Hello McNair Upper Families,
Winter break is almost here and next week we have a lot of fun activities planned for both students and staff! We will continue with our Winter Wonderland dress up spirit days and celebrate the upcoming winter break by having our annual door decorating contest and winter sing along.
If you have not already marked this on your calendar, school will be closed for all students from Monday, December 22nd through Friday, January 2nd. We will reopen in the new year on Monday, January 5, 2026!
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I'd also to remind families that Wednesday, December 17th is our next three-hour early release from school day. Students will be dismissed at 12:30 PM. Please make sure that if your Mustang is leaving at 12:30, that they know how they are getting home.
We will also have our House Meetings on Wednesday. Please remind your Mustang to wear their House t-shirt.
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There is a chance of snow on Sunday, so please remember to check either FCPS' website (https://www.fcps.edu/) or one of our local news station to see if school will be impacted by either a school delay or school closure. Bundle Up!
Have a nice weekend, Mustang family!
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Goddin
MMGoddin@fcps.edu
- December 15th-December 19th: McNair Celebrates "Winter Holiday Cheer!"
- December 17th: Three-Hour Early Release Day, 12:30 PM dismissal
- December 18th: 5th & 6th Grade Winter Chorus Concert at 6:00 PM
- December 22nd-January 2nd: Winter Break; all schools in FCPS are closed
- January 5th: School reopens at 8:35 AM
Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Whenever your child is unable to attend school, please let us know. Reporting absences helps our staff support students and connect them with resources they may need.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by leaving a message on our attendance line. The telephone number is: (571) 982-4747 or by sending an email to: McNairUpperElem.Attendance@fcps.edu.
Parents may monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
For instance, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
McNair Upper will be administering FCPS Division MAP and iReady tests to students from December 9-19th. Their performance on these tests will demonstrate their growth in Reading and Math. Students must attend school each day so that they can complete these assessments before Winter Break. Test dates will not be adjusted to accommodate vacations or travel. Please reach out to McNair Upper Student Testing Coordinators, Mrs. Janofsky (mljanofsky@fcps.edu) and Mr. Matthews (mpmatthews@fcps.edu) with questions.
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
Winter Break Literacy Adventures
Engaging in literacy activities over winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure they return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. Enjoy these literacy adventures as a family!
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
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, the new FCPS mobile app, 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 emergency child care if needed.
Full-Time AAP Referral Deadline: December 15th
The deadline to refer your child to be screened for Full Time Advanced Academic services is approaching. All materials for current G3-6 McNair Upper students should be submitted to Mrs. Janofsky, the McNair Upper AART, by Monday, December 15th at 11:59pm.
Resources to support you:
- Attend the Full Time Screening Information Meeting on Monday November 10 from 5-6 p.m. in the McNair Upper Cafeteria. (Spanish Translation will be available)
- Reference this Screening Checklist from the McNair AARTs
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Attend Office Hours with either McNair AART (Mrs. Burg – PreK-2; Mrs. Janofsky – G3-6) to ask specific questions about putting together a referral package for your child.
December 15th is a firm deadline. Please plan ahead and ask questions early! You are welcome to email Mrs. Janofsky at mljanofsky@fcps.edu for assistance.
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!
- Teacher Appreciation - Winter Cheer!
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Spirit Wear is HERE—Grab Yours Now!
We’re excited to announce that McNair Spirit Wear is now on sale! Show your pride with our collection of T-shirts, hoodies, Long sleeves, accessories and more.
Sale Dates: Until December 12th.
All orders support our school, so thank you in advance for your support!
We are also looking for volunteers to help sort and deliver orders. If you’re available on December 19th to assist, please feel free to contact us
Dine to Donate Event at Texas Roadhouse!
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
Corporate Donation to the PTA
Did you know that the McNair Elementary PTA is a 501- 3(c) non profit (EIN 332743954) meaning your deductions are tax deductible!
As the year ends, please consider making a donation to the PTA and checking with your employer to see if they will match your donation.
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