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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We hope you enjoyed a restful and wonderful long weekend! We are so excited to welcome our students back to the building tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 18th. Seeing our Mustangs grow and achieve fills us with such pride, and we can’t wait to kick off another great week of learning together.
Attendance Matters
Your partnership is the heartbeat of our school. Thank you for your dedication to ensuring your child arrives on time (8:35–8:45 AM) every day. To keep that "Mustang Momentum" going, we encourage focusing on:
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Consistent Bedtimes: Rested minds are ready minds!
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Morning Routines: A predictable start reduces stress and builds confidence.
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Wellness Habits: Frequent handwashing and hydration keep our community healthy.
Important Schedule Updates
To honor and respect mid-week cultural and religious observances for Ramadan and Ash Wednesday, along with WIDA testing, we have shifted a few celebrations as shared in last weeks eNotify messaging to families. Please mark your calendars for Friday, February 20th, for:
Kindergarten Registration
In addition, Kindergarten Registration is here! Please help us spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors with incoming kindergarteners so they can register as soon as possible. We appreciate your assistance!
Mark Your Calendars!
Furthermore, we're so excited to connect with you all at our upcoming events, and we truly hope you'll be able to join us!
- February 18: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair ES at 6:30pm
- February 27: PTA's Family Bingo Night at McNair ES at 5:00pm
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March 4: Kindergarten Registration and Popsicles with the Principal; 4:00-5:30pm to register your future Mustang for Kindergarten!
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March 5: Family Literacy Night at McNair ES 4:30-6:00pm
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Together, we can ensure that every child receives a high quality education and has the opportunity to thrive. Together, all things are possible.
Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs!
Together We Grow,
Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Stringer, and Mrs. Royer
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
📌February 17: Teacher Workday; No School For Students
📌February 20: The McNair ES Classroom Spelling Bee
📌February 20: 100th Day of School (Due to scheduled student assessments, and Religious/Cultural observaces, McNair ES is celebrating the 100th Day of School on this date as opposed to February 13th.)
📌February 25: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌February 27: Tentative Date for the McNair PTA Bingo Night at McNair ES
📌March 4: Kindergarten Registration & Popsicles with the Principal 4:00pm-5:30pm
📌March 5: Family Literacy Night at McNair Elementary, 4:30-6:00pm
📌March 25: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌March 30-April 3: Spring Break
📌April 22: Family Earth Day Beautification Event at McNair Elementary, 4:30-6:00pm
📌April 29: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌May 14: Family Heritage Night at McNair Elementary, 5:00-6:30pm
📌May 20: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌May 20: Kindergarten Orientation for Class of 2039 at 2:00pm
**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 Expectations
Regular attendance can help students be successful in the classroom, graduate on time, and achieve their life goals. If students miss too much school, school staff may contact them to work with them to support improved attendance. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
Don't forget, we are back in school on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 8:35 am. We look forward welcoming student back!
Welcome To The McNair
Spelling Bee Program!
Below is information that should answer some basic questions that you or your child may have about McNair’s Spelling Bee Program. Review this document with your child- there is a lot of information!
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The McNair ES Spelling Bee is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program! As such, the McNair ES Spelling Bee uses exclusively word study materials created and copyrighted by the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program and operates according to the Scripps’ Rules for Local Spelling Bees.
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Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged is the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program. Only the spellings used by MWU are valid spellings in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.
Classroom Spelling Bee Date: February 20, 2026
School Spelling Bee Date: March 3, 2026
PREPARATION INFORMATION
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This is a Spelling Bee only. Scripps has added vocabulary questions to the National Spelling Bee, but we are not doing this.
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Do I need to do anything to prepare my child to participate in the Spelling Bee? No, there is nothing required to participate in the Spelling Bee. If your child wants to practice, have them review the study guides provided below, however, this is optional.
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Not all of the words at the McNair ES Spelling Bee will be from the Word Lists provided. Scripps supplies both the official Word Study List as well as the list of words that will be used during the McNair ES Spelling Bee.
