McNair MS Weekly Newsletter
September 13, 2026
Dear McNair Middle School Families,
Welcome to another great week at McNair Middle School! We are excited to welcome our Astros back for another week of learning, growth, and excellence. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure every student is successful.
✍🏽 Benchmark Writing Assessment This Week
This week, our students will participate in their Benchmark Writing Assessment. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned and show their growth as writers.
Please help us by making sure your child arrives at school on time, well-rested, and ready to begin the assessment promptly. Every instructional minute matters, and we want our students to have the full opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
📚 Annual Title I Night & Curriculum Night – Wednesday, September 16
We look forward to seeing our families this Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m. for our Annual Title I Night, followed by Curriculum Night. This is an important opportunity to learn more about our Title I program, academic priorities, curriculum, student expectations, and ways you can support your child at home.
Your partnership matters, and we hope to see you there!
🍂 Fall Break – September 21–25
A reminder that students will be out of school for Fall Break from Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25. We encourage families to use this time to rest, reconnect, and prepare for a strong return to school.
🚨 Our Expectations Remain Clear
We need every McNair student focused, safe, respectful, and ready to learn. Please continue to remind your child that there is no place at McNair for:
- Bullying or teasing
- Fighting or physical aggression
- Vaping or other prohibited substances
- Disrespectful or disruptive behavior
- Any behavior that interferes with another student's ability to learn
Students are also reminded that clear or mesh book bags are required. Please make sure your child arrives at school each day with the appropriate bag and the materials needed for learning.
📅 Attendance Matters—Every Day!
Most importantly, we need our students at school every single day and on time. Every day of instruction matters. Missing even a few days can create gaps in learning, make it harder for students to keep up with assignments, and impact their overall success.
Let's continue working together to make attendance, achievement, safety, and excellence our shared priorities.
Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being valued partners in the work we do each day. We are proud to serve the McNair community, and we look forward to seeing our families on Wednesday!
Rooted in Excellence.
Excellence is the Standard.
With appreciation,
Dr. Keenan Cameron
Principal
Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Handbook
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.
Student and Parent Device Handbook
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
Immunizations
Dear McNair Middle School 7th Grade Parents and Guardians,
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, 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.
We strongly encourage families to take action before the September 18 deadline to avoid any disruption to your child's enrollment.
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
ELA Fall Writing Benchmark Assessment This Week!
This week, our students will participate in the Benchmark Writing Assessment. This important assessment provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned and showcase their growth as writers.
Assessment Schedule:
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026: All Grade 7 and Grade 8 scholars will participate in the ELA Writing Benchmark Assessment.
- Thursday, September 17, 2026: All Grade 6 scholars will participate in the ELA Writing Benchmark Assessment.
- The testing window for both administrations is 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Please help us set your child up for success by ensuring they arrive at school on time, well-rested, and ready to begin the assessment promptly. Every instructional minute matters, and we want all students to have the full opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we encourage our scholars to do their very best! ✨
Grade 8 - PSAT Administration
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.
iReady Beginning of the Year (BOY)Diagnostic Assessment - Update
The i-Ready Beginning of the Year Diagnostic Assessment has been completed. We appreciate your support in helping our scholars successfully participate in this important assessment.
The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that identifies students' strengths and areas for growth, helping educators provide targeted instructional support.
The document linked below also includes resources to help families interpret results and support learning at home, along with links to additional i-Ready family resources and contact information for questions.
7th Grade Team
8th Grade Team
Ronald E. McNair Middle School's Personal Electronic Devices (PED) Policy
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.
📸 McNair Middle School Picture Day is Coming! 🚀
Get ready to smile, Astros! Picture Day will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026. All students will be photographed for school records, yearbooks, student identification (if applicable), and optional family picture packages.
To help your child look their best, please encourage them to:
- Wear school-appropriate attire
- Choose solid colors for the best photos
- Arrive on time and ready to smile
- Groom hair before arriving
We look forward to capturing this year's memories and celebrating our amazing Astros. Let's help every scholar shine on Picture Day!
Astros, let your star shine! ⭐
Annual Title I and Curriculum Meetings
Ronald E. McNair Middle School invites families to attend its Annual Title I Meeting on September 16, 2025, from 5:30 PM. Learn about Title I programs, resources, and ways to support student success. The meeting will be followed by Annual Curriculum Night, where families can meet teachers and learn more about the curriculum. Excellence Is the Standard!
Please see the flyers for additional details and upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you there! 🚀☕️📚
Zone 6 Community Meetings
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!
Join Us for Banneker High School Cluster Night!
Families are invited to come out and support the Banneker High School Trojans as they take on Rockdale High School on Friday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. This exciting White Out and Parade Jersey Night will bring together students, families, and staff from across the Banneker Cluster schools for an evening of school spirit, community pride, and football. Wear white, represent your school, and cheer on the Trojans as we celebrate the strength of our cluster community. We look forward to seeing you there! 🏈🤍❤️🖤
Scheduled Events
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.
Beanstack Reading Challenge Launch
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! ⭐📖🛸
Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives
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.
School Governance Council
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
Canvas Resources For Families
McNair Middle School families are invited to attend a Canvas Information Session to learn more about Canvas and how it supports student learning. These sessions will provide information on creating and managing a parent account and accessing important student learning resources.
Session Dates:
- August 20 at 12:00 p.m.
- August 20 at 7:00 p.m.
- August 25 at 9:00 a.m.
- August 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Canvas Parent Flyers linked below in English and Spanish include registration links for each session.
Important Payment System Update for Fulton County Schools
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.
⚽ McNair Astros Soccer Schedule
⚽ McNair Astros Soccer Schedule
Our McNair Astros soccer team kicks off the season on September 2 and will compete against Renaissance, PD West, Camp Creek, Bear Creek, Sandtown, Woodland, and Main Street Academy. All games begin at 5:30 PM, with several home matches taking place at McNair. [Soccer Schedule | Image]
We invite all families to come out and support our scholar-athletes throughout the season! Your encouragement from the sidelines helps build school spirit and motivates our students to perform their best both on and off the field. Go Astros! ⚽🚀 [Soccer Schedule | Image]
Tennis Club
Men of McNair
