McNair MS Weekly Newsletter

Dear McNair Families,

Thank you for your continued support of Ronald E. McNair Middle School! Your partnership is essential to the success of our students, and we are grateful for everything you do to support our Astros.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to take a moment to send our love, encouragement, and support to all breast cancer warriors, survivors, and families who have been impacted by breast cancer. We stand with you!

Important Dates & Reminders:

Monday, October 12 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Students will be out of school on Monday, October 12, 2026. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, October 13.

Friday, October 16 – Grades Visible to Parents
Grades will be visible to parents in the parent portal beginning October 16. Please encourage your student to complete all assigned work, submit assignments on time, and communicate with their teachers if they need additional support.

Tuesday & Wednesday, October 6–7 – 7th Grade JA BizTown
Our 7th grade students will participate in JA BizTown this Tuesday and Wednesday. Permission forms have already been distributed to students. We are excited for our students to have this hands-on learning experience!

Important School Expectations:

Please continue to remind your students of the following expectations:

• Only clear or mesh bookbags are permitted.
• No vaping or tobacco/nicotine products are permitted.
• Bullying is not tolerated. All incidents will be addressed in accordance with the Fulton County Schools Code of Conduct and appropriate consequences will be determined based on the circumstances.

Celebrating Our Coaches & Custodians

We also want to recognize the adults who make a tremendous impact on our students and school community!

Friday, October 2 was National Custodian Day, and we are incredibly grateful for our custodial team and the dedication they demonstrate every day in keeping our school clean, safe, and welcoming.

Tuesday, October 6 is National Coaches Day! We want to celebrate all of our academic, athletic, and extracurricular coaches who invest their time, energy, and expertise into helping our students grow, develop, and succeed. Thank you for the lasting impact you make on our Astros!

Thank you again, McNair families, for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our students. Together, we will continue to ensure that Excellence is the Standard at McNair!

With appreciation,

Dr. Keenan Cameron
Principal

Parents/Guardians,

Please take a moment to review the Student Code of Conduct document linked below. After reviewing the document, please complete the acknowledgment in Infinite Campus by August 31.

Submitting the acknowledgment confirms that you have received and reviewed the Student Code of Conduct and are aware of the district's expectations for student behavior and conduct.

Parents/Guardians,

Please take a few moments to review the Student/Parent/Guardian Device Handbook with your child. The handbook outlines important expectations for the care, use, and responsibility of school-issued devices.

We also encourage families to consider purchasing device insurance. Device insurance can help reduce the financial burden associated with accidental damage, loss, or repair of student devices throughout the school year.

https://www.fultonschools.org/all-departments/information-technology/it

Dear McNair Middle School 7th Grade Parents and Guardians,

We want to remind families of Georgia’s immunization requirements for students entering 7th grade.

All 7th-grade students are required to have documentation of the following vaccinations:

• 1 dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• 1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) vaccine

Students must also have a valid Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) on file with the school.

IMPORTANT DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Any 7th-grade student who does not have the required immunizations or proper immunization documentation on file by September 18, 2026, will be unenrolled from McNair Middle School.

If your child has already received the required vaccinations, please ensure that an updated Form 3231 has been submitted to the school. If your child still needs one or more required vaccinations, please contact your healthcare provider or local health department as soon as possible.

For additional information regarding immunization requirements and available vaccination services, please contact your healthcare provider or visit the Georgia Department of Public Health or Fulton County Board of Health linked below.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this important requirement and for helping us ensure that all of our Astros are properly enrolled and ready to learn.

https://www.fultonschools.org/all-departments/academics/district-health-services/immunizations

Fulton County Schools screens students for gifted services twice each school year through automatic screening, classroom screening, and reported referrals. Students who meet the established screening criteria and have supporting data may be referred for additional testing to determine gifted eligibility. Parents are notified and must provide written consent before testing takes place.

Additional testing will take place Monday, September 28, 2026 to Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Please refer to the full document linked below for additional details regarding screening criteria, referrals, testing, and eligibility.

Please access the link here for the English document

Please access the link here for the Spanish document.

We are excited to announce that all 8th-grade scholars at McNair Middle School will take the PSAT 8/9 on Wednesday, October 14, 2026!

The PSAT is more than just a test. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their strengths in reading, writing, and mathematics while gaining valuable insight into their college and career readiness journey. The assessment helps students identify areas of growth and prepares them for future academic success.

How can scholars prepare?

✅ Attend school daily and be actively engaged in class.
✅ Read each day independently.
✅ Practice math skills and problem-solving.
✅ Complete assignments and seek help when needed.
✅ Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before testing.

🌠 Additional testing information and preparation resources will be shared in the coming weeks.

