Fins Up Newsletter
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology - 9.19.25
September 19, 2025
Happy Friday evening! It was a great week at school! 5th grade was our winning grade level with the best attendance for this week and last week! Way to go 5th grade families! Thank you for helping your students be successful by ensuring they are at school consistently. We had a great full week of learning and utilizing our new Outdoor Classroom! See below at a photo of a class using it to describe and observe! Next week, we have a full week as well! I can't wait to see your Sharks on Monday! Have a great weekend!
Committed to Success,
Heather Touchberry
Pup Tales
We loved having our sweet toddlers at Pup Tales this week! We learned all about leaves. We can't wait to see them and their new friends in October!
Outdoor Classroom
Mrs. Stancil's class used our new outdoor classroom to make observations about seasonal weather changes, and then drew pictures of their findings.
Garden to Table
Our school garden has produced purple sweet potatoes! Our cafeteria baked slices and allowed students to try them at lunch.
MAST Happenings
Don't forget to sign up!
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.
STEM Corner
This website introduces students to a multitude of STEM careers! This is a great way to get your child to think about his or her future, and how STEM is used in everyday life!
Title I Corner
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
September 23: Parent Workshop: Raise a Reader 8:15am OR 6:00pm
September 25: Beta Club Meeting 3-4pm
September 26: Shark of the Month @ 8am
October 3: PTO Fundraisers: CFA Biscuits
October 7: Fall Picture Day
October 9th-24th- PTO Boo Grams sales
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