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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
Our readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists have been hard at work this week making explorations, stretching their thinking, and taking risks in their learning! We hope that you have been able to check-in with your student to continue the conversations around what they are learning at school and how they might apply those strategies to real world situations and experiences.
In addition, please ensure that you have scheduled a conference with your child's teacher. A strong home-school partnership is very important to us! Also, be sure to mark your calendars with important dates that are coming up soon!
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October 12: School Closed For Students: Staff Development Day; Holiday- Indigenous Peoples Day
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October 13: Calling all smiles! Picture Day! Please see below in this newsletter on how to order your child's pictures.
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October 21: 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal is at 12:30pm for students in grades K-2. (Student supervision is provided for families that require it.)
Take care of yourselves and each other. We are here to support if your child or family need anything. One way to show your appreciation for our staff is by donating snacks. If you'd like to donate something to support our staff, please click on the following link: Fall Snack Sign Up Link Your generosity is truly appreciated!
Thank you all for your continuous partnership and support in your child's education. We hope that you all have a wonderful 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!
📌October 9: Hispanic Heritage Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at McNair Upper ES
📌October 10: McNair Chess Tournament, 9:00 a.m. at McNair Elementary
📌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 20: Parent Information Meeting: AAP Screening Process, 5:30 pm at McNair Upper ES
📌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
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.
Picture Day is Tuesday, October 13!
Fall school pictures will be taken on Tuesday, October 13! Visit strawbridge.net, select “Order Pictures & Yearbooks,” and enter code PX524206 to find your photos.
 
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
Title I & Literacy Initiatives Parent Information Meeting
Please join Principal Watson and Reading Specialist Kelly Carper to learn about McNair Elementary School’s literacy initiatives and Title I programming on October 15, 2026 at 4:30pm in the McNair Elementary School Library.
Pumpkins, Pages & a Little Fall Magic! 🎃📚
Join the Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest!
Turn a real or fake pumpkin into your favorite storybook character and enter McNair’s decorating contest! Bring your uncarved creation to school October 5–26, and you could win a prize for your grade level.
Attendance Matters!
Understanding the FCPS Calendar
Help your child prepare for future success by encouraging them to develop positive attendance habits. Regular attendance supports learning and helps students stay on track for college, careers, and other opportunities after graduation.
Take a look at the FCPS calendar. Try your best to schedule any vacations or planned family events on weekends and school holidays. If the appointment needs to be during the school day, when possible, schedule it for the beginning or end of the day to minimize time missed.
If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, please report the absence to our school as early as possible. Find out how to report an absence on our homepage or call the front office.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please let us know. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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.
AAP Program Information
Kaitlin Burg (McNair AART) and Mallory Janofksy (McNair Upper AART) shared FCPS’ Advanced Academic Program Continuum of services last week. If you missed the presentation, please find a narrated version of the presentation on the FCPS website, under “Presentations: Learn about Advanced Academic Programs and Services”
Please join them on October 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the McNair Upper cafeteria to share the screening process for Full-Time AAP Services. Spanish translation will be available.
Review the October AAP Newsletter to learn more about Advanced Academics at McNair.
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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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.
FCPS Seeks Community Input on Middle School AAP Centers
FCPS is exploring a plan to offer Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services at every middle school. Under the proposal, students who qualify could attend their neighborhood middle school and take advanced classes with other AAP students. The School Board has approved community engagement at Franklin, Hayfield, Holmes, Key, and Whitman middle schools, where programs could open for the 2027-28 school year. The proposal is still under consideration, and the School Board is expected to make a decision in December.
Each community meeting offers in-person and virtual participation. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
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Holmes Middle: Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
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Whitman Middle: Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m.
Current middle school students will remain at their assigned AAP centers through middle school. Learn more and find meeting sign-up forms on the Middle School AAP Centers page.
Calendar Change: Eid al-Fitr
FCPS will mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr with an evening-only observance day on Monday, March 8. There will be school on this day, but major school-sponsored events and activities (such as auditions or tryouts) will not take place.
Tuesday, March 9, will be a holiday for students and staff.
Wednesday, March 10, will be an observance day. There will be school on this day, but certain activities that cannot be made up (major tests, field trips, or mandatory events) will not take place.
A new school year calendar has been published, which includes this change. Please note that holidays and observances on the calendar may shift due to anticipated lunar sightings.
Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of the Fairfax County School Board’s Annual School-Based Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences traveling to and from school.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss and ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Join a workshop for parents and caregivers to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Skyview High School and Wednesday, October 21, at Kingstowne Regional Library. View additional dates on the FCPS Family Academy webpage.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
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.
⏰ 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
National Bullying Prevention Month
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October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
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Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community.
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Digital Citizenship Week: October 19-23 |
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Quarter End, Early Release, Student Holidays
Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday. 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:
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- College Prep Resources
- Life in the Community Fair
- Calendar Update: Eid al-Fitr
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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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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