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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
As the colors of fall arrive, we want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the exceptional work our teachers are doing. They are dedicated to working behind the scenes to guarantee that every child is growing and thriving throughout the school year.
To create truly personalized learning experiences, our teachers this week have been deeply analyzing beginning-of-year assessment data. This process is about precisely identifying what each student has mastered and where they need targeted support or a deeper challenge through enrichment opportunities.
By using this data, our teachers are able to:
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Pinpoint specific skills gaps to offer focused small-group instruction.
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Tailor lessons to meet diverse learning styles and needs.
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Monitor growth over time and celebrate every milestone along the way.
This careful, analytical approach is essential to our commitment to high-quality, equitable learning for all. We are so proud of the dedication and expertise our staff shows in constantly refining their teaching based on what the data tells them about your child.
Furthermore, below are just a couple of friendly reminders for this week:
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October 15: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal is at 12:30pm for students in grades K-2.
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October 15: 6:30 pm PTA Meeting at McNair ES
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October 20: School Closed; Holiday- Diwali
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October 31: Outstanding Employee Awards are due. Please be sure to 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 October 31st.
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!
Together We Grow,
Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Stringer, and Mrs. Royer
Lifelong Learners Grow Here!
Please contact us with any questions!
Principal: Elizabeth Watson, evwatson@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Ipsa Stringer, IBStringer@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Sara Royer, smroyer@fcps.edu
Click on the links below to navigate to sections of this newsletter.
Save the Date
📌October 15: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal is at 12:30pm for students in grades K-2.
📌October 15: 6:30 pm PTA Meeting at McNair ES
📌October 20: School Closed; Holiday- Diwali
📌October 21-24: Digital Citizenship Week
📌October 31: McNair ES Storybook Character Parade (More information coming soon!)
📌October 31: 2 Hour Early Release. All students will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.
📌November 3: Student Holiday/ School Planning Day: School closed for students
📌November 4: Student Holiday/Teacher Workday: School is closed for students
📌November 7: PTA's Outdoor Movie Night at the McNair ES and McNair Upper ES Field; 5:00-8:00pm
📌November 10: Overview of the AAP Full Time Screening Process: See meeting information below
📌November 11: School Closed; Veterans Day
📌November 13: 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance: More information below!
📌November 17-21: The Scholastic Book Fair at McNair ES
📌November 19: Family Night at the Book Fair at McNair ES
📌November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon for Grades K-2 at McNair ES
📌November 26-28: All Schools & Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Break
📌December 22-January 2: No School For Students, Winter Break
**Please reference the 2025-2026 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips. Attendance counts and everyday matters!**
Arrival and Dismissal
Doors open for arrival at 8:35 a.m. The school day begins at 8:45 a.m.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 p.m.
Attendance
🤒 When Should A Student Stay Home From School?
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your child succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your child stays home if they are sick. Visit our website for information on when to keep your child at home.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.
Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
Digital Citizenship Week
Show Your Spirit, Mustangs!
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Nominations Are Now Open for the
FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards!
To submit a nomination for a McNair Elementary School Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google form link.
All that is required is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate up to one employee per category.
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 Principal
Eligibility: Has at least 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
Positions in this category include Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Director of Student Services, Director of Student Activities
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
Positions in this category include Resource Teacher and Special Education Department Chair and Multilingual Learners Department Chair who serve in a non-instructional role for more than 50% of their time, After-School Specialist, Assessment Coach, Athletic Trainer, Career Center Specialist, Career Experience Specialist, College and Career Specialist, Crisis Resource Teacher, Instructional Coach, School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Reading Specialist, Safety and Security Specialist, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologist, School Counselor, Systems of Support Administrator, or other employee paid as a Resource Teacher who serves in a non-instructional or administrative role in the school)
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
Positions in this category include Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, Student Information Assistant, Finance Technician, School Finance Assistant, Student Services Assistant, Registrar, Custodian, Building Supervisor, Operating Engineer, Food Services staff, Instructional Assistant, Family Liaison, Public Health Training Assistant, Safety and Security Assistant, and all hourly employees*
The deadline to submit a nomination is October 31, 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Mobley (cmmobley@fcps.edu ) or Ann Ohr ( eaohr@fcps.edu )
Fall Snacks for McNair ES and McNair Upper ES Staff!
