FCPS

Please contact us with any questions!

Principal: Elizabeth Watson, [email protected]

Assistant Principal: Brandy O'Bryant, [email protected]

🗓️Attendance Matters 🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Parents/guardians have a huge influence on students when it comes to attendance. Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help students do well in high school, college, and at work.

School Year Routines

Maintain regular bed time and morning routines to help your child develop a habit of on-time attendance.
Talk to your child about why going to school everyday is important unless they are sick.
Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick.
If your child seems reluctant to go to school, find out why and talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him feel comfortable and excited about learning. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
When possible, avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor if you are experiencing tough times such as unstable housing, transportation or health problems.

🐻 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.

Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

Yearbook Orders!

It's already that time of year again where we are beginning to collect yearbook orders! Parents/guardians, please click on the following link to order your child a yearbook today: https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB30171

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter AAP February Newsletter

Check out the latest edition of the AAP February Newsletter. from Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. Happy reading!

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department.

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

We would love the help of our McNair families to stock both of our school's teacher workrooms with snacks, treats, and drinks for our hard working staff members to enjoy while they plan engaging lessons and activities for our Mustangs.

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

We understand that it may be inconvenient to walk to the crosswalk, but not doing so puts our students at risk. By modeling responsible behavior and using the crosswalk with the crossing guard or police officer, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Please discuss the importance of crosswalk safety with your child and encourage them to always use the designated paths. Your support and partnership in this matter is greatly appreciated.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

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!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

February PTA General Membership Meeting & Awards Ceremony

This is a friendly reminder that we have a General PTA meeting and a Reflections Awards Ceremony coming up on Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM. This month's meeting will be held at McNair Upper ES. Hope to see you there!

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting an Award Ceremony for the Reflections after a brief meeting.

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Harris Teeter’s Together In Education Program gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands. A percentage of your purchase is donated to the school that your VIC card is linked to. There are NO LIMITS to how much a school can earn.

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.

Black History Month Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception, followed by a formal program, “From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future.” The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

Thank you to the Fairfax County School Board for all they do throughout the year. Want to contact your school board representatives to share your appreciation? Visit their website to find your school board member and contact them.

Ramadan

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.

Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact their child’s principal, Mrs. Watson at [email protected] regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Flu Prevention
Students Spread Joy
Investing in our Classrooms

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

February 19: FCPS Black History Month Celebration at Woodson HS, 5:30pm

February 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES, 6:30pm

February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon)

February 22: PTA's Chess Tournament at McNair ES

February 24: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal will be at 12:30pm (Student supervision will be available for families who require it. SACC will be available for students that already participate in SACC programming.)

February 28: Ramadan Begins at Sundown

2025 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 as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, February 13, 2025

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)1 week 1 day ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We are having another wonderful week of learning and growing together! Today marked a special milestone – our 100th Day of School! Our Mustangs had a blast participating in our 100 Days of Learning Challenges, and it was truly heartwarming to see their creativity shine as they explored different ways to represent the number 100. We encourage you to ask your child about their favorite challenge – we're sure they'll love sharing their memorable experiences with you!

Looking ahead, our second graders have an exciting day planned for tomorrow: their very own innovative marketplace! They've been busy creating goods to "sell" to staff and fellow students. We're all looking forward to witnessing their entrepreneurial spirit in action. A huge thank you to our amazing teachers for creating such incredible, real-world learning experiences for our students. These opportunities are truly invaluable.

We're also so excited to connect with you all at our upcoming events, and we truly hope you'll be able to join us!

February 10-14: McNair Kindness Spirit Week (More information below!)
February 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES at 6:30pm
February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night, 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School
February 22: McNair PTA's Chess Tournament. Please register here!

Kindergarten Registration is here! Please help us spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors with incoming kindergarteners so they can register as soon as possible. We appreciate your assistance!

Thank you for your continued partnership. We hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week, 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!

Did You Know?

Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.
Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Eventually good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

Please visit https://www.fcps.edu/attendance for more information about the importance of student attendance.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Kindergarten Orientation at McNair Elementary School. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Afkham Hosseini, our school registrar at at [email protected] or 703-793-4800.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

This Week Is McNair Kindness Week

Let's see your spirit, Mustangs! This is such a special week to celebrate together!

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter AAP February Newsletter

Check out from the latest edition of the AAP February Newsletter. from Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the BudgetMore than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff.

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. FCPS must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Black History Month

Black History Month Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Ramadan

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Proposed Budget Progress
Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
Black History Month Event

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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

February 10-14: McNair Kindness Week (Let's see your spirit, Mustangs!)

February 13: The 100th Day of School!

February 12: School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

February 17: Presidents Day Holiday, All Schools and Offices Closed

February 19: FCPS Black History Month Celebration at Woodson HS, 5:30pm

February 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES, 6:30pm

February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon)

February 22: PTA's Chess Tournament at McNair ES

February 28: Ramadan Begins at Sundown

2025 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 as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, February 4, 2025

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)2 weeks 4 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We've had an excellent start to the third quarter this week! Students and teachers have been busy learning, sharing, and reinforcing classroom expectations, all while maintaining our warm and supportive school culture. As we move into the month of February, we have a lot of celebrations coming up. We will celebrate Black History Month, Women's History Month, Kindness Week, our school counselors, our school crossing guards, and our 100th Day of School!

Furthermore, we are looking forward to connecting with all of you at our upcoming events as we hope that you can join us!

February 10-14: McNair Kindness Spirit Week (More information below!)
February 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES at 6:30pm
February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night, 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon.)

In light of recent events, we want to reassure our students and families that our commitment to supporting and educating your children remains unwavering. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing the best possible learning experience and celebrating every student's success. We are all deeply saddened by the recent tragedy at Reagan National Airport and our thoughts are with all of you during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you or your family need any support. We are here for you.

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!

Parents/Guardians have a huge influence on students when it comes to attendance. Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help students do well in high school, college, and at work.

During the school year...

Maintain regular bed time and morning routines to help your child develop a habit of on-time attendance.
Talk to your child about why going to school everyday is important unless they are sick.
Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick.
If your child seems reluctant to go to school, find out why and talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him feel comfortable and excited about learning. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
When possible, avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor if you are experiencing tough times such as unstable housing, transportation or health problems.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

National School Counseling Week

February 3-7 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. School counselors work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.

Our AMAZING school counselors at McNair Elementary School are Donna Ford and Kristin Coe. Their impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for their incredible dedication to the well-being and success of all of our students.

Please take a moment to share your appreciation with them this week by having your child write them a letter or draw them a picture. Your kind words and encouragement will undoubtedly mean a lot!!

