Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We officially welcomed fall this past Sunday! Our school building continues to be buzzing with excitement as our Mustangs engage in meaningful learning opportunities. Please ensure to take the time to check in with your child about their learning experiences daily. Also, be sure to mark your calendars! We have a lot of exciting things in store for our Mustang community this season! Please read our newsletter carefully.
Additionally, please see the following for a few friendly reminders:
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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.
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Blue Star Welcome Week: McNair ES & McNair Upper ES Military kids and families are invited for a breakfast on Friday, September 26th from 8:00-8:30am at the McNair Upper ES Cafeteria. Please be sure to RSVP to Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Goddin by Thursday morning. Mustangs, be sure to wear BLUE to show your support on Friday for our Military families!
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Picture Day: Make sure Mustangs to bring your smiles! Picture Day at McNair Elementary School is on Tuesday, October 1st.
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Donations for McNair ES & McNair Upper ES Staff: Please sign up to donate some snacks for our amazing staff! Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form
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
We All Belong at School!
Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school.
Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
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. |
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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 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. |
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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!
All the best,
Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson
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.
September AAP Community Newsletter
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: An Overview of the AAP Full Time Screening Process
- Monday, October 21st from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the McNair Upper Elementary School 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. Please 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.
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)
AAP Presentation Materials from September 16th
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, September 16th. The presentation is now posted on our website for families to reference.
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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.
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
At McNair Elementary School and McNair Upper Elementary School, we are hosting a welcome breakfast for military kids and families on Friday, September 27 at the McNair Upper Elementary School Cafeteria to get connected with each other and our school community. We invite our military families to join us in the McNair Upper ES cafeteria from 8:00am-8:30am. If your family plans to attend, please RSVP by emailing Principal Watson at evwatson@fcps.edu by 9:00am on Thursday, September 26.
In addition, to show our military students and families support, we encourage both school communities to wear blue on September 27, 2024.
#BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact Karen Brown, our school psychologist, Donna Ford or Kristin Coe, our school counselors, or Dena Neverdon, our school social workers at 703-793-4800, to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.
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.
October PTA Meeting
Join us Wednesday, October 16th 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!
Join the McNair PTA today!
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
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
Vacant PTA Positions
- Assistant to VP of Events & Community Outreach
- Teacher Appreciation Chair
- Financial Secretary
- Technology Chair
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
For more information please email the PTA Board at board@mcnairespta.org
 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.
Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:
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Monday, September 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Newington Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, September 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School.
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Monday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Fairhill Elementary School.
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Monday, October 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Virginia Run Elementary School.
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Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School.
Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 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:
- Accessing Intervention Plans
- Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning
- Update Immunizations Today!
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 23-September 27: Blue Star Welcome Week for Military Families
September 27: Blue Star Welcome Week Breakfast for Military kids & families from 8:00-8:30am at the McNair Upper ES cafeteria. Please RSVP to Principal Watson by Thursday, September 26th.
September 27: Wear BLUE to honor our Military Families!
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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