We would love your help in keeping our staff lounge and teacher planning space stocked with individually wrapped healthy snack foods, beverages, and a few sweet treats for our awesome school staff as a way to keep them energized as they teach and support our Mustangs.
Please consider signing up for any of the items listed below and drop off any donations to the main office at your child's school (McNair ES or McNair Upper ES) between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
If you'd like to donate something to support our staff, please click on the following link: Fall Snack Sign-Up Link
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Once upon a time, McNair Elementary 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.
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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. McNair ES students will be participating in the parade. The parade will begin promptly at 9:15am on the field between McNair ES and McNair Upper ES. Next week we will share with the community a map so that you can 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! |
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If it rains on October 31st, the parade will take place inside the gymnasium.
*Our afternoon preschool students accessing the afternoon ECCB programs will participate in an afternoon parade on Thursday, 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.*
Inspire Immunization Events for All FCPS Students
Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students.
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Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families.
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Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.
Current event dates are listed below. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year, 4-5 weeks prior to the event, on the public webpage.
Willow Oaks Administrative Office, 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA:
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Thursday, November 6; 3-6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, November 18; 3-6:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 19; 3-6:30 p.m.
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Thursday, November 20; 3-6:30 p.m.
Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Rd. Fairfax, VA:
For more information, or to help families schedule an appointment for their student, please visit our FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events | Fairfax County Public Schools webpage.
Please Save the Date!
Overview of the AAP Full Time Screening Process
Please join us to learn about the Full Time AAP Screening Process. We will discuss important deadlines and what families and schools submit in the screening portfolio. Students in Grades 2-7 are eligible for Full Time screening.
When: Monday November 10, 2025, 5-6 p.m.
Where: McNair Upper Elementary Cafeteria
Who: Families of 2nd-6th graders who are interested in learning more about the Full Time AAP Referral and Screening process
Questions? Contact Mallory Janofsky, McNair Upper AART, at mljanofsky@fcps.edu or Kaitlin Burg, McNair Elementary AART, at kmburg@fcps.edu
Veterans Day
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 two Veterans Day performances on Thursday, November 13th to thank all who have served. The 11:00 am performance will be open to the families of second-grade students and any Veterans. There will be an afternoon assembly for all students to participate in. Next week, we will share a link for second grade families to join virtually for those who are unable to join in person.
In addition, we are collecting photos of family members who have served and would like to include those photos in our Veterans celebration. If you have a picture you would like to share or have any questions, please email them to our Music Teacher, Kyle Kelly at KJKelly1@fcps.edu by Wednesday, November 6th. 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!
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Donations Needed:
Thankful and Grateful Activity
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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.
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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 8th. If you have questions, please email Ms. Watson, Principal, at evwatson@fcps.edu. Thank you in advance for your help!
Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES
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. |
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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.
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/parent representative to serve on this group to represent the McNair ES community. If you are interested, 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 division-wide opportunity for families!
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⏰ Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools
Limited early release days for elementary schools will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year. Student supervision will be provided for families who require it. Three-hour early release days for our school will take place at 12:30pm on the following dates:
📌October 15 📌
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November 19
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December 17
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February 25
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March 25
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April 29
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May 20
Please contact your child's teacher by Friday, October 10, to inform them of your child's dismissal arrangements on October 15.
Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS
At McNair Elementary School, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
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We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS, click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
October PTA General Meeting
PTA General meeting is on 15th October at 6.30 pm at the McNair Primary school. Please join us.
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
PTA Movie Night
McNair Movie Night is happening on November 7th, Friday, 5 Pm- 8 Pm. Please refer to the flyer for further details.
