|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We are having another great week at McNair! Our building has been busy this week as our students have been engaging in meaningful learning opportunities and experiences. It also has been so joyful seeing our students and staff participate in Digital Citizenship Week while showing school spirit and learning about the importance of online safety. We would like to thank Ms. Perri, our School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS) teacher for leading our community through important conversations about how to use technology respectfully and responsibly.
Below are just a couple of friendly reminders:
-
AAP Overview of the Full Time Screening Process: Learn more on Monday, October 21st at 6:00pm at the McNair Upper ES Cafeteria.
-
PTA Meeting: Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30pm. We hope you will join the McNair PTA!
-
3 Hour Early Release Day: Our next 3 hour early release day is Monday, October 28th at 12:30pm. Student supervision will be available for families who require it. SACC will be available for students that already participate in SACC programming.
-
Annual Storybook Character Parade: This special event will take place on October 31st at 9:15am on the McNair ES field.
Take care of yourselves and each other. We are here to support if you or your family need anything. Thank you all for your continuous partnership and support. 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
🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Watch this video with tips from Fairfax Pyramid principals and visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
|
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
|
|
 |
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.
Once upon a time, McNair Elementary and McNair Upper Elementary Schools 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.
If your student needs supplies to make a costume, please contact our school counselors Ms. Ford (dmford@fcps.edu) or Ms. Coe (kicoe@fcps.edu).
Storybook Character Parade
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 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.)
*Our afternoon preschool students accessing the afternoon ECCB programs will participate in an afternoon parade on Wednesday, October 30th inside of the building starting at 12:10pm. (Their parade is the day ahead due to the 2 hour early dismissal on October 31st.) For our preschool parents/guardians, we invite you to sign in at the office. The parade route for the afternoon will be inside of the building.*
Parade Route Map
 .
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. |
|
 |
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. |
|
 |
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.
A Message From Ms. Perri
Dear Families,
I'm Kimberly Perri, your child's Technology Teacher and School-Based Technology Specialist at McNair Elementary School.
This week, we're celebrating Digital Citizenship Week! Our Mustangs will be diving into a variety of activities to learn about staying safe and responsible online.
|
|
 |
To help you reinforce these important lessons at home, I encourage you to explore the following website: [https://www.commonsense.org/education/family-engagement-resources]
You'll find a wealth of resources, including articles, videos, and workshops, on topics like online safety, learning with technology, and more.
Thank you for your support in helping us create a safe and positive online environment for all our Mustangs. Below is our optional Spirit Week Dress Up Week!
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Ms. Kimberly Perri
KAPerri@fcps.edu
 .
|
Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics. During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day. Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.
October 18, 2024, 10-11:30 A.M. Register Online
|
|
 |
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All 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.
Elementary School Clinics
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.
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.
|
|
 |
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)
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
PTA invites all the members & non-members for the next General Meeting (attend In-Person or Virtually)
-
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
-
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
-
In Person Location: McNair ES, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr., Herndon, VA 20171
-
Virtual: Google Meet joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/teo-zsio-yvc
Or dial: (US) +1 619-836-1328 PIN: 943 585 838#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/teo-zsio-yvc?pin=6066876682452
Last month's PTA general meeting slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AocEhmUzfRxpYngcMiIj45S0_SLtIYlY/edit#slide=id.p1
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.
-
Registration Link for After School Clubs
-
Registration link for upcoming art competition "Reflections"
-
Guidelines for "Reflections"
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
|
|
 |
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 final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 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:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
 .
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. |
|
 |
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.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Learn About Lexia for Literacy
- The Power of School Lunches
- Upcoming Community Conversations
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!
 Twitter Facebook Instagram
Please stay in touch with us by...
Mark your calendars!
As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.
October 16: PTA Meeting at 6:30pm at McNair ES, Cafeteria
October 19: Westfield High School Theatre's Halloween Festival, 4:00-8:00pm
October 21: Full Time AAP Screening Parent Meeting in the cafeteria at McNair Upper Elementary School (G3-6 building), 6:00-7:00pm
October 21: Dr. Reid's Community Conversations at 6:30pm at Virginia Run ES
October 25: Westfield High School Homecoming Parade and Football Game
October 28: 3 Hours Early Release Monday Grades K-2-Dismissal at 12:30pm
October 31: Our Annual McNair & McNair Upper Storybook Character Day Parade at McNair ES on the Field (More details coming soon!)
October 31: 2 Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 1:30pm, 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 11: All Schools 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 look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year!
#BloomingTogether #McNairCares
|