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The Spelling Bee will start with words from the Word Study List, and as the Bee goes on, the words will steadily increase in difficulty. If there are a lot of spellers and/or the spellers are well-prepared, the spellers still competing in the later rounds of the Bee may reach the “Challenge” section of the competition list. These are words that the spellers have not had a chance to study and will test their word skills and ability to puzzle out the correct answer by using their Speller’s Questions.
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Do not assume that your child will receive words only at his/her grade level. As the Bee progresses, the word difficulty increases. If your child wants to study, strongly encourage him/her to study the Word List beyond his/her current grade level.
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It is your child’s responsibility to be familiar with the Rules for Local Spelling Bees before the Bee competition. Review the Rules for Local Spelling Bees with your student. Classroom teachers and other staff will summarize key Rules for the spellers on Bee Days, but it will not be an exhaustive review.
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Your child may opt out of the Bee. The McNair ES Spelling Bee is an optional activity. It is supposed to be an interesting challenge for your child, but it is also supposed to be fun. If you would like to opt your child out of the Spelling Bee, please let your classroom teacher know..
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It's OK not to study. Your child will have more success at the Spelling Bee if he or she practices with the Word Lists beforehand, but it is not necessary. If your child wants to drop out because he or she has not studied, please encourage him or her to stay in just for the experience.
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Is my child allowed to appeal a spelling? No, there will be no appeals allowed during the Classroom or Schoolwide Spelling Bee.
DAY-OF-BEE PROTOCOL
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What should a speller wear? School-appropriate clothing that is comfortable to sit in. There is no need to dress more formally unless a student would like to do so.
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The Rules and Procedures will be reviewed before the Bee. After all participants are seated, but before the Bee begins, the Rules for Local Spelling Bees will be briefly summarized, and students may ask questions. Please go over the Rules and procedures (“How Does an Oral Bee Work?” with your child beforehand so that this time can be used efficiently.
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Competitors are seated by grade level, youngest to oldest. Within each grade, students will be seated randomly. They will not be seated in alphabetical order.
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Competitors will be "retired" from the Bee in groups as the Bee continues. When a student misspells a word, s/he is out of the Bee, but s/he will not leave the seating area until his/her number is called to “retire”. Students will be "retired" in groups as necessary throughout the Bee so that no one will have to wait too long.
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When can a student leave? Retired students either may stay to watch the Bee or may return to class.
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Your Bee officials are all volunteers as well as local parents. Our Spelling Bee is conducted under the auspices of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program, but it is run entirely by staff members and volunteers from our school. These volunteers have donated their time to give your child a good experience.
- Please see the additional resources attached to help prepare your child for our upcoming Spelling Bee.
SPELLING BEE LISTS
**Kindergarten- There is no official study word guide for kindergarten. Please use the 1st grade list.**
1st Grade Spelling List
2nd Grade Spelling List
3rd Grade Spelling List
Suggested Spelling Bee Rules
Questions still unanswered?
Please contact Kaitlin Burg (kmburg@fcps.edu) or Kelly Carper (kacarper@fcps.edu).
Theme Thursdays At McNair
Additional Theme Thursdays in February:
Thursday 2/19- Theme Thursday: Tropical Day
Thursday 2/26- Theme Thursday: Favorite College
⏰ 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:
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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 as soon as possible to inform them of your child's dismissal arrangements on February 25.
Kindergarten Registration
& Popsicles With The Principal!
When: March 4th, 4:00-5:30
Where: McNair ES
What: Kindergarten Registration is now open!
Join us at McNair Elementary for a fun filled event for our soon-to-be Kindergarten Mustangs in order to Register and enjoy a popsicle with our amazing Principal, Ms. Watson! If you have any questions, please call: 703-793-4800
Important Reminder: Seasonal Spare Clothes
As the weather cools down, please take a moment to check and update the extra set of clothes in your child's backpack. We ask that the spare clothing includes items appropriate for the current temperatures, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks, and underwear. Having a current and complete set of extra clothes is essential for your child's comfort and well-being, especially in the event of spills, accidents, or unexpected changes in the weather. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring all students are prepared!