Next Week Is McNair Kindness Week

Let's see your spirit, Mustangs! Looking forward to celebrating this special week together with all of you at McNair!

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter AAP February Newsletter

Check out from the latest edition of the AAP February Newsletter. from Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg.

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation.

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.”

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

Learn more on the Budget webpage.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Friendly Reminder: Community Boundary Review Meeting

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meeting is scheduled and will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

Click the date above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Black History Month

Black History Month Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

VSBA School Board Appreciation Month

Presidents Day (Holiday)

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Ramadan

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

FY 2026 Proposed Budget
Student-Driven Lunch Menus
Inclusion Awards Nominations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

February 3-7: National School Counseling Week

February 10-14: McNair Kindness Week (Let's see your spirit, Mustangs!)

February 12: The 100th Day of School!

February 12: School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

February 17: Presidents Day Holiday, All Schools and Offices Closed

February 19: FCPS Black History Month Celebration at Woodson HS, 5:30pm

February 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES, 6:30pm

February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon)

February 22: PTA's Chess Tournament at McNair ES

February 28: Ramadan Begins at Sundown

2025 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 as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, January 28, 2025

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)3 weeks 4 days ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Can you believe we are halfway through the school year? Time is flying and we continue to celebrate all of the progress and growth that our Mustangs have made and will continue to make. Thank you so much for your ongoing partnership. As a friendly reminder, tomorrow is the Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There is no school for students on Wednesday, January 29.

Furthermore, we are looking forward to connecting with all of you at our upcoming events as we hope that you can join us!

February 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair Upper ES at 6:30pm
February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night, 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon.)

As we enter 3rd quarter at the end of this week, we are hopeful that you will continue to check-in with your child and hear about all of the wonderful learning opportunities that they are participating in while at school! A great way to have richer conversations with your child is to check-in with them 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.

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?

We are looking forward to galloping together into the 3rd Quarter with you! Have a great week, 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!

The beginning of a new quarter is a great time to continue to review strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Watch this video with tips from Fairfax Pyramid principals and visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Selene Vargas, at [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6 meeting.

What Families Can Do to Fight Drug Misuse

FCPS is committed to raising awareness about the opioid epidemic with our educators, parents/caregivers, and students. Together, we can help ensure our students thrive.

What can families do?

Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. More than 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink.
Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
Show you are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Find helpful resources on the FCPS Opioid Awareness webpage.
Pay attention to your child and discourage risky behaviors.
Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they will say, “No thanks.”

Get more information on opioid awareness.

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Quarter End, Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

SOL Score Reports
Upcoming Budget Presentation
Science Fair Judges Needed

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

January 28: End of the 2nd Quarter of School

January 29: Lunar New Year: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday (No School For Students)

January 30: The 3rd Quarter of School Begins

February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon)

February 22: PTA's Chess Tournament at McNair ES (More information coming soon)

2024-2025 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 as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs throughout the school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, January 21, 2025

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)1 month ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We hope you enjoyed the long weekend and had the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. for his many contributions and fierce advocacy for racial justice and equality. We also hope you're staying warm and safe despite the frigid temperatures that have greeted us this week. Safety is our top priority and we would like to send a big thank you to our dedicated custodial team for their hard work with clearing the snow and ice yesterday so that our Mustangs were able to return to school today.

Furthermore, it has been another great week at McNair. We are so incredibly proud of our Mustangs and the remarkable progress that they are making this school year! This is a busy time of year as our teachers are hard at work collecting midyear literacy and math data. We use this data to help us measure student growth and to identify specific supports and enrichment opportunities for students by name, strength, and need.

As you are reviewing your calendars for the week, please see the following for a couple of friendly reminders:

Tuesday, January 20: Boundary Meeting at Coates Elementary School, 6:30-7:30pm
Wednesday, January 21: PTA Meeting at McNair ES, 6:30pm (You may also join us virtually. Click here to join.)
Thursday, January 23: Coat Donations for Families in Need at McNair ES, 3:50-5:30pm

If you have any questions or if there's anything you would like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Warmest wishes for a delightful week ahead, 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 🙋‍♂️ Encouraging School Attendance In Elementary School

Regular attendance in elementary school is a strong predictor of grade-level performance. Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important.

The attendance video below is available in the following languages: English and Spanish.

Coat Donations Warm New Coat Event On Thursday, January 23!

We are extremely fortunate to have donations from Stohlman Subaru and KidsRFirst to be able to provide new coats to students whose families are in need.

Parents may bring their child to the McNair Elementary cafeteria between 3:50-5:30pm to pick out a new winter coat on January 23. (Students at McNair Upper will be offered this opportunity during the school day.) If you are in need of a coat for your child, but are unable to attend at this time, we can have an adult help your child pick one out at school. Please let us know your child’s name and preferred coat size.

You may email Donna Ford, School Counselor, with any questions or requests at [email protected].

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Dr. Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, has launched the FCPS Family Vision Group. This group brings together parents and caregivers in a meaningful way through sharing diverse perspectives to ensure that FCPS provides the best possible education experience for each and every student. The Family Vision Group also provides another opportunity to put our 2023-2030 Strategic Plan in action through meaningful communication and collaboration with families and caregivers.

By participating, parents/caregivers gain valuable knowledge and connections to become powerful partners in their child's educational journey. The group also facilitates open discussions with Dr. Reid on important topics related to student success. Bi-monthly meetings (August 2024 - May 2025) ensure consistent school representation and foster open communication through Q&A sessions, and feedback opportunities to help participants inform other families at their schools. The FCPS Family Vision Group seeks to recognize and strengthen the positive impact of community engagement on student achievement.

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

If you are interested in serving as a family representative for the McNair ES community, please reach out to Principal Watson by email at [email protected] or by calling the main office at 703-793-4800.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information

In case you missed it, please see our AAP December Newsletter. **The January Edition is coming soon.**

Last month, Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg highlighted how PMI is an analysis tool that leads students to consider various aspects of ideas, events, or activities from their own or others’ perspective. Check out last month's edition of the AAP December Newsletter.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates

Our January PTA Meeting Is this Wednesday! Come Join Us!

PTA invites all the members & non-members the January general PTA meeting (attend in-person or virtually)!

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

In Person Location: McNair ES

Virtual: Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/teo-zsio-yvc

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 619-836-1328 PIN: ‪943 585 838#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/teo-zsio-yvc?pin=6066876682452

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting an Award Ceremony right after a brief meeting.

Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Chess Tournament

Congratulations to all of our Mustangs that participated in the McNair ES Chess Tournament on Saturday! We are so grateful for our PTA for providing this wonderful experience for our school community. We would also like to send an extra thank you to Georgina Chin for her efforts with making this event such a great success.

Be sure to mark your calendars! The next Chess Tournament is on February 22, 2025. More information coming soon!

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Quarter End, Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Dress Children Warmly
Proposed Construction Projects
Dual Language Immersion Lottery

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

January 21: Boundary Meeting at Coates ES, 6:30-7:30pm

January 22: PTA Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM at McNair ES (Please join us!)

January 23: Coat Donations for Families in Need at McNair ES, 3:50-5:30pm

January 28: End of the 2nd Quarter of School

January 29: Lunar New Year: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday (No School For Students)

January 30: The 3rd Quarter of School Begins

February 20: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon)

February 22: PTA's Chess Tournament at McNair ES (More information coming soon)

2024-2025 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 as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs throughout the school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, January 14, 2025

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)1 month 1 week ago

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The Mustang Weekly Newsletter Happy New Year, Mustangs!

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Happy New Year! As the snow greeted us last week, it has been so wonderful to welcome our Mustangs back and have our building buzzing again with so much energy! We have found joy with reconnecting with our students and our classroom communities. As we kickoff a new year together, our commitment and mission at McNair continues to be that we provide every student with a safe and positive learning environment, high quality instruction, and support all student's social and emotional development. At McNair, we are dedicated to maintaining a caring culture in which every student and family feels a sense of belonging.

Together, we are looking forward to your partnership as we continue to support all of our Mustangs to thrive and meet their fullest potential this year and beyond. Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs!

All the best,

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant

https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/special-education/assistive-technology-services/inclusive-and-assistive

Please contact us with any questions!

Principal: Elizabeth Watson, [email protected]

Assistant Principal: Brandy O'Bryant, [email protected]

Thank You Custodians!

Last week, Dr. Reid communicated in her messaging around school closures and delays that the decisions were not made lightly. While a significant and integral part of our role is educating children, our primary role is keeping them safe as they travel to school, are in attendance at school, and when they depart from school. We are grateful for our amazing custodial team that was on-site last week to ensure that the sidewalks and parking lots were safe and passable for our entire Mustang community. Please join us in extending a BIG THANK YOU to Mr. Gubatan, Ms. Mercedes, Ms. Castillo, Mr. Nguyen, and Mr. Le! We appreciate you all so much!

🗓️Attendance Matters 🙋‍♂️ Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

As we kickoff 2025, let's continue to partner together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.

If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.

Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.

📵 Phones Down, Engagement Up: FCPS Cell Phone Policy

Keeping cell phones off during the school day helps students focus and learn. It also boosts positive social behavior. Review FCPS’ cell phone expectations by grade level with your child and help keep our classrooms free of distractions! If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call our main office at 703-793-4800.

Coat Donations Warm New Coat Event On Thursday, January 23!

We are extremely fortunate to have donations from Stohlman Subaru and KidsRFirst to be able to provide new coats to students whose families are in need.

You may email Donna Ford, School Counselor, with any questions or requests at [email protected].

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps.

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child.

Friendly Reminder: FCPS Trust Policy Information For Families

As we navigate the months ahead, many families are experiencing anxiety and uncertainty due to the recent Presidential Election and ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policies.

In 2022, the School Board adopted the Trust Policy, reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families. This policy aligns FCPS with Fairfax County’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy ensuring that students and families can access school division benefits and services without fear that their information will be disclosed to federal immigration officials.

ST Math Family Night

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.

To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community.

Family Resource Center Webinars and FCPS Family Academy 🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

Typing Practice

Please see a message below from our School Based Technology Teacher, Ms. Perri.

Let's get typing! We'd love for you to join us in encouraging your child to practice their typing skills at home. Here are some fun websites to help:

Typing.com provides free typing lessons, games, and tests, catering to different skill levels.

Dance Mat Typing is a fun and interactive program for younger kids, using a game-like approach to teach typing.

Typing Club offers free, structured lessons, games, and progress tracking. It's great for beginners and intermediate learners.

Tips for Parents:

Start Early: The earlier kids start learning touch-typing, the better. Even short practice sessions can make a big difference.

Encourage Good Posture: Ensure your child sits up straight, keeps their feet flat on the floor, and their wrists relaxed.

Proper Finger Placement: Guide them to place their fingers on the home row keys (ASDF JKL;).

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Aim for short, frequent practice sessions rather than long, infrequent ones.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts and celebrate their achievements.

Use Typing in Everyday Activities: Encourage them to type emails, write stories, or play typing games.

Please see below for additional resources:

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information

In case you missed it, please see our AAP December Newsletter. **The January Edition is coming soon.**

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates

Our January PTA Meeting Is this Wednesday! Come Join Us!

PTA invites all the members & non-members the January general PTA meeting (attend in-person or virtually)!

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

In Person Location: McNair ES

Virtual: Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/teo-zsio-yvc

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 619-836-1328 PIN: ‪943 585 838#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/teo-zsio-yvc?pin=6066876682452

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting an Award Ceremony right after a brief meeting.

Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Chess Tournament

Be sure to mark your calendars! The next Chess Tournament is on February 22, 2025. More information coming soon!

Congratulations to all of the Participants of PTA Reflections!

We are pleased to announce that we had another successful year with many submissions across the categories and divisions. The students did an amazing job with their art and interpretation skills!!

Our sincere thanks to the distinguished judges for reviewing the work of our young talents! Our judges this year were:

Ms. Coe - Art Teacher
Ms. Scott - Music Teacher
Ms. Rose - Music Teacher
Ms. Luea - AAP Teacher

Link for the winners names: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/w/reflections

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

National Mentoring Month

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are. Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected].

Orthodox Epiphany

FCPS has designated Orthodox Epiphany as a religious and cultural observance day. There is school on these days, however specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. See the complete school year calendar.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. See the complete school year calendar.

Quarter End, Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. See the complete school year calendar.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

National Merit Commended Scholars
Celebrating the Best of 2024 in FCPS
Cell Phones Off, Learning On

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

January 13-17: ST Math Family Nights: FCPS Family Math Website

January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday & Inauguration Day (Schools Closed)

January 22: PTA Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM at McNair ES (Please join us!)

January 23: Coat Donations for Families in Need at McNair ES, 3:50-5:30pm

January 28: End of the 2nd Quarter of School

January 29: Lunar New Year: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday (No School For Students)

January 30: The 3rd Quarter of School Begins

February 6: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon)

February 22: PTA's Chess Tournament at McNair ES (More information coming soon)

2024-2025 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 as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs throughout the school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, Happy Holidays Mustangs!

