Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Parent News
December 2023
Dear Families,
It is hard to believe we are moving into the fourth month of school and the final month of 2023. It also means that Mrs. Graber has begun her intern practicum. She has taken over all principal responsibilities until the end of marking period 2. Though we know everyone will miss Mrs. Moses' leadership for the next few weeks, we are confident that Dr. McNair students will continue to grow in their academic achievements and blossoming relationships. Mrs. Graber looks forward to continuing to connect with the Dr. McNair community and working with staff and students to achieve growth goals in a supportive and engaging environment. We would also like to share that there has been a shift in our visiting principal. Below you will find the letter introducing our new visiting principal, Megan McLaughlin, principal of A. Mario Loiederman Middle School, who will join us on Monday, December 4th.
December may mean your family’s calendar is filled with special events and activities. Enjoy the festivities, but don’t let learning take a holiday. We have four full weeks of learning ahead of us and look forward to making some great growth during this time. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, keeps up with homework, and is in school on time every day.
The Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES staff and administration would like to thank all parents/guardians who attended the November Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you have not had the chance to meet and/or speak with your student’s teacher, it’s not too late! Please contact your student’s teacher to schedule a time to meet to discuss their progress. The opportunity to share the strengths and areas of improvement for your student helps us work better together to guide them on the road to success.
Winter Break begins at the end of the full day of school on December 22. The main office will reopen, and classes will resume on January 3, 2024. Winter break is much shorter than the summer break but for many parents, it feels longer. Being stuck in the house can bring on cabin fever after a few days. Here are a few ideas for you and your student to help you survive the long winter days: Have an indoor picnic with your student; consider cooking with your student as it teaches them valuable skills and also gives them precious time with you; bundle up and go on a winter nature walk, or find out what your local library has to offer.
Included in this newsletter:
- Get to know our visiting Principal, Mrs. Megan McLaughlin
- Talent Show Interest Meeting Reminder
- SGA Winter Gear Drive
- Walking Wednesday
- Hearing and Vision Screenings
- Information on a school-wide Spirit Week!
Finally, we would also like to take this opportunity to send warm wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Graber (Jessicabay_Graber@mcpsmd.org) and Mrs. McLaughlin (Megan_M_McLaughlin@mcpsmd.org)
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jessica Graber, Principal Intern
&
Mrs. Megan McLaughlin, Visiting Principal
Get to Know our NEW Visiting Principal: Megan McLaughlin
We are excited to introduce Ms. Megan McLaughlin as our visiting principal. We know this is a change from our previous information but we are excited to welcome Ms. McLaughlin back to the McNair community. Ms. McLaughlin will be supporting Mrs. Graber throughout her Intern Practicum.
A message from Mrs. McLaughlin: I am beyond excited to support Ms. Graber and the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School community as the visiting principal for the next two months. This is my 26th year in MCPS and my ninth year as an administrator. During my career, I have worked in five middle schools, so this will be my first time working in an elementary school. That being said, I am a former McNair parent, and I attribute a great deal of both of my daughters’ academic achievements to their amazing elementary school teachers. I look forward to seeing some familiar faces as well as getting to know the students, staff, and families.
6th Annual Talent Show Interest Meeting 12.6.23
6th Annual Talent Show Interest Meeting
Date: Dec 6, 2023
Place: Gym
Time: 8:30am to 9:00 am
(Parents are not allowed to attend to this meeting.)
We are excited to host our 6th Annual Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Talent Show. Fliers will be coming home on or before November 17, 2023 with additional information. We usually have more than 150 students trying out for 30 spots. We wish we could give them all an opportunity to perform, but unfortunately, we can't. There are no guarantees that your student/child will make the show, but they will never know unless they try! If you have questions, please see Mrs. Margaret Taylor or email her at Margaret_E_Taylor@mcpsmd.org. (or) Margaret.E.Taylor@mcpsmd.net
We'll see your child at the informational meeting.
Good luck to all!!!!
SGA Winter Gear Drive
During the week of December 11th-15th, the McNair Student Government will be hosting a Winter Gear Drive. They will be collecting new (with tags), gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. There will be a collection bin at the school entrance. Thank you in advance for any donations you are able to make to this effort.
Walking Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Hearing and Vision Screenings Dec. 15th, 18th & 19th
Children who fail the vision and/or hearing screening will receive the results via the U.S. mail and will be encouraged to take the results to their health care provider for further evaluation.
While your child may pass the school-based vision or hearing screening, it is important to know that screenings may not detect every vision or hearing problem. Parents/guardians should be aware of possible problems, symptoms of problems, and who may be at greatest risk for problems. Children with signs of possible vision or hearing problems should contact their school nurse or health care provider.
