McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter- June 2, 2026


English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


pp

What a magical Friday! We loved celebrating America’s upcoming 250th birthday with our families through our morning meetings and popsicles on the playground. A special thank you to the FAIRFAX250 Commission for making this celebration of the American Revolution's 250th anniversary possible!


The Weekly Mustang Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

With only a few weeks left until summer break, our Mustangs are keeping their momentum high and continuing to learn, grow, and be challenged daily. We are incredibly proud of their focus and dedication as we head toward the finish line! This week brings several wonderful opportunities to celebrate that hard work and connect as a school community.

📣 Share Your Voice Parents and guardians are vital to our growth. Please take a moment to fill out our CNA Family Feedback Form. Your feedback helps us evaluate how we support academic success and strengthen our Reading and Mathematics practices.

✨ Friday Fun: WHS Senior Walk & PTA Movie Night Friday afternoon marks a special tradition as we welcome back former Mustangs, now graduating seniors from Westfield High School, for their final walk through our hallways at 2:45 PM! Later that evening, we look forward to welcoming our families on the field starting at 7:30 PM for the PTA Family Movie Night Under the Stars. It is the perfect day to celebrate our community and all our students have achieved.

🤝 Join the PTA Board If you'd like to help lead amazing community events next year, consider joining the PTA Board! Contact Lorelei Cheung at president@mcnairespta.org for more information.

 

🗓️ Important Dates This Week

  • 🌷 Wednesday, June 3: PTA Meeting at McNair Upper (6:30 pm)
  • 🌷 Friday, June 5: Westfield HS Senior Walk At McNair (2:45pm)
  • 🌷 Friday, June 5: PTA's Movie Night Under the Stars on the field. Families are welcome to join starting at 7:30pm & the movie begins after sundown at 8:45pm.

 

Thank you all for your wonderful partnership. Here's to another great week of learning and growing together, 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 

 


Mustang News Topics

Click on the links below to navigate to sections of this newsletter. 


Mark Your Calendars!

m

Save the Date, Mustangs!

📌June 3: PTA Meeting at McNair Upper Elementary School at 6:30pm

📌June 5: Westfield HS Senior Walk at McNair ES at 2:45pm

📌June 5: PTA Movie Night on the field starting at 7:30pm; movie begins at 8:45pm

📌June 9: First Grade Music Performance, 12:50pm (Please enter at Door 1)

📌June 15: Field Day at McNair for Grades K-2

📌June 16: Preschool Programming Last Day at MES

📌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!**


Attendance

d

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! 

a

McNair Updates: Need to Know

fd

 

McNair Spirit Weeks!

Monday, June 8

  • Dress-Up Like a Teacher

Tuesday, June 9

  • Animal Day

Wednesday, June 10

  • Pajama Day

Thursday, June 11

  • International Day of Play! Inside-Out Day

Friday, June 12

  • Sports Jersey Day

Monday, June 15

  • Grade-Level Rainbow Colors Day
    • Pre-K – Red
    • Kindergarten – Orange
    • First – Yellow
    • Second – Green
    • Front Office – Blue
    • Specialists – Purple

Tuesday, June 16

  • Hawaiian Luau for School-wide Morning Meeting

Wednesday, June 17-Last Day of School (K-2)

  • McNair Pride! Wear Blue and McNair Gear!

sz

 

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

s

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. 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. 


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! 

d

 

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! 


Puzzle Pal with a bike

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! 


Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

crosswalk

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.


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. 


McNair PTA Updates

p

 

PTA Links:

On Facebook, please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981


g

 

McNair Movie Night

Join us to watch the Emperor's New Groove!

When: Friday, June 5th

Where: McNair Field

Admission is Free, concesssions open at 7:30 pm. Movie will start at 8:45 pm and end at 10:00 pm

  • Please RSVP and pre-order pizza by Monday, June 1 so we can ensure we ahve enough food and you can be aware of weather updates.
  • All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
  • We need volunteers! If you can help, let please let the PTA know.

Questions? www.mcnairespta.org or board@mcnairespta.org


McNair PTA Updates & Volunteer Needs

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Support the PTA: It is never too late to support our school community, staff, and students by becoming an official member! 

f

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 News


School Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Approved Budget

On May 21, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Approved Budget, continuing FCPS’ commitment to sustaining excellence by prioritizing competitive compensation and strategic investments that support student success.

The adopted budget reflects the division’s ongoing efforts to navigate a challenging fiscal environment shaped in part by chronic state underfunding and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the budget maintains key investments and restores several reductions made during the prior fiscal year. Read about the FY 2027 Budget.


Summer Online Campus Registration Closes June 5

Registration for summer classes with FCPS’ Online Campus will close on Friday, June 5. Email OnlineCampus@fcps.edu or call 703-503-7781 with any questions.


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.


r

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.


Family Information Line Available in Nine Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

 

Línea Telefónica de Información para Padres Disponible en Nueve Idiomas

Padres/cuidadores que hablan Amárico, Árabe, Chino, Farsi, Coreano, Español, Urdu o Vietnamita pueden llamar a una línea telefónica de información para obtener información general sobre FCPS.  Vea la lista de números de teléfono.


l

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.

In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we reaffirm and uphold the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Visit our LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports webpage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


s

Caribbean American Heritage Month

FCPS celebrates the rich diversity and honors the many contributions of immigrants of Caribbean heritage to our nation during the month of June. Caribbean individuals are some of the most ethnically diverse in the world. There are more than 8.5 million individuals in the United States born in the Caribbean or of Caribbean ancestry. Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month


Calender Reminder

Last Day of School (Early Dismissal)

The last day of the school year is Wednesday, June 17, and students will be dismissed early. Student's will dismiss from McNair Elementary at 1:30 pm. 


k

Juneteenth (Holiday)

Friday, June 19, is a holiday for FCPS employees. Schools and offices will be closed.

Today we recognize Juneteenth, a celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth marks a day in 1865 when enslaved Texans learned they would be free, two months after the end of the Civil War and two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. #OurFCPS


FCPS This Week

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • School Board Adopts Budget
  • Celebrating our Graduates
  • Register for Summer Online Campus

 

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair!

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!

p

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 


Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!

#TogetherWeGrow

p