Fins Up Newsletter

Happy Friday! It has been a wonderful week. Students have quickly learned their routines and procedures through our Shark Matrix. It is a great thing to go over and have a conversation about at home as well. The S means Successful, the H means Honest, the A means Active Listener, the R means Respectful, the K means Kindness, and the S means Solution Seeker. These skills are also embedded in our Belief statement, Mission and Vision of our school. We will talk more about this throughout the year and we would love for our families to join us at home at the dinner table or in the car discussing these skills with their Sharks. We believe in our educational village and we look forward to being a part of each Shark's educational journey!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and we can't wait to see you back for a full week next week!

Committed to Success,

Heather Touchberry

McKissick Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), a Pre-K to 5th grade magnet school in the School District of Pickens County, has officially earned Cognia STEM Certification, joining an elite group of elementary schools in South Carolina and across the nation recognized for excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math education. MAST is now one of only a few elementary schools in South Carolina, and among just over 400 worldwide, to meet Cognia's high standards for STEM excellence. Cognia's STEM Certification is awarded only after a rigorous evaluation process, including virtual visits, interviews, and evidence-based reviews that assess a school's ability to deliver high-quality, integrated STEM instruction across all grade levels.

"From their very first day in kindergarten, our young learners explore, experiment, question, and dream big. This STEM accreditation is a testament to our teachers' passion and our students' curiosity, who remind us each day that brilliance starts small," said Principal Heather Touchberry.

"This is more than a badge of honor," said Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. "It's proof that our district's commitment to visionary, future-focused innovation is making a real difference right here in our elementary classrooms."

Through STEM project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and strong community partnerships, MAST prepares students for the future with curiosity, confidence, and creativity. This national recognition marks a proud milestone in the school's journey since becoming a magnet school and reflects dedication to quality STEM teaching and learning and the goals of the district's Innovate'28 Strategic Plan.

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

How can you extend your child's understanding of STEM at home? The website, STEM BUDDIES, has many great STEM activities you can do at home. Incorporate our Engineering Design Process into these activities to take it to a more rigorous level!

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

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

August 21: Fall Title I Planning Meeting

August 28: 1st Beta Club Meeting 3-4pm; Parent Meeting at 3:30pm

August 29: Shark of the Month 8AM

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

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