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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
Welcome back, Mustangs! We are off to a strong start to the fourth quarter! It's wonderful to see the energy, engagement, and enthusiasm back in our classrooms and hallways as our students return from Spring Break. As we jump back into our routines, our team remains committed to maintaining momentum and staying focused on what matters most for your child’s success: strong instruction, meaningful collaboration, and fostering a caring school culture.
As we kickoff the fourth quarter, our McNair CARES incentive program continues to support with fostering a positive school culture by encouraging consistent positive behaviors for all students throughout the entire school. Please continue to engage with your Mustang by asking them how many McNair CARES tickets their class has earned and how they earned them. It's been a joy celebrating our students' achievements together! |
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Additionally, as we navigate through the week and settle back into our routines after Spring Break, please be sure to mark your calendars for a couple of friendly reminders:
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🌷 April 8: Westfield Pyramid Art Show at Westfield High School (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
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🌷April 10: School Planning Day (No School for Students)
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🌷April 22: Family Earth Day Beautification Event at McNair ES (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
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🌷May 14: Family Heritage Night at McNair ES. We invite you to share your culture and traditions with us! Please sign up here to participate in this wonderful community celebration.
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🌷Kindergarten Registration: Kindergarten Registration is now open! If you have any questions, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800. Special Incentive: The next 15 Mustangs to register will receive a Mustang Keychain Plushie! Please help us spread the word to neighbors and friends.
Thank you for your continuous partnership and support in your child's education. 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, Mustangs!
📌April 8: Westfield Pyramid Art Show at Westfield High School 5:00-7:00pm
📌April 10: School Planning Day: No School for Students
📌April 15: Wear Purple Mustangs for Purple Up Day to Honor the Month of the Military Child & Families
📌April 18: Special Education Conference at Marshall HS, 8:00am-2:00pm
📌April 21: April Statewide Election: No School for Students
📌April 22: Family Earth Day Beautification Event at McNair Elementary, 4:30-6:00pm
📌May 14: Family Heritage Night at McNair Elementary, 5:00-6:30pm
📌May 15 - May 22: McNair's Spring Book Fair
📌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
📌May 20: Family Night at the Book Fair and Storytime with the Principal; 4:30-6:00pm. We hope you can join us!
**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.
💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong!
Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:
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Check your child’s attendance record.
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Help your student stay engaged at school.
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Report future absences.
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Understand the FCPS school calendar.
Learn more about attendance resources.
National Assistant Principal's Week!
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This week, we join schools across the country in celebrating National Assistant Principal’s Week. We want to take a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our two incredible leaders, Mrs. Stringer and Mrs. Royer.
From supporting our teachers to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and safe, these two administrators work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our school thriving and ensuring our students are reaching new heights in their learning. Their dedication and heart are so deeply valued by us all.
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Please join us in thanking Mrs. Stringer and Mrs. Royer for their unwavering commitment and endless efforts and support that they provide for our students and staff everyday! Their dedication and leadership makes a difference! We see YOU Mrs. Stringer and Mrs. Royer and we appreciate YOU!
Happy Assistant Principal's Week!
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Kindergarten Registration
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
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.
Register your child today! Contact our registrar, Ms. Afkham Hosseini, at 703-793-4800 with any questions.
Please join us for Kindergarten Orientation!
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: McNair Elementary School
What: Parents are invited to come and meet new friends while engaging in fun activities in a Kindergarten classroom. Future Kindergarten students are invited to come and meet a new friend while engaging in fun activites in a Kindergarten classroom.
Principal Survey Feedback:
A Note From Mrs. Watson
Dear McNair Elementary School Parents/Guardians,
Starting Monday, April 6th, you will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key areas of our school, including:
• Instructional Leadership
• School Climate
• Management (Human Resources and Organizational)
• Communication and Community Relations
• Culturally Responsive and Equitable Leadership
• Professionalism
The survey will be open April 6 – April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. A summary of all responses will be shared with both the Region Assistant Superintendent (RAS), Ms. Rebecca Baenig, and the principal, which is myself. Individual names and personally identifiable information will not be shared with principals or the RAS.
Your feedback is important and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and participation!