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)1 month 4 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Happy Holidays, Mustangs! We are looking forward to welcoming you back to school on January 6, 2025!

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Happy Holidays! Thank you to all of our Mustangs, staff members, families, and our community for their amazing support this year. We are honored and humbled to serve such a wonderful school community. In addition, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our McNair PTA and our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable support throughout our 10 Days of Winter Cheer that was for our wonderful staff. We are particularly grateful for the generous donations received and commend the PTA for organizing the Sweet Shoppe for employees.

Furthermore, it warmed our hearts on Friday morning to have a school-wide Winter Sing-Along celebrating all of the holidays/traditions that occur over the winter months with our students and staff. Our music teacher, Ms. Rose did an exceptional job with planning for this magical and memorable event for all of our Mustangs!

We would like to wish each of you a safe, healthy, and joyous winter break with family and friends. Wishing you an abundance of hope and happiness this holiday season and into the New Year!

Looking forward to seeing you on January 6, 2025, 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!

As we head into 2025, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.

There will be no school from Monday, December 23 to Monday, January 6, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6.

Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration Hour of Code at McNair ES

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

ST Math Family Night

Family Resource Center Webinars and FCPS Family Academy 🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

Upcoming Family Academy Events

📣 Sign Up and Speak Out: Fairfax County’s Pre-2025 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2025 session on Saturday, January 4, at 9 a.m., in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center.

As Fairfax County residents, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing and let the delegation know what matters most to you. To participate, register online using this form or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) by noon on Thursday, January 2. Find additional guidelines for speaking at the public forum on the Fairfax County Government website.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP December Newsletter

This month, Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg highlight how PMI is an analysis tool that leads students to consider various aspects of ideas, events, or activities from their own or others’ perspective. Check out the latest edition of the AAP December Newsletter.

Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations to McNair Upper ES participants on their exceptional performance at the Virginia Science Olympiad (Division A)!

They garnered 76 medals across 38 events & 3 teams, achieving the highest number of wins among all participating schools.

Chess Tournament

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, January 7, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player. The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, January 8, 2028 and Thursday, January 9, 2025 is $45.00. On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, January 11. The on-site registration fee is $50.00.

Just a couple of reminders...

-No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

-If you need a buy for the later rounds - please notify the PTA prior to the beginning of round 2.

-Doors open at 8:00 am for on-site registrations. On-site registration closes at 8:30 am. The first round starts at 9:00 am.

-There are three (3) sections:

* K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)

* K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

*K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

-Participants must have a USCF ID - to register: https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php

-Pre-registrations (updated periodically)

-Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 per player handling fee.

-Participants should use the back/cafeteria doors - the front doors will not be open.

-Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. -

-In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Registration Link for the Chess Tournament:

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Special Education Resources For Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.

The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected].

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.

Christmas🎄

A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the person who stands at the heart of the Christian tradition. It is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world, most commonly by the joyous giving of gifts. Learn more about Christmas.

Chanukah

Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. See the complete school year calendar.

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
Fall 2024 Sports Champions

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

December 23-January 3: Winter Break (No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.)

December 25: Christmas Day

December 25: Chanukah Begins at Sundown

January 1: Happy New Year, Mustangs!

January 6: School Reopens at 8:35am

January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday (Schools Closed)

January 15: PTA Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM at McNair Upper ES

February 6: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, December 14, 2024

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)2 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We had such a special week at McNair Elementary School! Our mustangs were so excited to welcome our Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid to our building. We were so excited to show her the amazing work that our talented staff does each and everyday in order to help our mustangs reach for the stars and thrive to meet their fullest potential.

In addition, our 10 Days of Winter Cheer Spirit Days have officially begun! We are hopeful that all of our Mustangs will continue to participate throughout next week, too! Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions about our spirit days. In addition, on Friday, December 20th, all of our Mustangs will participate in a school-wide McNair Winter Sing-Along Student Assembly. During this special assembly, our students will have the opportunity to sing together songs that will honor all of our winter holidays and traditions. We are grateful for our music teacher, Ms. Rose, for leading this wonderful event for all of our Mustangs at McNair!

Also, December 9th and running through Friday, December 20th is our "10 Days of Winter Holiday Cheer at McNair ES!" We encourage you to help our McNair PTA celebrate our hard working and dedicated staff by making a donation. Here is the sign-up link: Please ensure to sign-up to support! Donations are welcome.

Below are just a couple of friendly reminders, so please mark your calendars:

10 Days of Winter Cheer: Ensure to sign-up to support our staff!
Winter Sing-Along Student Assembly: Friday, December 20th

Wishing you all a joyous weekend. Thank you so much for your continuous partnership and support!

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!

We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.

There will be no school from Monday, December 23 to Monday, January 6, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6.

Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.

Congratulations to our Outstanding Employee Award Recipients at McNair ES!

Congratulations to our McNair Elementary School's Outstanding Employee Award Recipients. Our staff members below will be submitted for the next round in the awards process! Thank you for the nominations!

Outstanding Teacher: Rachel Haymond (ECCB Special Education Teacher)
Outstanding New Teacher: Joanna Grimes (First Grade Teacher)
Outstanding Professional Employee: Kaitlin Burg (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher)
Outstanding Operational Employee: Cheyenne Cole (Special Education Instructional Assistant)
Outstanding Leader: Brandy O'Bryant (Assistant Principal)
Outstanding New Principal: Elizabeth Watson (Principal)

**If you have any questions about the process of FCPS Outstanding Staff Awards, please contact Ann Ohr at [email protected] or Caitlyn Reilly at [email protected]

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Show Your Spirit, Mustangs!

We hope that you will join us in our 10 Days of Winter Cheer at McNair! Let's see your spirit, Mustangs! (A calendar was sent home last week in Thursday folders.)

Hour of Code at McNair ES

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a safe and positive online learning environment for all our Mustangs! In December, we'll be diving into the exciting world of coding when students attend Technology Lab! Students will get hands-on experience with both digital coding activities and unplugged (offline) activities to solidify their understanding.

Digital Resources Consent Reminder: To ensure your child can access FCPS-approved digital resources for coding activities, please review this link and give your permission for your child to access safe, engaging learning websites. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ms. Perri at [email protected].

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
SEL Screener Results
New Accessibility Resources
Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
Executive Functioning Webinars
Early Literacy Resources
ESY and Assessment Webinar
COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

ST Math Family Night

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Use this Zoom Link to enter.