Link to the Weekly Newsletter - October 4, 2026

Link to the October 4, 2026 Newsletter

Link to the October 4, 2026 Newsletter

Link to the October 4, 2026 Newsletter

This school year, Ronald E. McNair Middle School is fully implementing the Fulton County Schools Personal Electronic Devices (PED) Policy. Under this policy, all personal electronic devices (PEDs), including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and similar devices, must be powered off and stored in students' individually assigned lockers from 8:55 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.

This bell-to-bell PED policy is designed to support a focused learning environment, promote student well-being, and enhance school safety. Limited exceptions are available for students with documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations, verified medical needs, or approved instructional use.

Students who are found in violation of the PED policy will have their devices confiscated and submitted to Principal Cameron for safekeeping. Parents or guardians may retrieve confiscated devices between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Additionally, progressive disciplinary measures will be implemented, including mandatory parent conferences and increased

consequences for repeated violations.

We encourage all families to review the attached flyer for detailed information regarding policy expectations, approved exceptions, and disciplinary procedures. Thank you for your partnership in supporting a safe and productive learning environment for all students.

FCS Cell Phone Policy - English

FCS Cell Phone Policy - Spanish

From September 15 through October 15, McNair Middle School will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities.

Throughout the month, students will participate in engaging activities, including daily trivia, cultural displays, interactive food and geography challenges, a door-decorating contest, student and staff spotlight videos, and a special Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week.

These activities are designed to promote learning, appreciation, and celebration of the diverse Hispanic heritage represented within our school community. We look forward to learning together and celebrating the many contributions of Hispanic cultures with our students and families.

Dear McNair Families,

Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Title I Meeting. We appreciate your partnership and commitment to supporting student success at Ronald E. McNair Middle School.

If you were unable to attend, please review the attached PowerPoint presentation, which includes important information about our Title I program, available resources, and ways families can support student achievement.

We value your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts after reviewing the presentation. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please access the Title I Annual Meeting PowerPoint here.

At Ronald E. McNair Middle School, Excellence Is the Standard!

🚀📚

Families, we invite you to join Fulton County Schools Board Member Kimberly Dove at the upcoming District 6 Community Meetings. These meetings give you a chance to stay informed, share your voice, and learn about important initiatives affecting our schools and community.

We encourage all families to attend and partner with us in supporting student success. We hope to see you there!

Here is a parent-friendly summary you can share in your newsletter, email, or social media post:

Ronald E. McNair Middle School is excited to host 8th Grade Week Meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the school cafeteria. This special event is designed to help families and students prepare for a successful transition to high school and beyond.

During the event, families will have the opportunity to:

✅ Learn about high school admissions timelines, requirements, and important deadlines

✅ Receive information about school fees, Infinite Campus, and academic costs

✅ Explore ways to support 8th grade activities and fundraising opportunities

✅ Purchase or learn more about 8th grade shirts and other class items

✅ Connect with school leaders during a Parent Q&A session to ask questions, share ideas, and learn how to best support their child's success

This informative evening will help students and families stay connected, informed, and prepared as they navigate this important milestone year. We encourage all 8th grade families to attend and take advantage of the resources and information available.

Excellence Is the Standard! We look forward to seeing our McNair Astros families there as we work together to ensure a bright future for every student.

🚀 One Team. One Goal. Brighter Futures Start Here!

Families, we invite you to partner with us throughout the school year by attending our upcoming Ronald E. McNair Middle School events! From parent workshops and curriculum nights to Title I meetings and family engagement opportunities, each event is designed to keep you informed, connected, and empowered to support your child's success. We look forward to seeing you there as we continue working together to ensure that Excellence is the Standard! 🚀⭐

Mark your calendars and join us. Your involvement makes a difference! 💙❤️

Fulton County Schools Digital Library

The Fulton County Schools Digital Library provides students with free, 24/7 access to a variety of digital reading and learning resources both at school and at home. Through platforms such as Sora, Beanstack, TumbleBooks, and MackinVIA, students can read eBooks and audiobooks, participate in reading challenges, explore educational databases, and access interactive learning materials.

Getting started is simple: students log into ClassLink, open a reading app, and begin reading and learning. The Digital Library supports literacy development, builds confidence, expands knowledge, and encourages lifelong reading habits. All resources are available at no cost to Fulton County Schools students.

Access the flyer for additional information, QR codes, and step-by-step instructions for getting started.

Families, we need your support! 📚🚀

Help McNair Middle School continue soaring in the Fulton County 15 Million Minutes Reading Challenge! Encourage your scholar to visit the school or local library, check out a book, read daily, and log their reading minutes in Beanstack. Every minute counts toward our school goal and helps us move closer to reaching Pathfinder status. Together, we can build strong readers and reach 15 million minutes one page at a time!

