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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
What an incredible morning we had at the Asha-Jyothi Fun Run/5K on Sunday! Thank you to every family who came out to join us. Seeing our community gather was wonderful, and we are thrilled to announce that we raised over $2,000 for our school to support STEAM education! Every step and donation truly makes a difference, and we are grateful for your enthusiasm and support.
Thank you as well to everyone who attended Back-to-School Night! If you haven't already, please make sure to schedule a conference with your child's teacher for October or early November. A strong home-school partnership is vital to student success, and we look forward to connecting with you.
Upcoming Reminders:
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PTA Meeting & Student Competitions Info Session: Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23rd, at 6:30 PM in the Cafeteria for our first PTA meeting of the year! Stop by the information booths to learn about ACSL, Reflections, Lego League, Chess, and VASO Div A & B. All families are welcome! Learn more at mcnairespta.org.
Thank you for your continuous partnership. Please reach out if you have any questions or if there is any way we can support your student and family.
Wishing you all a wonderful Fall 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!
Please mark your calendars!
📌September 23: Monthly PTA Meeting, 6:30pm at McNair ES
📌October 2: PTA's Mustang Meetup on the Playground at 5:00pm
📌October 9: Hispanic Heritage Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at McNair Upper ES
📌October 12: School Planning Day; No School For Students
📌October 13: Picture Day at McNair!
📌October 15: Parent Information Meeting: Title I & Literacy Initiatives at McNair ES starting at 4:30pm
📌October 21: 3-Hour Early Release For Students In Grades K-2 (Dismissal is at 1:30pm)
📌October 21: Monthly PTA Meeting, 6:30pm at McNair Upper ES
📌October 30: Storybook Character Parade at 9:15am
📌October 30: 2-Hour Early Release For Students; End of First Quarter (Dismissal is at 1:30pm)
📌November 2 & November 3: Teacher Work Days; No School For Students
📌November 16-November 20: Fall Book Fair at McNair
📌November 18: Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with the Principal; 4:30-6:00pm
📌November 18: Monthly PTA Meeting, 6:30pm at McNair ES
📌November 20: Thanksgiving Luncheon at McNair
📌November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday; Schools & Offices Closed
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 2026-2027 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips. Attendance counts and everyday matters!**
 Not Feeling Well?
When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call us as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let us know how long you think they will be out.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Power Pack Program
Power Packs are Ziploc bags of food sent home every Friday with students who do not get enough food on the weekends without their school-provided meals. Your child can receive a pack if they qualify for free or reduced meals through the school. If your child requires access to this program, please fill out this form: Power Pack Form.
Please fill out a separate form for each child at McNair Elementary. Your information is confidential. Once we receive your form, we will email you with more information. Power Pack delivery will begin on September 18. You may also contact our School Counselors or Parent Liaison with any questions you may have. Below is their contact information:
Kristin Coe, School Counselor: KICoe@fcps.edu
Donna Ford, School Counselor: DMFord@fcps.edu
Tatiana Erazo, Family Liaision: teerazo@fcps.edu (se habla espanol)
Hispanic Heritage Night: October 9
 Join us for McNair’s Hispanic Heritage Night on October 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the McNair Upper cafeteria, located at 2410 Fox Mill Road. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of music, games, traditional food, and cultural celebration. Admission is free, and all families are welcome!
For more information, contact our Family Liaisons, Selene Vargas at 571-982-1704 or Tatiana Erazo at 703-793-4794.
Sprit Wear Fundraiser To Raise Funds For
Our Take Home Reading Book Program.
**T-Shirts can be purchased in the Main Office**
 We are celebrating 25 years of Mustang excellence by putting even more books directly into our students' hands! Proceeds from our 25th-anniversary t-shirt sales directly fund our Take-Home Reading Program, which lets students choose books tailored to their reading level, read them together with family at home, and swap them daily for new titles. Your support helps us purchase even more books to serve readers at every stage—from those taking their first steps in literacy to confident readers tackling multi-chapter adventures.