The Last Week Before Winter Break Spirit Week!
Dressing for the Winter Weather
Now that the cold weather has arrived, students need to be prepared to be outside for recess but, also be in warm classrooms. Please remember to dress your child for the changing temperatures. Layering clothing works best, as the mornings will be very cool with warmer afternoons. A shirt with a sweater over top is great for the classroom and then, he/she can add a heavy coat for recess.
All students should be prepared each day for outdoor recess by wearing hats, scarves, mittens or gloves, and boots, if needed. The time outdoors is important for energy release which helps with concentration for afternoon instruction. Normally, students go outside if the temperature is 32 degrees or above, including wind chill, and the blacktop areas are clear of ice and snow.
Please remember to label EVERYTHING with your child’s name. That way, as they shed their layers, we can make sure the items make their way back to the correct children.
Specialist Corner
Physical Education
Students in grades Pre-K-2 will be learning how to demonstrate the crucial elements of rolling, underhand and overhand throwing as well as catching a ball. In addition, students will be learning how to dribble with each hand while maintaining personal space.
Students in grades 3-5 will demonstrate mature patterns of throwing, catching, passing and dribbling a ball individually, with a partner and in a small group setting. In addition, students will be learning and implementing offensive and defensive strategies in modified games.
Dr. McNair PTA UPDATES
PTA General Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 5, 2023, 06:30 PM
Dual Purpose Room @ Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School
Looking Ahead
The PTA will host the S.T.E.M. Expo on Friday, January 26th. More information for students wanting to participate will be coming out in a few weeks.
Staying Informed
ALERT MONTGOMERY
Alert Montgomery is the official emergency communications service for Montgomery County, MD. During a major crisis, emergency, or severe weather event, Montgomery County officials can send event updates, warnings, and instructions directly to you on any of your devices.
Signing up for Alert Montgomery is free, but please check with your wireless provider about charges associated with text messages. Sign up at http://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov.
WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION
Winter weather emergencies, such as snow and ice, may cause disruptions in school operations, including the closure of school, a delayed opening, or an early dismissal. Information about school operations is announced publicly as soon as possible on area radio and television stations, Montgomery County Public Schools Cable TV, Outlook, and on the Internet at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org. Emergency e-mail announcements are available by signing up for MCPS Quicknotes on the school system’s home page. If schools are closed or delayed, the announcement is made no later than 5:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible). If schools are closing early, the announcement is made by 11:00 a.m. Please make sure you have a plan for delayed openings and early closings.
MCPS offers numerous ways for parents to learn about school closures, delayed openings, and early dismissals due to inclement weather.
- Remind Updates from the school
- AlertMCPS: Subscribe to AlertMCPS
- Receive text messages or emails from MCPS during weather-related emergencies and other major events that impact school system operations. Parents can also sign up to receive alerts specific to their child’s school.
- MCPS homepage: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
- MCPS cable channels: Comcast 34, Verizon 36 or RCN 89
- Recorded information: 301-279-3673
- Ask MCPS: 240-740-3000
- Staff takes calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish.
- Twitter: twitter.com/mcps
- Local radio and TV stations
- Please make sure emergency contact information on file at your child’s school is up to date.
Learn more about how weather decisions are made and how to receive information about any changes.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergencies can arise at any time. It is important to your child’s safety that we have your current address and current home and work numbers on file. If you have not already done so, please remember to sign and return all important forms that were sent home on the first day of school.
Sick Student?
We understand that students will be sick and we want to help you. When your child is sick, in addition to informing the classroom teacher, please be sure to inform the main office. The best way to do so is by completing the Student Absence form. We appreciate you keeping your student at home when they are ill.
PROCEDURE FOR A CHANGE IN THE WAY A STUDENT GOES HOME:
If a student’s plans require a change from their normal dismissal (e.g. play date, child care changes), the change must be made in writing to the homeroom teacher and front office. Please state your child’s name, the name of the individual they should be dismissed with, the date the change is occurring and your signature.
In the event of last minute changes to a student’s dismissal plans, please call the main office prior to 3:00 p.m. All students will be dismissed via their normal plan unless we have been notified of a change. Please arrange your child’s transportation home so that it is consistent. It is difficult for a child to remember where they are to go on a particular day if the routine changes daily. Students are not to call home from the school to make after school plans.
Any adults who come to school to pick up a child early will be asked to show documentation to verify identification and ensure student safety.
The front office will have quiet hours between 3:30 and 3:50 where students will not be called down for early dismissal.