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP December Newsletter

Full Time AAP Referrals

Referrals for Full Time AAP Screening are due no later than December 15th at 11:59 p.m. This is a firm deadline, and no exceptions will be made. Please refer to this AAP Checklist Link for required and optional documents as well as submission instructions.

Office Hours with Mrs. Burg

Mrs. Burg is hosting weekly virtual office hours on Zoom to answer any questions you have. Join her at the dates and times listed below.

Wednesday 12/11 5pm - 6pm

Friday, 12/11 9am – 10 am *change in time*

Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations to McNair Upper ES participants on their exceptional performance at the Virginia Science Olympiad (Division A)!

They garnered 76 medals across 38 events & 3 teams, achieving the highest number of wins among all participating schools.

Chess Tournament

Just a couple of reminders...

-No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

-If you need a buy for the later rounds - please notify the PTA prior to the beginning of round 2.

-Doors open at 8:00 am for on-site registrations. On-site registration closes at 8:30 am. The first round starts at 9:00 am.

-There are three (3) sections:

* K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)

* K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

*K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

-Participants must have a USCF ID - to register: https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php

-Pre-registrations (updated periodically)

-Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 per player handling fee.

-Participants should use the back/cafeteria doors - the front doors will not be open.

-Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. -

-In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Registration Link for the Chess Tournament:

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Special Education Resources For Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.

The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected].

National Special Education Day

National Special Education Day is recognized each year on Dec. 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students receiving special education services, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Christmas🎄

Chanukah

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Join Our Teacher Team!
Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

December 9-20: McNair's 10 Days of Winter Cheer Spirit Days!

December 15: Window for AAP Referrals Closes for Grades 2-7

December 20: Winter Sing Along (Student Assembly)

December 23-January 3: Winter Break (No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.)

December 25: Christmas Day

December 25: Chanukah Begins at Sundown

January 1: Happy New Year, Mustangs!

January 6: School Reopens at 8:35am

January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday (Schools Closed)

January 15: PTA Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM at McNair Upper ES

February 6: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, December 3, 2024

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)2 months 2 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Our readers, writers, mathematicians, historians, scientists, and computer coders have been hard at work this week! Throughout all content areas, our Mustangs continue to work on their Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills of being strong communicators and collaborators. Both of these attributes are life skills that will continue to support our students' growth now and into their future successes.

Furthermore, our wonderful PTA is supporting us with celebrating our 10 Days of Winter Cheer for our amazing staff at McNair ES and McNair Upper ES. Please ensure to sign-up to support! Donations are welcome. We also hope that all of our students will participate in our upcoming 10 Days of Winter Cheer Spirit Days! More information is below in this newsletter.

Below are just a couple of friendly reminders, so please mark your calendars:

3 Hour Early Release Day for grades K-2: Our next 3 hour early release day is this upcoming Monday, December 9th at 12:30pm. Student supervision will be available for families who require it. SACC will be available for students that already participate in SACC programming. Please notify your child's teacher if there are any updates to your child's dismissal that is different from the previous 3 hour early release day.
Preparing for Winter Weather: Please ensure to read below in regards to preparing for winter weather, school closings and delays, dressing warmly for school, and outreach opportunities if your child is in need of warm winter clothing.
10 Days of Winter Cheer: Ensure to sign-up to support our staff!
Impact Aid Forms are Due December 6th: Please be sure to complete the form that was sent home and send back to school or complete the form on your Parent Vue account.

Wishing you all a joyous week, 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 Students Are Learning Every Day!

As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during long breaks from school.

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

December 9 Early Release Day

This is a friendly reminder that the Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who require it. 

The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year at McNair Elementary School:

December 9 (Date Changed from November 25)
February 24
March 17
April 28
May 19

Our next 3 hour early release day is this upcoming Monday, December 9th at 12:30pm. Student supervision will be available for families who require it. SACC will be available for students that already participate in SACC programming. Please notify your child's teacher if there are any updates to your child's dismissal that is different from the previous 3 hour early release day.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Show Your Spirit, Mustangs!

We hope that you will join us in our 10 Days of Winter Cheer at McNair! Let's see your spirit, Mustangs! We will be sure to send home a calendar this week in Thursday folders!

Hour of Code at McNair ES

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP November Newsletter

This month, Mrs.Janofsky and Mrs. Burg highlight Questioning and share how it is a vital skill that fosters critical thinking and curiosity. By asking
thoughtful questions, we encourage our children to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and seek deeper understanding. Check out the latest edition of the AAP November Newsletter.

Full Time AAP Referrals

Referrals for Full Time AAP Screening are due no later than December 15 at 11:59 p.m. This is a firm deadline, and no exceptions will be made. Please refer to this checklist for links to referral documents and submission instructions.

Referral Office Hours with Mrs. Burg

Mrs. Burg will host office hours on Zoom to answer questions and provide clarity around the Full Time AAP Screening Process. If one of these times does not work for you, please email your question directly to Mrs. Burg at [email protected].

Wednesday 12/11 5pm-6pm
Friday 12/13 TBD

Use this Zoom Link to enter. Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations to McNair Upper ES participants on their exceptional performance at the Virginia Science Olympiad (Division A)!

They garnered 76 medals across 38 events & 3 teams, achieving the highest number of wins among all participating schools.

Chess Tournament

Just a couple of reminders...

-No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

-If you need a buy for the later rounds - please notify the PTA prior to the beginning of round 2.

-Doors open at 8:00 am for on-site registrations. On-site registration closes at 8:30 am. The first round starts at 9:00 am.

-There are three (3) sections:

* K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)

* K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

*K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

-Participants must have a USCF ID - to register: https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php

-Pre-registrations (updated periodically)

-Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 per player handling fee.

-Participants should use the back/cafeteria doors - the front doors will not be open.

-Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. -

-In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Registration Link for the Chess Tournament:

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

Special Education Resources For Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to help assist families of students with special needs.

The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.

The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for the FRC newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected].

National Special Education Day

Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Bodhi Day

Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.

Christmas🎄

Chanukah

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Preparing for Winter Weather
SEL Screener Results
Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

December 8: Bodhi Day

December 9: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal will be at 12:30pm (Student supervision will be available for families who require it. SACC will be available for students that already participate in SACC programming.)

December 9-20: McNair's 10 Days of Winter Cheer Spirit Days!

December 15: Window for AAP Referrals Closes for Grades 2-7

December 20: Winter Sing Along (Student Assembly)

December 23-January 3: Winter Break (No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.)

December 25: Christmas Day

December 25: Chanukah Begins at Sundown

January 1: Happy New Year, Mustangs!

