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Hello Mustang Families,
Although it was a short school week, our Mustangs have been busy learning new grade level content, while finishing up the reading iReady assessment and beginning the Math MAP assessment. Teachers have also been busily testing students who require the VALLSS assessment to support reading instruction. Once all of these assessments are administered, we will use all of this great data to form intervention groups for students who may require additional support in math and/or reading instruction. If your child requires a personalized reading plan, you will be notified of this in early October as well as what the focus of the plan will be so that you can also support your child's reading progress at home. Please remember that iReady and MAP data is available for families to view in ParentVUE. If you need assistance understanding what each score means, please reach out to your Mustang's homeroom teacher for support.
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Our first House Pep Rally of the school year will be held on Wednesday, September 17th! If your Mustang still has their House t-shirt from last year, please have them wear it. Our 3rd grade Mustangs and students new to the McNair Upper community will find out what House they are in on Wednesday morning and be given their House t-shirt soon. We can't wait to "Hoof It Up" with our entire school community and celebrate the awesome start to the school year we've had! |
I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Goddin
MMGoddin@fcps.edu
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We will have our first early release Wednesday of the school year next Wednesday, September 17th. Dismissal will be at 12:30 PM. Please make sure that your child knows how they are getting home on this afternoon; especially if it is different than a normal day of school.
If your child is staying after school, they will be dismissed at 3:30 PM. We will ask students to go home their regularly scheduled way unless you communicate a different dismissal plan to their homeroom teacher or the main office.
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McNair Upper is excited to welcome volunteers into our school to support staff and students. If you are interested in helping to support our school community during the school day, please attend one of our upcoming volunteer orientations.
- Monday, September 22nd at 2:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 24th at 9:00 a.m.
Please attend only one.
Volunteers can help in the Mustang Stable (cafeteria) during lunchtime, help shelf books in the library, serve as a room parent for your child’s classroom teacher to help organize events for your child’s class and stuff Thursday Folders.
We are also seeking 6th grade families who may like to assist with planning our annual 6th grade promotion ceremony, luncheon, and party in June. More information will be communicated to 6th grade families in January with a meeting time to begin planning for our annual 6th grade festivities and traditions.
An overview of FCPS' new volunteer process and requirements will also be provided during our time together.
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Advanced Academics Program Elementary Services Overview
- Monday, September 15th, 5-6 p.m. in the cafeteria at McNair Elementary (PreK-2 building)
You are invited to join for an information session with Kaitlin Burg (McNair ES Advanced Academic Resource Teacher) and Mallory Janofsky (McNair Upper ES Advanced Academic Resource Teacher). We will provide an overview of Advanced Academics in FCPS and explain the AAP levels of service. This information will not be focused on Full Time AAP screening. That content will be discussed at a separate meeting in October.
Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Deadline for Newly Enrolled Students: October 15th
The deadline for the fall Full-Time Advanced Academics referral is approaching. All materials should be submitted to Mrs. Janofsky, the McNair Upper AART, by Wednesday, October 15th at 11:59 PM. The fall screening window is for students in grades 3-6 that enrolled in FCPS after January 2025. Scroll down to the "Full Time Services" section on this website for the referral form and other important information. For detailed instructions regarding documentation and work samples, click here and scroll down to the "Screening Files" section. October 15th is a firm deadline. Please plan ahead and ask questions early! You can email Mrs. Janofsky at mljanofsky@fcps.edu.
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities for the school division. You may also share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6 to 8 p.m.:
Click on the date to register. Additional locations and registration links will be shared soon. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
The latest issue of the Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter is now available. The newsletter is sent by FCPS’ Department of Special Services, which provides a network of support to staff, students, and families to break down barriers to learning and help students succeed as individuals.
Topics in this issue include:
- Building a Culture of Belonging — Inclusive Education at FCPS.
- Ensuring Safety for Students with Disabilities During Emergencies.
- Personal Electronic Devices for Students with Disabilities.
Subscribe to the Special Education and Section 504 Newsletter.
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.
Each goal has an equity commitment — the promise we make to every student to support them in attaining these goals. Each goal also has several measures that allow us to track our progress.
