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MUES Weekly News & Updates March 28, 2025

Congratulations to our primary and upper grade Mustangs who participated in the Division-1 and performed Problem-2 [Mech Animal -Sidekick] at this year's Odyssey of the Mind competition at Oakton HS on March 8th. The team won  3rd Place! We are very proud of your creativity, hard work, and commitment! 

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

April is nearly here which means spring break is right around the corner! All schools is Fairfax County Public Schools will be closed from April 14th-April 18th. 

We also have a few days off of school before we enjoy spring break. On Monday, March 31st, all schools in FCPS will be closed in celebration of Eid. Students will also not have school on Tuesday, April 1st as staff finalizes 3rd quarter progress report card grades and prepares for the 4th quarter school. We will welcome our Mustangs back to school for their last quarter of this school year on Wednesday, April 2nd when we open our school doors at 8:35 AM. 

Another thing that we welcome in April is the beginning of spring allergies as flowers, trees, and plants begin to bloom. Often times, those who suffer from spring allergies may experience watery eyes, a runny nose, and scratchy throat. As long as children do not have a fever (100.4 or higher), they are welcome to come to school as allergies are not transmittable. 

I hope that every member of our Mustang Family enjoys the wonderful spring weather this weekend. We look forward to seeing our Mustangs back at school on Wednesday morning!

Sincerely,

Melissa Goddin

Proud Principal

Friendly Reminders: Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

• Friday, March 28th is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 
• All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31 in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
• Tuesday, April 1st is a student holiday and teacher workday. All schools in FCPS will be closed. 

FCPS Cares Program

Is there a staff member at McNair Upper ES that you would like to recognize?

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.  

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• Submissions are entered through StaffConnect, the HR portal for all employee actions. Select “I want to submit a(n)” and scroll to “FCPS Cares Submission.” The report will use the word “incident,” which is a generic term for all submissions, regardless of type.
• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it in the StaffConnect text box.
• For questions, please email [email protected].

☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza!

Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County! 

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage. 

Our Schools, Our Future – Spring Series 2025: Community Conversations

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations across the school division this spring. These events are a valuable opportunity for communities to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage directly with Dr. Reid. Your input matters, and we encourage you to participate.

Community Conversations – Open to all families from all regions

• Tuesday, April 1 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lorton Station Elementary School - Registration Link
• Monday, April 7 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Greenbriar West Elementary School - Registration Link
• Monday, April 21 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mount Eagle Elementary School - Registration Link
• Wednesday, April 23 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mason Crest Elementary School - Registration Link

Interpreter services will be provided for all events.

🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14th-April 18th. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21st when our school doors open at 8:35 AM.

Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong! Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

Coates Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide review of school boundaries, with the first round of community meetings that were held between mid-November and mid-December 2024, followed by virtual sessions in January and February 2025.

However, the Coates Elementary School boundary study is a separate effort to address capacity challenges at the school. On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope. A final decision on the scope of the Boundary Study is expected at the March 13, 2025, School Board meeting. Schools included in the recommended boundary scope:

Herndon Pyramid

• Aldrin ES 
• Armstrong ES
• Clearview ES
• Dranesville ES
• Herndon ES
• Hutchison ES

 South Lakes Pyramid

• Dogwood ES
• Fox Mill ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• Lake Anne ES
• Terraset ES

Chantilly Pyramid

• Lees Corner ES
• Oak Hill ES

 Westfield

• Coates ES 

• Floris ES 
• McNair ES 
• McNair Upper ES

AAP Level IV Center Boundaries

• Clearview ES
• Forest Edge ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• McNair Upper ES
• Oak Hill ES
• Sunrise Valley ES

Once the scope of the boundary study is approved by the School Board, FCPS staff will develop possible program and/or boundary change scenarios within the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared with the community, and opportunities for public input will be available through in-person and virtual meetings on: 

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom – Register here. For the virtual meeting, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. In person - Coates Elementary School - Cafeteria 

Each meeting will offer the same presentation and opportunity for community feedback, with language interpretation available. Families and community members can review the proposed changes and share their input.

Stay informed by visiting the Coates Elementary School Boundary Study, where you can also sign up for the mailing list to receive updates.

For any questions, please fill out this form. Your engagement in this process is important!

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

Welcome Our Volunteers! Let's welcome and share our gratitude! A big shout out to: 

• Shaneece Gaines for leading the Movie Night & 6th Grade Promotion.
• Aditi Agarwal for taking charge of the Bingo Night.
• Shanthi Subramanian for volunteering as the Financial Secretary.

McNair Chess Tournament  

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2025.

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Location: McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, March 25, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, March 26, 2025 and Thursday, March 27, 2025 is $45.00.

On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, March 29. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Three (3) sections:

• K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)
• K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)
• K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

NOTE: REMINDER: Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 / player handling fee.

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

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

Pre-registrations (updated periodically): Pre-registrations

NOTE: Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Tentative - McNair Scholastic Chess - April 26, 2025

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/rh5stzw2

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

• Running Event (fun run or color run)
• International Night/Cultural Fair
• Student Talent Show
• Kids vs. Adult Sports Tournament

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• March 28th: Last Day of the 3rd Quarter of School
• March 31st: School Closed in Celebration of Eid
• April 1st: Teacher Workday; Student Holiday
• April 14th-April 18th: Spring Break; school closed 
• April 28th-May 2nd: Spring Book Fair
• April 30th: Spring Art Show, Spring Chorus Concert, & Family Night at the Spring Book Fair

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We are off to a fantastic finish this week as we wrap up the third quarter! Our Mustangs have been working incredibly hard, and we are so proud of their continuous progress and growth throughout this quarter. There is truly much to celebrate!

We want to express our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education. Your involvement makes a significant difference in their success.

Volunteer Opportunity in the Library!

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in our school library with shelving books. If you have a passion for reading and would like to contribute to our students' learning environment, we would love to hear from you!  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our school librarian, Ms. Pappano, at [email protected].

McNair CARES

We are excited to share that last week we had several classrooms receive their first certificate for the McNair CARES schoolwide positive behavior incentive program.

As shared in last week's newsletter, the purpose of the McNair CARES incentive program is to continue to develop a positive school culture where we increase the consistent demonstration of positive behaviors for ALL students, across all school settings. Be sure to continue to ask your Mustang how many McNair CARES tickets their class has earned so far along with how their class earned their tickets. It has been so much fun celebrating our Mustangs together! 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our school community and for your continuous partnership and support in your child's education. We look forward to a strong finish to the third quarter this Friday.  Together, all things are possible.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs! 

 

All the best,

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant

Lifelong Learners Grow Here!

 

Please contact us with any questions!

Principal: Elizabeth Watson, [email protected]

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

 

Mustang News Topics

Click on the links below to navigate to sections of this newsletter. 

• Mark Your Calendars!
• Attendance
• McNair Updates: Need to Know
• PTA Updates
• FCPS News
• Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair!

Mark Your Calendars! Save the Date

📌March 28: Last day of the Third Quarter

📌March 31: Holiday- Eid; No School For Students

📌April 1: Teacher Workday; No School For Students

📌April 8: Spring Picture Day!

📌April 9: Purple Up Day! (In honor of our military children and families)

📌April 14-18: Spring Break; No School For Students

📌April 24: Earth Day Family Engagement Event; 4:30-6:00pm at McNair ES

📌April 28: 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.) 

📌May 16-22: McNair Elementary School's Spring Scholastic Book Fair

📌May 19: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal will be at 12:30pm

📌May 19: Kindergarten Orientation from 2:00-3:00pm at McNair ES

📌May 21: Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with the Principal; 4:00-6:00pm at the McNair ES Library

📌May 21: PTA Parent Meeting; 6:30-8:00pm (Please join us!)

📌May 26: Holiday- Memorial Day; All schools and offices closed

📌June 9: Field Day at McNair Elementary School

📌June 10: End of Year Luau Day at McNair

📌June 11: McNair ES Awards Ceremony (More information coming soon!)

📌June 11: 2 Hour Early Release; Last Day of School for Students

 

**Please reference the School Year FCPS Calendar  when making appointments or scheduling family trips.  Attendance counts and everyday matters!**

Arrival and Dismissal 

Doors open for arrival at 8:35 a.m. The school day begins at 8:45 a.m.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 p.m.

Attendance 🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14-18. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

McNair Updates: Need to Know 🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!   Time to get your child registered! 

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.

 

 

 

We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

On Monday, March 24, parents and guardians of McNair Elementary School received an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.

Topics covered in the survey include:

• Instructional leadership
• School climate
• Management (human resources and organizational)
•  Communication and community relations
• Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
• Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online. Keep an eye out for an email from [email protected] and take a few minutes to complete it.

Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) March Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

 

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

 

Earth Day Family Engagement Event Thursday, April 24

McNair Elementary School invites you and your child to work with us to celebrate Earth Day by beautifying the outside of our school.  You and your child will have the opportunity to participate in activities to make our school beautiful and learn about caring for the earth.  Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 24 from 4:30-6:00pm.  We hope to see you there!  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

**Please note, if you are willing to make any donations including but not limited to soil, plants, gardening tools, etc., please contact Connie Lehman at [email protected]. We appreciate your support!**

 

FCPS CARES

Is there a staff member at McNair Elementary School that you would like to recognize?

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.  

       

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• Submissions are entered through StaffConnect, the HR portal for all employee actions. Select “I want to submit a(n)” and scroll to “FCPS Cares Submission.” The report will use the word “incident,” which is a generic term for all submissions, regardless of type.
• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it in the StaffConnect text box.
• For questions, please email [email protected].

 

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

 

Snacks for Staff

We would love the help of our McNair families to stock the McNair and McNair Upper 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. 

   

We will have an updated link coming soon! Your support is greatly appreciated as we are very low on donations at the moment. 

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between 8 a.m. and 4p.m.. 

Volunteer 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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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]. 

 

 

  McNair Chess Tournament

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2025.

Location: McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, March 25, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, March 26, 2025 and Thursday, March 27, 2025 is $45.00.

On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, March 29. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Three (3) sections:

• K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)
• K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)
• K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

NOTE: REMINDER: Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 / player handling fee.

