Fins Up Newsletter- 10.30.2026

Photo of Dr. Hall with multiple students.

🦈 Heading Into Week 14!

What a great week at MAST! As we wrap up National Principals Month, I want to thank our MAST families, students, and staff for all the kind words, thoughtful gifts, and encouragement. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible school community!

We have a short but exciting week ahead! On Wednesday, I will have the opportunity to visit G2i and learn what great opportunities await our sharks. Then, on Friday, we will celebrate another Fun Friday Club Day! These club experiences give our students opportunities to explore their interests, build friendships, and enjoy learning in new ways.

As we continue through the second quarter, we are also preparing for our upcoming i-Ready assessments. Our teachers will work with students to set personal learning goals, celebrate their progress, and identify areas where they want to grow. We encourage families to talk with their children about what they are learning and the goals they are working toward.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us and support the amazing things happening at MAST. Every day brings another opportunity to help our Sharks learn, grow, and succeed!

Let's make Week 14 another GREAT one! Fins Up! 🦈

Teacher of The Month

Lori Small, 3rd Grade Teacher

Support Employee of the Month

Jenifer Hayes, Plant Engineer

Upcoming Events

Community Happenings

PTO Corner

Title 1 Parent Resources

Coming Soon!

*Parents have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child's teachers and assistants. Our district must provide information about professional qualifications in a timely manner.

MAST Moments

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

Volunteer Training

Volunteer Training Procedures

Just like this past school year, we are 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.

Volunteer Training Document

STEM Focus

Ms. Clark and Ms. Van Ryn, our STEM experts, created this fun STEM project for families to try at home. If you try it, please send pictures for us to include on facebook or our newsletter at laurenphillips@pickens.k12.sc.us.