The first goal in the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success. See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
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A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities within the school division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
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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.
We are still looking for one more family representative to serve on this group to represent the McNair Upper ES community. If you are interested, please reach out to me by email at MMGoddin@fcps.edu or by calling the main office at (571) 982-1700.
Thank you so much in advance for your support of this division wide opportunity for families!
 Please join McNair ES PTA Here: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/shop
Upcoming PTA Meeting
PTA invites all the members & non-members for the First General Meeting (In-Person or Virtually)! Please join!
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at McNair Upper ES at 6.30 PM
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
McNair ES Chess Club
Chess isn't just a game; it's an amazing way to boost critical thinking, sharpen problem-solving skills, and nurture key life skills in kids.
McNair ES brings an After School Chess club for Grade 3-6. Registration Link: https://chessctr.org/mcnair/
For more information, email Mrs. Georgina Chin (the Chess Teacher) at mcnairchess@gmail.com or the McNair Elementary PTA at president@mcnairespta.org
Odyssey of the Mind
Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Imagine being faced with a problem that requires an original solution. It can be frightening. Now imagine not being afraid to solve that problem – that is what OM members learn. This skill and self-confidence will carry over to all areas of their lives.
For further ideas about the competition please visit the link: https://odysseyofthemind.com/
If your child wants to take part in Odyssey of the Mind this year, please send an email to: odyssey@mcnairespta.org
Virginia Science Olympiad-Div A
The Virginia Science Olympiad Div A Tournament 2025-26 will be held in Spring this time - either on April 18th 2026 at Oakton HS or on April 25th 2026 at Lake Braddock HS.
Link for interest form: https://tinyurl.com/mwfkrtsk
Virginia Science Olympiad- Div. B
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the VASO Science Olympiad Division B (Grades 5 & 6) for the 2025–26 season!
What is the Science Olympiad?
The Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) is a highly engaging STEM competition where students explore a wide range of science topics through hands-on events like engineering challenges, biology experiments, and more! It’s a great opportunity for students to work collaboratively, think critically, and have fun while learning.
Learn More
Division B Eligibility Open to 6th-grade students5th-grade students may participate only if not already in Division A
Key Dates Season Runs: December 2025 – March 2026
Registration Deadline: October 3rd, 2025
Registration for VASO Division B: Registration Form
We’re aiming to form 1–2 teams with 15 to 30 students total. If interest exceeds this number, additional students will be placed on a waitlist. So if your child is interested, we encourage you to sign up early to secure a spot!
If you have any questions about the program, feel free to reach out to us at so.div.b@mcnairespta.org
Link for VASO B : https://tinyurl.com/4x96db5d
Chess Tournament
Exciting news! McNair’s very first Chess Tournament is coming up soon. Be sure to mark October 25th, 2025 on your calendar. Are you as thrilled as we are? Further details will be shared soon.
Volunteers Needed
We're looking for fantastic volunteers to join our team. We need help with competitions, events, and more. Ready to join us?
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/49u6ran5
If you have any questions, email us at board@mcnairespta.org
Do You Want to Join the PTA Board?
If you want to connect with other parents, teachers, and school leaders, consider organizing events that enhance student learning and well-being, participate in fundraising to acquire resources benefiting students, and help in organizing staff appreciation events. Please join us. Mcnair PTA is seeking enthusiastic individuals to fill several board positions:
- VP Events & Outreach
- Teacher Appreciation Chair
- Volunteer Coordinator Chair
- Fundraising Chair
- Competition Leads
Please send an email to board@mcnairespta.org if you want to join the team or have any questions.
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 Parents:
Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/mcnairharristeeter
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
Please like & follow to get the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981
Thank you for all your support. Have a great weekend ahead!
Warm Regards,
Sayanti Dasgupta
VP Communications McNair ES PTA
- September 17th: 3-Hour Early Release Day; students are dismissed at 12:30 PM
- September 17th: PTA monthly meeting at 6:30 PM/McNair Upper Elementary
- September 23rd: Rosh Hashanah, school closed
- October 9th: 1st Quarter Interims sent home in Thursday Folders
- October 13th: Indigenous Peoples Day- Staff Development Day; school closed for students
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