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

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

Pre-registrations (updated periodically): Pre-registrations

NOTE: Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Tentative - McNair Scholastic Chess - April 26, 2025

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/rh5stzw2

  Our PTA is on Facebook

Please like and follow to get the latest updates.

  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.

Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter. Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.

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

 

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon

 

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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

FCPS News FCPS News

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

• Student Achievements
• Art in Our Schools Month
• Celebrating Students Setting Positive Examples

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

 

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

.

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• communication
• fine and/or gross motor skills
• self-help skills
• problem solving 
• attention skills

Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30). 

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.

✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan.

FCPS 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. 

 

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

 

Become Unskippable: Share the Facts

Talking with teens about the facts of fentanyl is a conversation you can’t skip. Learning about fentanyl gives teens a better understanding of the risks and effects of the drug. 

Share these important facts with your child:

• Even half a fentanyl-laced pill can be fatal. Just a few salt-sized grains of fentanyl are enough to cause an overdose.
• More than half of local street pills contain a deadly dose of fentanyl. As of 2023, seven in
10 counterfeit pills in the U.S. contain enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
• Fentanyl is usually taken accidentally. Many people have no idea they’ve taken it until they overdose because you can’t see, smell, or taste it in pills and powders.
• Overdose can happen in an instant. In as little as four minutes, the lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage and even death.

Learn more about how to have conversations with your child in a way that will make you Become Unskippable.

📑 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.

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair!

Please stay in touch with us by

• Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview.
• Tech Tools for Families (SIS ParentVUE, TalkingPoints, Schoology, Lightspeed)
• Technology Support for Families.
• FCPS Assessment Information.
• FCPS Academics Information.
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information.
• Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares.

  👍❤️ 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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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]
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MUES Weekly News & Updates March 21, 2025

Congratulations to our MUES Virginia State Chess Tournament champions!

• Ayyappan M. (5th grader in Ms. Freer's class): 4th place in the individual K-8 Under 1200 category
• Ayyappan M. and Arjun M. (5th grader in Ms. Freer's class): 2nd place in the team K-8 Under 1200 category
• Geetansh W. (5th Grader in Mr. Thomas' class): 4th place in the Virginia State Chess Blitz Tournament under K-5 category
• Geetansh W. , Vihaan B. (5th grader in Ms. Freer's class) and Dharmik Y. (4th grader in Ms. Luea's class): 3rd place in the team K-5 Under 1000 category

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

Happy Spring! The milder temperatures are more consistent now and everything is beginning to bloom including the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C.!   

This has been another busy week at MUES! We began the week with our March three-hour early release school day, which was a lovely day for our Mustangs to have some additional outside time after school was dismissed. We also administered our first SOL test of the season when our 5th grade students completed the integrated reading and writing state assessment on Wednesday morning.

We ended the week by hosting our first-ever "Staff vs. 6th Grade Students" basketball game. It was a great way to put our spin on March Madness-MUES Style! My heart was full with the number of families and staff members that came out to cheer on our Mustangs who played in last night's game. Being this was the first time we have ever hosted an event like this, we did not know what to expect. After the great turnout and positive feedback we received, it is safe to say that this is an event we will make a MUES tradition in the years to come!

I wish our entire Mustang family a wonderful spring weekend.We look forward to another great week at MUES next week!

Sincerely,

Melissa Goddin

Proud Principal

Coming Soon! Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

• Friday, March 28th is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 
• All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31 in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
• Tuesday, April 1st is a student holiday and teacher workday. All schools in FCPS will be closed. 

FCPS Cares Program

Is there a staff member at McNair Upper ES that you would like to recognize?

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.  

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• Submissions are entered through StaffConnect, the HR portal for all employee actions. Select “I want to submit a(n)” and scroll to “FCPS Cares Submission.” The report will use the word “incident,” which is a generic term for all submissions, regardless of type.
• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it in the StaffConnect text box.
• For questions, please email [email protected].

Our Schools, Our Future – Spring Series 2025: Community Conversations

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations across the school division this spring. These events are a valuable opportunity for communities to share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage directly with Dr. Reid. Your input matters, and we encourage you to participate.

Community Conversations – Open to all families from all regions

• Thursday, March 20 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Cunningham Park Elementary School  Registration is open, but not required.
• Monday, March 24 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Kings Park Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
• Tuesday, April 1 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lorton Station Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
• Monday, April 7 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Greenbriar West Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
• Monday, April 21 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mount Eagle Elementary School - Registration coming soon.
• Wednesday, April 23 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Mason Crest Elementary School - Registration coming soon.

Interpreter services will be provided for all events.

🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14th-April 18th. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21st when our school doors open at 8:35 AM.

Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong! Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

Coates Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide review of school boundaries, with the first round of community meetings that were held between mid-November and mid-December 2024, followed by virtual sessions in January and February 2025.

However, the Coates Elementary School boundary study is a separate effort to address capacity challenges at the school. On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope. A final decision on the scope of the Boundary Study is expected at the March 13, 2025, School Board meeting. Schools included in the recommended boundary scope:

Herndon Pyramid

• Aldrin ES 
• Armstrong ES
• Clearview ES
• Dranesville ES
• Herndon ES
• Hutchison ES

 South Lakes Pyramid

• Dogwood ES
• Fox Mill ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• Lake Anne ES
• Terraset ES

Chantilly Pyramid

• Lees Corner ES
• Oak Hill ES

 Westfield

• Coates ES 

• Floris ES 
• McNair ES 
• McNair Upper ES

AAP Level IV Center Boundaries

• Clearview ES
• Forest Edge ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• McNair Upper ES
• Oak Hill ES
• Sunrise Valley ES

Once the scope of the boundary study is approved by the School Board, FCPS staff will develop possible program and/or boundary change scenarios within the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared with the community, and opportunities for public input will be available through in-person and virtual meetings on: 

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom – Register here. For the virtual meeting, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. In person - Coates Elementary School - Cafeteria 

Each meeting will offer the same presentation and opportunity for community feedback, with language interpretation available. Families and community members can review the proposed changes and share their input.

Stay informed by visiting the Coates Elementary School Boundary Study, where you can also sign up for the mailing list to receive updates.

For any questions, please fill out this form. Your engagement in this process is important!

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

McNair Chess Tournament  

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2025.

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Location: McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, March 25, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, March 26, 2025 and Thursday, March 27, 2025 is $45.00.

On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, March 29. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Three (3) sections:

• K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)
• K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)
• K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

NOTE: REMINDER: Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 / player handling fee.

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

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

Pre-registrations (updated periodically): Pre-registrations

NOTE: Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Tentative - McNair Scholastic Chess - April 26, 2025

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/rh5stzw2

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

• Running Event (fun run or color run)
• International Night/Cultural Fair
• Student Talent Show
• Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• March 25th: Spring Picture Day
• March 28th: Last Day of the 3rd Quarter of School
• March 31st: School Closed in Celebration of Eid
• April 1st: Teacher Workday; Student Holiday
• April 14th-April 18th: Spring Break; school closed 

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

We are having another fantastic week at McNair Elementary, filled with learning and growth!

McNair CARES

We are excited to share that last week we rolled out our McNair CARES schoolwide positive behavior incentive program.

The purpose of the McNair CARES incentive program is to continue to develop a positive school culture where we increase the consistent demonstration of positive behaviors for ALL students, across all school settings. Be sure to ask your Mustang how many McNair CARES tickets their class has earned so far along with how their class earned their tickets. Stay tuned for more information in next week's newsletter around our McNair CARES schoolwide positive behavior incentive program.  

Safety First!

As the warm weather greets us, please take a moment to review our McNair Arrival and Dismissal Procedures . This ensures a smooth and safe arrival and dismissal process for everyone.

Join Us for Upcoming Events:

• PTA Meeting: We look forward to seeing you at our PTA meeting this Wednesday at 6:30 PM here at McNair Elementary School.
• Kindergarten Registration and Popsicles with the Principal: Mark your calendars! Join Principal Watson and our School Registrar, Ms. Hosseini on Wednesday, March19th from 4:00-5:30pm to register your future Mustang for Kindergarten! 

We appreciate your continuous partnership and support in your child's education. Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs! 

 

All the best,

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant

 

Principal Elizabeth Watson

Assistant Principal Brandy O'Bryant   

Please contact us with any questions!

 

Lifelong Learners Grow Here!

Mustang News Topics

Click on the links below to navigate to sections of this newsletter. 

• Mark Your Calendars!
• Attendance
• McNair Updates: Need to Know
• PTA Updates
• FCPS News
• Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair!

Mark Your Calendars! Save the Date

📌March 19: Kindergarten Registration after Office Hours and Popsicle with the Principal, 4:00-5:30pm at McNair ES

📌March 19: Annual PTA Meeting at 6:30pm at McNair ES

📌March 31: Holiday- Eid; No School For Students

📌April 1: Teacher Workday; No School For Students

📌April 8: Spring Picture Day!

📌April 9: Purple Up Day! (In honor of our military children and families)

📌April 14-18: Spring Break; No School For Students

📌April 24: Family Engagement Earth Day Event; 4:30-6:00pm at McNair ES

📌April 28: 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.) 

📌May 16-22: McNair Elementary School's Spring Scholastic Book Fair

📌May 19: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal will be at 12:30pm

📌May 19: Kindergarten Orientation from 2:00-3:00pm at McNair ES

📌May 21: Family Night at the Book Fair & Storytime with the Principal; 4:00-6:00pm at the McNair ES Library

📌May 21: PTA Parent Meeting; 6:30-8:00pm (Please join us!)

📌May 26: Holiday- Memorial Day; All schools and offices closed

📌June 9: Field Day at McNair Elementary School

📌June 10: End of Year Luau Day at McNair

📌June 11: McNair ES Awards Ceremony (More information coming soon!)

📌June 11: 2 Hour Early Release; Last Day of School for Students

 

**Please reference the School Year FCPS Calendar  when making appointments or scheduling family trips.  Attendance counts and everyday matters!**

Arrival and Dismissal 

Doors open for arrival at 8:35 a.m. The school day begins at 8:45 a.m.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 p.m.

Attendance   🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When scheduling trips or family events, try to use weekends and school holidays, and refer to the FCPS Calendar when planning. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence to the school. If you are unsure how to report an absence, please call the main office at 703-793-2800..

