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   📚✨Thank you to everyone who helped bring our favorite storybook characters to life last week! We had so much fun celebrating our love of reading together! 📚✨
Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We're incredibly excited to kick off the second quarter with our Mustangs tomorrow morning at 8:45 AM! To ensure every student has the best possible chance for success this quarter, we want to emphasize two key areas where your support at home is absolutely invaluable:
🌟 Excellent Attendance: Every Day Counts!
Last Thursday, we celebrated our students' commitment to being present everyday, on time, and ready to learn with our Surprise Attendance Day! We encourage you to ask your Mustang why attendance is so important. Being in school every day truly matters. Regular attendance is critical for learning new concepts, participating fully in class activities, and building strong social skills with peers. Please help us by making sure your child is at school, on time, everyday.
📚 Reading Together Every Night: Fueling Lifelong Learners
A daily reading routine at home makes a huge difference in your child's academic journey. Whether you're reading to your child, having them read to you, or reading with them, dedicating 15-20 minutes each evening builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and fosters a lifelong love for learning.
Please mark your calendars! Below are just a couple of friendly reminders for this next week:
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November 6: Outstanding Staff Nominations Due: You may click here to nominate staff members for recognition! Please be sure to nominate our amazing staff!
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November 11: 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance, 9:30am at McNair
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November 11: Monthly PTA Meeting, 6:30pm at McNair ES
Let's continue to partner together to make Quarter 2 a great success! Take care of yourselves and each other. We are here to support if you or your family need anything.
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!
📌November 2 & November 3: Teacher Work Days; No School For Students
📌November 6: Outstanding Staff Nominations Due: Use this form to nominate staff members for recognition!
📌November 11: 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance, 9:30am at McNair
📌November 11: Monthly PTA Meeting, 6:30pm at McNair ES
📌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 20: Thanksgiving Luncheon at McNair (Schedule Coming Soon)
📌November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday; Schools & Offices Closed
📌December 2: 3-Hour Early Release (Grades K-2)
📌December 19- January 3: Winter Break; 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.
✨ Outstanding Employee Nominations Due November 6th ✨
If you have worked with an outstanding employee at McNair ES, FCPS wants your help recognizing them. Mustang families are invited to nominate staff members for recognition!
🏆 NOMINATIONS FOR...
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
🗓️DEADLINE: The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 6, 2026.
SUBMISSIONS: Submissions can be made by completing this form .
Thank you for supporting our outstanding Mustang Staff!
It's Theme Thursday, Mustangs!
As we step into Quarter 2, let's set the stage for excellence! Dress up in your favorite sharp outfit or professional look this Thursday as we kick off the new quarter in style!
Congratulations To Our McNair ES
Storybook Character Pumpkin Decorating
Contest Winners!
Thank you to all of our Mustangs who participated in this year's Storybook Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest! We are thrilled to announce our McNair Elementary School winners for the 2026–2027 school year! 🎃📚
🏆 Pre-K: Amira Wills (Ms. Ohr's Class) – Color Monster
🏆 Kindergarten: Audvik Kaushik (Ms.Nast's Class) – Angry Birds
🏆 1st Grade: Chaitra Seelam (Ms. Leake's Class) – Bluey
🏆 2nd Grade: Lyla Cole (Ms.Barlund's Class) – The Very Hungry Caterpillar
🏆 Staff: Ms. Blake, Music Teacher – Bluey
Congratulations to all of our creative winners! 🎉
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 continue to 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 ensure that you have completed the registration form for this school year: Kiss & Ride Registration Form. Also, as we kickoff another quarter, this is a friendly reminder to ensure to review the McNair Arrival and Dismissal Procedures that were shared earlier this school year.
If you are 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 and from 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. McNair Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
As a final reminder, taking the bus is a very safe way to travel to and from school.
2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance
Our McNair second grade students have been practicing songs to celebrate and honor our Veterans. The second-grade students will participate in a performance at school on Wednesday, November 11th at 9:30 am to thank all who have served. |
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There will be an assembly for all students and all Veterans and parents are welcome to join in person. The performance will be virtual/online for grades PreK-1 where we will livestream the performance.
