

McNair Eagle News
April 27, 2025
Principal's Message
I would like to congratulate our Health Occupations Classes and Program for again being the Number 1 School in Northern California for blood collection during school American Red Cross Blood Drives. McNair collected 305 units of blood, saving many lives.
I would like to congratulate our students who participated and placed in the Spring Art Show, as well as the Lodi Teen Poetry Slam Competition. I would also like to Congratulate Mrs. Fitzgerald, and the cast and crew of our Spring Musical for their outstanding work. The show was enjoyed by all who attended.
We have a School Site Council Meeting this coming Tuesday, the 29th at 3:30 in the McNair Career Center. This is a great opportunity for parents to give input on the development of the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) which is the driving force behind our Title 1 spending. All are welcome to attend, though only elected members may vote.
We will also be running our WINGS program for several weeks in May. This gives students the opportunity to receive intervention or enrichment throughout the school day.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Nicole Vertar, M. Ed.
Principal
Ronald E. McNair High School
Helpful Information
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, April 29---School Site Council---3:30 in the McNair Career Center
Thursday, May 8---Music in Our Schools---6:30 in the McNair Theater
Saturday, May 10---Prom---7:00 PM-11:00 PM at the Reserve at Spanos Park
Wednesday, May 14---Senior Music Night and Combined Concert---6:30 in the McNair Theater
Tuesday, May 20---Senior Awards Night---6:00-8:00 in the McNair Theater
Thursday, May 22---Area 1 Senior Walk
Monday, May 26---No School---Memorial Day Holiday
Friday, May 30---Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025---7:00 at UOP's Spanos Center
School Smartphone Usage for the 2025-2026 School Year
Lodi Unified School District Families:
This important update is being shared regarding smartphone use during school in 2025-2026.
Beginning next school year, students will be required to keep their smartphones turned off and stored in their backpacks during the regular school day. This practice, already in place at many of our elementary and middle schools, aligns with Lodi Unified School District’s Board Policy 5131: Student Conduct.
This Board of Education approved change is designed to reduce distractions, support student mental health, minimize instances of cyberbullying and support student academic discourse throughout the school day. Research strongly supports limiting phone use during the school day, and similar policies are being adopted in schools across the state. In fact, California’s Assembly Bill 3216 will require school districts to adopt such policies by July 1, 2026. Please note that exceptions will be made for students with medical needs or accommodations outlined in their IEPs.
We understand that this may change how you communicate with your child during the day, even though they will be able to retrieve messages or return calls at the end of the regular school day. Our school offices are always available to relay important messages, and students can use office phones if needed. In the event of an emergency, it's essential that students stay focused on staff instructions. First responders recommend limiting phone use to ensure safety and clear communication.
We’ll share more information as the school year approaches, but we appreciate your support in preparing your student for this shift. Please take a moment to discuss these expectations with your child.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and focused learning environment.
San Joaquin County Public Service Announcement
San Joaquin County Public Health Services asks that your school please share this letter to the parents and guardians of all children enrolled in your school to ensure all students do not miss any necessary school days this upcoming school year.
- Students currently in 6th grade who will be entering in the 7th grade next school season.
- Students currently in TK or any child who will be entering into kindergarten this next school season.
- Any newly enrolled students who will be starting school this next school season.
- Any children who are conditionally enrolled and are due for vaccinations.
Click on the link below to access the Immunization Program Advisory Letter:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFjBVv7fXhUmwUfIE1AyI6H2T-_bLTG2/view?usp=sharing
If you have any questions, call Erin Genevieve Dizon, SJC Public Health Services at
209-468-8400 Ext. 28030.
Senior Portraits for the Class of 2026
Current Juniors (next year's Seniors) should have received a slip with an appointment code to register online to take their Senior portraits. Students will need to use that code at prestigeportraits.com. Senior portraits will take place on campus over the summer on June 11, 12, and 13 from 9AM-4PM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
If students do not schedule their appointment, will be out of the country/state, or otherwise miss their appointment time, there will be makeups at the beginning of the next school year with a limited number of appointments available. It is IMPERATIVE if students are able to take them in June, that they do so.