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

McNair Updates: Need to Know   🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!   Register your Mustang for Kindergarten and enjoy a popsicle with the Principal!

The sooner you register your Mustang for Kindergarten, the better to ensure a highly qualified teacher and smaller class sizes.  Please join us on Wednesday, March 19th from 4:00-5:30pm to get your child registered and for your rising Kindergartner to enjoy a popsicle with the Principal! We cannot wait to see you there!

**Please note, families are encouraged to register their child as soon as possible for kindergarten. This date accommodates families after typical office hours to register their child.**

  Time to get your child registered! 

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.

 

 

 

Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) March Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

 

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

 

We Want Your Feedback! Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

On Monday, March 24, parents and guardians of McNair Elementary School will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.
Topics covered in the survey include:

• Instructional leadership
• School climate
• Management (human resources and organizational)
•  Communication and community relations
• Culturally responsive and equitable leadership
• Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open March 24 – April 4 and will be collected online. Keep an eye out for an email from [email protected] and take a few minutes to complete it.

Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!

 

FCPS CARES

Is there a staff member at McNair Elementary School that you would like to recognize?

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.  

       

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• Submissions are entered through StaffConnect, the HR portal for all employee actions. Select “I want to submit a(n)” and scroll to “FCPS Cares Submission.” The report will use the word “incident,” which is a generic term for all submissions, regardless of type.
• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it in the StaffConnect text box.
• For questions, please email [email protected].

 

Coates Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide review of school boundaries, with the first round of community meetings that were held between mid-November and mid-December 2024, followed by virtual sessions in January and February 2025.

However, the Coates Elementary School boundary study is a separate effort to address capacity challenges at the school. On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope. A final decision on the scope of the Boundary Study is expected at the March 13, 2025, School Board meeting. Schools included in the recommended boundary scope:

Herndon Pyramid

• Aldrin ES 
• Armstrong ES
• Clearview ES
• Dranesville ES
• Herndon ES
• Hutchison ES

 South Lakes Pyramid

• Dogwood ES
• Fox Mill ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• Lake Anne ES
• Terraset ES

Chantilly Pyramid

• Lees Corner ES
• Oak Hill ES

 Westfield

• Coates ES 

• Floris ES 
• McNair ES 
• McNair Upper ES

AAP Level IV Center Boundaries

• Clearview ES
• Forest Edge ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• McNair Upper ES
• Oak Hill ES
• Sunrise Valley ES

Once the scope of the boundary study is approved by the School Board, FCPS staff will develop possible program and/or boundary change scenarios within the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared with the community, and opportunities for public input will be available through in-person and virtual meetings on: 

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom – Register here. For the virtual meeting, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. In person - Coates Elementary School - Cafeteria 

Each meeting will offer the same presentation and opportunity for community feedback, with language interpretation available. Families and community members can review the proposed changes and share their input.

Stay informed by visiting the Coates Elementary School Boundary Study, where you can also sign up for the mailing list to receive updates.

For any questions, please fill out this form. Your engagement in this process is important!

 

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

 

Student Fasting Meal Kits Through March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

 

Snacks for Staff

We would love the help of our McNair families to stock the McNair and McNair Upper 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. 

   

We will have an updated link coming soon! Your support is greatly appreciated as we are very low on donations at the moment. 

Donations can be dropped off to the designated school's main office each school day between 8 a.m. and 4p.m.. 

Volunteer 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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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]. 

 

 

  March McNair PTA General Membership Meeting & OOTM Awards Ceremony

The McNair PTA is gearing up for an important General meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 at 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

The McNair PTA is happy to announce that we will hand out certificates to all the students who participated in OOTM after the PTA general membership meeting.

 

McNair Chess Tournament

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2025.

Location: McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, March 25, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, March 26, 2025 and Thursday, March 27, 2025 is $45.00.

On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, March 29. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Three (3) sections:

• K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)
• K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)
• K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

NOTE: REMINDER: Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 / player handling fee.

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

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

Pre-registrations (updated periodically): Pre-registrations

NOTE: Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Tentative - McNair Scholastic Chess - April 26, 2025

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/rh5stzw2

  Our PTA is on Facebook

Please like and follow to get the latest updates.

  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.

Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter. Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.

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

 

Community Resources

Buy Nothing Facebook Group Herndon

 

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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

FCPS News   FCPS News

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

• Second Annual Food Show
• Cameras on School Bus Stop Arms
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Explained

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today. 

 

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

.

FCPS 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 Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree. 

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

 

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17. 

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

 

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving. 

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

 

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

 Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

 

📑 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.

Be Sure To Stay In Touch, McNair!

Please stay in touch with us by

• Reviewing parent communications in FCPS Overview.
• Tech Tools for Families (SIS ParentVUE, TalkingPoints, Schoology, Lightspeed)
• Technology Support for Families.
• FCPS Assessment Information.
• FCPS Academics Information.
• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information.
• Recognizing a FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares.

  👍❤️ 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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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 | X | Facebook | Instagram

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March Madness Staff vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game

Hello MUES Families,

We are excited to announce a new tradition that's coming to McNair Upper ES each spring! Our Staff vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game!

This event is open to all families in the McNair community. Door #1 (the main entrance of our school) will open for entry beginning at 5:30 PM. The game will begin at 6:00 PM. The $2.00 entry fee for this event is cash only. You will pay on arrival. 

We will have a concession stand open for cash only purchases. Additionally, if you'd like preorder a pizza, you may do so by either filling out the form linked below and having your student return it to their homeroom teacher; or by visiting the pizza sells table outside of door #1 next week during morning arrival.

Pizza Order Form.pdf

Students must be accompanied by an parent/guardian who will be responsible for them in order to attend this event.  

If you have questions, please feel free to connect with Mr. Credle, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].

We hope you and your family are able to join us for this fun-filled event!

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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

MUES Weekly News & Updates March 14, 2025 Congrulations to MUES' 2025 Spelling Bee Winner!

Please join our Mustang family in congratulating Miyukh Das, 3rd grade student in Ms. McCarthy's class, for being named this year's McNair Upper ES' 2024-2025 Spelling Bee Champion!

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

It has been a great week at MUES! Our 4th grade team had a very successful field trip to the Baltimore Aquarium on Wednesday. Some of our Mustangs were even able to see the dolphins training! 

We also took advantage of the milder weather this week and had our March fire drill. On Tuesday, we practiced what to do in the event of a tornado by holding our annual tornado drill. Our Mustangs did an excellent job seeking shelter and following the expected protocol in the event of a tornado.  

As we move forward to next week, we have a lot of events taking place. Our March PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM at McNair ES, the primary school. And, on Thursday evening, we will hold our first-ever staff vs. 6th grade students basketball game. We hope that your family is able to come up out and join us for both of the events. Lastly, don't forget that on Monday, March 17th, school dismisses at 12:30 PM.

Wishing our entire Mustang family a wonderful weekend! 

Sincerely,

Melissa Goddin

Proud Principal

Three-Hour Early Release from School on Monday, March 17th

Our next three-hour early release day for our Mustang community is Monday, March 17th. Students will dismiss at 12:30 PM; unless they are scheduled to stay after school and dismiss at 3:30 PM or stay for SACC.

Please ensure that your Mustang knows how they are getting home from school on Monday especially if it is different than every other day during a regular school week. 

If you have any questions, you are welcome to call the main office at (571) 982-1700 for assistance or email Mrs. Goddin, Principal, at [email protected].

House Meetings & House Spirit Day!

Our March House meetings will take place on Monday, March 17th from 9:00-10:00 AM. Please encourage your Mustang to wear their House t-shirt to school for their House meeting and to celebrate their House team spirit! 

MUES Staff Vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game

We are excited to announce the McNair Upper staff versus 6th grade students’ basketball game! The game will take place on Thursday, March 20th at 6:00 PM in our gym. This event is open to all 6th grade students who want to play. For planning purposes, all students interested in playing must fill out this google form by Friday, March 13th. There will be food, drinks, and halftime festivities. This event is going to be a family affair and a lot of fun. Be on the lookout for more information soon!

If you have questions, please feel free to email Mr. Credle, Assistant Principal, at [email protected]. 

FCPS Cares Program

Is there a staff member at McNair Upper ES that you would like to recognize?

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.  

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• Submissions are entered through StaffConnect, the HR portal for all employee actions. Select “I want to submit a(n)” and scroll to “FCPS Cares Submission.” The report will use the word “incident,” which is a generic term for all submissions, regardless of type.
• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it in the StaffConnect text box.
• For questions, please email [email protected].

🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14th-April 18th. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21st when our school doors open at 8:35 AM.

Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong! Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

Coates Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide review of school boundaries, with the first round of community meetings that were held between mid-November and mid-December 2024, followed by virtual sessions in January and February 2025.

However, the Coates Elementary School boundary study is a separate effort to address capacity challenges at the school. On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope. A final decision on the scope of the Boundary Study is expected at the March 13, 2025, School Board meeting. Schools included in the recommended boundary scope:

Herndon Pyramid

• Aldrin ES 
• Armstrong ES
• Clearview ES
• Dranesville ES
• Herndon ES
• Hutchison ES

 South Lakes Pyramid

• Dogwood ES
• Fox Mill ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• Lake Anne ES
• Terraset ES

Chantilly Pyramid

• Lees Corner ES
• Oak Hill ES

 Westfield

• Coates ES 

• Floris ES 
• McNair ES 
• McNair Upper ES

AAP Level IV Center Boundaries

• Clearview ES
• Forest Edge ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• McNair Upper ES
• Oak Hill ES
• Sunrise Valley ES

Once the scope of the boundary study is approved by the School Board, FCPS staff will develop possible program and/or boundary change scenarios within the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared with the community, and opportunities for public input will be available through in-person and virtual meetings on: 

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom – Register here. For the virtual meeting, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. In person - Coates Elementary School - Cafeteria 

Each meeting will offer the same presentation and opportunity for community feedback, with language interpretation available. Families and community members can review the proposed changes and share their input.

Stay informed by visiting the Coates Elementary School Boundary Study, where you can also sign up for the mailing list to receive updates.

For any questions, please fill out this form. Your engagement in this process is important!

