Greetings McNair Students and Families,
It has been another wonderful week at McNair Elementary School watching our students learn, grow, and thrive together. As we approach the middle of September, we want to remind you of the importance of connecting with your child. One great way to foster deeper conversations is by asking them open-ended questions about their day. This can help spark meaningful discussions and give you a glimpse into the learning opportunities that they engaged in at school.
- What made you smile today?
- Can you tell me about an act of kindness that you did or saw?
- What is something creative you did today?
- Who did you sit with at lunch today?
- Tell me something you learned today.
- What did you eat first at lunch?
- If you could change one thing about the day, what would it be?
- What made your teacher(s) smile today?
- What is your favorite thing to do at recess?
- What is the best thing that happened today?
- Did you help anyone today?
- What was your thorn, and what was your rose today?
- What are you looking forward to for tomorrow?
- Teach me something you learned.
- What kinds of things did you see people eating for snack?
- Did you learn any new words today?
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Additionally, please see the following for a few friendly reminders:
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PTA Meeting: Join us at our PTA meeting on Wednesday, September 18th at 6:30pm at the McNair Upper ES Cafeteria.
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3 Hour Early Releases Mondays: September 23rd is almost here! Complete the Student Supervision Survey as soon as possible so that we can prioritize your child's safety: https://forms.gle/bEmijZM4A1NH1Taj9
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Immunizations: Please check with your health care provider to ensure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.
As always, thank you for your continuous partnership and support. We hope that you all have a wonderful week, Mustangs!
All the best,
Elizabeth Watson, Principal
Brandy O'Bryant, Assistant Principal
Lifelong Learners Grow Here!
Please contact us with any questions!
Principal: Elizabeth Watson, evwatson@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Brandy O'Bryant, bmobryant@fcps.edu
🤒 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 child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that support can be provided if needed. Also, keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
This is a friendly reminder that the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who require it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year at McNair Elementary School:
To help plan for our school’s childcare and supervision needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form as soon as possible: https://forms.gle/bEmijZM4A1NH1Taj9 for each of your children who are enrolled at McNair Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive. We understand that it may be inconvenient to walk to the crosswalk, but not doing so puts our students at risk. By modeling responsible behavior and using the crosswalk with the crossing guard or police officer, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Please discuss the importance of crosswalk safety with your child and encourage them to always use the designated paths. Your support and partnership in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together
Dr. Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, has launched the FCPS Family Vision Group. This group brings together parents and caregivers in a meaningful way through sharing diverse perspectives to ensure that FCPS provides the best possible education experience for each and every student. The Family Vision Group also provides another opportunity to put our 2023-2030 Strategic Plan in action through meaningful communication and collaboration with families and caregivers.
By participating, parents/caregivers gain valuable knowledge and connections to become powerful partners in their child's educational journey. The group also facilitates open discussions with Dr. Reid on important topics related to student success. Bi-monthly meetings (August 2024 - May 2025) ensure consistent school representation and foster open communication through Q&A sessions, and feedback opportunities to help participants inform other families at their schools. The FCPS Family Vision Group seeks to recognize and strengthen the positive impact of community engagement on student achievement.
Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:
- Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
- Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
- Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
- Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
- Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.
If you are interested in serving as a family representative for the McNair ES community, please reach out to Principal Watson by email at evwatson@fcps.edu or by calling the main office at 703-793-4800.
Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!
We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact the front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
🩹 Immunization Requirements
Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.
You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to McNair Elementary School's front office.
Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:
- A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.
Find more information on immunizations.
📋 Permission Forms
Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. See how to use the tool.
Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Monday, September 30.
Link to the September AAP Community Newsletter
Our September newsletter has important information about requesting abilities test retakes as well as about Fall Screening for families that are new to FCPS this year. Please read it carefully and reach out with any questions. AAP Deadlines in FCPS are firm, and we do our best to share them promptly!
