Fins Up Newsletter- 8.28.2026

Week: 5! August 28th, 2026

Welcome to Week 5, MAST Family!

It is hard to believe we are already entering Week 5! Time is flying, but I hope you are finding time to enjoy the moments along the way. Each week, I continue to see relationships growing, students finding their confidence, teachers pushing learning forward, and our MAST family coming together.

As we enter a new week, I want us to stay focused on making every day count. We only get 180 days with our Sharks, and Week 5 is another opportunity to make a difference. Keep building relationships, setting high expectations, celebrating growth, and creating the type of school experience our students will remember.

Thank you for everything you continue to pour into MAST. I am excited about where we are headed and even more excited about the work happening right now.

Let’s have a great Week 5. Fins Up! 🦈

Thursday Folder Recap

Every Thursday, your student should bring home a folder with important forms and updates. This week we have:

* Open House

* September Newsletter/Lunch Menu

*Grandparents' Breakfast

Upcoming Events

P3 After-School Basketball

Focused on teaching fundamental skills
Open to players of all experience levels
Scholarships available
Students go directly to practice after school—parents pick them up after training

P3 After-School Soccer

Focused on teaching fundamental skills
Open to players of all experience levels
Scholarships available
Students go directly to practice after school—parents pick them up after training

4th and 5th Grade Overnight Field Trip

All 4th and 5th grade students are invited to participate in this year's Chattanooga field trip, which also includes a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL!

An informational meeting was held on August 17 at 8:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. Please view the presentation here.

Sign up directly: OrangeSky Travel

There will also be plenty of opportunities for fundraising, so please don't let the cost of the trip keep you from sending your student to experience this amazing opportunity!

MAST Moments

Community 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