March AAP McNair Community Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

March McNair PTA General Membership Meeting & OOTM Awards Ceremony

The McNair PTA is gearing up for an important General meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 at 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

The McNair PTA is happy to announce that we will hand out certificates to all the students who participated in OOTM after the PTA general membership meeting.

McNair Chess Tournament  

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2025.

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025.

Location: McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, March 25, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, March 26, 2025 and Thursday, March 27, 2025 is $45.00.

On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, March 29. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Three (3) sections:

• K-3 G/30,d5 (5 rounds)
• K-5 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)
• K-8 G/45,d5 (4 rounds)

NOTE: REMINDER: Cancellations are subject to a $5.00 / player handling fee.

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

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

Pre-registrations (updated periodically): Pre-registrations

NOTE: Our chess tournaments are subject to Fairfax County Public School policies. In case of inclement weather - please check www.fcps.edu.

Upcoming Tournaments:

Tentative - McNair Scholastic Chess - April 26, 2025

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/rh5stzw2

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

• Running Event (fun run or color run)
• International Night/Cultural Fair
• Student Talent Show
• Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• March 13th: 3rd quarter interim reports are sent home in Thursday Folders 
• March 17th: 3-Hour Early Release Day; 12:30 PM Dismissal 
• March 19th: PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:30 PM
• March 25th: Spring Picture Day
• March 28th: Last Day of the 3rd Quarter of School
• March 31st: School Closed in Celebration of Eid
• April 1st: Teacher Workday; Student Holiday

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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

MUES Special Announcement! March Madness Staff vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game

Hello MUES Families,

We are excited to announce a new tradition that's coming to McNair Upper ES each spring! Our Staff vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game!

This event is open to all families in the McNair community. Door #1 (the main entrance of our school) will open for entry beginning at 5:30 PM. The game will begin at 6:00 PM. The $2.00 entry fee for this event is cash only. You will pay on arrival. 

We will have a concession stand open for cash only purchases. Additionally, if you'd like preorder a pizza, you may do so by either filling out the form linked below and having your student return it to their homeroom teacher; or by visiting the pizza sells table outside of door #1 next week during morning arrival.

Pizza Order Form.pdf

Students must be accompanied by an parent/guardian who will be responsible for them in order to attend this event.  

If you have questions, please feel free to connect with Mr. Credle, Assistant Principal, at [email protected].

We hope you and your family are able to join us for this fun-filled event!

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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

MUES Weekly News & Updates March 7, 2025 February Safety Patrols of the Month!

Congratulations to the following safety patrols for receiving Safety Patrol of the Month for February!

• Goutami – Kiss and Ride
• Veda - Crosswalks
• Samaira – Crosswalks
• Pranavi – Crosswalks
• Emma – Crosswalks
• Iniya – Bus 1
• Hrishikesh & Kundana – Bus 4

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

This week has been another full week of learning, which is great for all of our Mustangs following many school cancellations and delays during our winter months. It's hard to believe that we have less than one month left of the 3rd quarter of school!

Our instructional staff are in the process of drafting 3rd quarter interim reports that will be sent home to select families in next week's Thursday Folder. Your student will receive an interim documenting their progress if they are in a targeted intervention group for math and/or reading; or there is a change in their progress that needs to be communicated with you. Some classroom teachers have elected to send home interims for all students in their homeroom class, so you may receive one even if they are not receiving a higher level of academic support. 

If you receive an interim for your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to  our school staff with any follow-up questions you might have. One of the most  effective ways to help your child feel successful at school is by maintaining an open line of communication with regards to a family school partnership. We are here to partner with you to ensure that all of our Mustangs are safe and experiencing academic success to the very best of their ability each and every school day. 

I wish our entire Mustang family a great weekend! 

Melissa Goddin

Proud Principal

National School Social Worker Week

The week of March 3rd-March 7th is National School Social Worker Week. The McNair community is very fortunate to have one of the most caring social workers, Ms. Dena Neverdon. Ms. Neverdon has served our school community for well over a decade and does so much to support our students and their families. She also does a wonderful job partnering with school staff to ensure we are meeting the needs of our Mustang community. Please join me in thanking Ms. Neverdon for caring so deeply about each and every member of our school family! 

MUES Staff Vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game

We are excited to announce the McNair Upper staff versus 6th grade students’ basketball game! The game will take place on Thursday, March 20th at 6:00 PM in our gym. This event is open to all 6th grade students who want to play. For planning purposes, all students interested in playing must fill out this google form by Friday, March 13th. There will be food, drinks, and halftime festivities. This event is going to be a family affair and a lot of fun. Be on the lookout for more information soon!

If you have questions, please feel free to email Mr. Credle, Assistant Principal, at [email protected]. 

Don't Forget to Spring Forward on Sunday!

Daylight Saving begins (Spring Forward) on Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 AM. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!

As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

FCPS Cares Program

Is there a staff member at McNair Upper ES that you would like to recognize?

The FCPS CARES Program allows parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees who go above and beyond to help others and show they care about their students, colleagues, and the community. We invite you to submit a story below to acknowledge the great work of an FCPS employee or group of employees who should receive FCPS CARES recognition.  

Please take note of the following before submitting an FCPS CARES:

• Submissions are entered through StaffConnect, the HR portal for all employee actions. Select “I want to submit a(n)” and scroll to “FCPS Cares Submission.” The report will use the word “incident,” which is a generic term for all submissions, regardless of type.
• A notification email, with the submission text included, will be sent to the recipient(s) and copied to the recipient's supervisor(s). 
• All submissions will be posted to our FCPS CARES webpage and shared via other FCPS news outlets.
• Submissions containing personal or sensitive information may be edited to protect individuals' privacy.
• Feel free to compose your submission using a text editor such as Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it in the StaffConnect text box.
• For questions, please email [email protected].

🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14th-April 18th. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21st when our school doors open at 8:35 AM.

Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong! Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

Coates Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide review of school boundaries, with the first round of community meetings that were held between mid-November and mid-December 2024, followed by virtual sessions in January and February 2025.

However, the Coates Elementary School boundary study is a separate effort to address capacity challenges at the school. On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope. A final decision on the scope of the Boundary Study is expected at the March 13, 2025, School Board meeting. Schools included in the recommended boundary scope:

Herndon Pyramid

• Aldrin ES 
• Armstrong ES
• Clearview ES
• Dranesville ES
• Herndon ES
• Hutchison ES

 South Lakes Pyramid

• Dogwood ES
• Fox Mill ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• Lake Anne ES
• Terraset ES

Chantilly Pyramid

• Lees Corner ES
• Oak Hill ES

 Westfield

• Coates ES 

• Floris ES 
• McNair ES 
• McNair Upper ES

AAP Level IV Center Boundaries

• Clearview ES
• Forest Edge ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• McNair Upper ES
• Oak Hill ES
• Sunrise Valley ES

Once the scope of the boundary study is approved by the School Board, FCPS staff will develop possible program and/or boundary change scenarios within the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared with the community, and opportunities for public input will be available through in-person and virtual meetings on: 

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom – Register here. For the virtual meeting, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. In person - Coates Elementary School - Cafeteria 

Each meeting will offer the same presentation and opportunity for community feedback, with language interpretation available. Families and community members can review the proposed changes and share their input.

Stay informed by visiting the Coates Elementary School Boundary Study, where you can also sign up for the mailing list to receive updates.

For any questions, please fill out this form. Your engagement in this process is important!

March AAP McNair Community Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
• March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

March McNair PTA General Membership Meeting

The McNair PTA is gearing up for an important general membership meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th at 6.30 PM.

The details about the venue and the virtual link will be shared soon.

 

McNair Chess Tournament  

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, March 29th, 2025.

Further details will be shared very soon.

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

• Running Event (fun run or color run)
• International Night/Cultural Fair
• Student Talent Show
• Kids vs. Adults Sports Tournament

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• March 13th: 3rd quarter interim reports are sent home in Thursday Folders 
• March 17th: 3-Hour Early Release Day; 12:30 PM Dismissal 
• March 19th: PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:30 PM
• March 25th: Spring Picture Day
• March 31st: Last Day of the 3rd Quarter of School
• April 1st: Teacher Workday; Student Holiday

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Our Mustangs have been shining this week, their curiosity lighting up classrooms and our school community through diverse learning and engaging Read Across America activities! The excitement of reading has been infectious. Don't miss the chance to hear about your child's fantastic week.  Be sure to ask your Mustang about their reading adventures!

As we look ahead, please mark your calendars for the following:

• March 17: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal at 12:30pm. (We want to ensure all families are supported; student supervision will be available for those who need it, and SACC will operate as usual for enrolled students.)
• March 19: Kindergarten Registration and Popsicles with the Principal at McNair ES from 4:00-5:30pm. Please spread the word!
• March 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair ES at 6:30pm. Your voice matters! Please join us as we work together to support our wonderful school.

Kindergarten Registration is now open! Please share this with families of soon-to-be kindergarteners so they can register promptly. Registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. Your help is appreciated.

Your continuous partnership and support in your child's education is invaluable. Please reach out if there is any way that we can assist your child at this time.

 

Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs! 

 

All the best,

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant

Lifelong Learners Grow Here! 

 

Please contact us with any questions!

Principal: Elizabeth Watson, [email protected]

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

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!   Register your Mustang for Kindergarten and enjoy a popsicle with the Principal!

The sooner you register your Mustang for Kindergarten, the better to ensure a highly qualified teacher and smaller class sizes.  Please join us on Wednesday, March 19th from 4:00-5:30pm to get your child registered and for your rising Kindergartner to enjoy a popsicle with the Principal! We cannot wait to see you there!

**Please note, families are encouraged to register their child as soon as possible for kindergarten. This date accommodates families after typical office hours to register their child.**

 

Time to get your child registered! 

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.

 

McNair Mustangs Celebrate Read Across America Week! Let's see your spirit, Mustangs!

Read Across America is March 3rd-7th and to celebrate we will have spirit days and activities around reading! You can participate at home by reading together as a family some old favorites or try something new!  Happy Reading, Mustang community! **Note: Due to class picture day on Thursday, pajama day will now be on Friday, March 7th.**

.

 

🗓️Attendance Matters 🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14-18. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

 

 

Class Picture Day Is This Week! Get ready Mustangs! Class photos are this Thursday, March 6th.

Class picture day is almost here! To order class pictures, parents/guardians can visit the Strawbridge website at www.strawbridge.net, click on "Order Pictures and Yearbooks," and enter this code into the box: FM442059

Need support? Please contact our main office at 703-793-4800. 

.

 

 

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 March Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

 

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

National School Social Work Week

March 3-7 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

Our AMAZING school social worker is Dena Neverdon! She supports students and families at both McNair Elementary School as well as McNair Upper Elementary School.  Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for her incredible dedication to the well-being and success of all of our students.

We are hopeful that students and families this week will take a moment to share their appreciation with Ms. Neverdon by writing her a letter or drawing her a picture.  Your kind words and encouragement will undoubtedly mean a lot!!

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. We will have an updated link coming soon!  Your support is greatly appreciated as we are very low on donations at the moment. 

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 

📑 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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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]

.

  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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

✨ 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. 

 

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:

• Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
• Supporting Academic Growth 
• Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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. 

 

March 3-7: McNair ES Celebrates Read Across America Week

March 6: Class Picture Day at McNair ES

March 8: FCPS Job Fair at Lake Braddock Secondary School

March 17: 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.) 

March 19: Kindergarten Registration after Office Hours and Popsicle with the Principal, 4:00-5:30pm at McNair ES

March 19: Annual PTA Meeting at 6:30pm at McNair ES

March 31: Holiday- Eid; No School For Students

April 1: Teacher Workday; No School For Students

April 10: Family Engagement Earth Day Event; 4:30-6:00pm at McNair ES

April 14-18: Spring Break; No School For Students

April 28: 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.) 

May 19: 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.) 

May 19: Kindergarten Orientation from 2:00-3:00pm at McNair ES

May 26: Holiday- Memorial Day; All schools and offices closed

June 11: 2 Hour Early Release; Last Day of School for Students

 

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

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

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Another great week of learning and fun is in the books at McNair!  As we look forward to the upcoming week, we will be celebrating our LOVE for LITERACY in honor of Read Across America Week!  We encourage all students and staff to show their spirit and participate in the various activities we have planned to commemorate this special week. More details can be found in this newsletter.  We cannot wait to see your spirit, Mustangs!

As we look ahead, please mark your calendars for the following:

• March 3-7: Read Across America Week! Let's ignite a love for reading and show off that incredible Mustang spirit! We can't wait to see all the creative ways our students celebrate the magic of literacy.
• March 3-7: National School Social Worker Week! We're so grateful for Ms. Neverdon and the incredible support she provides to our students and families. Her dedication makes a real difference.

Looking further ahead:

• March 17: 3 Hour Early Release Day, Dismissal at 12:30pm. (We want to ensure all families are supported; student supervision will be available for those who need it, and SACC will operate as usual for enrolled students.)
• March 19: Annual PTA Meeting at McNair ES at 6:30pm. Your voice matters! Please join us as we work together to support our wonderful school.

In addition, please note that Kindergarten Registration is here! Please help us by spreading the word to your family, friends, and neighbors with incoming kindergarteners so they can register as soon as possible. We appreciate your assistance!

Your unwavering support makes a real difference in our students' lives. Together, we're unlocking their potential and empowering them to achieve their dreams. We hope you have a fantastic week ahead. 

We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, Mustangs!

 

All the best,

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant

Lifelong Learners Grow Here! 

 

Please contact us with any questions!

Principal: Elizabeth Watson, [email protected]

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

🐻 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.

McNair Mustangs Celebrate Read Across America Week! Let's see your spirit, Mustangs!

Read Across America is March 3rd-7th and to celebrate we will have spirit days and activities around reading! You can participate at home by reading together as a family some old favorites or try something new!  Happy Reading, Mustang community!

.

 

🗓️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.  

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 March Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

 

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

National School Social Work Week

March 3-7 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

Our AMAZING school social worker is Dena Neverdon! She supports students and families at both McNair Elementary School as well as McNair Upper Elementary School.  Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for her incredible dedication to the well-being and success of all of our students.

We are hopeful that students and families this week will take a moment to share their appreciation with Ms. Neverdon by writing her a letter or drawing her a picture.  Your kind words and encouragement will undoubtedly mean a lot!!

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. We will have an updated link coming soon!  Your support is greatly appreciated as we are very low on donations at the moment. 

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 

📑 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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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]

.

  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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

✨ 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. 

 

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:

• Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
• Supporting Academic Growth 
• Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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 28: Ramadan Begins at Sundown

March 3-7: McNair ES Celebrates Read Across America Week

March 8: FCPS Job Fair at Lake Braddock Secondary School

March 17: 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.) 

March 19: Annual PTA Meeting at 6:30pm at McNair ES

March 31: Holiday- Eid; No School For Students

April 1: Teacher Workday; No School For Students

April 10: Family Engagement Earth Day Event; 4:30-6:00pm at McNair ES

April 14-18: Spring Break; No School For Students

April 28: 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.) 

May 19: 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.) 

May 26: Holiday- Memorial Day; All schools and offices closed

June 11: 2 Hour Early Release; Last Day of School for Students

 

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

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

MUES Weekly News & Updates February 28, 2025 MUES Celebrates Read Across America Week!

McNair Upper Families! Read Across America is March 3rd-7th and to celebrate we will have different dress up days and activities around reading! You can participate at home by reading together as a family some old favorites or try something new!  Happy Reading!

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

We made it through five full days of school! Our Mustangs also got to enjoy outdoor recess in milder temperatures. Burning off energy and having that midday break is important for all children's success. It's nice to have them enjoy time outside again after being inside during most of the month of February. 

We had an awesome start to the week when we had our midyear school-wide House Pep Rally to celebrate each House's glows and reflect on each House's grows. We also had select students get the party started by leading us in their House spirit cheers! 

We are in the midst of our WIDA testing season and will also begin having students participate in two upcoming surveys next week- the SEL screener and the Student Experience Survey. If you elected to opt your child out, they will not participate.

Some of our Mustang families will begin celebrating Ramadan at sundown this evening. If your child will be fasting and needs a space outside of the cafeteria during lunchtime, please connect with me by email. We are happy to accommodate your request. 

Have a nice weekend, MUES Families!

Melissa Goddin

Proud Principal

March AAP McNair Community Newsletter

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. How can your child use the Decisions and Outcomes strategy to invent something new like Mary Anderson? Check out the latest edition of the McNair AAP Community Newsletter published by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg. In this edition you will find ways you can support the Decisions and Outcomes strategy, at home Portrait of a Graduate skills connections, as well as an AAP spring screening notification.

In the spring, schools review data on all students to determine services for the start of the next school year. Parents or guardians can initiate the screening process by submitting the AAP School-Based Services (Subject Specific and Part-Time) Referral Form to the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by April 15, annually. Check out our newsletter for a link to the referral form.

March AAP Community Newsletter

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

Ramadan Begins at Sundown on February 28th

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 Ms. Goddin, Principal, regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
• March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
• March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
• March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Welcome to McNair Upper’s SPELLING BEE Program!

Below is information that should answer some basic questions that you or your child may have about McNair Upper ES’s Spelling Bee Program.  Review this document with your child. 

The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program! As such, the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee uses exclusively word study materials created and copyrighted by the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program and operates according to the Scripps’ Rules for Local Spelling Bees.  

Schoolwide Spelling bee will be on Monday, March 3rd at 10:00 AM.

Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged is the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.  Only the spellings used by MWU are valid spellings in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.

 PREPARATION INFORMATION

1. This is a Spelling Bee only.  Scripps has added vocabulary questions to the National Spelling Bee, but we are not doing this.
2. Do I need to do anything to prepare my child to participate in the Spelling Bee? No, there is nothing required to participate in the Spelling Bee.  If your child wants to practice, attached below are study guides, this is optional.  
3. Not all of the words at the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee will be from the Word Lists provided.  Scripps supplies both the official Word Study List as well as the list of words that will be used during the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee.
4. The Spelling Bee will start with words from the Word Study List, and as the Bee goes on, the words will steadily increase in difficulty. If there are a lot of spellers and/or the spellers are well-prepared, the spellers still competing in the later rounds of the Bee may reach the “Challenge” section of the competition list.  These are words that the spellers have not had a chance to study and will test their word skills and ability to puzzle out the correct answer by using their Speller’s Questions.
5. Do not assume that your child will receive words only at his/her grade level. As the Bee progresses, the word difficulty increases.  If your child wants to study, strongly encourage him/her to study the Word List beyond his/her current grade level.

1. It is your child’s responsibility to be familiar with the Rules for Local Spelling Bees before the Bee competition. Review the Rules for Local Spelling Bees with your student.  I will summarize key Rules for the spellers on Bee Day, but it will not be an exhaustive review.
2. Your child may opt out of the Bee. The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is an optional activity.  It is supposed to be an interesting challenge for your child, but it is also supposed to be fun.  If you would like to opt your child out of the Spelling Bee, please email me and include your child’s name and teacher at [email protected].
3. It's OK not to study.  Your child will have more success at the Spelling Bee if he or she practices with the Word Lists beforehand, but it is not necessary.   If your child wants to drop out because he or she has not studied, please encourage him or her to stay in just for the experience.
4. Is my child allowed to appeal a spelling? No, there will be no appeals allowed during the Classroom or Schoolwide Spelling Bee.

DAY-OF-BEE PROTOCOL

1. What should a speller wear? School-appropriate clothing that is comfortable to sit in.  There is no need to dress more formally unless a student would like to do so.
2. The Rules and Procedures will be reviewed before the Bee.  After all participants are seated, but before the Bee begins, the Rules for Local Spelling Bees will be briefly summarized, and students may ask questions. Please go over the Rules and procedures (“How Does an Oral Bee Work?” with your child beforehand so that this time can be used efficiently. 
3. Competitors are seated by grade level, youngest to oldest: 3rd - 4th – 5th - 6th

Within each grade, students will be seated randomly.  They will not be seated in alphabetical order.

1. Competitors will be "retired" from the Bee in groups as the Bee continues.  When a student misspells a word, s/he is out of the Bee, but s/he will not leave the seating area until his/her number is called to “retire”.  Students will be "retired" in groups as necessary throughout the Bee so that no one will have to wait too long.

