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Hello MUES Families,
It has been a wonderful week at McNair Upper Elementary!
We had our first PTA general membership meeting this past Wednesday and I was overwhelmed with the amount of families who came. We had around 100 families present, which is one of the largest turnouts we have seen in years! Your time, participation, and willingness to get involved make a meaningful difference in our school community. When families and schools work together as partners, we are better able to support our students academically, socially, and emotionally and create a school environment where every child feels connected and supported. We encourage all of our families to stay involved, share their ideas, volunteer when possible, and be an active part of our MUES community. A special thanks to our PTA Board for planning many wonderful community events and overseeing several competitions for our Mustangs and their families to enjoy this upcoming school year!
We also got a taste of fall weather with the cooler temperatures and nearly two full days of rainfall. On inclement weather days, please remember that mornings can take a little longer. Wet roads, increased traffic, and slower drop-off and arrival times may cause delays. Please plan ahead, allow extra time for your morning commute, and consider leaving home a little earlier so everyone can arrive at school safely and ready to start the day. Thank you for helping us keep our MUES mornings safe and smooth!
Have a nice weekend, Mustang Family!
Your Proud Principal,
Mrs. Goddin
MMGoddin@fcps.edu
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- September 29th at 5:30 PM: AAP Continuum of Services Informational Night/McNair Primary ES
- October 7th: Walk & Roll to School Day
- October 9th: Hispanic Heritage Night at 5:30 PM/McNair Upper ES
- October 12th: Indigenous Peoples Day; school closed for students
- October 13th: Intervention groups begin
- October 15th: 1st Quarter Interims sent home in Thursday Folders
- October 29th: Fall Picture Day at McNair Upper
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 Below are some new announcements & updates for you to read through.
We understand that families may need to drive their children to school from time to time. If you need to, please familiarize yourself with our school’s kiss-and-ride procedures for the safety of all children and staff.
Please drop off or pick up your students in the designated areas. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in other areas around the school or in nearby neighborhoods. Please also avoid parking in neighborhoods or double parking in front of our school if you intend to walk your child to school. This can increase the number of students walking through busy intersections and create traffic hazards for other drivers and families trying to get to school.
Please follow all signs and directions posted at our school, on public roads, or provided by school staff or crossing guards, and avoid making U-turns. Most of all, always — ALWAYS — drive slowly near our school. The safety of all our students is one of our top priorities!!
The Fairfax County Police Department has additional safety tips for families, including ways to keep walkers safe and what to do about scooters, bicycles, and e-scooters.
Fairfax County Public Schools is presenting a literacy webinar series to help families understand reading assessments, reading plans, and how to support their child at home. The series and topics:
- October 20th at 10 a.m.- Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15th at 10 a.m.- What is a Reading Plan?
- February 19th a t 10 a.m.- How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14th at 10 a.m.- Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer.
Please share this flyer with your families.
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. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren).
Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s 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 on the FCPS website.
Understanding the Acceptable Use PolicyFCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
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Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
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Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
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Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
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Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
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Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
 Below are some friendly reminders for you to read through.
We hope you can join us for this exciting community event as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. If you have questions, please feel free to connect with Ms. Vargas, Family Liaison.
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both 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.
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 the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them 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.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Mrs. Janofsky, School Testing Coordinator, at mljanofsky@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg, the McNair Upper and McNair Primary Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services: Tuesday September 29th at 5:30pm in McNair Elementary School Cafeteria (Primary). Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: Tuesday October 20th at 5:30pm in the McNair Upper Elementary School Cafeteria. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Kaitlin Burg, AART at McNair Elementary, at kmburg@fcps.edu or Mallory Janofsky, AART at McNair Upper Elementary, at mljanofsky@fcps.edu, or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
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.
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
 Updates Dates
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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.com or the PTA board@mcnairespta.org
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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.
Announcements
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Virginia Science Olympiad Division A: Interest Form Now Open
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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). Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DpvCPUzYIhxB4EKaEnNfQB
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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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Questions/Ideas? Email board@mcnairespta.org or visit https://www.mcnairespta.org/home
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