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Hello Mustang Families,
Fall officially begins this Sunday! As you will find out from reading the material in this week's message to families, we are in the full swing of things at McNair Upper! We have many upcoming events that we're excited for our Mustang families to be part of this fall season! From PTA After School Clubs beginning in early October to our upcoming Family Coffee Talk on October 2nd, the coming months will offer many opportunities for you and your family to feel connected and learn more about the wonderful opportunities we provide our Mustang community. Have a wonderful weekend!
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Goddin
MMGoddin@fcps.edu
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This is a friendly reminder that school will dismiss at 12:30 PM on Monday, September 23rd. Please make sure that your Mustang is aware of how they will be going home on this day; especially if it is different than their normal routine. |
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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 Upper ES community, please reach out to Mrs. Goddin, Principal, by email at MMGoddin@fcps.edu.
Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!
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We would love the help of our McNair families to stock both of our school's teacher workrooms with snacks, treats, and drinks for our hard working staff members to enjoy while they plan engaging lessons and activities for our Mustangs.
If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:
Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form
Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson
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The McNair Advanced Academic Resource Teachers, Mrs. Burg and Mrs. Janofsky, presented information about the Advanced Academic Program in Fairfax County to families on Monday evening. The presentation is now posted on our website for families to reference.
The deadline for the fall Full-Time Advanced Academics referral is approaching. All materials should be submitted to Mrs. Janofsky, the McNair Upper AART, by Tuesday, October 15 at 11:59pm.The fall screening window is for students newly enrolled in FCPS after January 2024. Scroll down to the "Full Time Services" section on this website for the referral form and other important information. For detailed instructions regarding documentation and work samples, click here and scroll down to the "Screening Files" section. October 15 is a firm deadline. Please plan ahead and ask questions early! You can email Mrs. Janofsky at mljanofsky@fcps.edu.
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Please join Karen Harris (Reading Specialist) and Jenn McAnallen (Lead MLL/ESOL Teacher) for a Parent Coffee Talk on Wednesday, October 2nd at 9:00 AM.
We will share information about the Virginia Literacy Act that went into effect this school year and Benchmark Advance, our new Language Arts Curriculum. We will also share information about i-ready and the new VALLSS assessment for 3rd grade. Family Resources will also be shared to help you support your child at home.
We hope you're able to join us!
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An Overview of the AAP Full Time Screening Process
Monday, October 21st from 6-7 p.m.
McNair Upper Elementary Cafeteria
Please join us to learn about the Full Time AAP Screening Process. We will discuss important deadlines and what families and schools submit in the screening portfolio. Students in Grades 2-7 are eligible for Full Time screening.
*Note that this is AFTER the October 15 fall referral deadline. If you are eligible for fall screening, you must turn in the referral prior to this meeting. Please reach out to Mrs. Janofsky if you need more information.
Middle and High School AAP Services Overview
Wednesday, November 20th 9:30 -10:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom link; will be shared in the future
Audience: Parents of 5th and 6th grade students
Please join us to learn about the scope of AAP services in Middle and High school, including Honors Courses, AAP Courses, Advanced Math and more. We will record this session and post the link on our website.
Calling all student artists! The 2024 Conservation Poster Contest theme is "May the Forest Be With You, Always." This contest is open to all K-12 students in Fairfax County, and scouts are eligible to earn a poster contest patch. Additionally, this year features a digital poster contest open to students in grade 7-12. The application deadline is Friday, September 27, 2024. Learn more about the 2024 Conservation Poster Contest. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Gillions at lagillions@fcps.edu or Miss Gross at cngross1@fcps.edu. When you submit your poster to the contest, please also submit it to Mrs. Gillions or Miss Gross via email. Good luck and May the Forest Be With You!
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McNair Upper is excited to welcome volunteers into our school to support staff and students. If you are interested in helping to support our school community during the school day, please attend one of our upcoming volunteer orientations.
- Wednesday, September 25th at 2:45 p.m.
- Thursday, September 26th at 8:50 a.m.
Please attend only one.
Volunteers can help in the Mustang Stable during lunchtime, help shelf books in the library, serve as a room parent for your child’s classroom teacher to help organize events for your child’s class and stuff Thursday Folders. We are also seeking 6th grade families who may like to assist with planning our annual 6th grade promotion ceremony, luncheon, and party in June. More information will be communicated to 6th grade families in January with a meeting time to begin planning for our annual 6th grade festivities and traditions.
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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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Registration Link for PTA membership: Join the McNair PTA!
- Virginia Science Olympiad Division A competition is happening on November 16th at Thomas Jefferson High School!
Virginia Science Olympiad Division A Sign-Up Form
- After-school clubs are beginning soon!
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Looking for interested candidates for the following vacant Positions in the PTA. For more information please email to board@mcnairespta.org
- Assistant to VP of Events & Community Outreach
- Teacher Appreciation Chair
- Financial Secretary
- Technology Chair
Current Board Members of McNair PTA
President: Lorelei Cheung
Secretary: Rekha Mani
Treasurer: Sukumar Krishnamurthy
VP of Fundraising & Appreciation: Amrita Singh
VP of Events and Community Outreach: Miranda Butzlaff
VP of Club & Competition Programming: Danielle Tyler
VP of Membership & Volunteers: Gowri Kaliappan
VP of Communications: Sayanti Dasgupta
VP of Technology: Dileep Soundararajan
Competitions Co-Chairs: Archana Pattem & Satya Gunisetti
We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.
Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu
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Key Points from the Principals in the PTA meeting were discussed.
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· Student safety is super important, especially when it comes to road safety. So, let's all be patient and careful while crossing the streets. Make sure to follow police signals and drive slowly in and around the school area.
· We'll have early release on Monday, September 23rd and October 28th, so the school day will end 3 hours early. Don't forget to fill out the forms provided by the school or your teacher.
· Student attendance is very important for your child's growth and success. It will definitely make a difference over time. If you're planning to travel, please make sure to talk to the principal beforehand.
Please let us know, If this looks okay to you, or if you need anything else.
Thank you for all your support.
Warm Regards,
Sayanti Dasgupta
VP Communications McNair ES PTA
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- September 23rd: Three-Hour Early Release; Dismissal is at 12:30 PM
- October 2nd: Coming Soon! Family Coffee Talk at 9:00 AM (Topic: Benchmark, our new division-wide literacy basal)
- October 3rd: Rosh Hashanah; school closed in observance of this holiday
- October 4th: Staff Development Day; school closed for students
- October 10th: 1st Quarter Interims sent home in Thursday Folders
- October 21st: Full-Time AAP Screening Overview at 6:00 PM/Location: McNair Upper ES (3-6 school)
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