1. When can a student leave? Retired students either may stay to watch the Bee or may return to class.
2. Your Bee officials are all volunteers as well as local parents.  Our Spelling Bee is conducted under the auspices of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program, but it is run entirely by staff members and volunteers from our school.  These volunteers have donated their time to give your child a good experience. 

PRACTICE WORD LISTS

2025_suggested_rules_for_spelling_bees.pdf

6th Grade Study Words.pdf

5th Grade Study Words.pdf

4th Grade Study Words.pdf

3rd Grade Study Words.pdf

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

PTA Reflections Recap

The McNair ES PTA had another year of successful year of the Reflections! We had an awards ceremony on February 19th to recognize our Mustangs achievement. Congratulations to all of the winners and participants!

Big shout out to the McNair PTA Reflections team for organizing everything!

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• February 28th- Ramadan Begins at Sundown 
• March 3rd: School-Wide Spelling Bee
• March 3rd-7th: MUES Celebrates Read Across America Week

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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

MUES Weekly News & Updates February 21, 2025 Kids Heart Challenge Update A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

Although short school week with Monday's holiday, I'm glad the expected snowfall in Virginia avoided our area so that we could have four full days of learning at MUES! We accomplished a lot these past four days!

This week, select 6th grade students participated in the IOWA assessment, while many of our 3rd-6th grade students who speak other languages participated in the second week of WIDA testing. Additionally, our 26 classroom communities participated in their classroom Spelling Bee. Each classroom winner will move forward with participating in our school-wide Spelling Bee, which takes place on Monday, March 3rd. 

As mentioned below, we have a House Pep Rally on Monday morning. Please remind your Mustang to wear their House t-shirt. And, Monday is our next three-hour early release day. Students will be dismissed at 12:30 PM.

With is being a busy week, you might have questions about the information being shared in this week's message to families. As always, you are welcome reach out to your child's homeroom teacher for support; or me. 

Wishing our entire Mustang family a nice weekend! 

Mrs. Goddin

Proud Principal

3-Hour Early Release on Monday, February 24th

To allow staff additional planning time, McNair Upper ES will have our next three-hour early release day on Monday, February 24th. We will dismiss students at 12:30 PM. Please ensure that your child knows how they are going home from school on this day; especially if it is different than a regular school day. SACC will be open to students who are enrolled. If your child is staying after as they have done on previous early release Mondays, they will be dismissed at 3:30 PM. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the main office at (571) 982-1700. The main office is open daily from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

House Pep Rally on Monday!

We will be having a school-wide House Pep Rally on Monday, February 24th. Please remind your Mustang to wear their House t-shirt.

Ramadan Begins at Sundown on February 28th

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 Ms. Goddin, Principal, 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, 2025

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has issued a new, first-time waiver allowing students fasting during the school day from February 28 to March 28, 2025, to request take-home breakfast and lunch meal kits. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will provide meal kits reflecting the school menu. Meals will be kept cold and must be heated at home. Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day. If a student purchases breakfast or lunch at school, they cannot pick up a kit that day. Meal kits must be picked up by students at the end of the school day—adults cannot collect them. Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:

• February 24, 2025, for February 28 and the week of March 3, 2025
• March 3, 2025, for the week of March 10, 2025
• March 10, 2025, for the week of March 17, 2025
• March 17, 2025, for the week of March 24, 2025

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Coming Soon to MUES!

McNair Upper Families! Read Across America is March 3rd-7th and to celebrate we will have different dress up days and activities around reading! You can participate at home by reading together as a family some old favorites or try something new!  Happy Reading!

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Welcome to McNair Upper’s SPELLING BEE Program!

Below is information that should answer some basic questions that you or your child may have about McNair Upper ES’s Spelling Bee Program.  Review this document with your child. 

The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program! As such, the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee uses exclusively word study materials created and copyrighted by the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program and operates according to the Scripps’ Rules for Local Spelling Bees.  

Schoolwide Spelling bee will be on Monday, March 3rd at 10:00 AM.

Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged is the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.  Only the spellings used by MWU are valid spellings in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.

 PREPARATION INFORMATION

1. This is a Spelling Bee only.  Scripps has added vocabulary questions to the National Spelling Bee, but we are not doing this.
2. Do I need to do anything to prepare my child to participate in the Spelling Bee? No, there is nothing required to participate in the Spelling Bee.  If your child wants to practice, attached below are study guides, this is optional.  
3. Not all of the words at the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee will be from the Word Lists provided.  Scripps supplies both the official Word Study List as well as the list of words that will be used during the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee.
4. The Spelling Bee will start with words from the Word Study List, and as the Bee goes on, the words will steadily increase in difficulty. If there are a lot of spellers and/or the spellers are well-prepared, the spellers still competing in the later rounds of the Bee may reach the “Challenge” section of the competition list.  These are words that the spellers have not had a chance to study and will test their word skills and ability to puzzle out the correct answer by using their Speller’s Questions.
5. Do not assume that your child will receive words only at his/her grade level. As the Bee progresses, the word difficulty increases.  If your child wants to study, strongly encourage him/her to study the Word List beyond his/her current grade level.

1. It is your child’s responsibility to be familiar with the Rules for Local Spelling Bees before the Bee competition. Review the Rules for Local Spelling Bees with your student.  I will summarize key Rules for the spellers on Bee Day, but it will not be an exhaustive review.
2. Your child may opt out of the Bee. The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is an optional activity.  It is supposed to be an interesting challenge for your child, but it is also supposed to be fun.  If you would like to opt your child out of the Spelling Bee, please email me and include your child’s name and teacher at [email protected].
3. It's OK not to study.  Your child will have more success at the Spelling Bee if he or she practices with the Word Lists beforehand, but it is not necessary.   If your child wants to drop out because he or she has not studied, please encourage him or her to stay in just for the experience.
4. Is my child allowed to appeal a spelling? No, there will be no appeals allowed during the Classroom or Schoolwide Spelling Bee.

DAY-OF-BEE PROTOCOL

1. What should a speller wear? School-appropriate clothing that is comfortable to sit in.  There is no need to dress more formally unless a student would like to do so.
2. The Rules and Procedures will be reviewed before the Bee.  After all participants are seated, but before the Bee begins, the Rules for Local Spelling Bees will be briefly summarized, and students may ask questions. Please go over the Rules and procedures (“How Does an Oral Bee Work?” with your child beforehand so that this time can be used efficiently. 
3. Competitors are seated by grade level, youngest to oldest: 3rd - 4th – 5th - 6th

Within each grade, students will be seated randomly.  They will not be seated in alphabetical order.

1. Competitors will be "retired" from the Bee in groups as the Bee continues.  When a student misspells a word, s/he is out of the Bee, but s/he will not leave the seating area until his/her number is called to “retire”.  Students will be "retired" in groups as necessary throughout the Bee so that no one will have to wait too long.

1. When can a student leave? Retired students either may stay to watch the Bee or may return to class.
2. Your Bee officials are all volunteers as well as local parents.  Our Spelling Bee is conducted under the auspices of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program, but it is run entirely by staff members and volunteers from our school.  These volunteers have donated their time to give your child a good experience. 

PRACTICE WORD LISTS

2025_suggested_rules_for_spelling_bees.pdf

6th Grade Study Words.pdf

5th Grade Study Words.pdf

4th Grade Study Words.pdf

3rd Grade Study Words.pdf

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

PTA Reflections Recap

The McNair ES PTA had another year of successful year of the Reflections! We had an awards ceremony on February 19th to recognize our Mustangs achievement. Congratulations to all of the winners and participants!

Big shout out to the McNair PTA Reflections team for organizing everything!

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• February  24th: School-Wide House Pep Rally at 9:00 AM
• February 24th: 3-Hour Early Release; dismissal at 12:30 PM
• February 28th- Ramadan Begins at Sundown 
• March 3rd: School-Wide Spelling Bee

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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The Mustang Weekly Newsletter

Greetings McNair Students and Families,

Our students are having a fantastic start to the week with learning and growing together. We continue to be so proud of their efforts and achievements. Thank you for your continued dedication with ensuring your student attends school on time every day. Attendance matters. Your partnership is essential to your child's education and growth.

Furthermore, we're so excited to connect with you all at our upcoming events, and we truly hope you'll be able to 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
• February 22: McNair PTA's Chess Tournament. Please register here!
• 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.) 

In addition, please note that Kindergarten Registration is here! Please help us by spreading 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 ongoing partnership and support. Together, we can ensure that every child receives a high quality education and has the opportunity to thrive. Together, all things are possible. Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs!

 

All the best,

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. O'Bryant

Lifelong Learners Grow Here! 

 

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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

✨ 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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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

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MUES Weekly News & Updates February 14, 2025 Safety Patrols of the Month!

Ms. Luck and some of our awesome safety patrols enjoyed a night out watching the Washington Wizards basketball game! 

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

It has been such a fun week at MUES! Not only did we have an early release  and snow day, but we celebrated the 100th Day of School on Thursday. Our Mustangs are all 100 days smarter and more than halfway through the school year! 

On Friday, we ended our weeklong celebration of "Kindness" by wearing red, pink, or Westfield Pyramid kindness shirts. Mr. Credle and I also took the time to recognize our Mustangs who had perfect attendance during the 2nd quarter of school. 

Looking forward to next week, don't forget that schools are closed on Monday  in honor of Presidents Day. We will welcome our Mustang Family back on Tuesday. Lastly, we invite you to join us for our February PTA general membership meeting on Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM. This month's meeting will be held at McNair Upper ES where we will share news and updates; and recognize those Mustangs who were part of this year's PTA Reflections program. We hope you are able to make it. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mrs. Goddin

Proud Principal

Presidents Day is Monday- School Closed

All schools in FCPS will be closed on Monday, February 17th in honor of Presidents Day. School will reopen on Tuesday, February 18th when we welcome our Mustangs back at 8:35 AM. We hope our entire Mustang Family has a wonderful three-day weekend! 

Order your 24-25 MUES Yearbook now by visiting the following website:

MUES 24-25 School Yearbook Order Link

Welcome to McNair Upper’s SPELLING BEE Program!

Below is information that should answer some basic questions that you or your child may have about McNair Upper ES’s Spelling Bee Program.  Review this document with your child. 

