McNair Upper Elementary School, MUES Weekly News & Updates

MUES Weekly News & Updates

May 22, 2026


walk and bike

Despite the wet weather, our Mustangs' participation in "Bike or Roll to School Day" was awesome! 


Hello MUES Families,

It has been a busy week at MUES! Not only did we have our final House meetings of the school year to celebrate our House achievements this school year, but Mr. De Jesus, Strings Teacher, and Ms. Ochoa, Band Teacher, conducted their annual spring concerts. Please join me in congratulating our outstanding teachers and excellent 4th-6th grade performers on a job well done. We have so many talented Mustangs and I'm happy that they were able to share it with our school community!

We also recognized all of our parent and community volunteers on Thursday morning at our MUES Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. A big thank you to Ms. Janofsky, AART, for organizing this wonderful event as a way to thank those that gave their time, resources, or financial donations to support our school community projects and initiatives.  

Please don't forget that school will be closed for our Mustangs on Monday, May 25th through Wednesday, May 27th. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Thursday, May 28th!  

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, Mustang Family!

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Goddin

MMGoddin@fcps.edu


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  • May 25th: Memorial Day; all schools in FCPS closed
  • May 26th;  Teacher Workday; school closed for students 
  • May 27th: Eid al-Adha; all schools in FCPS closed
  • June 3rd: PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:30 PM (McNair Upper ES)

Last Call! Parent/Guardian Class Placement Input Form

As administration begins collaborating with classroom teachers to form grade level classes for the 2026-2027 school year, we understand that parent/guardian input is valuable to consider too.

We kindly ask that you do not request specific teachers; rather keep the focus on the type of learning environment and learning style that will support your child's academic and social wellness success.

Interested parents/guardians that would like the opportunity to share their input with administration should do so no later than Friday, May 22nd.

Please click on and fill out the appropriate grade level Parent/Guardian Input Form below: 

Rising 4th Grade Parent/Guardian Input Form

Rising 5th Grade Parent/Guardian Input Form

Rising 6th Grade Parent/Guardian Input Form

Thank you for your continued partnership in making your child’s experience at McNair Upper ES a positive one!  


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6th grade

Upcoming Skyview and Western Pyramids Boundary Study Meetings

After the comprehensive boundary review ended, FCPS began the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study as well as individual studies for several “hot spots” -- areas needing an extended review for additional community engagement and input. See talking points.

Schools in the Centreville, Chantilly, Oakton, South Lakes, and Westfield pyramids: Please check back on Friday for sample language to promote upcoming boundary meetings for the Skyview High School and Western Pyramids Boundary Study.


Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!

This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt!


Check Your Student's Lunch Balance

It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer. 

If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.


Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance! 

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong. 

Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.

If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.

If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.


Calling All Future Safety Patrols!

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Attention Rising 5th & 6th Graders at McNair Upper ES!  We are looking to rebuild our Safety Patrol Team for next year and we need YOU!  Are you a mustang who is a leader, positive role model, responsible, kind, honest, respectful and want to help keep our mustang community safe?  If you are interested in becoming a safety patrol or returning for a 2nd year as a safety patrol for next school year, please complete the application with your parent/guardian here 26-27 SY Safety Patrol Application

Available positions are based on completing the application, availability, grades in class, and teacher, bus driver and current safety patrol recommendations.  Applications are due by May 29th and students will be selected by June 12th for next school year. If you or your family have questions, please contact our PE Teacher & Safety Patrol Sponsor Ms. Luck at kjluck@fcps.edu.


Friendly Reminder: Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School

Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. 

For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


Friendly Reminder: New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1st

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell. 

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage

Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year

Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:

  • Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. 
  • Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
  • Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.

In Other News...

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McNair PTA News


McNair PTA Updates & Volunteer Needs

  • PTA Meeting & Student Recognition (Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:30 PM): Join us in the McNair Upper Cafeteria or virtually to celebrate our amazing ACSL and VASO Division A students and hear end-of-year updates.
  • Outdoor Movie Night (Friday, June 5 @ 7:30 PM): Bring blankets and chairs to McNair Field for a free screening of The Emperor's New Groove. Concessions open at 7:30 PM; movie starts at 8:45 PM. Children must be supervised by an adult.
  • Urgent Volunteer Coordinators Needed for 2026-2027: We need parent leaders to coordinate vital student competitions (VASO, Odyssey of the Mind, Reflections), community events, staff appreciation, and fundraisers for next school year. Without coordinators, these programs cannot run. Please express interest by July 1, 2026.
  • Support the PTA: It is never too late to support our school community, staff, and students by becoming an official member! 

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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 Parents:

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

https://tinyurl.com/mcnairharristeeter 

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

Corporate Donation to the PTA

Did you know that the McNair Elementary PTA is a 501- 3(c) non profit (EIN 332743954) meaning your deductions are tax deductible!

As the year ends, please consider making a donation to the PTA and checking with your employer to see if they will match your donation.



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