

McNair Eagle News
May 11, 2025
Principal's Message
Over the last few weeks, we have had McNair students place well in several competitions. We had two students win 1st and 2nd place in the San Joaquin County Office of Education Art Show, and our musical classes participated in an event. Choir received 1st place with a score of Excellent, Band received 2nd place with a score of Superior, and Orchestra received 1st place with a score of Superior. The Orchestra also received the top score for High School Orchestras.
In Sports news, our Boys Volleyball team made it to the playoffs, and our Esports team is going to the Championship, which will take place on May 17th from 1:00-5:00 PM (for High Schools) at UOP. The event runs all day and has lots to offer. Please see the flyer below for more information.
We also have a student from Culinary Arts who earned 1st place in the Regional and State FCCLA competitions, and is now eligible to represent California at the National Competition.
Congratulations to these students, as well as those who have competed and placed this year. You have made McNair proud.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Nicole Vertar, M. Ed.
Principal
Ronald E. McNair High School
Helpful Information
Calendar of Events
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
AP Testing
AP testing started May 5 and runs through May 16. Students taking AP tests have received information about their specific test schedule. Students should arrive 15 minutes prior to the test start time.
May 12, 8:00 Calculus
May 13, 8:00 Precalculus
May 14, 8:00 English Language
May 15, 8:00 Spanish Language
May 16, 8:00 Physics 1
May 16, 12:00 Psychology
Esports Championship
The 2025 Esports Championship will take place on May 17 at University of the Pacific. Admission is free and there will be raffles for audience members. Please see the flyer below for more information.
Summer Meals
Lodi USD Nutrition Services is proud to offer free meals to all children ages 2–18 this summer at multiple locations across the district. The Summer Meals Program will run during June and July, providing nutritious breakfasts and lunches to help keep kids healthy and fueled all summer long.
Please help spread the word to families in your school community.
You can find a full list of participating meal sites linked below:
Click on the link below for the flyer - English:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v-0zI_7EbZIHJ2PT2TltFDR4bm8kb_KT/view?usp=sharing
Click on the link below for the flyer - Spanish:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qTCqH1hpkbzfWzJo6-EX6SjwKttewZXG/view?usp=sharing
News from the Career Center
The San Joaquin County Human Services Agency’s Employee Engagement Committee is in need of student volunteers to assist with their annual picnic on Sunday, May 18th. Shifts will be four hours from 12 – 4 pm at the Micke Grove—Delta Shelter and lunch and parking is provided. Help is needed with set up, clean up, food service, and kids zone supervision. For detailed information please contact teamhsa#sjgov.org.
Flyers with a QR code for registration for the above events are posted on the Career Center and Eagle News bulletin board.
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.
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.
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
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.