The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program! As such, the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee uses exclusively word study materials created and copyrighted by the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program and operates according to the Scripps’ Rules for Local Spelling Bees.  

Classroom spelling bees will happen on Wednesday, February 19th at 9:30 AM. Sixth graders will have their class spelling bee immediately after specials.

Schoolwide Spelling bee will be on Monday, March 3rd at 10:00 AM.

Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged is the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.  Only the spellings used by MWU are valid spellings in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.

 PREPARATION INFORMATION

1. This is a Spelling Bee only.  Scripps has added vocabulary questions to the National Spelling Bee, but we are not doing this.
2. Do I need to do anything to prepare my child to participate in the Spelling Bee? No, there is nothing required to participate in the Spelling Bee.  If your child wants to practice, attached below are study guides, this is optional.  
3. Not all of the words at the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee will be from the Word Lists provided.  Scripps supplies both the official Word Study List as well as the list of words that will be used during the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee.
4. The Spelling Bee will start with words from the Word Study List, and as the Bee goes on, the words will steadily increase in difficulty. If there are a lot of spellers and/or the spellers are well-prepared, the spellers still competing in the later rounds of the Bee may reach the “Challenge” section of the competition list.  These are words that the spellers have not had a chance to study and will test their word skills and ability to puzzle out the correct answer by using their Speller’s Questions.
5. Do not assume that your child will receive words only at his/her grade level. As the Bee progresses, the word difficulty increases.  If your child wants to study, strongly encourage him/her to study the Word List beyond his/her current grade level.

1. It is your child’s responsibility to be familiar with the Rules for Local Spelling Bees before the Bee competition. Review the Rules for Local Spelling Bees with your student.  I will summarize key Rules for the spellers on Bee Day, but it will not be an exhaustive review.
2. Your child may opt out of the Bee. The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is an optional activity.  It is supposed to be an interesting challenge for your child, but it is also supposed to be fun.  If you would like to opt your child out of the Spelling Bee, please email me and include your child’s name and teacher at [email protected].
3. It's OK not to study.  Your child will have more success at the Spelling Bee if he or she practices with the Word Lists beforehand, but it is not necessary.   If your child wants to drop out because he or she has not studied, please encourage him or her to stay in just for the experience.
4. Is my child allowed to appeal a spelling? No, there will be no appeals allowed during the Classroom or Schoolwide Spelling Bee.

DAY-OF-BEE PROTOCOL

1. What should a speller wear? School-appropriate clothing that is comfortable to sit in.  There is no need to dress more formally unless a student would like to do so.
2. The Rules and Procedures will be reviewed before the Bee.  After all participants are seated, but before the Bee begins, the Rules for Local Spelling Bees will be briefly summarized, and students may ask questions. Please go over the Rules and procedures (“How Does an Oral Bee Work?” with your child beforehand so that this time can be used efficiently. 
3. Competitors are seated by grade level, youngest to oldest: 3rd - 4th – 5th - 6th

Within each grade, students will be seated randomly.  They will not be seated in alphabetical order.

1. Competitors will be "retired" from the Bee in groups as the Bee continues.  When a student misspells a word, s/he is out of the Bee, but s/he will not leave the seating area until his/her number is called to “retire”.  Students will be "retired" in groups as necessary throughout the Bee so that no one will have to wait too long.

1. When can a student leave? Retired students either may stay to watch the Bee or may return to class.
2. Your Bee officials are all volunteers as well as local parents.  Our Spelling Bee is conducted under the auspices of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program, but it is run entirely by staff members and volunteers from our school.  These volunteers have donated their time to give your child a good experience. 

PRACTICE WORD LISTS

2025_suggested_rules_for_spelling_bees.pdf

6th Grade Study Words.pdf

5th Grade Study Words.pdf

4th Grade Study Words.pdf

3rd Grade Study Words.pdf

Friendly Reminder: February AAP Community Newsletter

Here is the link to this month's AAP Community Newsletter. Please take a moment to read through it to find ways to support your Mustang. 

February AAP Community Newsletter

Join us in learning about heart health and raising funds to protect all hearts – especially other kids this month with the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge at McNair Upper ES! Through jump rope and fun activities we’ll discover ways to take care of our hearts and brains, learn CPR and Stroke symptoms, and practice ways to be healthy and kind with our special Kids Heart Challenge Characters! Plus, we have the chance to earn PE equipment for our school! Register online today or with the KHC App for Free with parent permission!

https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/ym_khc_get_started_guide.html

Students & staff that register for our school will be entered into a weekly video raffle drawing for KHC prizes that will be played on the morning news, they will earn a bracelet, be entered to win 2 super bowl tickets for 2026 and write their name on a heart for our HOUSE challenge.

 The HOUSE with the most students that register online will choose a special activity too!  Maybe a PJ/Popcorn & Movie Party, Game Day, a Glow Party, or something else fun.

Our MUES GOAL this month is to raise $5,000 for the American Heart Association by Feb. 28, 2025.

 Extra Incentive PRIZES this year include:

• Students will receive AHA KHC Thank you prizes based on registering and how much their raise. Thank you prizes will be handed out after the challenge ends in PE before the end of the school year. 
• Reach our $5,000 Goal -  TBD…Maybe something FUN with Admin or the PE Teachers
• Top 2 Fundraisers in School – Principal/AP or PE Teacher for the Day, Special Lunch or something else fun.
• Raise $100+ and/or Complete FINN’s Mission by Feb 28. – Get to participate with our school goal choice…
• In the past Ms. Luck and Ms. Smith have been PIED, DUCT Taped to the GYM Wall, had ICE Water cups/buckets dumped on them or mustangs may vote on something else…TBD
• HOUSE with the most SIGN UPS  – will receive a Special House Prize (House will vote at the end of month).

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Luck or Ms. Smith, our PE teachers. 

❤ So who is READY to JOIN OUR TEAM and be a HEART HERO at McNair Upper this month? 😊  

Friendly Reminder: Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 19th, 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.

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

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.

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

 

McNair Chess Tournament

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd.

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, February 20, 2025. 

 The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, February 18, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

 The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, February 19, 2025 and Thursday, February 20, 2025 is $45.00.

 On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, February 22. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

 No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

 NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Where?

McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

When?

Feb 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Link for Chess Tournament registration & further details: Registration for February McNair Chess Tournament

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

 

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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• February 17th: Presidents Day; school closed
• February 19th: PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:30 PM/McNair Upper ES
• February 24th: 3-Hour Early Release; dismissal at 12:30 PM

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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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

Lifelong Learners Grow Here! 

 

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:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. 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

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.

🏅 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

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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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]

.

  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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

✨ 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 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.

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

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.

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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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 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

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MUES: Important Announcement: Three-Hour Early Release Today February 11, 2025

Good Morning McNair Upper Families,

As you may already be aware, all schools in FCPS will close three-hours early today because of the expected inclement weather that will be moving in our area throughout the afternoon/evening today.

Today, McNair Upper ES will dismiss at 12:30 PM.

To ensure the safety of our students, families, staff members at McNair Upper ES, and our dedicated bus drivers and daycare drivers, it is imperative that everyone leaves school on-time.

If your child is a car rider and you will not be able to pick them up at 12:30 PM, then we ask you find someone your child is familiar with; and listed on their emergency care, who can do so on your behalf. 

If the way in which your child usually gets home from school changes, please inform your child's homeroom teacher or the main office before 11:00 AM this morning so that we can ensure that your Mustang receives this message.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to call the main office at

(571) 982-1700 beginning at 8:00 AM. 

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety of each and every member of our Mustang family today. We hope that everyone is safe and enjoys the snow!

 

Take Care,

Mrs. Goddin

Proud Principal

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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MUES Weekly News & Updates February 7, 2025 Safety Patrols of the Month!

Please join me in congratulating our December & January Safety Patrols of the Month! These Mustangs work incredibly hard during the school day to keep everyone safe as they come to school each morning and leave school each afternoon. Thank you, Mustangs, for a job well done!

• • MUES Kiss and Ride – Sanvitha & Soham
  • Bus Helper – Aarush
  • MUES and McNair Lower Crosswalks – Siona,  Niranjana  & Ananya
  • Bus 2 – Anvie, Bus 3 – Isha, Bus 5 – Eman

A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

It has been a wonderful week at MUES! Despite Thursday's two-hour delay day, our Mustangs have had a wonderful start to the 3rd quarter of school. And, the highlight of the week, has been returning to outdoor recess after having to stay inside for it for several days as we patiently waited for the snow and ice to melt. 

Over the past two weeks we have also been treated to wonderful music from both our 5th & 6th grade band and strings students as both programs performed at the annual winter concerts. 

I'd also like to take this opportunity to share with families that this past week has been National School Counselors Week. Our MUES family is very fortunate to have two of the best school counselors a school community could ask for. Ms. Bradner and Ms. Barry are dedicated to offering their ongoing support to our students, families, and staff. Please join me in thanking Ms. Bradner and Ms. Barry for their excellent work! They both lead with heart- we appreciate these wonderful ladies! 

Ms. Bradner (left side) and Ms. Barry (right side) accompanied by Ms. Oliver, school psychologist. 

Looking forward to next week's weather forecast, it looks like Phil the Groundhog was right with his prediction of six more weeks of winter as we are expecting inclement weather. As a friendly reminder, please make sure to check social media, local news stations, or FCPS' website so that you are aware if school is closed. If there is a two-hour delay, school begins for the Mustang community at 10:45 AM. We open our doors to welcome our Mustangs at 10:35 AM. 

I wish every member of our Mustang family a wonderful weekend!

Mrs. Goddin

Proud Principal of McNair Upper ES

Welcome to McNair Upper’s SPELLING BEE Program!

Below is information that should answer some basic questions that you or your child may have about McNair Upper ES’s Spelling Bee Program.  Review this document with your child. 

The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program! As such, the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee uses exclusively word study materials created and copyrighted by the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program and operates according to the Scripps’ Rules for Local Spelling Bees.  

Classroom spelling bees will happen on Friday, February 21st at 9:30 am. Sixth graders will have their class spelling bee immediately after specials.

Schoolwide Spelling bee will be on Monday, March 3rd at 10 am.

Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged is the official dictionary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.  Only the spellings used by MWU are valid spellings in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program.

