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The Mustang Weekly Newsletter
Greetings McNair Students and Families,
Career Week was a hit at McNair! We had so much FUN together learning alongside our students about all of the exciting careers that we have in our community and beyond. Students were so engaged, and their participation in spirit week activities was truly inspiring. It's wonderful to see them setting goals and dreaming about their futures!
We hope that spring break is all that you need and want it to be. We will be thinking of you and looking forward to welcoming you back on Wednesday, April 3rd, Mustangs!
All the best,
Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant
Please contact us with any questions!
Principal: Elizabeth Watson, [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Brandy O'Bryant, [email protected]
🗓️Attendance Matters
🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3rd, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
Spring Break🌷
We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, April 3rd!
Schools will be closed March 25-April 2nd. We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, April 3rd. We wish our students, staff, and community a happy and restful Spring Break! Our McNair Elementary School Office will be open during Spring Break daily from 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00pm. See the complete school year calendar.
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Principal Survey Feedback
Greetings McNair Parents/Guardians,
On Monday, March 18th, McNair Elementary School parents/guardians were sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. All written responses will be shared with Ms. Rebecca Baenig, Region 5 Assistant Superintendent and myself. Your feedback matters!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide me thoughtful feedback on how I can best serve you, our students, our staff, and other members of our school community.
All the best,
Elizabeth Watson
Principal
McNair Elementary School
McNair Elementary School's
Vision & Mission Development
We are excited to engage in the process of designing a new mission and vision for McNair Elementary School! To support this work, we are gathering feedback from our students and families. We value your voice and are eager to incorporate your feedback in the vision and mission design process. Please be sure to complete this form by Friday, April 12th.
(Please note that a letter was also sent home with your child in Thursday folders last week should you choose to complete the survey with a handwritten response as opposed to electronically. We once again are so appreciative of your time!)
✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey Today!
If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
🖍️ It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including kindergarten orientation on May 3rd at 9:30am. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
Beautification Day at McNair ES on Saturday, April 27
McNair Elementary School invites you and your child to work with us to celebrate Earth Day by beautifying the outside of our school. You and your child will have the opportunity to participate in activities to make our school beautiful and learn about caring for the earth. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27th from 9-11am. We hope to see you there! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
**Please note, if you are willing to make any donations including but not limited to soil, plants, gardening tools, etc., please contact Connie Lehman at [email protected]. We appreciate your support!**
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📖 Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read
FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize. Attend a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9, to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth. Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade.
Advanced Academic Programming
Click to view Ms. Burg's & Ms. Mallory's March AAP Community Newsletter!
In addition, check out the video created by Mrs. Burg, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, as she shares with you a few of the tools she hopes to use with your students in Thinking Lab! Please be sure to sign the Digital Resource Parent Consent so that your Mustang has access to these wonderful resources.
If you have any questions about Advanced Academics Programming at McNair, please email Ms. Burg at [email protected].
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🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.
The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved.
Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school.
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
⏰ Community Forums on Middle School Start Times
Fairfax County Public Schools is exploring options for adjusting middle school start times and invites the public to be part of the process. Prismatic Services, Inc., an educational consulting firm, will lead the forums. All forums will deliver the same presentation and provide the same feedback opportunities. Please attend the event that works best for your schedule:
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Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School.
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Monday, May 6, 6-8 p.m., at Whitman Middle School.
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Monday, May 20, 6-8 p.m., at Hughes Middle School.
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Wednesday, May 22, 6-8 p.m., at Frost Middle School.
Registration is not required but does help with planning. Click one of the dates above to register. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the project exploring middle school start times.
Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 2024
The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families.
Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association.
This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break.
Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring
Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.
A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.
Caregivers can guide students to access expert tutoring, homework help, and writing support by clicking on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal—anytime, anywhere.
Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.
McNair Yearbooks Are On Sale!