January 6: School Reopens at 8:35am

January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday (Schools Closed)

January 15: PTA Meeting 6:30-7:30 PM at McNair Upper ES

February 6: "McNair Mustangs Love To Read" Family Literacy Night 4:30-6:00pm at McNair Elementary School (More information coming soon

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, November 26, 2024

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)2 months 3 weeks ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

This past week brought us all so much joy! Our Mustangs participated in the McNair Book Fair and concluded the week with a heartwarming Thanksgiving luncheon. Thank you to all of our families that were able to join us in these memorable events. Additionally, over the past two weeks our dedicated teachers have been participating in Data Dialogue Team Days where our grade level teams have had the opportunity to analyze beginning of year assessment data to identify tailored support and enrichment opportunities for each child at McNair.

Furthermore, during this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to express how incredibly thankful we are that every one of you is a member of the McNair Elementary School community. We are grateful for all that you do to support your student’s success and for the partnership and trust you place in McNair. Thank you for helping to make our school such a special place for our students to learn and grow together.

On behalf of the entire McNair Elementary School staff, we extend our sincerest Thanksgiving greetings to you and your family. May your holiday be filled with joy and gratitude.

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 💪 Student Attendance Matters!

Student attendance at school is important all year long. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

Check your child’s attendance record.
Help your student stay engaged at school.
Report future absences.
Understand the FCPS school calendar.

We welcome you to view our FCPS attendance resources.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Hour of Code at McNair ES

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP November Newsletter

Full Time AAP Referrals

Referral Office Hours with Mrs. Burg

Monday 12/2 10am-11am
Wednesday 12/11 5pm-6pm
Friday 12/13 TBD

Use this Zoom Link to enter. Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations to McNair Upper ES participants on their exceptional performance at the Virginia Science Olympiad (Division A)!

They garnered 76 medals across 38 events & 3 teams, achieving the highest number of wins among all participating schools.

Chess Tournament

Just a couple of reminders...

-No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

-If you need a buy for the later rounds - please notify the PTA prior to the beginning of round 2.

-Doors open at 8:00 am for on-site registrations. On-site registration closes at 8:30 am. The first round starts at 9:00 am.

-There are three (3) sections:

* K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)

* K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

*K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

-Participants must have a USCF ID - to register: https://secure2.uschess.org/webstore/member.php

-Pre-registrations (updated periodically)

-Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 per player handling fee.

-Participants should use the back/cafeteria doors - the front doors will not be open.

-Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. -

-In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Registration Link for the Chess Tournament:

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

📍Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2 at 6:30-8 p.m., at the Westfield High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

CTE 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.

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.

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, contact our McNair Elementary School Main Office at 703-793-4800 to connect with our family liaison, Selene Vargas, or visit FCPS’ website for a list of region representatives.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, December 2. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Preparing for Winter Weather
SEL Screener Results
Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break, All Schools & Offices Closed

December 2: Boundary Review Community Meeting, Monday, December 2 at 6:30-8 p.m., at the Westfield High School Cafeteria

December 23-January 3: Winter Break, No School For Students

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Thanksgiving Luncheon Friendly Reminder

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)3 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Friendly Reminder, Mustangs! Tomorrow is our Thanksgiving Luncheon!

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Thank you to all who were able to RSVP to attend our McNair Elementary School Thanksgiving Luncheon that will take place tomorrow, Friday, November 22nd. Please see the following important information pertaining to the luncheon.

Our schedule is below as well as here: schedule.docx
Families can check-in at Door 1 for the luncheon. Parents/Guardians that purchased lunch will receive a ticket to go through the lunch line. Guests that did not purchase a lunch will be able to report directly to their child’s homeroom table assignment. All registered guests will receive a visitor badge.
Please ensure that you bring a valid ID with you to sign-in. (Please note, photos of your identification on your telephone will not be accepted. We ask parents to bring a valid driver’s license, passport, or identification card.) We appreciate your support as safety is a priority.
Below you will find the Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule. Please review carefully so that you do not miss your child’s lunch time. We do recommend arriving early to provide enough time to check-in. When reviewing the schedule, you will notice some classes will have lunch in the cafeteria and others will enjoy their lunch in the gymnasium or even their classroom.
Families are welcome to shop at the McNair Scholastic Book Fair anytime from 11:00-2:00pm in the library on Friday.
If you are interested in volunteering at the luncheon or at the Book Fair, please let us know! You may contact the main office at 703-493-4800.

We are grateful to get to spend this joyous time together with our Mustang Community! We look forward to seeing you on Friday at the Thanksgiving Luncheon!

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]

Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule

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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

November 18-22: The Scholastic Book Fair at McNair ES

November 20: Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with the Principal at McNair ES 4:30-6:00pm

November 20: PTA November Meeting at the McNair ES Cafeteria, 6:30-8:00pm

November 22: Thanksgiving Luncheon for Grades K-2 at McNair ES (Schedule will be shared soon!)

November 27-29: All Schools & Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Break

December 23-January 3: No School For Students, Winter Break

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, November 19, 2024

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)3 months ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We have another exciting week of learning and growing together at McNair Elementary School! This week, we are so excited to be hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair. All students will have the opportunity to visit the Scholastic Book Fair in our library during school hours. Please support your child's love for reading and our school by purchasing books. There is a great selection to explore!

In addition to our Scholastic Book Fair this week, we are hopeful that you will join us at the following events:

Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with Principal Watson: We hope that you will join us tomorrow evening from 4:30-6:00pm in the McNair ES library! This is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your child and discover new books together.
McNair/McNair Upper ES November PTA Meeting: Following the Family Night at the Book Fair, we hope that you will also be able to attend our November PTA Meeting at McNair Elementary School from 6:30-7:30pm in the McNair ES Cafeteria. All are welcome! Your input and participation are invaluable to our school community.
Thanksgiving Luncheon: We are really looking forward to our annual McNair ES Thanksgiving Luncheon this Friday, November 22nd. Please see below in this newsletter for more information.

We continue to be so grateful for your partnership. We are here to support if you or your family need anything. We hope that you all have a wonderful week, 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 When Should Your Child Stay Home From School?

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit our site for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and your school.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the McNair Elementary School main office so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our school's public health nurse, Yasamin Asmat, and call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long. Attend today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Thanksgiving Luncheon at McNair

Thank you to all who were able to RSVP to attend our McNair Elementary School Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 22nd. Please see the following important information pertaining to the luncheon.

