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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Spring Book Fair Family Night last week! Even with the pouring rain outside, our library was filled with warmth and excitement as families discovered new books together and enjoyed a special read-aloud with Mrs. Watson. It was also a milestone week for our newest Mustangs; we were absolutely thrilled to welcome the Kindergarten Class of 2039 into the building for Orientation! Seeing those eager faces reminds us why our partnership with you is so vital. Whether you are a returning family or just joining our community, thank you for making McNair such a vibrant place to learn and grow.
📣 We Value Your Feedback: Parents and guardians are a vital part of our McNair community, and your voice matters as we continue to grow and improve together. We invite you to take a few moments to complete the survey below. Your feedback will help our administration better understand how we are supporting our young Mustangs in achieving academic success and how we can continue to strengthen our instructional practices in Reading and Mathematics. Thank you for your partnership and continued support!
Link: CNA Family Feedback Form
🗓️ Important Dates This Week
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- 🌷Wednesday, May 27: Schools Closed (Eid al-Adha)
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🌷Thursday, May 28: School Resumes at 8:45 am
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🌷Friday, May 29:Schoolwide Morning Meeting with Families. More information is below in this newsletter. Please join us!
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PreK/AM Preschool: 9:15am
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Kindergarten/PM Preschool: 1:30pm
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2nd Grade: 2:00pm
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1st Grade: 2:30pm
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🌷 Wednesday, June 3: PTA Meeting at McNair Upper (6:30 pm).
We truly value your partnership and the role you play in your child’s learning journey. Our team is here for you so please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your family. When we work together, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday morning, 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!
📌May 26: Teacher Workday -No school for students
📌May 27: Eid al-Adha - No school for students or staff
📌May 29: McNair's School-Wide Morning Meeting with Families
📌June 3: PTA Meeting at McNair Upper Elementary School at 6:30pm
📌June 5: PTA Movie Night on the field at 7:30pm
📌June 15: Field Day at McNair for Grades K-2
📌June 17: McNair Student Award Ceremonies and Last Day of School for Grades K-2; Dismissal is at 1:30pm
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.
**Please reference the 2025-2026 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips. Attendance counts and everyday matters!**
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. 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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Creating a healthy relationship with technology for your child!
Have you ever wondered how much screen time is appropriate for your child? Or the possible effects of screentime on your child’s development? Screens have become an almost daily part of our lives. According to an article by the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 49% of parents rely on screens daily, often due to childcare challenges. In June 2025, Lurie Children’s Hospital conducted a survey of 859 parents with children under 13 years old from across the U.S. The most common screen time activities parents reported were: 1) Watching YouTube 2) Playing games 3) Using educational apps. 54% of parents feared their child is addicted to screens with effects observed such as reduced attention span, disrupted sleep, behavioral issues, lower physical activity, and weakened social skills. To read the full article, please find it here https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/screen-time-2025/
So how do we become more at ease with our children’s use of technology? Build your knowledge! According to an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can help your family build healthy digital habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a Family Media Plan tool to customize the rules for your family since every family is unique and special! Please find the link here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx#/family
Below are other helpful tips to try from The American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Balance family time and screen time. Create screen-free times and places in and outside your home (such as in the cart at grocery stores, meals and bedtime).
- Talk about social media. Start regular, open conversations with your children about media use, even yours!
- Set a good example with screen use. When you’re attending to your device, tell your child what you are doing. i.e., Mom is researching or sending an email for work.
- Optimize your family’s online experience. Know which platforms are age and content appropriate for your children! This can be tricky as often the game or video will have a child-like name, but not appropriate content for children.
Want to read more? Find the article here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/how-to-build-healthy-digital-habits-tips-for-families.aspx
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).
Register your child today! Contact our registrar, Ms. Afkham Hosseini, at 703-793-4800 with any questions.
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Join Us McNair Families For Our
School-Wide Morning Meeting!
We will have a McNair School-Wide Morning Meeting inviting all families on Friday, May 29th. Please join us in celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with a patriotic celebration and wearing red, white, and blue. If you can join us, please enter at Door 1 to sign in, and proceed to the gym. The times are as follows:
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PreK/AM Preschool: 9:15am
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Kindergarten/PM Preschool: 1:30pm
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2nd Grade: 2:00pm
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1st Grade: 2:30pm
We thank the Fairfax250 Commission for its support of this program, part of Fairfax County’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
McNair Field Day is June 15th
McNair ES is holding Field Day on Monday, June 15! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help facilitate the station games, which will be held mostly outdoors on the soccer field and blacktop. It's a fantastic way to support our students and make Field Day a blast!
