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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
Thank you for another great week! Our readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists have been hard at work this week making explorations, stretching their thinking, and taking risks in their learning! We hope that you have been able to check-in with your student to continue the conversations around what they are learning at school and how they might apply those strategies to real world situations and experiences.
In addition, please ensure that you have scheduled a conference with your child's teacher. A strong home-school partnership is very important to us! Furthermore, there is no school for students on Thursday, October 3rd or Friday, October 4th. For those celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Shanah Tovah!
Just a few friendly reminders:
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Picture Day is today at McNair! Please see below in regards to how you can order your child's photos.
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Schools are closed on Thursday and Friday this week for students.
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Custodian Appreciation Day is on Wednesday, October 2nd.
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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. Please be sure to reach out if you have any questions or if there is anyway that we can support your student or your family. We hope that you all have a wonderful week, Mustangs!
All the best,
Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant
Lifelong Learners Grow Here!
Please contact us with any questions!
Principal: Elizabeth Watson, evwatson@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Brandy O'Bryant, bmobryant@fcps.edu
🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding the FCPS school year calendar and visit the Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Calling All Smiles!
Fall Picture Day at McNair Elementary School is on October 1, 2024.
To order your child’s photos after today please see the following:
- Go to strawbridge.net
- Use the code: FM442064
- All photos can be ordered online, only. (Please do not send in money.)
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Wednesday, October 2nd is National Custodian Appreciation Day!
We appreciate our custodians so much as they work tirelessly to ensure that our building sparkles each and everyday in order to provide a clean and safe learning environment for all of our McNair Mustangs! We invite families to share their appreciation by having students write a thank you note, share a drawing, or even provide a treat. This will surely brighten their day!
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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 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 Walk, Bike, and Roll to School!
Join us for Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 9! Walking and biking promote physical activity, reduces traffic, and teaches our students important pedestrian skills. Let’s create a healthier and safer community together!
Click here to get more information about Walk and Roll to School Day.
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations for all FCPS students at no cost! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s). The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032, on:
- Tuesday, October 8, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 in order to provide consent.
Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
Elementary School Immunization Clinics to Be Held on Early Release Days
The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for elementary students on early release Mondays. All school-required immunizations will be offered free of charge at Health Department clinics by appointment only.
Schedule your appointment today by calling 703-246-7100.
Clinics will be held Monday, October 28, and Monday, December 9, 2-7 p.m., at the Annandale District Office, Herndon-Reston District Office, Joseph Willard Health Center. Learn more about these clinics.
AAP October Newsletter
This month, Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg highlight October’s Disability History and Awareness month and the Critical and Creative Thinking strategy of Point of View. Inside you will find an at home activity/work sample idea as well as conversation starters to have with your mustangs. Check out the latest edition of the October AART Newsletter.
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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.
Power Packs are Ziploc bags of food sent home every Friday with students who do not get enough food on the weekends without their school-provided meals. Your child can receive a pack if they qualify for free or reduced meals through the school.
If you need this program, please fill out this form: Power Pack Form or scan the QR Code below.
Please fill out a separate form for each child at McNair Elementary. Your information is confidential. Once we receive your form, we will email you with more information. You may also contact our School Counselors or Parent Liaison with any questions you may have.
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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.
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
McNair PTA is excited to bring back the After School Clubs! The registration is now open!
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, McNair ERAS Tour Club.
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Registration Link for After School Clubs
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Registration link for upcoming art competition "Reflections"
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Guidelines for "Reflections"
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.
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.
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.
The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.
Safely Store Firearms and Medications
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.
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:
Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
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In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. |
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October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
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Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Thursday, October 3, is a holiday for all FCPS staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
Friday, October 4, is a teacher workday and there will be no school for students.
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In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Strives to Become Purple Star School Division
- Sign and Return SR&R
- Upcoming Immunization Clinics
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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Mark your calendars!
As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.
October 1: Picture Day at McNair ES
October 2: Custodian Appreciation Day
October 3: All Schools Closed, Rosh Hashanah
October 4: No School for Students, Teacher Workday
October 9: Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day
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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