Fins Up Newsletter

Happy Friday, Shark Families!

We’ve had a wonderful week kicking off the second quarter of the school year! Our classrooms have been buzzing with excitement and learning. From 5th graders exploring decimals to our 1st grade Sharks engineering shoes for students in other countries—designed specifically for the terrain they walk on—our students continue to amaze us with their curiosity and creativity!

Next week will be a three-day week for students. There will be no school on Monday or Tuesday, as Tuesday serves as a professional learning day for teachers. We like to call this our Fall Break! Our Sharks have worked hard and truly deserve a little rest.

As always, we encourage students to spend some time reading over the long weekend—whether it’s a library book or a favorite classroom story. We’re committed to helping every child discover the joy and lifelong value of reading.

Enjoy your extended weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Wednesday, October 15th!

#FINSUP 💙🦈

Committed to Success,

Heather Touchberry

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.

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! 💙✨

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

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

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!

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

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.

October 9th-24th- PTO Boo Grams sales

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

October 31 No School

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