 PREPARATION INFORMATION

1. This is a Spelling Bee only.  Scripps has added vocabulary questions to the National Spelling Bee, but we are not doing this.
2. Do I need to do anything to prepare my child to participate in the Spelling Bee? No, there is nothing required to participate in the Spelling Bee.  If your child wants to practice, attached below are study guides, this is optional.  
3. Not all of the words at the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee will be from the Word Lists provided.  Scripps supplies both the official Word Study List as well as the list of words that will be used during the McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee.
4. The Spelling Bee will start with words from the Word Study List, and as the Bee goes on, the words will steadily increase in difficulty. If there are a lot of spellers and/or the spellers are well-prepared, the spellers still competing in the later rounds of the Bee may reach the “Challenge” section of the competition list.  These are words that the spellers have not had a chance to study and will test their word skills and ability to puzzle out the correct answer by using their Speller’s Questions.
5. Do not assume that your child will receive words only at his/her grade level. As the Bee progresses, the word difficulty increases.  If your child wants to study, strongly encourage him/her to study the Word List beyond his/her current grade level.

1. It is your child’s responsibility to be familiar with the Rules for Local Spelling Bees before the Bee competition. Review the Rules for Local Spelling Bees with your student.  I will summarize key Rules for the spellers on Bee Day, but it will not be an exhaustive review.
2. Your child may opt out of the Bee. The McNair Upper ES Spelling Bee is an optional activity.  It is supposed to be an interesting challenge for your child, but it is also supposed to be fun.  If you would like to opt your child out of the Spelling Bee, please email me and include your child’s name and teacher at [email protected].
3. It's OK not to study.  Your child will have more success at the Spelling Bee if he or she practices with the Word Lists beforehand, but it is not necessary.   If your child wants to drop out because he or she has not studied, please encourage him or her to stay in just for the experience.
4. Is my child allowed to appeal a spelling? No, there will be no appeals allowed during the Classroom or Schoolwide Spelling Bee.

DAY-OF-BEE PROTOCOL

1. What should a speller wear? School-appropriate clothing that is comfortable to sit in.  There is no need to dress more formally unless a student would like to do so.
2. The Rules and Procedures will be reviewed before the Bee.  After all participants are seated, but before the Bee begins, the Rules for Local Spelling Bees will be briefly summarized, and students may ask questions. Please go over the Rules and procedures (“How Does an Oral Bee Work?” with your child beforehand so that this time can be used efficiently. 
3. Competitors are seated by grade level, youngest to oldest: 3rd - 4th – 5th - 6th

Within each grade, students will be seated randomly.  They will not be seated in alphabetical order.

1. Competitors will be "retired" from the Bee in groups as the Bee continues.  When a student misspells a word, s/he is out of the Bee, but s/he will not leave the seating area until his/her number is called to “retire”.  Students will be "retired" in groups as necessary throughout the Bee so that no one will have to wait too long.

1. When can a student leave? Retired students either may stay to watch the Bee or may return to class.
2. Your Bee officials are all volunteers as well as local parents.  Our Spelling Bee is conducted under the auspices of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Program, but it is run entirely by staff members and volunteers from our school.  These volunteers have donated their time to give your child a good experience. 

PRACTICE WORD LISTS

2025_suggested_rules_for_spelling_bees.pdf

6th Grade Study Words.pdf

5th Grade Study Words.pdf

4th Grade Study Words.pdf

3rd Grade Study Words.pdf

February AAP Community Newsletter

Here is the link to this month's AAP Community Newsletter. Please take a moment to read through it to find ways to support your Mustang. 

February AAP Community Newsletter

Join us in learning about heart health and raising funds to protect all hearts – especially other kids this month with the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge at McNair Upper ES! Through jump rope and fun activities we’ll discover ways to take care of our hearts and brains, learn CPR and Stroke symptoms, and practice ways to be healthy and kind with our special Kids Heart Challenge Characters! Plus, we have the chance to earn PE equipment for our school! Register online today or with the KHC App for Free with parent permission!

https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/ym_khc_get_started_guide.html

Students & staff that register for our school will be entered into a weekly video raffle drawing for KHC prizes that will be played on the morning news, they will earn a bracelet, be entered to win 2 super bowl tickets for 2026 and write their name on a heart for our HOUSE challenge.

 The HOUSE with the most students that register online will choose a special activity too!  Maybe a PJ/Popcorn & Movie Party, Game Day, a Glow Party, or something else fun.

Our MUES GOAL this month is to raise $5,000 for the American Heart Association by Feb. 28, 2025.

 Extra Incentive PRIZES this year include:

• Students will receive AHA KHC Thank you prizes based on registering and how much their raise. Thank you prizes will be handed out after the challenge ends in PE before the end of the school year. 
• Reach our $5,000 Goal -  TBD…Maybe something FUN with Admin or the PE Teachers
• Top 2 Fundraisers in School – Principal/AP or PE Teacher for the Day, Special Lunch or something else fun.
• Raise $100+ and/or Complete FINN’s Mission by Feb 28. – Get to participate with our school goal choice…
• In the past Ms. Luck and Ms. Smith have been PIED, DUCT Taped to the GYM Wall, had ICE Water cups/buckets dumped on them or mustangs may vote on something else…TBD
• HOUSE with the most SIGN UPS  – will receive a Special House Prize (House will vote at the end of month).

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Luck or Ms. Smith, our PE teachers. 

❤ So who is READY to JOIN OUR TEAM and be a HEART HERO at McNair Upper this month? 😊  

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 19th, 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.

Friendly Reminder: Community Boundary Review

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings are 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 one of the dates 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.

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

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.

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981

 

McNair Chess Tournament

Our next McNair Chess Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd.

MAXIMUM ENTRIES 120

Pre-registration closes on Thursday, February 20, 2025. 

 The early pre-registration fee through Tuesday, February 18, 2025 is $40.00 per chess player.

 The late pre-registration fee for Wednesday, February 19, 2025 and Thursday, February 20, 2025 is $45.00.

 On-site registrations will close at 8:30 am on Saturday, February 22. The on-site registration fee is $50.00. 

 No Email/Phone Registrations allowed.

 NOTE: If you need a bye for the later rounds - please notify us 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.

Where?

McNair Elementary School 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive Herndon, VA 20171

When?

Feb 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Link for Chess Tournament registration & further details: Registration for February McNair Chess Tournament

Please address questions or concerns to [email protected]

 

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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

 

Thank you for all your support!

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• February 10th: For the Love of Our Mustangs! PTA No Fuss Fundraiser Kicks Off
• February 12th: Happy 100th Day of School!
• February 17th: Presidents Day; school closed
• February 19th: PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:30 PM/McNair Upper ES
• February 24th: 3-Hour Early Release; dismissal at 12:30 PM

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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MUES: Special Announcement! February 4, 2025 Student Experience Survey Family Notification

Dear McNair Upper Families,

In the coming weeks, FCPS will be administering the new Student Experience Survey. It will help the school division better understand students’ experiences in our schools. Your child’s classroom will participate in the Student Experience Survey. It will take about 30 minutes, and we will choose a date between Monday, February 24th to Friday, March 7th to complete the survey. If you would like to view the survey, please visit the Student Experience Survey webpage.

If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, you may opt them out using the online form on the Student Experience Survey webpage or by completing the opt-out form. You may pick one up to fill out by visiting the main office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You only need to complete the opt-out form by Friday, February 14th, if you do not want your child to participate in the Student Experience Survey.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to make improvements in FCPS schools. If you have questions about the Student Experience Survey, please contact [email protected].

 

Take Care,

Mrs. Goddin

Principal

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter

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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

Lifelong Learners Grow Here! 

 

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:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. 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.

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

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.

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!

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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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.

 

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!

Join the McNair PTA today! 

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]

.

  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: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

✨ 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 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.

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

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.

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!

Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  

 

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 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

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MUES Weekly News & Updates January 31, 2025 A Note from Mrs. Goddin...

Hello MUES Families,

The 3rd quarter of school officially began yesterday! To kick it off, we had our January House meetings yesterday morning where students reviewed the "glows and grows" to work on as a House family this next month of school. Additionally, because each House met their goal of earning 500 Mustang Marks, they earned their next House award. We appreciate all of the hard work our Mustangs have put in to following our school-wide expectations. We look forward to seeing even more progress over this next quarter of school- we know our Mustangs can do it! 

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, and our 100th Day of School!  We will also take time to celebrate our Mustangs who were nominated for a 2nd quarter S.M.I.L.E. Award; and celebrate our Perfect Attendance Award winners for the 2nd quarter of school in the coming weeks. 

Don't forget that 2nd quarter progress reports will be available to review in ParentVUE on Tuesday, February 4th. As you review your child's progress report, I encourage you to reach out to your student's homeroom teacher with any questions you might have. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

My Best, 

Mrs. Goddin, Your Proud Principal

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 5, 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.

Friendly Reminder: Virginia's Student Assessment Summary for Families

📈 This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year. 

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. We will distribute them to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE. 

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our staff members are committed to working with families to help every student reach their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

Friendly Reminder: Community Boundary Review

If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings are 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 one of the dates 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.

❄️ 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.

Snacks for the McNair ES & McNair Upper ES 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: 

Fall Snacks Sign-Up Form

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!

Mrs. Goddin & Mrs. Watson 

McNair PTA News...

Please Join PTA!

Registration Link for PTA membership: https://mcnairespta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

 

McNair ES PTA has an official Facebook Page now! Please like & follow to get the latest updates. 

LINK: 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

Volunteers Needed!

We need 3 Volunteers to join our Financial Committee.

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

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. We'd love for you to join us!

Please click on the link to join the volunteer group: 

https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZ4KRYb4mYh5N2Qt6NJOKu

Warm Regards,

Sayanti Dasgupta,

VP Communications McNair ES PTA

 

• February 5th: Band Winter Concert at 7:00 PM
• February 12th: Happy 100th Day of School!
• February 17th: Presidents Day; school closed
• February 24th: 3-Hour Early Release; dismissal at 12:30 PM

2410 Fox Mill Road, Herndon, VA 20171  |  Phone: 571-982-1700

Attendance: 571-982-4747 or [email protected] |  Web | Twitter