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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
This week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful music teachers, Ms. Blake and Ms. Dicey! We are grateful for them sharing their incredible talents with our young singers and preparing them for a beautiful second grade performance as we honor our Veterans this Wednesday, November 11th. More details about the performance are included below in this newsletter.
Looking ahead to next week, we are excited to host our Family Night & Storytime with the Principal at our Scholastic Book Fair, along with our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon! Teamwork makes the dream work! If you are interested in volunteering for the Book Fair during the week or at the Thanksgiving Luncheon next Friday, please contact the main office at 703-793-4800.
🗓️ Important Dates This Week
✨ Upcoming Events & Key Reminders
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Attendance Matters: Every day counts! Consistent attendance builds strong, lasting learning habits for our students.
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Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with Principal Watson
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Date: Wednesday, November 18th
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Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
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Join us for shopping, fun, and a special Storytime with Principal Watson!
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Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
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Date: Friday, November 20th
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We warmly invite you to share a festive meal with your child in the cafeteria. (Please see the section below in this newsletter for details regarding reservations, costs, and lunch schedules.)
Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. Our team is here to support you and your family if you need anything. Thank you for your partnership and support in your child's education.
We hope 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 11: 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance, 9:30am at McNair
📌November 11: SACC is closed
📌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 Is Below)
📌November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday; Schools & Offices Closed
📌December 2: 3-Hour Early Release for Grades K-2. (Dismissal is at 12:30)
📌December 19- January 3: Winter Break; Schools & Offices Closed
SACC Closed on Wednesday, November 11
This is a reminder that SACC/BTB will be closed on Veterans Day.
While Veterans Day is a regular school day for FCPS this year, it remains an observed holiday for Fairfax County Government employees. Please be sure to make alternate before-school and after-school arrangements in advance and communicate those changes to your child’s FCPS classroom teacher and school office.
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!**
AAP November Newsletter
Our November Community AAP Newsletter is here! Check it out for the latest updates, helpful information, and ways to stay connected: Read the newsletter. |
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Questions? Feel free to contact our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Kaitlin Burg at kmburg@fcps.edu.
National School Psychology Week:
November 9-13
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During November 9–13, we’ll celebrate National School Psychology Week and recognize the important work school psychologists do to help students thrive. This year’s theme, “Inspire Connection,” highlights the relationships and collaboration that help students build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
We’re grateful for our school psychologist, Karen Brown, and the care and support she brings to our school community. Please join us in thanking Karen for the meaningful difference she makes in the lives of our students!
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It's Theme Thursday, Mustangs!
 💛 Theme Thursday: Kindness Counts!
Wear your yellow this Thursday and brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful compliment. Remember, Mustangs, even the smallest words can make a big difference!
Join us for the Thanksgiving Luncheon and Book Fair on Friday, November 20!
Families are invited to join their student(s) for McNair Elementary School’s annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 20, 2026. We look forward to celebrating with our Mustang community! Please ensure to RSVP by Tuesday, November 10th. (A form was sent home on Thursday, October 29th in your child's Thursday folders.)
The cost is $5.50 per meal. Please return the yellow form and payment to your child's teacher to RSVP for the event. (Each student is able to have 2 guests due to space.)
Please review the important information below:
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Check-in: Families should check in at Door 1. All registered guests will receive a visitor badge. Guests who purchased lunch will receive a ticket for the lunch line. Guests who did not purchase lunch may go directly to their child’s assigned homeroom table.
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Identification: Please bring a valid ID to sign in. Photos of identification on a phone cannot be accepted. A driver’s license, passport, or identification card is required.
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Lunch times: Please review the schedule below to find your child’s lunch time. We recommend arriving early to allow time for check-in. Classes may eat in the cafeteria, gymnasium, or classroom.
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Book Fair at McNair: Families are welcome to shop at the McNair Scholastic Book Fair anytime from 10:30-2:30pm in the library on Friday, November 20th after signing in at the main office.
We are grateful to get to spend this joyous time together with our Mustang Community! We look forward to seeing you on Friday, November 20th at the Thanksgiving Luncheon! Thank you for helping us make this a special day.
Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule
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Scholastic Book Fair At McNair
 LET YOUR MIND WANDER THROUGH BOOKS NOV 16-20!
Your family is invited to attend the Scholastic Book Fair! Your students will have time to shop during school days. Shopping at the Book Fair is optional, but a great time to add to your home library, buy gifts for holidays, and teachers! Thank you for your support!
SHOPPING TIMES:
Family Book Fair Night and Storytime with the Principal
- Wednesday 11/18 from 4:30 P.M. - 6 P.M.
Family Thanksgiving Luncheon
- Friday 11/20 from 10:30 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
- Funds earned support our school
- Credit Cards accepted by adults only (not students). Please no checks.
- All sales are final: No returns nor exchanges
- To volunteer-Email Ms. Pappano, at: klpappano@fcps.edu
 Second 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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All Veterans and second grade parents/guardians are welcome to join in person. There will be an assembly for all students in grades Pre-K through first grades to view the performance virtually during the school day.
On Wednesday morning, we will share the link via email for parents/guardians to join virtually as an additional option if they are unable to attend in person. 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 no later than this afternoon. 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 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.
November Is National Family Engagement Month
Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at HomeSocial-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Participate in a Family Cafe workshop to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the SEL Screener 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:
Click on the date to register. Find additional details on the FCPS Family Academy page.
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.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as a tutor. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant as a resource to families.
SIS ParentVUE Quarterly Outage
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, 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, view ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.
⏰ 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
 Coming Soon! The Annual Special Education Family Conference
Join more than 600 families and community members for the Special Education Family Conference on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Visit the FCPS Special Education Family Conference webpage to learn about the opening panel discussion, breakout sessions, and the exhibitor hall list.
Still need to register for this year’s conference? Complete the Special Education Family Conference Registration Form to register, request special accommodations, and select language interpretation needs.
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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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- State of Our Schools Event
- Family Engagement Opportunities
- SIS Quarterly Outage
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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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/
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#BloomingTogether
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