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Fins Up Newsletter

McKissick Academy of Science and Technology - 10.3.2025

Fins UpNewsletterMcKissick Academy of Science and Technology - 10.3.2025

October 3, 2025

Happy Friday, Shark Families! We officially ended our 1st quarter today. It has been a great first nine weeks and I am so proud of all of our Sharks and how they have grown so much so far. Great job to our 5th grade leaders with having over 98% of our students here this week! Thank you to our parents for ensuring students are in attendance. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and we can't wait to see you Monday!

Committed to Success,

Heather Touchberry

Leaders who Read was a Success! Leaders who Read was a Success!

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Bully Prevention Month Bully Prevention Month

October is Bullying Prevention Month!
This month, Ms. Moore is helping students learn how to recognize the difference between bullying, conflict, and a mean moment. She’s also teaching them strategies to stand up for themselves or seek help when needed.

We encourage you to continue the conversation at home—talk with your child about what bullying looks like and how they can respond safely and confidently.


Students can dress up during Red Ribbon Spirit Week (October 27th-30th) to show others they are going to stand up against bullying and they are going to make healthy choices.

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MAST Happenings MAST Happenings

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🌟 Career Day is Coming! 🌟

We’re looking for parent and family volunteers to share their careers with our students! We want to expand the learning from Career Day. These can be presented inside the building or outside (tractors, animals, trucks, etc.).

This is a wonderful chance to inspire our sharks, show them the many paths their futures can take, and spark new dreams. Students love seeing their families participate in the learning and the events we have at school.

📅 Date: Friday, November 21st 12:00-2:00

If you’re interested in participating, have contact information to share, or need more information, please email Ms. Moore at whitneymoore@pickens.k12.sc.us.

These are some ideas, but certainly open to any suggestions or help: military, anything with animals, stem careers, welding

We would also love donations so we can provide our volunteers with lunch.


Thank you for helping make Career Day an exciting and meaningful experience for our students! 💙✨

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Community Events Community Events

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Volunteer Training - New Procedures for 2025-2026

We have some exciting news that may help our busy families with meeting our volunteer requirements. We are now offering a VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING! Follow the steps in the attached file to be cleared to chaperone for field trips and other school events. Please note that MAST requires that all volunteers have a current background check through our Raptor system (information about how to order is in the attached document). Background checks are good for 3 calendar years. If you have any questions, please contact me at whitneymoore@pickens.k12.sc.us. We look forward to working with you this year!

Also, let me know if you would like to be added to PTO's email distribution list for opportunities to help volunteer through their events and activities this year.


https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/volunteers

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STEM Corner

Check out this video showcasing how our STEM Magnet program supports STEM and career development all the way through high school.

Title I Corner Title I Corner

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We had our first Title I parent workshop of the year on Tuesday were we discussed how to raise a student that loves to read! In case you missed it, here are the slides with many great resources!

MAST Fundraisers MAST Fundraisers

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SHARK Spirit Rock

The Spirit Rock is available for families to rent, offering a special way to celebrate your student! Check out the guidelines and sign-up link below. All proceeds will go toward funding our field trips this year!

Please be sure to pay AND sign up on SignUp Genius.


https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vBLqddeF8_VIOX9hdDiv9yMhXzOjgDY4qjpdcpUdO84/edit?usp=sharing

Box Tops for Education

Did you know you can earn money for our school just by submitting your grocery receipts? The Box Tops for Education Program has never been easier. Follow the steps below to download the app. You can upload paper or digital receipts OR connect your Walmart account and it will automatically connect each time you make a purchase.


Don't want to download the app? No problem. Send in your grocery receipts with your student and we will upload it for you.


Share the referral code with all of your friends and family to maximize our earnings!

https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=HZ5F0LUF&school_id=59989



And....National Box Tops Week is October 13-19. All that week, we can earn double Box Tops on all participating products and earn 20 Bonus Box Tops when you buy 4 participating products. Refer a Friend Bonus also runs the month of October with our referral code.

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MAST Calendar of Events MAST Calendar of Events

October 7: Fall Picture Day

October 9th-24th- PTO Boo Grams sales

October 3 End of Grading Period

October 13 No School

October 14 Teacher In-Service

October 15 Report cards

October 17 Fun Friday: Color Run

October 17 Honor Roll Call - Principal’s Breakfast

October 21 Pup Tales 8:15 AM; Spirit Night: Merrell’s Pizza 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

October 23 Title 1 Parent Workshop #2 - Power of Play 8:15 OR 1:30 PM

October 24 Shark of the Month 8:00 AM; Slushies $1

October 28 Boo Grams delivered

October 30 Field Trip to 5 Point; Book Character Dress Up Day; Beta Club Meeting 3:00-4:00

October 31 No School

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McKissick Academy of Science and Technology

Email: heathertouchberry@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: https://mast.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 156 McKissick Road, Easley, SC, USA
Phone: 864.397.2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MASTFINSUP
Twitter: @mastfinsup

Lauren Phillips
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