|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We are so excited to announce that our school has a brand-new crosswalk near the exit of the bus loop at McNair ES! Additionally, we would like to extend a special thank you to our PTA President, Lorelei Cheung, for her partnership, collaboration, and advocacy throughout the process. Please ensure to discuss the importance of crosswalk safety with your child and encourage them to always use the designated paths. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Furthermore, please mark your calendars for our upcoming events at McNair! We cannot wait to welcome our families to our Storybook Character Parade, our Virtual Veterans Day 2nd Grade Performance, our McNair Book Fair Family Night, and our Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Below are just a couple of friendly reminders:
-
3 Hour Early Release Day: Our next 3 hour early release day is this upcoming 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. Please notify your child's teacher if there are any updates to your child's dismissal that is different from the previous 3 hour early release day.
-
Annual Storybook Character Parade: This special event will take place on October 31st at 9:15am on the McNair ES field.
-
Outstanding Employee Awards: Nominate our amazing staff! To submit a nomination for a McNair Elementary School Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google form link by November 6th: Click Here
Take care of yourselves and each other. We are here to support if you or your family need anything. 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
Students Are Learning Every Day!
As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school.
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards!
To submit a nomination for a McNair Elementary School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: Click Here 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 or 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 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 New Principal
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
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 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
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.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 6th.
If you have any questions, please contact Ann Ohr at eaohr@fcps.edu or Caitlyn Reilly at csreilly@fcps.edu
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.
We are hoping to collect 40 large or medium-sized pumpkins so that each of our homeroom classes and specialists at McNair ES can have one for a project we will be completing during the month of November. |
|
 |
If you are able to donate a pumpkin, please fill out the very brief Google Form: Thankful & Grateful Activity Pumpkins can be dropped off at the main office no later than Wednesday, November 6th. If you have questions, please email Ms. Watson, Principal, at evwatson@fcps.edu. Thank you in advance for your help!
**Please note, McNair Upper ES will also be asking for donations as well. We appreciate all of your support for both school campuses! Please email Principal Goddin for any questions about pumpkin donations at Mcnair Upper ES at MMGoddin@fcps.edu.**
 Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.
Our McNair second grade students have been practicing songs to celebrate and honor our Veterans. The second-grade students will participate in a performance at school on Friday, November 8th to thank all who have served. There will be an assembly for all students at 2:20pm and all Veterans are welcome to join in person. The performance will be virtual/online for parents/guardians and families where we will livestream the performance. As the performance gets closer, we will share the link for parents/guardians and families to join virtually. For the assembly, we are asking ALL second-grade students to wear a solid red, white, or blue top/shirt.
If you are a military Veteran or have military family members, we would love for you to let us know and share a picture with us by Nov 1st. Thank you for your support and feel free to email Ms. Rose at Ajrose@fcps.edu with any questions or pictures! If you would prefer to send in a picture with your child, please, have it labeled with your child’s name and teacher, so we are able to return it. Thank you for your partnership and support.
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.
|
|
 |
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?
As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at the McNair Book Fair or at the McNair Thanksgiving Luncheon, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.
We appreciate your ongoing partnership and support to make events like these possible for all of our Mustangs!
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
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
|
|
 |
Taco Bamba Fundraiser is November 13th!
 Event Date: Wednesday, 13th November 2024
Be sure to 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.
PTA 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
PTA Reflections Update
If you've signed up for the Reflections, please have your entry ready! The submission deadline is November 13th, 2024. The PTA will share the submission process soon.
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
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 date 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.
We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. #OurFCPS |
|
 |
Next week we recognize those in our community observing All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world. #OurFCPS |
|
 |
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Family Orientation
- Community Conversations
- 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.
👍❤️ 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 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 and All Saints Day
November 4: No School For Students, School Planning Day
November 5: No School For Students, Teacher Workday
November 8: Virtual 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance (Link coming soon!)
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
|