T-shirts are $15.00 cash. Grab yours in the main office or for sale at Back-To-School Night to show off your Mustang pride, and help every reader at McNair Elementary soar!
Save The Date: October 30th
Our Annual Storybook Character Day & Parade
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Once upon a time, McNair Elementary brought storybook characters to life!
We are excited to celebrate Storybook Character Day on October 30th! We invite all students to dress up and join in on the FUN! Students are encouraged to use their creativity to dress in a school appropriate, storybook character costume. Student costumes can be bought or homemade. Costumes may be elaborate or simple. Make sure to bring a book with you! Please no masks or toy weapons.
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If your student needs supplies to make a costume, please contact our school counselors Ms. Ford (dmford@fcps.edu) or Ms. Coe (kicoe@fcps.edu).
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Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Megan McDonald at memcdonald@fcps.edu.
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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Keeping Your Child Safe
All exterior doors are locked during school hours. To enter the building, go to Door #1, push the doorbell, show your official identification (driver's license, passport, etc.) and the front office will remotely unlock the door. Upon entering, please report to the office where you will be requested to sign-in and show identification again. To maintain the momentum of instruction, forgotten lunches and materials will be delivered by office staff, or students will be called down to the office to get their forgotten items.
For any change in a child’s typical transportation arrangements, send a note to the teacher indicating the date of the change, the duration of the change, and the reason for the change. Students may not ride a non-designated school bus home with a friend as buses are filled to capacity. For safety, we also ask that students get off at their designated stop only.
Kiss & Ride Registration
If you are picking your child up at Kiss and Ride, please complete the registration form as soon as possible.
Kiss & Ride Registration Form
Please note the the exit of our Kiss & Ride driveway is a right turn only.
If picking up a student before the end of the school day, provide notice to the teacher and school office as soon as possible to avoid confusion for your child. If a student must leave unexpectedly, alert the office at least one hour ahead of time. If a student is being picked up early, they will not be released after 3:00pm. Parents will have to wait to pick their child after dismissal at 3:30pm. This is for the safety of all students.
During arrival and dismissal, please follow the established rules and travel routes for the safety of all. For everyone’s safety, we ask that parents follow the procedures for arrival and dismissal. This will allow you to get your Mustang to school as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Modeling safe procedures is critical and teaches our young students to stay safe when adults are not with them.
As a final reminder, taking the bus is a very safe way to travel to and from school. If you plan to have your child take the bus during the school year, put them on the bus the first day of school. It will help establish the school year routine, and students will be learning the rules and expectations along with peers from day one!
Fall is around the corner, and so is our next big event! 🍂
Join us on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for the Asha-Jyothi 18th Annual 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run at Fairfax Corner! We can’t wait to see our Mustang community out there.
How to Support McNair:
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Register here
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Use coupon code AJ4SCHOOLS at checkout.
Using this code sends a direct donation straight to our school! Thanks to your support last year, we will be kicking off the 2026–2027 school year with a brand-new 3D printer and a water bottle filling station for our Mustangs. Let’s keep the momentum going! Let's Go Mustangs!!!
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
2023-30 Strategic Plan:
Our Focus on Academic Growth and Excellence
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
Student ID Cards for McNair Bus Riders
 Last week we distributed student ID cards to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services. Students received their ID cards from their classroom teachers. Remember to keep the badge and have your student wear it every morning when they meet the bus. We suggest putting it in their backpack as soon as they get off the bus.
Students who have student ID cards should begin tapping as they board and exit the bus. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers have begun checking student ID badges. They may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team is working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.
⏰ Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools
Limited early release days for elementary schools will continue to be on Wednesdays for the 2026-27 school year.
Three-hour early release days for our students in grades K-2 will include:
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October 21
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December 2
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February 10
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May 5
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
- Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
- Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
- Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.
Schools Build Belonging so Students Can Thrive
What does belonging look like in our school? At McNair Elementary School, we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS.
 Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- Military Families Find a Community in FCPS
- Receive FCPS This Week in Other Languages
- Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Resources
On Facebook, please like & follow to get the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981
McNair PTA General Meeting & Student Competitions Info Session
Join us this Wednesday, September 23, at 6:30 PM in the McNair Primary Cafeteria for the first PTA General Membership Meeting of the year!
This meeting features an open-house Student Competitions & Clubs Info Session. Families will have the opportunity to visit booths, meet parent coordinators, and learn how students can participate in:
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ACSL (American Computer Science League)
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PTA Reflections (Arts Recognition Program)
- FIRST Lego League
- Chess Club & Tournaments
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VASO Division A & Division B (Virginia Science Olympiad)
In addition to the competition showcase, active members will hold a brief vote on the proposed annual operational budget and membership structure.
We hope to see you there! Learn more at: https://www.mcnairespta.org
McNair ES PTA Updates & Announcements
Upcoming Dates
- Wed, Sep 23 PTA General Meeting & Student Competitions Info Session
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General Meeting & Info Session: 6:30 PM (McNair Primary Cafeteria). Vote on our annual budget and membership options, followed by an info session on student academic competitions (Science Olympiad/VASO, Reflections, Chess, Lego League, and ACSL).
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Fri, Oct 2 (5:00–6:30 PM) Primary Mustang Meetup: Outdoor playground hangout for McNair Primary (PreK–2) families
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Wed, Oct 7 McNair Fall Chess Club: After School Chess Club for Grade 3-6. Registration Link: https://chessctr.org/mcnair/. All levels welcome. Beginning Oct 7 on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00 pm at McNair Lower. For more information, email Ms. Chin at mcnairchess@gmail.comor the PTA board@mcnairespta.org
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Fri, Oct 9 (5:00–6:30 PM) Upper Mustang Meetup: Outdoor playground hangout for McNair Upper (Grades 3–6) families.
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Sat, Oct 10 McNair Chess Tournament: Sat, Oct 10 at McNair ES, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr., Herndon, VA. Three (3) sections (K-3, K-5, K-8). K-3 plays 5 rounds, K-5 and K-8 play 4 rounds. Doors open at 8 am. Round 1 at 9 AM, later rounds as soon as possible after the previous round. Registration $40 by Oct 6th, $45 by Oct 8th, $50 thereafter and onsite. US Chess membership required. Register and get more info: https://caissachess.net/register/11114354. Questions should be addressed to mcnairchess@gmail.com.
PTA Announcements
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Virginia Science Olympiad Division A: Interest Form Now Open
- Open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders. Active PTA members will receive roster priority for the 45 available spots.
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Sign Up https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFG5SsDoYsRHl9TtdeTABJ3GalfbeCWfh1eQC_C_Htgkc6Zg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101828315606285343201
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Free School-Wide Parent Directory:Join our WhatsApp Family Directory to easily find classmates, message parents, and organize carpools or playdates. It is 100% free and open to all McNair families (PTA membership not required). Send an email to board@mcnairespta.org for the link to join.
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2026–2027 PTA Memberships & Pre-Orders:Support our students and staff by joining or renewing your PTA membership today! Options include:
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Family Membership ($60): 2 adult memberships, stickers, magnet, early competition sign-ups, and a McNair insulated lunch bag.
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Adult Membership ($35): 1 adult membership, sticker, magnet, and early competition sign-ups.
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Teacher/Staff Membership ($15): 1 staff membership, sticker, and priority access to classroom supply grants.
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Reduced Dues Pre-Order ($15): Discounted pre-order for families on free/reduced lunch or facing financial need (confidential honor system). Email board@mcnairespta.org for the private link
Join or Renew Here: https://www.mcnairespta.org/become-a-member
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Volunteer Opportunities:We are running with a small, nimble team this year and need your help with events, welcoming new families, corporate partnerships, or flexible tasks you can do from home. Learn more here: https://mcnairespta.org/volunteer
Questions/Ideas? Email board@mcnairespta.org or visit https://mcnairespta.org/
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#BloomingTogether
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