Save the Date: Fall AAP Information Meetings
Full Time Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Screening Overview
- Monday, October 21 –6:00-7:00PM in the cafeteria at McNair Upper Elementary School (G3-6 building)
Kaitlin Burg (McNair ES Advanced Academic Resource Teacher) and Mallory Janofsky (McNair Upper ES Advanced Academic Resource Teacher) will host this information session for parents interested in learning about the Full-Time AAP screening process. We will discuss the FCPS screening timeline, the Full-Time AAP referral, the family’s role in the referral process, and the eligible/ineligible notification process. Second through 6th graders at McNair Elementary and McNair Upper Elementary are eligible for Full Time AAP screening. Families of younger students are also welcome to attend if they would like.
Spanish translation will be available at each session. Please contact us directly if you need a translator for a different language. The slide decks will also be shared on our respective websites following each meeting. You are welcome to reach out to your school’s AART with questions about either session.
McNair Elementary: PreK-2 Mrs. Burg (kmburg@fcps.edu)
McNair Upper: Grades 3-6 Mallory Janofsky (mljanofsky@fcps.edu)
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FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
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.
September PTA Meeting
Join us this Wednesday, September 18th from 6:30-7:30pm at McNair Upper Elementary School for our General Membership PTA Meeting. We hope to see you there!
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!
For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at board@mcnairespta.org.
Some of the ways that our PTA supports our students are the following:
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School Clubs: Some examples include Art Club, Science Club, Debate Club etc., which provide students with enriching extracurricular opportunities.
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Competitions: Like the Spelling Bee, Science Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, Reflections, ACSL, FLL etc., which inspire and challenge our students.
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Community Events: Including Family Fun Nights, Holiday Parties, and Fundraising Activities, which foster a sense of community and engagement that supports our school.
The future of our PTA—and the valuable programs and events we provide—depends on your involvement. Please consider stepping up to ensure that our PTA remains a vibrant and effective part of our school community.
Support PTA: Become a Member or Volunteer
Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings.
View our school menu to see all the new options and when they will become available.
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions.
The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
Calling all students in Grades 2-6!
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (lunch at noon)
Place: Westfield High School (Gym Entrance - Door #11)
Click here to register.
All participants will have the opportunity to perform with the Varsity Dance Team at halftime of the Varsity Football Game vs. Wakefield on Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. Registration fee includes pizza, snacks, and an official WHS Dance Team t-shirt!
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Calling All Smiles!
Fall Picture Day at McNair Elementary School is on October 1, 2024.
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In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- New Food Options at FCPS
- Parent/Caregiver Checklist
- Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R): “Shall vs. May” Focus Groups
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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.
September 17: Constitution Day
September 18: PTA Meeting at 6:30pm at McNair Upper ES
September 23: 3 Hours Early Release Monday Grades K-2- Please complete form: https://forms.gle/bEmijZM4A1NH1Taj9
September 30: Acknowledgement of SR&R Review Due. Parents/Guardians may access in SIS ParentVUE or return the signature sheet to the main office.
October 1: Picture Day at McNair ES
October 3: All Schools Closed, Rosh Hashanah
October 4: No School for Students, Teacher Workday
October 11: Parent Meeting & Tea with Principal Watson & Reading Specialist Ms. Carper around Literacy Instruction at McNair ES, Session 1: 9:00am & Session 2: 2:30 PM (Both sessions are the same,)
October 14: No School for Students, Staff Development Day
October 21: Full Time AAP Screening Parent Meeting in the cafeteria at McNair Upper Elementary School (G3-6 building), 6:00-7:00pm
October 28: 3 Hours Early Release Monday Grades K-2- Please complete form: https://forms.gle/bEmijZM4A1NH1Taj9
October 31: Storybook Character Day at McNair ES
October 31: 2 Hour Early Release, End of First Quarter
November 1: All Schools & Offices Closed, Diwali
November 4: No School For Students, School Planning Day
November 5: No School For Students, Teacher Workday
November 8: 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance (More information Coming Soon!)
November 11: All Schools & Offices Closed, Veterans Day
November 18-22: The Scholastic Book Fair at McNair ES
November 20: Family Night at the Book Fair at McNair ES
November 22: Thanksgiving Luncheon for Grades K-2 at McNair ES
November 27-29: All Schools & Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Break
December 23-January 3: No School For Students, Winter Break
2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.
We are looking forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year!
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