engagement Survey!
- Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget
- Literacy Development for Multilingual Learners
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please 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.
March 17: FCPS Science Fair 1:00-3:00pm at Robinson Secondary School
March 18-March 22: McNair's College & Career Week
March 20: PTA Meeting at 6:30pm at McNair ES
March 22: Parent Tea with the Principal at 9:30am at McNair ES
March 22: End of Quarter 3
March 25-29: Spring Break (FCPS Schools Closed)
April 1-2: Teacher Workday/Staff Development Day, No School For Students
April 10: Eid al Fitr, Holiday (FCPS Schools Closed)
April 27: Beautification Day at 9:00am at McNair ES (We hope you can join!)
May 3: Kindergarten Orientation at 9:30am at McNair ES
May 27: Holiday, Memorial Day
June 12: Last Day of School for 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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