Fins Up Newsletter

Happy Friday, Shark Families!

We wrapped up a wonderful 4-day week with a special author visit during our IMPACT classes! Ms. Lisa Gillard, author of Kindness Confetti, shared her book with us and talked about how everyone can spread kindness every single day. This visit was part of our Black History Month celebration, and we're so grateful for inspiring community leaders like Ms. Gillard.

Next week we're back to a full 5-day schedule and we're excited for five straight days of learning! Every day matters, and we work hard to make each one count.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Committed to Success,

Heather Touchberry

Applications are now open for SDPC's Magnet Programs!

Families interested in McKissick Academy of Science & Technology (MAST) can apply through the online Magnet Lottery now through March 27, 2026.

Magnet Application: www.bit.ly/mastapp26

Learn More:

MAST Magnet Tours: https://bit.ly/MASTchoice

MAST Video: https://bit.ly/MASTvideo

For questions, contact:

MAST – MASTquestions@pickens.k12.sc.us

Due to E-Learning Days, 3rd quarter rotation of clubs will be extended to the following dates:

* Drawing Club: 2/11

* Books and Bites, Pet: 2/9, 2/23, 3/2

The 4th quarter rotation of clubs will begin the week of February 23. Those clubs are: arts and crafts - section 2, gardening, and jump rope.

4K Applications

Children who are four years old on or before September 1, 2026, may apply for 4K. Please note that 4K is a needs-based program, and students must qualify to be accepted. All applicants will be screened.

• Learn more & apply: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/preschool-programs

• Questions? Email us at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us

5K Registration

Children who are five years old on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll in 5K (kindergarten) in SDPC.

Learn more & register: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/registration

Find Your Zoned School

Before registering, families are encouraged to use our School Locator to identify their zoned school:

• www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/school-locator

For specific questions about 5K registration, please call your child’s future school. Contact information for all schools can be found in our School Directory.

Stay Connected with SDPC!

We encourage you to stay informed by visiting our website and following us on social media for district updates and school news:

• District Website: www.pickens.k12.sc.us

• Facebook: @SchoolDistrictofPickensCounty

• Instagram: @pickensschools

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

This is a great website to explore STEM home activities and careers: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/stem/at-home

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!

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

2/23 GMS 6th Grade Tours

2/23 2nd grade Mini-golf FT

2/26 Beta Club Meeting 3:00-4:00; Vex Meeting 2/26

2/27 Shark of the Month 8:00 AM

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