|
Hello MUES Families,
Happy New Year! After a wild start to the new year with our snow storm that caused four school cancellations and a two-hour delay, we were so happy to welcome back our students and staff to school today!
As Dr. Reid communicated in her messaging around school closures and delays this week, this decision is not made lightly. While a significant and integral part of our role is educating children, our primary role is keeping them safe as they come to school, are at school, and when leaving school. We are grateful for our amazing custodial team that was on-site most of this school week to ensure that the sidewalks and parking lots were safe and passable for our entire Mustang community. Please join me in extending a BIG THANK to Ms. Escobar, Mr. Pham, Ms. Garcia, Ms. Hernandez, and Mr. Le!
As we begin the new year, I would like to take the opportunity once again to thank our wonderful PTA and families for their generous donations in making our two weeks leading up to winter break so fun for our staff. We were able to treat them to a special winter holiday treat everyday. We are so fortunate to have an incredible staff that cares so deeply about each member of our Mustang community and their overall success. Thank you for your part in making it a special two weeks for them!
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm- more snow is heading our way overnight!
My Best,
Mrs. Goddin, Your Proud Principal
Please join me in congratulating the following staff members for being nominated for an FCPS Honors Award! We are appreciative for the incredible work they do each and everyday to support the McNair Upper ES community! We could not be more proud of all of you! Congratulations!
- Outstanding School-Based Leader of the Year: Mr. Cliff Credle, Assistant Principal
- Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year: Ms. Alexis Thompson, 3rd Grade Teacher
- Outstanding Teacher of the Year:
- Ms. Josette Kearney, 6th Grade AAP Teacher
- Ms. Teresa Kelley, 5th Grade Teacher
- Ms. Jessica Michaels, 5th Grade Teacher
- Mr. John Thomas, 5th Grade AAP Teacher and McNair Upper ES winner for this award
- Outstanding Principal of the Year: Ms. Melissa Goddin
Message for 3rd Grade Students & Families
This month, McNair Upper is focused on giving to our community. Third grade has been tasked with collecting canned goods!
🥫 Now through January 10, students are invited to bring in non perishable canned or boxed goods, which will be donated to a local food pantry.
🥫The Stallions, Broncos, Colts and Blazers will compete to see which house has the most students who donate! Once your student brings in an item to donate, they will add to our donation tracker in the front lobby.
🥫 We will count up the donations on January 10th and announce the house winner!
Reminder: Our canned food drive runs through January 10th! Please remind your Mustang to drop off their donation in the front lobby and complete a paper for our donation tracker!
Message for 4th-6th Grade Students & Families
On December 10, students will participate in King Arthur Baking Company’s Bake for Good program. They will 🥖LEARN the math and science of bread baking and will 🥖receive a BAKING KIT!
Students, with family support, should use their kit to bake a loaf of bread to share as a family, and a loaf of bread (or rolls) to give to a neighbor, friend, or someone in need.
We will track which house (Stallions, Broncos, Colts and Blazers) has the most students report that they baked and practiced generosity by sharing it with others. Students have until January 10th to bake and give!
As we navigate the months ahead, many families are experiencing anxiety and uncertainty due to the recent Presidential Election and ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policies.
In 2022, the School Board adopted the Trust Policy, reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families. This policy aligns FCPS with Fairfax County’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy ensuring that students and families can access school division benefits and services without fear that their information will be disclosed to federal immigration officials.
 |
|
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.
|
Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.
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 among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.
 |
|
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
|
Please Join PTA!
Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true
 |
|
|
PTA invites all the members & non-members the January general PTA meeting (attend in-person or virtually)!
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
In Person Location: McNair Upper ES
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
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting an Award Ceremony right after a brief meeting.
|
|
 |
|
Congratulations to all of the Participants of PTA Reflections!
We are pleased to announce that we had another successful year with many submissions across the categories and divisions. The students did an amazing job with their art and interpretation skills!!
Our sincere thanks to the distinguished judges for reviewing the work of our young talents! Our judges this year were:
- Ms. Coe - Art Teacher
- Ms. Scott - Music Teacher
- Ms. Rose - Music Teacher
- Ms. Luea - AAP Teacher
Link for the winners names: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/w/reflections
|
 |
|
Registration for the American Computer Science League is Open Now!
Exciting news from McNair PTA!
We're inviting students from grades 3 to 6 to join the American Computer Science League (ACSL) competition. It's all about diving into fun programming and computational challenges. Whether you're a coding newbie or a pro, it's a fantastic opportunity to boost your skills, make new friends, and explore the world of computer science.
Registration Link for ACSL: https://forms.gle/hW4Y6gGzxJwP5ZRf8
|
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
 |
|
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
|
 |
|
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
Warm Regards,
Sayanti Dasgupta,
VP Communications McNair ES PTA
- January 20th: Martin L. King Jr.'s Birthday & Inauguration Day; school closed
- January 28th: End of 2nd Quarter of School
- January 29th: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday; no school for students
- January 30th: 3rd Quarter of School Begins
|
