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Hello Mustang Families,
Next Thursday marks the end of our first quarter of school! Our Mustangs have worked very hard since our school year began in August to learn the procedures, routines, and expectations of their homeroom class, their specials class as well as how to navigate our entire school community. They have also completed many beginning of the year assessments to guide the work we do during our school-wide reading and math intervention blocks to ensure that we are supporting all Mustangs by name and by need.
I'm excited to share that we have a school-wide pep rally on Monday morning to kickoff our "House System Positive Behavior Approach!" When your Mustang gets home from school on Monday afternoon, remember to ask them which house they are a member of- The Blazers, The Broncos, The Colts, or The Stallions. I look forward to sharing more about our House System with families in the coming weeks!
Have the best weekend, MUES families!
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Goddin
MMGoddin@fcps.edu
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October 28th: 3-Hour Early Release from School
This is a friendly reminder that Monday, October 28th is a 3-hour early release from school. Dismissal will take place at 12:30 PM.
October 31st: 2-Hour Early Release from School
We will also dismiss early on Thursday, October 31st, which is the final day of our 1st quarter of school. Dismissal will take place at 1:30 PM.
Please ensure that your Mustang is aware of how they will be going home on both of these early release school days next week.
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McNair Upper ES will be celebrating Veterans Day on Friday, November 8th with one whole-school assembly. Our Mustangs will sing patriotic songs and participate in interactive activities to learn about the significance of why we celebrate Veterans Day.
If you have a family member who served or is currently serving in the military, we invite them to attend. We would like to recognize and honor our Veterans as a way to thank you for your contributions to our country and our freedom.
Please complete the form below to indicate if the Veteran will be attending our assembly and/or submit your Veteran's picture for a special slides presentation during the assembly.
MUES Celebrates Veterans Day Form
If you are able to help celebrate Veterans Day with us in person or if you would like to submit a picture for our special presentation, please take a moment to fill out the Google Form below no later than Monday, November 4th.
If you have any questions, please email Melissa Goddin, Principal, at MMGoddin@fcps.edu.
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Each year during the month of November, we like to provide all of our classroom communities a pumpkin where our Mustangs document all of the wonderful things they are thankful for on it. We then use these pumpkins for our centerpieces at our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon.
We are hoping to collect 40 large or medium-sized pumpkins so that each of our homeroom classes and specialists' classrooms at McNair Upper ES can have one.
If you are able to donate a pumpkin, please fill out the very brief Google Form below. Pumpkins can be dropped off at the main office beginning on Monday, October 28th.
Thankful & Grateful Pumpkin Donation
If you have questions, please email Mrs. Goddin, Principal, at MMGoddin@fcps.edu. Thank you in advance for your support!
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The Federal Government owns property in Fairfax County, and those properties are removed from the local tax base. FCPS is eligible to apply for Federal Impact Aid funds as reimbursement for the lost tax revenue. FCPS uses the Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students and to support our request for Impact Aid resources, which become part of FCPS' general operating budget. Federally connected students are children of active-duty uniformed services personnel, children who live on federal property or in subsidized federal housing, and children whose parents are employed on eligible federal properties. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $3,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.
McNair Upper Elementary School participates in this annual survey. Families are encouraged to complete the survey through ParentVUE beginning October 21st.
Here is more information about the Federal Impact Aid Survey that was shared with all families earlier this week:
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available to complete online.
The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:
- Military families.
- Federally connected families.
- Families living on a military base.
Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form.
For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.
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.)
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.
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Outstanding Operational Employee
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Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location
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Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons
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Outstanding Leader
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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
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Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services
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Outstanding Teacher
- Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
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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
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Outstanding Principal
- Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
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Outstanding New Principal
- Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district
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Outstanding Professional Employee
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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
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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.
Full Time AAP Referrals
Referrals for Full Time AAP Screening are due no later than December 15th at 11:59 p.m. This is a firm deadline, and no exceptions will be made. Please refer to this checklist for links to referral documents and submission instructions. Here is the link: AAP Checklist Link
Referral Office Hours with Mrs. Janofsky
Mrs. Janofsky will host office hours on Zoom to answer questions and provide clarity around the Full Time AAP Screening Process. Individual parent meetings will not be scheduled. If one of these times does not work for you, please email your question directly to Mrs. Janofsky at mljanofsky@fcps.edu.
- Friday 11/8, 11am-12pm
- Friday 11/15 9am-10am
- Friday 11/22 1pm-2pm
- Monday 12/2 1pm-2pm
- Friday 12/13 1pm-2pm
Use this Zoom Link to enter. Please email Mrs. Janofsky ahead of time if you would like translation services.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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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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Odyssey of the Mind is Starting Soon!
Calling all problem solvers, writers, actors, scientists, engineers, project managers, artists, and creative thinkers!
Another season of Odyssey of the Mind is starting soon.
At OOTM, students work together to develop a solution to their chosen problem for a regional competition in March. Students will learn to work as part of a team, think creatively, learn new skills, make new friends, and have lots of fun.
If you are interested, please fill out the form OOTM Interest Form 2024-25 by November 7th!
(Note this does require some level of participation from the parents as coaches/co-coaches or volunteers.)
Link for the OOTM interest form: OOTM Interest Form 2024-25
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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:
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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.
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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
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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. We'd love for you to join us!
Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu
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
- 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
- November 11th: Veterans Day; school closed
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