|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We had such a special week at McNair Elementary School! Our mustangs were so excited to welcome our Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid to our building. We were so excited to show her the amazing work that our talented staff does each and everyday in order to help our mustangs reach for the stars and thrive to meet their fullest potential.
In addition, our 10 Days of Winter Cheer Spirit Days have officially begun! We are hopeful that all of our Mustangs will continue to participate throughout next week, too! Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions about our spirit days. In addition, on Friday, December 20th, all of our Mustangs will participate in a school-wide McNair Winter Sing-Along Student Assembly. During this special assembly, our students will have the opportunity to sing together songs that will honor all of our winter holidays and traditions. We are grateful for our music teacher, Ms. Rose, for leading this wonderful event for all of our Mustangs at McNair!
Also, December 9th and running through Friday, December 20th is our "10 Days of Winter Holiday Cheer at McNair ES!" We encourage you to help our McNair PTA celebrate our hard working and dedicated staff by making a donation. Here is the sign-up link: Please ensure to sign-up to support! Donations are welcome.
Below are just a couple of friendly reminders, so please mark your calendars:
Wishing you all a joyous weekend. Thank you so much for your continuous partnership and support!
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!
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 23 to Monday, January 6, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Congratulations to our McNair Elementary School's Outstanding Employee Award Recipients. Our staff members below will be submitted for the next round in the awards process! Thank you for the nominations!
-
Outstanding Teacher: Rachel Haymond (ECCB Special Education Teacher)
-
Outstanding New Teacher: Joanna Grimes (First Grade Teacher)
-
Outstanding Professional Employee: Kaitlin Burg (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher)
-
Outstanding Operational Employee: Cheyenne Cole (Special Education Instructional Assistant)
-
Outstanding Leader: Brandy O'Bryant (Assistant Principal)
-
Outstanding New Principal: Elizabeth Watson (Principal)
**If you have any questions about the process of FCPS Outstanding Staff Awards, please contact Ann Ohr at eaohr@fcps.edu or Caitlyn Reilly at csreilly@fcps.edu
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
We hope that you will join us in our 10 Days of Winter Cheer at McNair! Let's see your spirit, Mustangs! (A calendar was sent home last week in Thursday folders.)
 .
Thank you for your continued support in fostering a safe and positive online learning environment for all our Mustangs! In December, we'll be diving into the exciting world of coding when students attend Technology Lab! Students will get hands-on experience with both digital coding activities and unplugged (offline) activities to solidify their understanding.
Digital Resources Consent Reminder: To ensure your child can access FCPS-approved digital resources for coding activities, please review this link and give your permission for your child to access safe, engaging learning websites. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ms. Perri at KAPerri@fcps.edu.
The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:
- Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
- SEL Screener Results
- New Accessibility Resources
- Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
- Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
- VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
- Executive Functioning Webinars
- Early Literacy Resources
- ESY and Assessment Webinar
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
|
MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.
To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community.
|
|
|
 |
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.
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 December Newsletter
This month, Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg highlight how PMI is an analysis tool that leads students to consider various aspects of ideas, events, or activities from their own or others’ perspective. Check out the latest edition of the AAP December Newsletter.
|
|
 |
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 AAP Checklist Link for required and optional documents as well as submission instructions.
Office Hours with Mrs. Burg
Mrs. Burg is hosting weekly virtual office hours on Zoom to answer any questions you have. Join her at the dates and times listed below.
Wednesday 12/11 5pm - 6pm
Friday, 12/11 9am – 10 am *change in time*
Use this Zoom Link to enter.
Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.
Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.
FCPS also partners 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, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.
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, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.
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
|
|
 |
.
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 Tournament
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.
Just a couple of reminders...
-No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.
-If you need a buy for the later rounds - please notify the PTA 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.
-There are 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)
-Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 per player handling fee.
-Participants should use the back/cafeteria doors - the front doors will not be open.
-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
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
|
|
 |
Community Resources
Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/
PTA Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:
- Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
- 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
.
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.
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
|
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
|
|
 |
A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas. |
|
 |
Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar. |
|
 |
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar. |
|
 |
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
- Join Our Teacher Team!
- Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates
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.
December 9-20: McNair's 10 Days of Winter Cheer Spirit Days!
December 15: Window for AAP Referrals Closes for Grades 2-7
December 20: Winter Sing Along (Student Assembly)
December 23-January 3: Winter Break (No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.)
December 25: Christmas Day
December 25: Chanukah Begins at Sundown
January 1: Happy New Year, Mustangs!
January 6: School Reopens at 8:35am
January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday (Schools Closed)
January 15: PTA Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM at McNair Upper ES
February 6: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon
February 24: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal will be 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.)
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
|