As the performance gets closer, we will share the link for parents/guardians and families to join virtually as an additional option. For the assembly, we are asking ALL second-grade students to wear a solid red, white, or blue top/shirt.
If you are a military Veteran or have military family members, we would love for you to let us know and please share a picture with us by Friday, November 6th. Thank you for your support. Please feel free to email our Music Teachers Ms. Blake (arblake@fcps.edu) or Ms. Dicey (bldicey@fcps.edu) with any pictures and of course with any questions that you may have about next Wednesday.
Note: If you would prefer to send in a picture with your child, please, have it labeled with your child’s name and teacher, so we are able to return it. Thank you for your partnership and support.
Still Looking For...
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. |
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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
Attendance Matters!
Encouraging Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you!
If students miss too much school, school staff may reach out to the family to partner with them on addressing barriers to regular attendance. Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.
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 to show off your Mustang pride, and help every reader at McNair Elementary soar!
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 Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome!
The event will take place Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School. Click the date to register. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that time, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.
For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, visit ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.
Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader: Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities
Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.
Lexia Family Information Sessions
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.
Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:
- Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.
Literacy Webinar Series
Join us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.
- December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.
Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?
Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
⏰ 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:
- December 2
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February 10
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May 5
 Hear From Parents, Students, and Others at the Special Education Family Conference Opening Session
The annual Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
New this year, the conference will open with an inspiring panel discussion featuring voices from across our school community: an FCPS student, a high school principal, a community partner, and an FCPS parent.
Panelists will share personal experiences and practical ideas for building supportive, inclusive communities where students can thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
Register to attend and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage to learn more about the panelists. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
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National Career Development Month
By enrolling in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course or program, students learn the technical applications of many occupations while preparing for higher education or entry-level employment. A core program of CTE courses is offered in every middle and high school. Based on the needs of the populations served, each school determines optional courses to be offered. Learn more about Academies and Specialized Programs.
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Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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National Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Strong family support is vital to student well-being and success.
FCPS has many resources designed to increase engagement and partnerships with families while fostering academic success and social-emotional growth.
Additionally, every school has a family liaison who will welcome and orient families, and help them understand the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. They can help connect families to resources in the community. Family liaisons might also assist a family in transitioning to a new school and encourage family-school partnerships to help ensure their student's success and healthy development.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask your school office to connect you with your family liaison or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.
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November 8: Diwali
🪔 We wish a happy Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. #OurFCPS
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November 9-13: National School Psychology Week
This week we celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive. [Insert personal message to school psychologists on staff]Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists.
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November 11: Veterans Day |
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November 16-20:
American Education Week
For American Education Week we celebrate ALL who work in our [SCHOOL] community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support staff, teachers, leadership and more! Learn more from the National Education Association. Want to recognize someone from our school who goes above and beyond? Submit a nomination to FCPS Cares.
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Thanksgiving
Schools and offices will be closed November 25 to 27. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 30. 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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- Family Academy Events
- Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities
- Science Fair Judges Needed
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, Nov 6 (5:00-7:00 PM) BYOB (Bring Your Own Board Game!) Mustang Meetup: McNair Primary Cafeteria Door #4. All families welcome!
- Unplug and hang out with fellow Mustangs for a chill, low-key board game night! Bring your family’s favorite games to play, enter our raffle, and enjoy free pizza and juice (pizza is first-come, first-served, and limited to one slice per child). All children must be supervised by an adult.
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Sat, Nov 7 (8:00 AM-4:00 PM): McNair November Chess Tournament McNair Primary Cafeteria Door #4.
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Wed, Nov 11 (6:30-7:30 PM): PTA General Meeting (Topic: Self-Defense Workshop) McNair Primary Cafeteria Door #4. All families welcome!
- Join us at our upcoming PTA General Membership Meeting for an exciting live self-defense demonstration and workshop led by Kim's Olympic Taekwondo Center! Alongside quick school/PTA updates, you'll get an interactive look into practical safety techniques.
Announcements
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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: 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/
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!
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#BloomingTogether
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