Our schedule is below as well as here: schedule.docx
Families can check-in at Door 1 for the luncheon. Parents/Guardians that purchased lunch will receive a ticket to go through the lunch line. Guests that did not purchase a lunch will be able to report directly to their child’s homeroom table assignment. All registered guests will receive a visitor badge.
Please ensure that you bring a valid ID with you to sign-in. (Please note, photos of your identification on your telephone will not be accepted. We ask parents to bring a valid driver’s license, passport, or identification card.) We appreciate your support as safety is a priority.
Below you will find the Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule. Please review carefully so that you do not miss your child’s lunch time. We do recommend arriving early to provide enough time to check-in. When reviewing the schedule, you will notice some classes will have lunch in the cafeteria and others will enjoy their lunch in the gymnasium or even their classroom.
Families are welcome to shop at the McNair Scholastic Book Fair anytime from 11:00-2:00pm in the library on Friday.
If you are interested in volunteering at the luncheon or at the Book Fair, please let us know! You may contact the main office at 703-493-4800.

We are grateful to get to spend this joyous time together with our Mustang Community! We look forward to seeing you on Friday at the Thanksgiving Luncheon!

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Hour of Code at McNair ES

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP November Newsletter

Full Time AAP Referrals

Referral Office Hours with Mrs. Burg

Monday 12/2 10am-11am
Wednesday 12/11 5pm-6pm
Friday 12/13 TBD

Use this Zoom Link to enter. Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.

Cafeteria Hostess Opportunity

McNair Elementary School is currently hiring for a Cafeteria Hostess. If you are interested in this hourly position and would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Brandy O'Bryant at [email protected] or at 703-793-4800.

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

As our community knows, teamwork makes the dream work! We are looking for parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at the McNair Book Fair or at the McNair Thanksgiving Luncheon, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.

We appreciate your ongoing partnership and support to make events like these possible for all of our Mustangs!

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

PTA Reflections Update

If you've signed up for the PTA Reflections 2024-2025, it's time to submit your work. Just make sure to follow all the instructions. Good luck!

Submission Format: Digital

Submissions Due Date: November 13th, 2024

Submission Details Link: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/w/reflections

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA General Meeting

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

📍Boundary Review Community Meeting

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

CTE Career Development Month

Native American Heritage Month

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Veterans Day Recognitions
Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, and Community Leadership
Teacher Hiring Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

November 18-22: The Scholastic Book Fair at McNair ES

November 20: Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with the Principal at McNair ES 4:30-6:00pm

November 20: PTA November Meeting at the McNair ES Cafeteria, 6:30-8:00pm

November 22: Thanksgiving Luncheon for Grades K-2 at McNair ES (Schedule will be shared soon!)

November 27-29: All Schools & Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Break

December 23-January 3: No School For Students, Winter Break

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, November 12, 2024

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)3 months 1 week ago

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

This week we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Rose, our wonderful music teacher for sharing her talents with our young singers and preparing them them for their beautiful second grade performance in honor of our Veterans. If you were unable to join us, you are welcome to watch the recorded performance on this link.

Furthermore, we hope that you will join us this Wednesday at Taco Bamba for our PTA Fundraiser! Be sure to mention MCNAIR if purchasing in store or GIVE20 if purchasing online food orders or gift cards.

Next week, we look forward to our Scholastic Book Fair Family Night
& Storytime with the Principal, our November PTA Meeting, and our Thanksgiving Luncheon. Please contact the main office at 703-793-4800 if you are interested in volunteering at our McNair Book Fair or Thanksgiving Luncheon. As you know, teamwork really makes the dream work!

In addition, please see the following for a couple of friendly reminders:

Picture Retakes: These will take place tomorrow on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Pumpkin Donations: We are accepting donations for medium/large sized pumpkins so that every classroom this month can participate in a special thankful and grateful activity. We are short pumpkins at this time so your partnership in making this happen is greatly appreciated!

Please continue to 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!

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!

As we begin second quarter, please continue to encourage your Mustang to have strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.

National School Psychology Week

This week we have the opportunity to celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive. We continue to be so appreciative of Ms. Karen Brown, our incredible school psychologist at McNair Elementary School! Thank you Ms. Brown for all that you do for our Mustangs!

Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Donations Needed: Thankful & Grateful Activity

We are hoping to collect 40 large or medium-sized pumpkins so that each of our homeroom classes and specialists at McNair ES can have one for a project we will be completing during the month of November.

If you are able to donate a pumpkin, please fill out the very brief Google Form: Thankful & Grateful Activity Pumpkins can be dropped off at the main office no later than Wednesday, November 6th. If you have questions, please email Ms. Watson, Principal, at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your help!

**Please note, McNair Upper ES will also be asking for donations as well. We appreciate all of your support for both school campuses! Please email Principal Goddin for any questions about pumpkin donations at Mcnair Upper ES at [email protected].**

Fall Picture Retakes

Our Fall Picture Retakes at McNair ES will be tomorrow on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This link will allow parents to sign up to receive updates via email regarding their child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, parents should be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP November Newsletter

Full Time AAP Referrals

Referral Office Hours with Mrs. Burg

Friday 11/8, 9am-10am
Thursday 11/14, 12pm-1pm
Monday 12/2 10am-11am
Wednesday 12/11 5pm-6pm
Friday 12/13 TBD

Use this Zoom Link to enter. Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.

Cafeteria Hostess Opportunity

Tutoring Resources for Families

✨ FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

We appreciate your ongoing partnership and support to make events like these possible for all of our Mustangs!

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Taco Bamba Fundraiser is tomorrow, November 13th!

Event Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Be sure to mention the coupon code or the organization’s name upon ordering in-store for credit. When purchasing gift cards or ordering online through Taco Bamba’s website, guests will enter the code: GIVE20 in the coupon code area at check-out.

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Financial Committee (3 volunteers needed!)
Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

PTA Reflections Update

If you've signed up for the PTA Reflections 2024-2025, it's time to submit your work. Just make sure to follow all the instructions. Good luck!

Submission Format: Digital

Submissions Due Date: November 13th, 2024

Submission Details Link: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/w/reflections

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA General Meeting

The slide deck for the general membership meeting held on October 16th can be found here: October PTA General Membership Meeting Information

Any questions? send an email to[email protected]

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

📍Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School.

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.

CTE Career Development Month

Native American Heritage Month

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

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.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Fall Testing Results
Boundary Review Community Meetings
Resources for Families

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair! Please stay in touch with us by...

Visiting the McNair Elementary School website
Signing up for News You Choose
Joining the McNair Elementary School PTA and attending meetings
Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview
Referencing the 2024-2025 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips.
Technology Support for Families
Schoology
SIS/ParentVUE Account Access
FCPS Assessment Information
FCPS Academics Information
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares

Friendly Reminders Mark your calendars!

As we navigate through our school year together, please mark the upcoming important dates on your calendar.