All the best,
Elizabeth Watson
Principal
FCPS Title I Advisory Committee (TPAC)
Future TPAC General Session Meeting Dates:
- April 21, 2026 at 7:00pm (Holmes MS)
- May 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm (Justice HS)
McNair Elementary School's Heritage Night
We are excited to host our McNair Heritage Night, May 14th!
Do you have a food, dance, song, or artifact you'd like to showcase?
The deadline line has been extended. Space is limited!
Use this link to sign up today: https://forms.gle/qyCrKMGczWjVrFqH6 and join us in sharing and experiencing diverse cultures.
If you have any questions, email rbarasona@fcps.edu or kfukahori@fcps.edu.”
April Early Release Wednesdays Canceled
Elementary Early Release Wednesday Update for April
Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.
Students will have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days.Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.
⏰ 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:
Please contact your child's teacher as soon as possible to inform them of your child's dismissal arrangements on May 20th.
Important Reminder: Seasonal Spare Clothes
As the weather continues to change, 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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Snacks for McNair 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. We are completely out of snacks at this time and asking for any donations possible. Please sign-up and dropping off any donations to the main office at McNair ES between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Many thanks for your continuous partnership and support!
Snack sign-up link: Snacks for McNair Elementary Staff
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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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Register Today With Volunteer FCPS
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at McNair Elementary. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
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PTA Links:
On Facebook, please like & follow to get the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981
March PTA Meeting: March 18th at 6:30 PM/McNair Upper ES
Volunteers Needed!
The McNair PTA is looking for volunteers to help make our upcoming school events a success! We would greatly appreciate your support for the following activities:
- 6th Grade Promotion
- Heritage Night May14th at McNair ES
- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week May 4-May 8
- Movie Night
- And other upcoming PTA events
Volunteers may help with preparing for the event, setup, activities, supervision, cleanup etc. Whether you can help for a short time or throughout an event, every contribution makes a difference and helps create memorable experiences for our students.
We are also looking for volunteers for the Next school year. Please reach out if you are interested in the below positions.
- Competition Leads for next School Year
- PTA Board Member for next School Year
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.
FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety
At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks.
FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.
Community Conversations
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Special Education Family Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
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New Menu Items
Discover What’s New on the Menu
FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.
Here’s what students can look forward to:
- New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
- Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
- Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
- Vegetarian options, like the meatless Philly melt, which are available alongside classic favorites.
Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.
Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available.
April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Provide the County Government With Feedback on Its Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).
You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak.
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.
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 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.
- Dates -
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
Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
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National Arab American Heritage Month
FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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School Library Month
In FCPS libraries, students develop knowledge and skills, experience a sense of belonging, find inspiration and support, and have the ability to freely pursue their personal interests and academic growth.
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Autism Acceptance Month
🌈April is Autism Acceptance Month. One in 31 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the CDC. Our schools and staff play a vital role in creating and ensuring inclusive environments that accommodate and affirm autistic students.
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April 1: Passover
Chag Sameach to all in our community celebrating Passover! For Jewish communities, this holiday celebrates the deliverance of Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Many Jewish families eat a ceremonial meal known as the Seder, which involves telling the story of the exodus from Egypt as well as eating various symbolic foods. #OurFCPS
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April 3: Good Friday
Today we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. On this day, the Friday before Easter, Christians observe the commemoration of the sacrifice and death of Jesus on the cross. #OurFCPS
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April 5: Easter
A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who Christians believe suffered and died on the cross for the salvation of the world and the forgiveness of sins. Through his own resurrection on Easter, Christians believe Jesus offers the hope of eternal life with God after death. #OurFCPS
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April 10: Orthodox Good Friday / School Planning Day
Today we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. Millions of Orthodox Christians and their churches celebrate this special day according to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Good Friday is the day for Orthodox Christians to embrace and relive the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testaments of the crucifixion of Jesus. #OurFCPS
Friday, April 10, is a school planning day. There will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
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April 12: Orthodox Easter
A joyful Easter to our Orthodox Christian community! Many Orthodox Christians in the U.S. celebrate Easter according to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which differs from the Western date we are most familiar with. Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God. #OurFCPS
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April 15: Purple Up! Day
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!” on April 15 for military children. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- School Weather Safety
- Science Fair Winners
- Summer Internships at FCPS
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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