If you are interested in volunteering to help with Field Day, please fill out your contact information in the form linked here: Field Day 2026 Volunteer Sign Up
Join Us, Mustangs! Mark Your Calendars!
It's time to start planning for fall! Join us on Sunday, September 20, 2026 for the Asha-Jyothi 18th annual 5K + 1 mi. Fun Run at Fairfax Corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!
This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.
New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!
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Skyview and Western Pyramids Boundary Study Meetings
Community Meetings: Skyview HS and Western Pyramids Boundary Study
We want to ensure you are aware of the upcoming community meetings for the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study. Revised draft scenarios will be shared at the events, which will be held in person at Skyview and virtually via Zoom on:
Please register to attend by clicking the appropriate link above based on how you would like to participate. The same information will be shared at both meetings.
As mentioned in a recent message from the school division, FCPS has eliminated adjustments to elementary school boundaries from this study based on community feedback. While feeder patterns — the middle and/or high schools that some elementary schools would attend — may change, elementary school boundaries will not be adjusted at this time.
The superintendent will present a final recommendation for boundaries to the School Board for consideration and action at a board meeting in July. This additional time will allow the consultant to analyze feedback received after the revised draft scenarios are shared this month and prior to the community meetings being scheduled in June.
Boundary changes will go into effect for the 2027-28 school year. View the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study page for more information.
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
McNair PTA Updates & Volunteer Needs
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PTA Meeting & Student Recognition (Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:30 PM): Join us in the McNair Upper Cafeteria or virtually to celebrate our amazing ACSL and VASO Division A students and hear end-of-year updates.
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Outdoor Movie Night (Friday, June 5 @ 7:30 PM): Bring blankets and chairs to McNair Field for a free screening of The Emperor's New Groove. Concessions open at 7:30 PM; movie starts at 8:45 PM. Children must be supervised by an adult.
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Urgent Volunteer Coordinators Needed for 2026-2027: We need parent leaders to coordinate vital student competitions (VASO, Odyssey of the Mind, Reflections), community events, staff appreciation, and fundraisers for next school year. Without coordinators, these programs cannot run. Please express interest by July 1, 2026.
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Support the PTA: It is never too late to support our school community, staff, and students by becoming an official member!
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.
Lunch Balances
Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance
It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer.
If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.
¡No Olvide Revisar el Saldo del Almuerzo de su Estudiante A medida que nos acercamos al final del año escolar, es importante que las familias recuerden revisar la cuenta MySchoolBucks de sus estudiantes y pagar cualquier balance de comida escolar restante. Las familias que ganan menos del 185% del nivel de pobreza califican para comidas gratis o a precio reducido. Sin embargo, hay que cumplimentar y presentar una nueva solicitud cada año escolar para recibir ese beneficio.La solicitud para el año escolar 2026-27 estará disponible este verano. Si las familias tienen un balance actual y piensan que pueden ser elegibles para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido, por favor llenen la solicitud FRM para el año escolar 2025-26. Obtenga más información sobre el almuerzo gratuito y a precio reducido.
Mental Health Resources
Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
🌱 La Salud Mental de su Niño es muy Importante: Tenga Acceso a Servicios Integrales
Comuníquese con la “Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, CSB, para que reciba servicios de salud mental para jóvenes diseñados para ayudar a su niño a lograr el éxito. La CSB cuenta con consejería individual y familiar, Evaluación y diagnóstico psiquiátrico, manejo de prescripciones, grupos de apoyo para padres, grupos de apoyo de semejantes, respuesta a crisis, apoyo para la recuperación, incluyendo “medication assisted treatment”, MAT, servicios intensivos y más.
Para comenzar, contacte a la oficina de Admisión y Referencia de CSB, llamando al 703-383-8500 o escribiendo a la dirección csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Family Information Phone Lines
FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
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
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
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Jewish American Heritage Month
May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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Teacher Workday
Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher work day. There is no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.
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Eid al-Adha Holiday
Eid al-Adha begins at sundown on Tuesday, May 26. Wednesday, May 27, is a holiday for Eid al-Adha and schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.
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FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Graduation and Summer Resources
- Check Your Lunch Balance
- Mental Health Support
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...
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#TogetherWeGrow
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