The slips students received should have a QR code with a link to a slide deck with information on how to schedule appointments. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Attention Graduates
Graduation will be Friday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the Spanos Center on the campus of UOP. Graduation practice will be on Thursday, May 29 at McNair, starting at 8:30 AM. There will also be a practice on Friday, the 30th, where we will be traveling to UOP. Attendance at both practices is mandatory to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Please note that every graduate will only receive 10 tickets for gradation. Each person in attendance (including small children) will need a ticket. This is a Fire Marshall/Safety regulation. Tickets will be distributed on May 29 or 30. Additionally, noise makers, flowers, balloons, and large signs are NOT allowed in the Spanos Center. This is a UOP regulation. Caps and Gowns MAY NOT be decorated. No money or candy leis are allowed either.
Students must also remember that if they violate a school rule or Ed Code Regulation and earn a consequence that results in a 45 Day Social Probation, they will be unable to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
News from the Career Center
Seniors who have been chosen for a Scholarship Award should email vmenezes@lodiusd.org to be included in the annual Senior Awards Night ceremony, which will be May 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Theater.
Prom
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates about McNair High School’s 2025 Prom, a magical evening your student won't want to miss! This year’s enchanting theme is "Once Upon a Time," and the event will be held on Saturday, May 10th, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the beautiful Reserve at Spanos Park.
At this time, we are officially sold out of prom tickets. However, we are maintaining a waitlist for students who were unable to purchase their tickets during the initial sale. If your student is still interested in attending, please encourage them to join the waitlist as soon as possible.
Following ticket purchases, students had the opportunity to vote for their Prom Royalty. The top four nominees with the most votes will make up our Royal Court and will have two weeks before prom to campaign among their peers.
Guests can look forward to:
· Light appetizers and refreshments
· Professional printed and digital photos to capture the evening
· A night full of music, memories, and magic with DJ Nia Star and June
- Crowning of our Prom King and Queen
Please note the following important guidelines:
· Doors will close at 8:00 PM. No students will be admitted after this time.
· All attendees must leave the venue promptly at the end of the event. Students who do not leave the venue within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the prom risk not being able to attend future events.
· The event will be chaperoned by McNair staff and supported by student volunteers at the entrance to ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone.
We can’t wait to celebrate this unforgettable night with our students!
H2O Hackathon
Calling all high school students! It's time to register for the 2025 H2O Hackathon! Students compete for $20,000 in cash prizes. The event is free, including lunch and snacks. There are two competitions at the H2O Hackathon.
• A competition to build a mobile app. No coding experience needed and there are tutorials available.
• Multimedia competition.
Students can compete in either the high school or college division. This year's theme for the challenge is "Hack the Tap."
The event is Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at the San Joaquin County Office of Education, Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Dr., Stockton, CA 95206.
Learn more and register at https://h2ohackathon.org/
Click on the link below for the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e_MAGYqZxnkHgPNfQJCwcp2ZqTPlc5ey/view?usp=sharing
Click on the link below for the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t36aPB_NTrUZ_2LsSaaYG2acJhemH6dM/view?usp=sharing
Become a Teacher
Are you interested in becoming a teacher in Lodi Unified? If so, please click on the link for a flyer with some general information.
Click on the link below for the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1spy4kOPRTxApdBIEVTTKy7Q6KOuiiOcJ/view?usp=sharin
High School Summer School
CREDIT RECOVERY & ADVANCEMENT
Locations: Tokay H.S. & Bear Creek H.S.
Dates: June 9, 2025 - July 10, 2025
OPEN ENROLLMENT REGISTRATION: March 3 – May 12, 2025
Open to ALL students Seeking Credit Recovery or Advancement:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 12, 2025
For more information on H.S. Summer School, see program flyer below:
English Flyer: H.S. Summer School 2025
Spanish Flyer: H.S. Summer School Flyer - Spanish
APEX LEARNING
Summer School Credit Recovery Program
Self-Paced, Digital Learning Curriculum
Designed for Non-Grad & Credit Deficient Students in Need of 15 or More Credits
Location: Tokay High & Bear Creek H.S.
Dates: June 9, 2025-July 10, 2025
Counselors Approval Required for APEX Registration. See your counselor to register.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 23, 2025
For more information on the APEX Summer Program, see program flyer below:
- English: APEX - Student Flyer 2025
- Spanish: APEX - Student Flyer 2025 (Spanish)
New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
We want to inform you about the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a new, free, 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress or facing a mental health crisis. If you or your child ever need support, simply call or text 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 to connect with trained professionals who can help.
This is an important resource for your family’s well-being. Please save this number.
Special Education Parent Training Series
Please click the link below for information on a series of trainings to help parents navigate the Special Education system.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Votq7Ybt0c2PSy8x0o67NiEtGKqcQ-KE/view?usp=sharing