Chess Tournament
McNair Elementary School on Saturday, October 25, 2025
Event Overview
3 sections, K3, K5, and K8. Five rounds in K3, four rounds in K5 and K8. TC 30d5 (K-3); TC 45d5 (K-5, K-8)
Early entry fee $40; $45 on October 22-23; $50 onsite until 8:30am.
Doors open at 8am. Rounds begin at 9 am.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/39fyvx5c
Tournament subject to FCPS closings. Check at www.fcps.edu.
Questions can be sent to mcnairchess@gmail.com.
Address: 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171
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
Reflection 2025
Hurry! Last few days are left to register for Reflection.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4m8zkjk2
McNair ES PTA has a new Website!
We're thrilled to let you know that McNair ES PTA has just launched a new official website. Go ahead and click the link to check out our fresh new site!
https://www.mcnairespta.org/
Please join McNair ES PTA Here: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/shop
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. Please click the link below to register.
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
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. Please send an email to: board@mcnairespta.org
 Please like & follow to get the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981
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.
Instructions 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
Westfield High School Theatre Presents...
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (Two Act for Young Wizards) by Matt Cox
October 16, 17, 18 at 7pm and October 18 at 2pm
Perfect for all ages!
Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student. All seats reserved. All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com
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Lightspeed
💻 All Families Opted in to Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report
FCPS provides families with a free service that allows parents and caregivers a way to stay informed about their child's online activity on any FCPS device. Starting Sunday, October 12, all parents and guardians who have access to student records in SIS ParentVUE will be automatically enrolled to receive a weekly Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report.
This report provides a summary of the websites your child visited during the previous week and is delivered every Sunday to your email directly from Lightspeed, our internet content filter.
Each weekly report also includes a link to register for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides more detailed browsing information. This portal also gives you the ability to pause internet access on your child’s FCPS laptop .lduring non-school hours, such as dinner or bedtime.
Visit the Lightspeed Parent Report page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Bond Referendum
🏗️ FCPS Buildings Benefit All Community Members
In addition to our students and teachers, we estimate millions of visits by students and community members to Fairfax County schools through more than 500,000 events. Most of the public meeting and recreational facilities available in the county are FCPS facilities.
FCPS works with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and with the Fairfax County Park Authority to ensure that school facilities and athletic fields are available to the public after school hours.
The 2025 Bond Referendum will be on the ballot in November. Vote on Tuesday, November 4. Learn more about registering to vote and make a voting plan.
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Cell Phone Policy Reminder
📵 When Cell Phones Are Down, Learning and Engagement Are Up: Help Keep Our Schools Phone-Free
Cell phones can significantly impact academic performance — research has shown that it takes students 10 minutes or more to shift their focus back to learning after being interrupted by a single cell phone notification! You can help keep our schools phone-free (and your child focused on learning) by:
- Reminding your child about FCPS’ cell phone policy and telling them why you support it.
- Contacting your school’s front office (rather than your child directly) if there is a family emergency during the school day.
- Contacting your child about non-urgent matters before or after the school day.
- Waiting to respond to non-urgent texts from your child until the school day is over.
Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone and personal device policy. Also, view our Media Balance and Well-Being Toolkit for resources to help your child maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with technology at home.
📍October Community Boundary Review Meetings
FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings will begin on Monday, October 13. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our area will be covered at the meeting on:
Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.
At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the [Insert the pyramid your school is partnered with]. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.
If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the full list of October boundary meetings.
Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
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.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS Overperforms State and Global SAT Averages
- October Community Boundary Review Meetings
- Online Activity Reports for Students
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Community Conversations
🎤 Community Conversations With Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Dr. Reid wants to hear from you! Parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. To register for the October 3 meeting, please click that date below. Registration links for the other dates will be available soon:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Please check our website for updates.
Diwali
🪔Monday, October 20, is a school holiday for Diwali and all schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.
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 |
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#TogetherWeGrow
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