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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
Happy Earth Day Week! We are so excited to invite you to our Earth Day Beautification Event tomorrow from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM. There is no better way to honor the Earth than by caring for the very place where our students learn and grow. We cannot wait to see you there!
Also, let's get ready to celebrate! In two weeks, we recognize a very special occasion: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! It's a time for us to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible team that makes McNair Elementary School such a vibrant and nurturing learning environment. We are so fortunate to have such talented and dedicated teachers and staff members, who pour their hearts and souls into supporting our students each and every day. Their passion for education and commitment to our children's success is truly inspiring.
To show your appreciation, please consider signing up for the items you wish to donate using the following link: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Donation Link. If you are able to donate, please drop off your items to the main office at McNair Elementary no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, April 27th. Many thanks again for your support!
Looking ahead, we have some exciting events on the horizon, so please be sure to mark your calendars:
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🌷Earth Day Spirit Week: April 21st-April 25th
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🌷Family Earth Day Beautification Event: April 22nd, 4:30-6:00pm
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🌷Literacy Strategies & Family Snack & Chat with the Principal & Reading Specialist: April 30th at 4:30pm at McNair ES
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🌷Family Heritage Night: May 14th 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 5 Mustangs to register will receive a Mustang Keychain Plushie! Please help us spread the word to neighbors and friends. We also are excited invite all incoming Kindergarten students and their parents/guardians to our Kindergarten Open House on May 20th!
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 21: April Statewide Election: No School for Students
📌April 22: Family Earth Day Beautification Event at McNair Elementary, 4:30-6:00pm
📌April 23: Spring Individual Pictures
📌April 24: Yearbook Orders Due
📌April 30: McNair's Literacy Family Snack and Chat with the Principal Reading Specialist at 4:30pm
📌May 4 - 8: McNair Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Donation Link. )
📌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!
📌May 20: PTA Meeting at McNair Upper Elementary School at 6:45pm
**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. Data shows that:
- Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
- Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
- Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
- By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Learn more about attendance resources.
Attendance Challenge! Let's Go Mustangs!
Mustangs, don't forget about our Attendance Challenge! If you're here for a full week, you will be entered that Friday for a chance to win a prize from the mystery box! Tune into the Morning News Show every Monday as we will be calling five winners each week for the remainder of the school year! Remember, you attendance matters! |
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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.
McNair Spring Picture Day
It’s time to bring out those smiles! We are excited to announce that Spring Picture Day is officially scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026.
You can easily pre-order your portraits online to save time and ensure you get the packages you want.
McNair's Literacy Family Snack & Chat with Principal Watson and Reading Specialist Carper!
You are invited to our Family Snack and Chat Reading Meeting
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 4:30pm
Place: McNair Elementary School's Library
Meeting: Meet with our Reading Specialist, Mrs. Carper and Principal, Mrs Watson to learn how to help your child grow as a reader at home.
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McNair Yearbook Orders Are Due By April 24th!
Be sure to order your Mustang a yearbook for the 2025 - 2026 School Year for all grades Preschool through 2nd grades.
You may also use the following link to purchase a yearbook:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB33770
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Burg at kmburg@fcps.edu or Ms. Cross at macross1@fcps.edu. You may also call the main office at 703-793-4800.
 McNair ES Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week 2026
Greetings McNair Families and Community Members!
We will celebrate the teachers and staff at McNair Elementary during the week of May 4th-May 8th. As we prepare for our weeklong celebration in an effort to recognize them for all they do to support our Mustangs, we'd love your help in contributing supplies to help us pull off the most magical week possible.
If you are able to donate, please drop off your items to the main office at McNair Elementary no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, April 27th.
Please use this link to sign-up for your donation: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Donation Link.
Thank you so much for helping to make this the most magical week for our very deserving staff!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at evwatson@fcps.edu.
With Gratitude,
Mrs. Watson
Principal
Earth Day Spirit Week!
  Let's Go Mustangs! Show your spirit this week!
Monday, April 20th: Wear nature print for Wildlife Day
Wednesday, April 22nd: Wear green for Earth Day
Thursday, April 23rd: Wear McNair gear for pride and our McNair Environment
Friday, April 24th: Wear blue for Watershed Day
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.
Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Drop off unused or expired medications at the locations listed below.
- Accepted items: prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small
liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets.
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Not accepted: illegal drugs, pressurized canisters (inhalers/aerosol cans), needles, large sources of liquids, non-prescription
ointments, and lotions.
- Disposal is FREE, convenient, confidential, and safe.
- Safe handling of unused or expired medications:
- Protects the environment.
- Prevents drug misuse.
- Prevents accidental poisoning.
Drop-Off Sites:
- Dominion Hospital
- Sully District Station
- Fair Oaks District Station
- Tysons Emergency
- Franconia District Station
- Town of Vienna Police Department
- Mount Vernon District Station
- West Springfield District Station
- Reston District Station
Need help with a substance misuse issue? Learn more about local services at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb.
Can’t make it to Drug Take Back Day? No problem. Learn about year-round prescription and over the counter medication disposal, including those prescribed by veterinarians at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/drug-disposal.
The DEA Drug Take Back Day is coordinated by the Fairfax County Police Department in collaboration with various Fairfax County government departments: Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, Health Department, Neighborhood and Community Services, Public Works, and Environmental Services, and in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Prevention Coalition, and local businesses.
See Flyers below:
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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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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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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
April PTA Meeting: April 15th at 6:30 PM/McNair 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.
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.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
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.
Benchmark/Literacy Updates
Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
- Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
 Fairfax County Public Schools
Free Quality Half-Day PreSchool Program!
An Inclusive Learning Experience! Now enrolling community peers to
learn alongside preschool students with disabilities in a nurturing, high-
quality environment.
Engaging curriculum - play-based learning with certified teachers.
Social & Emotional Development -Building confidence & friendships.
Who can apply?
Children in our community, ages 3-5, who meet program criteria.
Infant and Toddler Resources
Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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FY 2027 Budget: Sustaining Excellence
Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 BudgetAbout 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey.
Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
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.
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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
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 19-25: National Library Week
April is School Library Month and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs.Take a moment to learn more about FCPS Library Programs and share your appreciation of your school librarian!
April 21: Statewide Elections
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.
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Calendar Updates
- Teacher on The Kelly Clarkson Show
- Support Your Student During SOLs
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Please stay in touch with us by...
👍❤️ Follow Our School on Social Media!
Want to see more photos and videos of what’s going on at McNair Elementary School? Follow us on social media!
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#TogetherWeGrow
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