McNair Upper Elementary School, MUES Weekly News & Updates

MUES Weekly News & Updates

May 1, 2026


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Hello MUES Families,

We began our school week by taking time to recognize our 3rd quarter S.M.I.L.E. Award winners. These Mustangs (pictured above) were recognized by a member of our school staff for "Shining, Motivating, Improving, Leading, and Empowering" our entire Mustang community. Please join me in thanking them for being awesome school leaders and role models! 

We ended our school week by holding a school-wide House Pep Rally before transitioning over to a SOL Pep Rally to get our Mustangs ready to do their very best work on their upcoming grade level SOL tests. Our 3rd grade students kickoff SOL whole group testing on Tuesday, May 5th when they take their Reading SOL. Please join me in wishing all of our Mustangs the very best of luck! Here are some helpful ways you can support your Mustang as they begin SOL testing: 

  • Make sure that your Mustang gets a good night's sleep the night before so their brain is rested and ready.
  • Have your Mustang eat a healthy breakfast to give them energy and help them focus.
  • Ensure that your Mustang arrives at school on time and comes prepared with a positive attitude.
  • Encourage your Mustang to read each question carefully and take their time, do their best on every question, even if one seems challenging, and use strategies they have learned in class.
  • Lastly, tell your Mustang to believe in themselves—they have worked hard and are ready!

As we prepare to recognize our hardworking and dedicated MUES school staff next week during "Staff & Teacher Appreciation Week," here are some simple and free ways your Mustang can take a moment to thank their classroom teacher or a special staff member to them each day next week. 

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Have a great weekend, Mustang Family!

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Goddin

MMGoddin@fcps.edu


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  • May 4th-May 8th: MUES Celebrates Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
  • May 4th: Spring Picture Day
  • May 6th: Bike or Roll to School Day
  • May 20th: Three-Hour Early Release Day; school dismisses at 12:30 PM
  • May 25th: Memorial Day; all schools in FCPS closed
  • May 26th;  Teacher Workday; school closed for students 
  • May 27th: Eid al-Adha; all schools in FCPS closed

Last Call! MUES Celebrates Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week!

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We will celebrate the teachers and staff at McNair Upper 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. 

If you are able to donate, please drop off your items to the main office at McNair Upper Elementary no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, May 1st. 

Please use this link to sign-up for your donation: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Donation Link

If you'd like to make a financial donation to the McNair PTA  that will go directly toward Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, please use one of the followng links:

All Info & Sign-Ups: https://www.mcnairespta.org/events/2026-spring-teacher-staff-appreciation

Direct Donation Link: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/shop/items/ce5a85cd9f64

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 mmgoddin@fcps.edu.

With Much Appreciation,

Mrs. Goddin


Friendly Reminder: Spring SOL Testing Dates

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Mark your calendars! Here are the SOL testing dates for MUES: 

  • G3 Reading - Tuesday, May 5
  • G3 Math- Monday, May 11
  • G4 Reading - Wednesday, May 6
  • G4 Math- Tuesday, May 12
  • G5 Reading - Thursday, May 7
  • G5 Science - Friday, May 15 (new date)
  • G5 Math - Wednesday, May 13
  • G6 Reading - Friday, May 8
  • G6 Math - Thursday, May 14

Expedited retakes: Thursday, May 28 – Wednesday, June 3


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Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.


Bike or Roll to School Day is Coming!

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Join us on May 6th for Bike & Roll to School Day! We encourage our Mustangs and their families to bike or scooter to school in the morning. Students are encouraged to wear a helmet and lock their bikes/scooter on our bike racks. 

Students who bike or scooter to school between 8:30-8:45 a.m. will receive a prize from FCPS Safe Routes to School while supplies last.   

Go Green! And, start your day off strong, healthy and fun!


Calling All Future Safety Patrols!

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Attention Rising 5th & 6th Graders at McNair Upper ES!  We are looking to rebuild our Safety Patrol Team for next year and we need YOU!  Are you a mustang who is a leader, positive role model, responsible, kind, honest, respectful and want to help keep our mustang community safe?  If you are interested in becoming a safety patrol or returning for a 2nd year as a safety patrol for next school year, please complete the application with your parent/guardian here 26-27 SY Safety Patrol Application

Available positions are based on completing the application, availability, grades in class, and teacher, bus driver and current safety patrol recommendations.  Applications are due by May 29th and students will be selected by June 12th for next school year. If you or your family have questions, please contact our PE Teacher & Safety Patrol Sponsor Ms. Luck at kjluck@fcps.edu.


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Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


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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 to March 25th. 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.


Help Donate to "Our Library of Things!"

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The Library of Things is up and running! Students have started checking out games and puzzles to bring home! We are looking for a few more to add to our collection.

Here is a wish list of games and puzzles I think students would enjoy playing. Also, if you have any gently used or new games/ puzzles you are getting rid of I will take them. You can send them in with your student. Thank you for considering donating to our Library of Things!

If you have any questions you can email me at vlsoni@fcps.edu.


In Other News...

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McNair PTA News


McNair PTA 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
  • 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

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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.