Fins Up Newsletter- 9.4.2026
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology
Heading Into Week 6!
We are officially heading into Week 6, and what a way to close out Week 5! On Friday, we held our very first Fun Friday Clubs, and it was a GREAT success!
Every student who was present at MAST on Friday had the opportunity to participate in a club. Throughout the building, students were creating, playing, exploring new interests, building relationships, and simply having fun at school. It was amazing to see! A huge thank you to our staff for making this experience possible. Fun Friday is another way we are working to make MAST a place where students love to be.
Let’s carry that energy into Week 6 and keep making every day count. 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 RSVP
Upcoming Events
PTO Corner
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
- Register here:
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
- Register here:
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.
STEM Focus
Calendar
Sept 7: Labor Day - No School
Sept 8: Odum/McVicker Homerooms to Lake Jocassee
Sept 9: 3rd Grade Field Trip to RMSC
Sept 10: Grandparents' Breakfast Fundraiser K-2
Sept 11: Grandparents' Breakfast Fundraiser 3-5
Sept 15: Pup Tales @ 8:15am
Sept 17: Title I Open House 6-7:30pm; Beta Club Meeting
Sept 18: All Pro Dads @ 6:45am; PTO Concessions at recess
Sept 23: PTO Rita's Spirit Night
Sept 24: Beta Induction @ Gettys Middle 6pm
Sept 25: Shark of the Month
Sept 29: 1st Grade Field Trip - play at The Brooks Center
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology
Email: dannyhall@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
Youtube: @FinsUpNews_MAST
Twitter: @mastfinsup