MES Family Update- Week #1 August 17, 2026
There is a level of excitement at MES as the new year approaches, but there is also a measure of apprehension. The apprehension is primarily related to the state of the renovation project. Construction crews have been great to work with throughout the project. The new rooms and renovated rooms were not turned over as early as expected. Teachers and staff are working diligently to organize classrooms, a chore that was complicated by a late delivery of new furniture. Teachers care deeply about first impressions and having everything near perfect for new students. Please be understanding as you visit in these unusual circumstances.
The renovated and new portions of the school look great. Feel free to roam a bit when you visit on Monday. I plan to have an Open House for the community once a few more of the spaces are completed. That should occur in late September or early October.
It is a pleasure to serve the McGaheysville community as a school leader. As we begin our fourth year together, I'm reminded of what makes our school special — great students, great teachers, great staff, and families who show up for their kids and for each other. That's the heart of who we are: a true community-based school, built on connection, not just classrooms.
I can't wait to see so many of you at Meet the Teacher Night as we kick off another year of learning, growing, and doing it together.
Welcome back — let's make Year 4 our best one yet.
See you on Monday evening!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
RCPS Food Service Information:
- Online Applications: FNS will begin accepting online meal applications for school year 2026-2027 beginning Thursday, August 6 at www.myschoolapps.com. You should have received a message from the Food & Nutrition Services office.
- Paper Applications: Paper applications in both English and Spanish will be distributed to students with their Day 1 packets.
- Online Payments: The online payment system is also now live. on Thursday, www.myschoolbucks.com.
If you have transportation changes, a new address or a change in request for bus transportation, please communicate with the MES office this week. It will be challenging to process any changes shared on August 17 before the first day of school.
The information that the school has been given is that finalized bus routes will be ready by late Monday afternoon. As soon as the school has the information, parents will be contacted.
Parent drop-off and pick-up will again be in the front of the school for 2026-2027. Due to the reconfiguration of parking on the playground end, there are some changes.
Drop-off will be between 8:00 and 8:10 AM each morning in front of the sidewalk to the main entrance. MES staff will be there to assist and give directions. Likely, given the space available, FOUR cars will unload at a time. Please do not unload until staff directs you. (Buses will be unloading in the large loop.)
Afternoon pick-up will also be in the same location. Please do not arrive before 2:50 PM. If some families are able, delaying arrival until 3:00 PM will help us get the buses in, and out, of the large loop. Please yield to bus and RCPSvan traffic.
I will send a reminder out prior to the first day. If this basic information prompts questions, please email them to me. That will help us craft a more detailed explanation.
School Supplies: Families should not feel pressured to purchase all of the supplies listed in the school’s supply list, particularly if there are multiple students in school. All students will be given the supplies needed to be successful in school. If you have specific questions about the supply list, please contact the MES office.
Activities & Events at MES:
Back to School Event- Monday, August 17, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Popsicles with the PTO in the cafeteria (5:30-7:00 PM)
First Day of School for Students- Thursday, August 20, 2026
MES PTO Meeting- August 26 (7 PM virtual meeting)
Schools Closed for Labor Day- September 7