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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We’re having another great week at McNair Elementary! Because strong home-school connections are key, please ensure you’ve scheduled your parent-teacher conference. Checking in daily with your child is also important, so see below in this newsletter for targeted questions that foster richer conversations about their school day. Don't forget to read below about our Surprise Attendance Day on Friday, too!
Additionally, we are excited to share that our McNair CARES schoolwide positive behavior incentive program has been rolled out for this school year.
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The purpose of the McNair CARES incentive program is to continue to develop a positive school culture where we increase the consistent demonstration of positive behaviors for ALL students, across all school settings. Be sure to ask your Mustang how many McNair CARES tickets their class has earned so far along with how their class earned their tickets.
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We continue to appreciate your partnership and support in your child's education. Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs! Together, all things are possible.
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!
📌October 2: PTA's Mustang Meetup, 5:00 pm at McNair Elementary
📌October 7: Walk and Roll to School Day, 8:30 a.m. at Door 2
📌October 9: McNair Chess Tournament, 9:00 a.m. at McNair Elementary
📌October 10: 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 4:30 pm
📌October 21: 3-Hour Early Release for Students In Grades K-2 (Dismissal is at 1:30 pm)
📌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
It's Blue Star Welcome Week!
Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate, and schools are a primary way they get integrated into their new location. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 26 through October 4, 2026, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
Custodian Appreciation Day
On Friday, October 2nd we celebrate Custodian Appreciation Day. We are grateful to our custodians for their dedication, hard work, and attention to detail. Their efforts help ensure our school is safe, welcoming, and ready for students and staff each day. Thank you for all you do to support our learning community and make it sparkle! We appreciate you so much Ms. Mercedes, Ms. Castillo, Mr. Le, and Mr. Nguyen!!!
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!**
Early Dismissal Reminder:
No Early Dismissal After 3 p.m.
Students who need to be picked up before dismissal must be picked up before 3:00 p.m. Early dismissals will not be permitted after 3:00 p.m. Families arriving after this time must wait until regular dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
Fall Snacks for McNair ES Staff!
We would love your help in keeping our staff lounge and teacher planning space stocked with individually wrapped healthy snack foods, beverages, and a few sweet treats for our awesome school staff as a way to keep them energized as they teach and support our Mustangs.
Please consider signing up for any of the items listed below and drop off any donations to the main office at McNair ES between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
If you'd like to donate something to support our staff, please click on the following link: Fall Snack Sign Up Link
 Our First Surprise Attendance Day!
We held our first Surprise Attendance Day on Friday, September 25! Students were enthusiastically welcomed as they arrived at school and received a special prize for being present.
A Surprise Attendance Day is an unannounced school day during which students may receive a reward for attending school. The day may also include a special assembly or schoolwide celebration.
The purpose of Surprise Attendance Days is to encourage students to attend school every day. Last year, our chronic absenteeism rate, which reflects students who missed more than 18 days of school, was 12.1%. When students are absent, they miss valuable learning and opportunities to engage with their classmates and teachers.
Our goal this year is to reduce chronic absenteeism to below 5%. We can reach this goal by working together as a strong school community to support consistent attendance!
Attendance Matters!
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.
Check-In With Your Child
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A great way to have richer conversations with your child is to check-in with him/her by asking some of the questions listed below. This will support you learning a little bit more about your child's day while they are at school.
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- What made you smile today?
- Can you tell me about an act of kindness you did or saw?
- What is something creative you did today?
- Who did you sit with at lunch today?
- Tell me something you learned today.
- What did you eat first at lunch?
- If you could change one thing about the day, what would it be?
- What made your teacher(s) smile today?
- What is your favorite thing to do at recess?
- What is the best thing that happened today?
- Did you help anyone today?
- What was your thorn, and what was your rose today?
- What are you looking forward to for tomorrow?
- Teach me something you learned.
- What kinds of things did you see people eating for snack?
- Did you learn any new words today?
Walk and Roll to School Day: October 7
McNair families - Please join us on Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30am outside Door 2 to celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day! Our students are learning to:
- Walk on the sidewalk
- Cross at the crosswalk
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street
We encourage families to demonstrate safe practices like using a sidewalk and crosswalk or wearing a helmet when biking. If you choose to bike to school, please use our bike racks and bring a lock! Students who safely participate will earn a sticker and can sign our poster outside of Door 2 before school! We look forward to seeing you there!
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 still 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. Review this safety video with your Mustang!
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!
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, 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.
Digital Literacy Resources for Families
As part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here
The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
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.
Tap On and Tap Off, It’s Easy!
 Please help all our bus riders remember to tap on and tap off the school bus each day. We currently have about 70% of students on buses following this process correctly, which is a great start! Learn more about student IDs and bus navigation.
Families wishing to see where their child’s bus is should continue to use the Here Comes the Bus app.
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. 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.
⏰ 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
Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
- Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
- Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join the session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. (It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.)
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: a Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
 Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
FCPS This Week
FCPS News: In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Menu Options
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 ES PTA Updates & Announcements
Upcoming Dates
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Fri, Oct 2 (5:30–7:00 PM) Mustang Meetup: McNair Primary Cafeteria. Join for a fun-filled dance party with a live DJ and an Instrument Zoo - an interactive instrument exhibit brought to us graciously by Bach to Rock, a Herndon music school!
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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.
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Wed, Oct 21 PTA General Member Meeting: McNair Upper Cafeteria. Topic TBD.
Announcements
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Virginia Science Olympiad Division A
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Virginia Science Olympiad Division B
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American Computer Science League (ACSL)
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Lego League
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Reflections
- PTA Arts Competition in Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. This year's theme: "What My Culture Means to Me"
- Open to all grades Pre-K-12th Graders
- Register https://forms.gle/u6NFrsXPzVeU1QBx7
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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: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.orgfor the private link
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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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