November 13: Fall Picture Retakes at McNair ES

November 13: PTA Fundraiser at Taco Bamba (Code: "McNair/Give20")

November 18-22: The Scholastic Book Fair at McNair ES

November 20: Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with the Principal at McNair ES 4:30-6:00pm

November 20: PTA November Meeting at McNair Upper ES, 6:30-8:00pm

November 22: Thanksgiving Luncheon for Grades K-2 at McNair ES (Schedule will be shared soon!)

November 27-29: All Schools & Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Break

December 23-January 3: No School For Students, Winter Break

2024-2025 Arrival and Dismissal

Arrival begins at 8:35am. The school day begins at 8:45am.

Dismissal begins at 3:30 pm.

We look forward to galloping together with you throughout the 2024-2025 school year! #BloomingTogether #McNairCARES

2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171 | Phone: 703.793.4800

Attendance: 703.793.4747 or [email protected] | Web | Twitter

McNair Elementary School Weekly Newsletter, November 7, 2024

McNair Elementary News (PreK-2)3 months 2 weeks ago

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The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We have had a great start to the second quarter and continue to maximize every minute through providing rich learning experiences for our students. In addition, November is Take A Legislator to School Month. We are excited to announce that School Board Member Melanie Meren will be visiting McNair Elementary School and McNair Upper Elementary School today along with Senator Boysko and Delegate Shin. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the incredible work of our dedicated staff who are committed to helping our Mustangs reach their fullest potential.

Additionally, please mark your calendars for our upcoming events. We cannot wait for our Virtual Veterans Day 2nd Grade Performance on Friday, and later this month our McNair Book Fair Family Night and Storytime with Principal Watson, and our Thanksgiving Luncheon. Please be sure to contact the main office at 703-793-4800 if you are interested in volunteering at any of our upcoming events. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Below are just a couple of friendly reminders for this week:

Virtual Veterans Day 2nd Grade Performance: We will be sharing a link soon with our school community for this special performance to honor our Veterans on Friday, November 8th at 2:20pm.
Pumpkin Donations: We are accepting donations for medium/large sized pumpkins so that every classroom this month can participate in a special thankful and grateful activity. Your partnership in making this happen is greatly appreciated!
Outstanding Employee Awards: Nominate our amazing staff! To submit a nomination for a McNair Elementary School Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: Click Here

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!

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!

It is critical to develop strong attendance habits. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.

Outstanding Employee Awards! Last chance to nominate a McNair Elementary School Outstanding Employee!

To submit a nomination for a McNair Elementary School Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: Click Here You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one or more of the criteria for that award category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Principal

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)

Outstanding Leader

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, After-School Specialist, MTSS Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, November 6th.

If you have any questions, please contact Ann Ohr at [email protected] or Caitlyn Reilly at [email protected].

Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

We Are Still Looking For One More Volunteer For The Family Vision Group! Let's Build a Brighter Tomorrow Together!

Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:

Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Thank you so much in advance for your support of this new division-wide opportunity for families!

Snacks for the McNair ES and McNair Upper Staffs!

If you are able to do so, please consider donating something. Please click on the following link to sign-up for your donation:

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your support!

All the best,

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson

Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES

We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.

Donations Needed: Thankful & Grateful Activity

Honoring Our Veterans At McNair

Veterans Day provides a great reason to pause, reflect, and recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our Veterans and their families have made on our behalf, and we thank them for their service. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day at va.gov.

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 Friday, November 8th to thank all who have served. There will be an assembly for all students at 2:20pm and all Veterans are welcome to join in person. The performance will be virtual/online for parents/guardians and families where we will livestream the performance. As the performance gets closer, we will share the link for parents/guardians and families to join virtually. 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 share a picture with us by Friday, November 1st. Thank you for your support and feel free to email Ms. Rose at [email protected] with any questions or pictures! 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.

Fall Picture Retakes

Our Fall Picture Retakes at McNair ES will be on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. This link will allow parents to sign up to receive updates via email regarding their child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, parents should be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.

Free Immunizations For All FCPS Students Elementary School Clinics

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) Community Newsletter & Important Information AAP November Newsletter

Full Time AAP Referrals

Referral Office Hours with Mrs. Burg

Friday 11/8, 9am-10am
Thursday 11/14, 12pm-1pm
Monday 12/2 10am-11am
Wednesday 12/11 5pm-6pm
Friday 12/13 1pm-2pm

Use this Zoom Link to enter. Please email Mrs. Burg ahead of time if you would like translation services.

Cafeteria Hostess Opportunity

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

Volunteer at McNair! Are you interested in Volunteering at McNair?

We appreciate your ongoing partnership and support to make events like these possible for all of our Mustangs!

PTA Updates Get Involved with the PTA!

For more information or to apply, please reach out to our PTA at [email protected]

Our PTA Is Now on Facebook!

Please like & follow to get the latest updates. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser

Instruction for Families

Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link: McNair Harris Teeter

**Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.**

Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090

Taco Bamba Fundraiser is November 13th!

Event Date: Wednesday, 13th November 2024

PTA Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers to be Event Coordinators for the following Events:

Movie Night
Bingo Night
Running Event (fun run or color run)
International Night/Cultural Fair
Student Talent Show
Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

Event Coordinators act as the main organizer and point of contact for their chosen event; lead a team of volunteers, brainstorm ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event.

We're also looking for friendly Coaches and volunteers to host events like Science Olympiad Division B, ACSL, Odyssey of the Mind and Reflections.

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group:

PTA Reflections Update

If you've signed up for the Reflections, please have your entry ready! The submission deadline is November 13th, 2024. The PTA will share the submission process soon.

Odyssey of the Mind is Starting Soon!

Calling all problem solvers, writers, actors, scientists, engineers, project managers, artists, and creative thinkers! At OOTM, students work together to develop a solution to their chosen problem for a regional competition in March. Students will learn to work as part of a team, think creatively, learn new skills, make new friends, and have lots of fun. If you are interested, please fill out the form OOTM Interest Form 2024-25 by November 7th! (Note this does require some level of participation from the parents as coaches/co-coaches or volunteers.)

Link for the OOTM interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTX6SfiWQb9UgWGlL4EtBBTkx01D2sY4MFer4EtL3ZN7mPVQ/viewform?pli=1

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/d5K39SGGSU2eRZQU/

PTA General Meeting

The slide deck for the general membership meeting held on October 16th can be found here: October PTA General Membership Meeting Information

Any questions? send an email to[email protected]

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan

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.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

CTE Career Development Month

Native American Heritage Month

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

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.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Calendar Reminders
Resources for Families
Complete Impact Aid Survey

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this 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!