McNair Upper Elementary School, Weekly News & Updates

MUES Weekly News & Updates

September 18, 2026

Hello MUES Families,

We're now into the swing of things at McNair Upper! Expectations have been established, teachers are deep into teaching first quarter curriculum, and 5th and 6th grade Chorus began. Over the past two weeks, our students have also participated in both iReady and MAP testing. Additionally, some students are also participating in VALLSS testing with their homeroom teacher and/or ELD testing with our Multilanguage teachers. Beginning of the year assessments are an important tool for understanding each student’s strengths, needs, and current level of learning. In the coming weeks, our grade level teams will be analyzing beginning of the year student data to identify areas where students may need additional support, enrichment, or targeted instruction so that learning experiences can be tailored to help every student make meaningful progress throughout the school year. For those students requiring a reading and/or math intervention group, your Mustang's classroom teacher will be communicating this information to you by way of our upcoming 1st quarter interim report. We launch our intervention groups beginning on Tuesday, October 13th. We look forward to supporting our Mustangs with making great progress this school year! 

As a friendly reminder, school is closed on Monday, September 21st in honor of Yom Kippur. We will welcome our Mustangs back at 8:35 AM on Tuesday, September 22nd.  

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From September 15th to October 15th, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Have a nice weekend, Mustang Family! 

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Goddin

MMGoddin@fcps.edu

Upcoming Events-Save the Date!

calendar
  • September 20th: Asha Jyoti Fun Run at 8:00 AM/Fairfax Corner
  • September 21st: Yom Kippur; school closed
  • October 9th: Hispanic Heritage Night at 5:30 PM/McNair Upper ES
  • October 12th: Indigenous Peoples Day; school closed for students
  • October 13th: Intervention groups begin 
  • October 15th: 1st Quarter Interims sent home in Thursday Folders 
  • October 29th:  Fall Picture Day at McNair Upper
new updates

Below are some new announcements and updates for you to read through.

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We hope you can join us for this exciting community event as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. If you have questions, please feel free to connect with Ms. Vargas, Family Liaison. 

Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS. 

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

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Join us on Sunday, September 20th, for the Asha-Jyothi 18th Annual 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run at Fairfax Corner! How to Support McNair Upper:

Register here

Use coupon code AJ4SCHOOLS at checkout.

Using this code sends a direct donation straight to our school.

friendly reminders

Below are some friendly reminders for you to read through.

September McNair AAP Community Newsletter

Here is the link to access this month's McNair AAP Community Newsletter: 

September AAP Community Newsletter

Fall 2026 Advanced Academic Programs Updates and Upcoming Meetings

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.

Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:

  • Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
  • Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.

  • All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
  • Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
  • Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Mrs. Janofsky, School Testing Coordinator, at mljanofsky@fcps.edu by September 30.

Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Mrs. Janofsky and Mrs. Burg, the McNair Upper and McNair Primary Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART):

  • AAP Continuum of Services: Tuesday September 29th at 5:30pm in McNair Elementary School Cafeteria (Primary). Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
  • Full-Time AAP Identification: Tuesday October 20th at 5:30pm in the McNair Upper Elementary School Cafeteria. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.

For more information, please contact Kaitlin Burg, AART at McNair Elementary, at kmburg@fcps.edu or Mallory Janofsky, AART at McNair Upper Elementary, at mljanofsky@fcps.edu, or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. McNair Upper Elementary School students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. 

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out, please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 

Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.

Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 

pta news

Updates Dates

  • Fri, Sep 18 (5:00–6:30 PM) Upper Mustang Meetup: Outdoor playground hangout for McNair Upper (Grades 3–6) families.
  • Wed, Sep 23 PTA General Meeting & Student Competitions Info Session *NOTE DATE CHANGE*
    • General Meeting & Info Session: 6:30 PM (McNair Primary Cafeteria). Vote on our annual budget and membership options, followed by an info session on student academic competitions (Science Olympiad/VASO, Reflections, Chess, and ACSL).
  • Fri, Oct 2 (5:00–6:30 PM) Primary Mustang Meetup: Outdoor playground hangout for McNair Primary (PreK–2) families
  • Wed, Oct 7 McNair Fall Chess Club: After School Chess Club for Grade 3-6. Registration Link: https://chessctr.org/mcnair/. All levels welcome. Beginning Oct 7 on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00 pm at McNair Lower. For more information, email Ms. Chin at mcnairchess@gmail.com or the PTA board@mcnairespta.org
  • Fri, Oct 9 (5:00–6:30 PM) Upper Mustang Meetup: Outdoor playground hangout for McNair Upper (Grades 3–6) families.
  • Sat, Oct 10 McNair Chess Tournament: Sat, Oct 10 at McNair ES, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr., Herndon, VA. Three (3) sections (K-3, K-5, K-8). K-3 plays 5 rounds, K-5 and K-8 play 4 rounds. Doors open at 8 am.  Round 1 at 9 AM, later rounds as soon as possible after the previous round. Registration $40 by Oct 6th, $45 by Oct 8th, $50 thereafter and onsite. US Chess membership required. Register and get more info: https://caissachess.net/register/11114354.Questions should be addressed to mcnairchess@gmail.com. 

Announcements