McNair Upper Elementary School, Weekly News & Updates

MUES Weekly News & Updates

November 22, 2024

thanks

lunch

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

Yesterday's Thanksgiving Luncheon was such a success! We enjoyed welcoming over 200 guests who were able to join their Mustang for this special occasion.

If you were not able to join us yesterday because you were unable to take off from work or missed the R.S.V.P. deadline, please know that there is  another opportunity for you to join your Mustang for lunch. We happily welcome families to join their Mustang for lunch on their birthday. If their birthday is celebrated over the summer, we hope you can join them on their half birthday. If their birthday is celebrated on the weekend, please feel free to join them one day either the week before or after their birthday. 

As we get ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday next week, please know how appreciative I am to lead such an incredible school community. Welcoming our Mustangs to school everyday in our main school hallway brings joy to my day. Thank you for trusting me with your children. It has been a true privilege supporting them. 

On behalf of the staff of McNair Upper ES, we wish each and everyone of you a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

 

My Best, 

Mrs. Goddin

Your Proud Principal


Thanksgiving Break is Next Week

turkey

This is a friendly reminder that all schools in FCPS will be closed on November 27th-November 29th in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. Schools will reopen on Monday, December 2nd. 


The MUES Turkey Trot Fun Run is on Tuesday!

turkey

On behalf of Ms. Smith and Ms. Luck, PE teachers, I am excited to share that our Mustangs will be participating in a Turkey Trot Fun Run on Tuesday, November 26th. This year instead of running as grade level teams during their Specials time, they will be running by Houses!

In order to help your Mustang prepare for Tuesday's upcoming Turkey Trot, please make sure they bring the following supplies to school:

  • wear their House t-shirt
  • water bottle
  • tennis shoes (no open-toed shoes or Crocs)
  • sweatshirt or jacket

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.


chorus

Friendly Reminder: Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2nd from 6:30-8:00 PM at Westfield HS. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.


Friendly Reminder: 6th Grade Basketball Club

bball

Attention 6th grade students! Do you like playing basketball? If so, you’re in luck!

Mr. Smalley and Mr. Credle will be hosting a basketball club every Friday morning at 8:00 AM during the 2nd quarter of school in the McNair Upper gym. This club will start next Friday, November 15th at 8:00 AM and is open to boys and girls in 6th grade only.  See you there!


Friendly Reminder: Don't Forget Your Driver's License

driver

This is a friendly reminder that every time you visit a school in FCPS, you are expected to show a valid driver's license or government-issued ID.

If you plan to visit McNair Upper for a parent-teacher conference, to volunteer, to attend a special event during school hours, or to check-in/checkout your Mustang, the main office staff will ask you for one. This rule also applies for family members who visit our school frequently. 

Please help our main office staff keep our Mustangs safe by assisting us in doing your part.  


AAP Information

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.

  • 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.


Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES Staffs!

fall

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 


McNair PTA News...

pta
fb

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

 

so

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations to McNair Upper ES participants on their exceptional performance at the Virginia Science Olympiad (Division A)!

They garnered 76 medals across 38 events & 3 teams, achieving the highest number of wins among all participating schools.

chess

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, January 9, 2025. 
The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, January 7, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.
The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, January 8, 2028 and Thursday, January 9, 2025 is $45.00.
On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, January 11. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us prior to the beginning of round 2.

Doors open at 8:00 am for on-site registrations. On-site registration closes at 8:30 am. The first round starts at 9:00 am.


Three (3) sections:
K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)
K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)
K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

Participants must have a USCF ID - to register: https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php
Pre-registrations (updated periodically): Pre-registrations

NOTE: REMINDER: Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 / player handling fee.

NOTE: Participants should use the back / cafeteria doors - the front doors will not be open.

NOTE: Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Registration Link for the Chess Tournament:

https://tinyurl.com/3b7w4z4s

so

McNair PTA is excited to announce that McNair Elementary School will be participating in the Virginia Science Olympiad (Division B) this year! This program offers our students an incredible opportunity to explore STEM through engaging, hands-on events and competitions.

What is Science Olympiad?

A national STEM competition where students collaborate in teams to compete in events covering topics like biology, engineering, physics, and more.

Who Can Join?

Open to 6th-grade and 5th grade (not participating in Division A) students. No prior experience is needed, just a passion for science and teamwork!

Important Dates:

The season will run from December 2024 through March 2025, with competition dates and preparatory sessions listed on our program page.

Registration Deadline:

Registration is now open and will close on Nov, 26th 2024.

How to Register:

To learn more about the program, event dates, and to register your child, please visit the Science Olympiad Information Page.

Spread the Word!

We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity with other 5th and 6th-grade families in your network! Whether it's through your child's friends or neighbors, let's ensure everyone has a chance to join this amazing program.

Let’s work together to make this a fun and enriching experience for our students!

For any questions please send an email to: so.div.b@mcnairespta.org

Registration Link for VASO Division B: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzW177NKHsP7Pp74vQx3cGJSMPE7eX06iR8fcPDEOk_COxeg/viewform

ht

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
vol

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

clutter

 

Community Resource

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

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta,

VP Communications McNair ES PTA


nyc

 

  • November 26th: Turkey Trot Fun Run- please have your Mustang wear their House t-shirt
  • November 27th-November 29th: Thanksgiving Holiday; school closed
  • December 9th: 3-Hour Early Release Day; dismissal is at 12:30 PM
  • December 9th: MUES House Meetings- please have your Mustang wear their House t-shirt
  • December 10th- Bake for Good Assembly 
  • December 20th- Winter Sing Along Celebration
  • December 23rd-January 3rd: Winter Vacation; school closed