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🥁 Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
⛱️ Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers
Looking for a fun summer camp for your rising middle schooler? Check out VIP Camp, taking place July 1 through August 1 at five FCPS middle schools, and open to all FCPS middle school students. VIP Camp costs only $100 for the 5-week program! Find out more and register soon: bit.ly/VIPcamp2024
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?
We would greatly appreciate your support! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us! If you are interested, please contact the Main Office at 703-793-4800. You may also email our Administrative Assistant, Julia Smoot at [email protected].
Donations Welcome!
Please see below for opportunities to make donations to support McNair Elementary School! We greatly appreciate any contributions!
❤️Snacks for McNair Staff❤️
Please help us keep our staff lounges and teacher planning spaces stocked with individually wrapped healthy snack foods, beverages, and a few sweet treats for our awesome staff as a way to keep them energized as they educate and support our Mustangs!
Please sign-up for any of the items listed below and drop off any donations to the main office. The main office is open daily, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm. Thank you for your partnership and supporting our AMAZING McNair Staff! Please click here to make a donation.
PTA Updates
Get Involved with the PTA!
The PTA supports our schools through help from our community. One way we do that is through the help of our wonderful volunteers! Whether you're available for an hour a year or an hour a week to pitch in - we have opportunities that meet everyone's busy schedule!
Support PTA: Become a Member or Volunteer
Please contact Miranda Butzlaff, our PTA President at [email protected] if you want to know more information about our PTA and opportunities to get involved within our school community!
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Graham Road Elementary School.
- Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at South County Middle School.
- Thursday, May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Terraset Elementary School.
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Hybla Valley Elementary School.
- Thursday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Poe Middle School.
- Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Katherine Johnson Middle School.
Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
New Regulation on Meditation and Silent Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
These spaces are designated areas within McNair Elementary and on school premises for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact Ms. Watson, school principal, Selene Vargas, the family liaison, or your child's homeroom teacher regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
🏐 New Athletic Opportunities for Students
The FCPS advertised budget for next school year expands high school athletics with boys volleyball and girls wrestling, giving students more ways to nurture their passion and enhance their well-being. FCPS is now in the middle of the annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. See the Budget Calendar for details. Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget.
National Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.
Good Friday
This week we recognize those in our community observing Good Friday. This year's Good Friday artwork was created by Chantilly High School student Summer S. On this day, Christians observe the commemoration of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for those who believe. #OurFCPSSummer’s artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
Easter
A joyful Easter to all in our community who celebrate! This year's Easter artwork was created by Falls Church High School student Dayanara M. The springtime celebration of Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who sacrificed so that Christians may have life with God after death. #OurFCPSThis artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. Learn more about the challenge: https://bit.ly/47oHw2j
💜 Purple Up! on April 17 to Support Military Families
Join our community and turn FCPS purple on Purple Up! Day, Wednesday, April 17. Wear purple in recognition of FCPS’ 14,000 enrolled military-connected students.
Purple Up! T-shirts are available for purchase through Friday, March 8.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Updated COVID Recommendations
- Last Chance to Take the Family Engagement Survey!
- April Webinars and Events for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Follow McNair on Social Media!
👍❤️ 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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Friendly Reminders
Mark your calendars!
As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.
March 25-29: Spring Break (FCPS Schools Closed)
March 29: Good Friday, Holiday
March 31: Easter Sunday, Holiday
April 1-2: Teacher Workday/Staff Development Day, No School For Students
April 4: School Librarian Day
April 1-5: National Assistant Principals Week
April 9: Lexia Virtual Information Night
April 10: Eid al Fitr, Holiday (FCPS Schools Closed)
April 12: Due date to complete the McNair Vision & Mission Form (Thank you!)
April 20: The FCPS Family Summit 8:30am -1:00pm at Marshall High School.
April 24: PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES
April 27: Beautification Day at 9:00am at McNair ES (We hope you can join!)
May 3: Kindergarten Orientation at 9:30am at McNair ES
May 27: Memorial Day, Holiday (FCPS Schools Closed)
June 12: Last Day of School for Students
2023-2024 Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.
Thank you for your partnership and galloping together with us this school year!
2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800
Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter
