McNair Upper Elementary School, Weekly News & Announcements

MUES Weekly News & Announcements

September 27, 2024


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Hello Mustang Families,

As you can see from the picture above, it has been a wet and rainy week at McNair Upper! I am very grateful that our awesome safety patrols have helped support our younger Mustangs with getting off and on the school bus safely each day. 

As we prepare for cooler climates in the coming weeks, it is important to ensure that you send your Mustang to school each day appropriately dressed as temperatures are cooler in the morning before warming up throughout the day. 

I'm excited to share that we will host our first "Family Coffee Talk" of the school year on this upcoming Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM. Ms. Harris, Reading Specialist, and Ms. McAnallen, Multilanguage Learner Teacher, will be highlighting Benchmark, FCPS' new language arts curriculum. They will also be sharing other news about how our school is supporting the reading needs of our Mustangs under the Virginia Literacy Act. I hope you're able to join us! 

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Goddin

MMGoddin@fcps.edu


Important Reminder: Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

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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.


We Are Still Looking For Volunteers For The Family Vision Group!

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!


Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES Staffs!

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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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For specific pricing information and how to order fall picture packages online, please click on the following link: Fall Picture Day Information


Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Deadline for Newly Enrolled Students: October 15th

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.


Please Join Us! Family Coffee Talk on October 2nd

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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! 


Upcoming AAP Presentations

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.


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Last Call! NVSWCD Conservation Poster Contest

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!


Westfield High School Dance Team's Fall Clinic

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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The 2023-2030 Strategic Plan- Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

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. 

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.


McNair PTA News...

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  • Registration Link for PTA membership: Join the McNair PTA!
  • McNair PTA is excited to bring back the After School clubs! And the registration is open now. We have so many clubs to choose from! There's the Business Club, Art Club, Active Sports Club, Game Club, Guitar and Ukulele Club, Running Club, Engineering and Computer Science Club, Debate Club, Newspaper Club, Crochet Club, Video Game Design Club, Origami Club, McNaERAS Tour Club.

  • Registration Link for After School Clubs: Sign-Up for McNair After School Clubs

  • Registration link for upcoming art competition "Reflections": 24-25 Reflections Registration

    Guidelines for "Reflections" : 24-25 Reflection Guidelines

  • 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

 

Thank you for all your support.

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta,

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

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  • 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)