McNair Upper Elementary School, Weekly News & Announcements

MUES Weekly News & Announcements

October 18, 2024


Hello Mustang Families,

Even though we still have a few weeks left of the first quarter of school, we are already in the process for prepping for the second quarter of school. One of the most exciting events we always look forward to hosting in November is our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. This year's Thanksgiving Luncheon will take place on Thursday, November 21st. If you would like to attend this event (whether you plan to eat lunch with your Mustang or just join them during their designated lunchtime), you must R.S.V.P. for this event. Please R.S.V.P. no later than 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 31st. This is a firm deadline.

A flyer listing specific information about our Thanksgiving Luncheon was sent home with your Mustang in yesterday's Thursday Folder. You can also access a copy of it  clicking the following link: 24-25 Thanksgiving Luncheon Letter.docx

We hope you're able to join us!

 

Wishing everyone a lovely fall weekend!

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Goddin

MMGoddin@fcps.edu


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Once upon a time, McNair ES and McNair Upper ES Brought Storybook Characters to Life!

We are excited to celebrate Storybook Character Day on October 31st! We invite all students to dress up and join in on the FUN!  Students are encouraged to use their creativity to dress in a school appropriate, storybook character costume.  Student costumes can be bought or homemade. Costumes may be elaborate or simple. Make sure to bring a book with you! Please no masks or toy weapons.

We invite parents/guardians to attend our Storybook Character Parade on October 31st.  Both McNair Upper ES students and McNair ES students will be participating in the parade. The parade will begin promptly at 9:15am on the field located between both school buildings. On the map below, you will see where families can sign into the parade and receive a visitor badge to enter the field area.  This is for safety and security purposes so we encourage families to arrive early so that they do not miss the parade!  

If it rains on October 31st, the parade will take place inside each building's gymnasiums.  (The two schools would host their own parade in their building as opposed to joining together.)

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Nominations are Now Open! Outstanding Employee Awards Program

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! 

To submit a nomination for a McNair Upper ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link:  MUES 24-25 Outstanding Employee Awards Nomination Form. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below. 

  • Outstanding Operational Employee
    • Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location
    • Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons 
  • Outstanding Leader 
    • Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location
    • Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services
  • Outstanding Teacher 
    • Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
  • Outstanding New Teacher
    • Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
  • Outstanding Principal
    • Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district) 
  • Outstanding New Principal
    • Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district
  • Outstanding Professional Employee 
    • Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location
    • Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades 

The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, October 28, 2024. 

If you have any questions, please contact Kelli Koutstaal at kakoutstaal@fcps.edu.


Health Information and Emergency Care Forms

The Health Information Form (HIF) (SS/SE-71) and the Emergency Care Information form (SS/SE-3) provide valuable information regarding student health conditions. These forms are critical in the early identification of students who may need healthcare support in the educational environment. Along with the development of Healthcare Plans (HCP) and Action Plans, the Public Health Nurses (PHNs) utilize the information contained in the HIF to develop teaching strategies for FCPS staff in order to meet the requirements of Regulation 2104 Health Services-School Health-Related Needs.

These forms are required for all students. Enrolling parents/guardians who have a SIS ParentVUE account may submit them electronically by using the Online Verification/Update packet

For families without SIS ParentVue accounts, forms can be located in the Back to School packets and on the General Registration Forms page. 


Immunization Clinics for FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

  • Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

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 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.


Westfield High School Fall Festival

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What is “Drug Take Back Day?”

Drop off unused or expired medications at the locations listed on the flyer:

(Accepted items: prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small

liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets.

Not accepted: illegal drugs, pressurized canisters [inhalers/aerosol cans], needles, large sources of liquids, non-prescription

ointments, and lotions.)

 Disposal is FREE, convenient, confidential, and safe.

 Safe handling of unused or expired medications:

  • Protects the environment.
  • Prevents drug misuse.
  • Prevents accidental poisoning

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 


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.


McNair PTA News...

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  • Registration Link for PTA membership: Join the McNair PTA!
  • Reflections Update

    If you've signed up for the Reflections, please have your entry ready! The submission deadline is November 13th, 2024. We will share the submission process soon.

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Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Harris Teeter’s Together In Education program gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands.  A percentage of your purchase is donated to the school that your VIC card is linked to. There are NO LIMITS to how much a school can earn.

Instruction for Families:

  • Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter
  • Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.
  • Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090
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Taco Bamba Fundraiser is happening soon!

Event Date: Wednesday, 13th November 2024

mention the coupon code or the organization’s name upon ordering in-store for credit.
When purchasing gift cards or ordering online through Taco Bamba’s website,
guests will enter the code: GIVE20 in the coupon code area at check-out.

 

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Volunteers Needed!

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

  • Movie Night
  • Bingo Night
  • Running Event (fun run or color run)
  • International Night/Cultural Fair
  • Student Talent Show
  • Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
  • 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

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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Community Resource

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

 

PTA General Meeting

The slide deck for the general membership meeting held on October 16th can be found here: October PTA General Membership Meeting Information

Any questions? send an email toboard@mcnairespta.org

 

Thank you for all your support.

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta,

VP Communications McNair ES PTA


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  • October 21st: Full-Time AAP Screening Overview at 6:00 PM/Location: McNair Upper ES (3-6 school)
  • October 21st-November 22nd: McNair Upper ES Fall Parent-Teacher Conference Window
  • October 28th: Three-Hour Early Release Day; Dismissal at 12:30 PM
  • October 31st: End of the 1st Quarter of School; Dismissal at 1:30 PM
  • October 31st: Annual Storybook Character Parade at 9:15 AM
  • October 31st: Reservation for Thanksgiving Luncheon due no later than 12:00 PM (this is a firm deadline)
  • November 1st: Diwali; school closed 
  • November 4th & November 5th: Student Holidays/Teacher Workdays; school closed for students 
  • November 6th: 2nd Quarter of School Begins