Fins Up Newsletter
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology - 8.29.25
August 29, 2025
Happy Friday! It is hard to believe that we have finished our first month of school! Time flies when you are having fun learning and solving problems! We are working hard collaborating and learning social skills that help us with our academics as well. On Thursday of next week, we will have our Open House so you can come get a snapshot of what our Sharks do daily. Your Sharks will be sharing information and we hope to guide them on how they are also responsible for their learning and their goals. This is an awesome night with our families, you will not want to miss it!
Next week, we will be off of school on Monday in celebration of Labor Day. But we can't wait to see our Sharks on Tuesday, September 2! Have a great weekend!
Committed to Success,
Heather Touchberry
PTO Treats Us!
PTO loves on our staff so well! We are blessed to have an organization that supports us! If you would like to join our PTO, please email Mrs. Touchberry at heathertouchberry@pickens.k12.sc.us and she will send you more information!
Love of Reading
These two 2nd grade friends are enjoying reading in their classroom library. While we don't send home formal homework each night, it is important for students to read nightly for at least 15 minutes. This can be out loud to you or you can read to your child!
Shark of the Month
What a great turn out for our first Shark of the Month! We are so proud of our Sharks for displaying great character this month!
MAST Happenings
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
How can you extend your child's understanding of STEM at home? This is another great website to expand your child's STEM learning!
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 1: Labor Day - No School
September 3: Interim Reports
September 4: Title I Family Night: Open House
September 11: PTO Skate Night 6-8pm
September 12: Grandparents' Day Breakfast Fundraiser
September 16: Pup Tales @ 8:15am
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
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