Fins Up Newsletter
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology - 7.25.25
July 27, 2025
Happy last week of summer, Sharks and Shark Families! It is so hard to believe, but the school is WAY too quiet without our Sharks, so I am ready to see all of those smiling faces walk through the halls! I hope you had a fantastic summer, and I hope you are prepared to have fun while learning in the next several days! There is a lot of information below. This is our weekly school newsletter that will be sent on most Fridays before the upcoming week. Teachers will send their classroom newsletters for that current week at the beginning of the week (Mondays or Tuesdays). We hope this helps everyone stay updated and involved as much as possible because it takes a partnership with our families to ensure our Sharks reach their fullest potential! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and we will see you this coming Tuesday evening from 4pm-7pm for Meet the Teacher!
Committed to Success,
Heather Touchberry
MAST Happenings
STEM Corner
At MAST, our vision is to be a shining example of how STEM can be integrated into every aspect of education. Over the past four years, we’ve made incredible strides toward this goal.
We are proud to have been named both a Magnet School of America School of Distinction and a School of Excellence. We are also a Certified Magnet School through Magnet Schools of America. Most recently, we earned the prestigious STEM Certification from Cognia—making us the only school in the Upstate to hold this distinction!
This year, we’re aiming even higher as we work toward the honor of becoming a Palmetto’s Finest School.
We’re excited for what this year will bring! In the picture, you'll see our mission, vision, and belief statements—core values that guide everything we do. These principles inspire our entire school community to be the best for our SHARKS every day!
Title I Corner
What is Title I?
Title I is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. The goal of Title I is to help ensure that all students, regardless of their economic background, have access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to reach academic success.
These funds are used to support a variety of programs and services that help students achieve—such as additional teachers or interventionists, instructional materials, and professional development for staff.
We Need Your Input!
We recently sent home the Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the Parent-School Compact for your review. These documents outline how we work together as a school and family to support student learning.
We truly value your feedback! Please send any suggestions or revisions to Lauren Phillips, our Title I Curriculum Specialist, by August 15, so we can review all input during our upcoming planning meeting. Your voice matters in helping us strengthen our school community and support all students.
Community Happenings
MAST Fundraisers
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
Join McKissick in earning cash for our school by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios!) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth $.10 each and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies or experiences the kids love!
Use this referral code HZ5F0LUF when you sign up and you’ll get 25 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt now through 05/31/2024, while supplies last! Download the Box Tops for Education app here: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=HZ5F0LUF
MAST Calendar of Events
July 29: Meet the Teacher 4-7pm
August 12: 4th and 5th Grade Field Trip Information Meeting - 8:15am OR 6pm
August 15: PTO Kona Ice Fundraiser
August 21: Fall Title I Planning Meeting
August 28: 1st Beta Club Meeting 3-4pm; Parent Meeting at 3:30pm
September 1: Labor Day - No School
September 3: Interim Reports
September 4: Title I Family Night: Open House
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