McNamara Update - September 15, 2025

Posted Date: 9/15/25 (9:00 AM)

McNamara Elementary School

September 15, 2025

Dear McNamara Families,

Last week was a terrific week at McNamara! Around the building students are settling into new routines and getting a terrific start on learning.

On Friday we will have our first school-wide assembly. Students and staff are invited to wear Bville/McNamara spirit wear, or the Bville colors (red, white and black).

Please remember to click the form linked below anytime your child will be absent, late to school, picked up early, or have a change for dismissal. It's a great idea to save this as a bookmark! It will also be linked to these family updates each week.

Thank you for all of your support throughout the start of this year!

Mindy Howard

Principal - McNamara Elementary School

Attendance & Dismissal Change

Upcoming Fire Drills

Pending the weather, our school will be conducting Fire Drills (emergency evacuation) during the week of September 15. These annual drills are part NYS mandated requirements and a component of our district and building safety plan. During the fire drills students will be supervised by our staff and instructed on what to do in the event of an actual emergency evacuation. The drills being conducted are scheduled to last approximately 10 minutes. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to update and practice our safety and security measures for our students and staff.

Curriculum Night

Just like last year, we will run our curriculum night in an "open house" format! Students are encouraged to attend with their parents/guardians - we are excited for our students to act as McNamara tour guides for their families. We ask that all adults remain with their students for the duration of the evening.

This event will take place in the evening on September 24. Doors open at 5:15 pm. The following suggested times are to help alleviate parking challenges, but please come whenever the timing is best for your family:

5:15-6:00 - Families with last names A-L

6:00-6:45 - Families with last names M-Z

The above times are very flexible! Here is an example to help visualize the evening. Once your family arrives, you may begin by visiting each student's classroom. Then you could head to the other tour stops (cafeteria, health office, gym, etc.). A paper with the tour stops will be handed out at the door. This may take longer if you have more than one McNamara student, and you do not have to finish within 30 minutes!

Teachers are excited to chat with families and answer any questions you may have. They will not be giving a formal presentation, however the information historically shared at curriculum night will be sent out prior to the event.

Please be prepared to use our threat detection system upon entering. Items such as tablets, umbrellas, and glasses cases will need to be passed around the system, so you can prepare by taking those items out of your bags when arriving. Phones/keys can go through the system!