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Winter 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 dropping off any donations to the main office at McNair ES between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
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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.
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.
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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/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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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.
PTA Links:
On Facebook, please like & follow to get the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981
Monthly PTA Meeting: Wednesday February 18th 2026
Monthly PTA Meeting: Wednesday February 18th 2026
 Bingo Night – Friday, February 27!
Join us for McNair PTA Bingo Night on Friday, February 27, from 5:00–7:00 PM in the McNair Lower Elementary School cafeteria.
Doors open at 5:00 PM and Bingo starts at 5:30 PM.
Tickets are available through Givebacks and at the door: Individual play is $3 for 5 games, Family play is $10 for 20 games, and the Combo Pack is $25 for 20 games plus a large pizza and 4 drinks. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be available for $2 each, with fun prizes for Bingo winners throughout the night.
Please RSVP using the link or QR code so we can plan for food and seating.
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.
Warm Up FCPS - Divisionwide Spirit Day
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19.
Meal Kits for Fasting Students
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
Black History Month Celebration
Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence
Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
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SR&R Survey
Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students
On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)
Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:
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Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
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Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
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Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.
The survey will be open until Friday, February 20. Survey materials are available online.
It's Kindergarten Registration Time!
Learn About Kindergarten at McNair
Our kindergarten open house is being held on May 20, 2026 to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school.
We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Resources on the School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage provide parents with ways to support their children to help ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.
There’s also an easy-to-follow five-step process outlined for registering your child for kindergarten. Register your child today!Contact our registrar, Ms. Afkham Hosseini, at 703-793-4800 with any questions.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
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, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Summer Learning
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
 2026 CTE Summer Enrichment Programs
Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten - grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes
Visit the Tech Adventure Camp webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_TAC
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Time - 8:30 am to 2 pm* *Early drop off begins at 7:30 am; after care ends at 5 pm
New to 2026! We’re offering after care!
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Location - Robinson SS
- Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
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Cost - $300 per week Back for 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
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New to 2026! We’re offering a 4th week of our programs!
Different weekly offerings; weekly themes and class offerings can be found on our webpages!
Visit our webpages (linked above) for more information!
For questions, please contact Beth Mehr at bgmehr@fcps.edu
National Mentoring Month
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.
Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.
All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.
The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at mmacdonald@fcps.edu.
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February is Career and Technical Education Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school including Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology and Engineering Education, and Trade and Industrial Education. Since this is an elective, course offerings may vary by school. Learn more on the FCPS CTE webpage.
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February is Love the Bus Month
Love the Bus Month is supported by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).
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VSBA School Board Appreciation Month
Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.
Ramadan: 2/17/26
Ramadan Mubarak to those in our community who observe! In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity, and good deeds. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad. #OurFCPS
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Teacher Workday (Lunar New Year, Ramadan Begins at Sundown)Tuesday, February 17, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
Lunar New Year: 2/17/26
🐎 새해 복 많이 받으세요! 新年快乐! Chúc mừng Năm Mới! Wishing good fortune to those in our community who celebrate Lunar New Year! For those in many East and Southeast Asian countries, including Pacific Islanders, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year and is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family. #OurFCPS
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Ash Wednesday: 2/18/26
Today we recognize those in our community observing Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is observed as a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many Christians attend special Ash Wednesday church services, at which churchgoers receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of penance. #OurFCPS
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Ash Wednesday and First Full Day of Ramadan
Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday and the first full day of Ramadan. FCPS has designated this day as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact Ms. Watson regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.
Public Schools Week
Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents & community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS at the Olympics
- Coaches Making History
- Divisionwide Spirit Day
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#TogetherWeGrow
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