Encourage your scholar to: Read. Log. Achieve. Let's keep McNair in the top rankings! ⭐📖🛸

To demonstrate our commitment, McNair Middle School would like to share some family tips about the Digital Media Lessons to discuss at home.

Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives encourages families to create healthy technology habits by setting screen-free times and spaces, using digital well-being tools, modeling positive media use, helping children recognize healthy and unhealthy screen behaviors, and discussing how technology and social media are designed to keep users engaged. The goal is to help children develop a balanced relationship with technology while supporting their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

The C.T. Vivian Foundation (CTVF) Productive Struggle Program is a literacy support initiative partnering with Ronald E. McNair Middle School during the 2026-2027 school year. The program is designed to strengthen students’ reading skills through personalized literacy instruction, volunteer mentorship, and enrichment experiences that build confidence, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and positive reading habits.

The program will serve approximately 20-30 scholars, primarily identified from 7th and 8th grade literacy support tiers. Beginning September 28, 2026, students will participate in regular literacy sessions led by community volunteers and supported by school staff. Families will also receive resources and guidance to encourage reading at home.

McNair Middle School is excited to partner with WCYE to share several upcoming opportunities for our students and families. Highlights include the Parent Blueprint: Grace-Based Parenting Boot Camp for parents of middle school students, a Student Movie Experience, the Identity Unleashed Girls’ Tea Party for middle school girls, and a College Tour opportunity for 7th and 8th grade students. These experiences are designed to support students’ academic, social, and personal growth while strengthening family engagement. Families are encouraged to review the flyer below and register as soon as possible. For select events, RSVP by texting WCYEBRIDGE to 51555.

Please access the entire document by clicking here.

The McNair Middle School School Governance Council (SGC) is inviting parents, staff, and community members to provide feedback, suggestions, questions, and comments to help inform council decisions. Community members can submit public comments by scanning the QR code listed below.

The School Governance Council is responsible for:

• Approving the school's Strategic Plan and updates
• Approving the annual budget and resource allocations
• Managing flexibility requests
• Participating in the hiring of the principal when applicable
• Providing annual feedback on principal performance

Beginning this school year, Fulton County Schools is transitioning its online payment platform from OSP (Online School Payments) to SchoolCash Online.

Families are encouraged to register for SchoolCash Online and add their students as soon as possible to ensure they are prepared to make school-related payments throughout the year.

Key Benefits of SchoolCash Online:

• Safe and secure payment system trusted by schools nationwide
• Convenient online payments anytime, anywhere
• Access to payment reminders and payment history
• Ability to manage multiple students under one account

Families can register by visiting SchoolCash Online through the district website or by scanning the QR code provided on the flyer.

Register early and add your student(s) now to avoid delays and be ready for the school year ahead.

⚽

Our McNair Astros soccer team kicked off the season on September 2 and will compete throughout the season against several area middle schools. All games begin at 5:30 PM, with several home matches taking place at McNair Middle School.

We encourage all families, staff, and community members to come out and support our scholar-athletes throughout the season! Your presence and encouragement from the sidelines help build school spirit, foster teamwork, and motivate our students to perform their best both on and off the field.

Let's fill the stands and cheer on the Astros as they represent McNair with pride, determination, and sportsmanship. Go Astros! ⚽🚀

McNair Middle School is proud to recognize and celebrate our newly elected Student Government Association (SGA) Officers for the 2026-2027 school year. These outstanding student leaders will serve as representatives of the 8th-grade class, helping to amplify student voice, promote school spirit, support service initiatives, and foster a positive school culture.

We are excited to see the creativity, leadership, and dedication these students will bring to our school community. Their commitment to serving others and making a positive impact reflects the values we strive to cultivate at McNair Middle School.

Congratulations to our SGA Officers! We thank our families for their continued support and look forward to a successful and inspiring school year together. These student leaders will help strengthen connections within our school and community through leadership and service.

McNair Middle School SGA Advisory Team

The McNair Astros Flame Dance Team, sponsored by Mr. Kevin Moore-Brown, Ms. Vanessa Lewis, and Ms. Taylor Malone, provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and creativity through dance while representing McNair Middle School with pride. Team members perform at school and community events throughout the year and are expected to maintain strong academic and behavioral standing.

We are excited to announce that the Dance Team will compete in the Battle on the Southside Middle School Dance Line Competition on October 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM at M.D. Roberts School of the Arts in Clayton County. This event will showcase dance teams from across the region in categories including field show, stand battle, creative performance, and parade. We wish our dancers the very best as they prepare to represent McNair with excellence and school spirit!

Parents interested in learning more about the team may contact Mr. Moore-Brown at moorebrownk@fultonschools.org or Ms. Malone at malonet@fultonschools.org or Ms. Lewis at

lewisv3@fultonschools.org.