Fins Up Newsletter

Happy First Day of the 2025-2026 School Year! We had an AWESOME first day of school! Our Sharks were actively learning, engaged in conversations with their friends, and had a blast outside at recess! What a great way to get started on a Friday and then get into a full routine next week! I know we are all going to be tired this evening from having so much fun today!

This newsletter will be sent every Friday afternoon with important events and school communication. Teachers will send their classroom newsletters home on Mondays. We hope this helps consistently communicate with everyone. As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! See below about upcoming events and a snapshot into the classrooms from the week!

Have a great weekend! See you Monday, August 4!

Committed to Success,

Heather Touchberry

Shark Families,

Ms. Moore will be sending out more information about our new Volunteer Training procedures for SDPC. Stay tuned in the next Fins Up for those specific procedures or check out the Schoology post as well!

As a magnet school, we are guided by core STEM pillars that shape our curriculum and learning environment throughout the year. One of these key pillars is Engineering. We integrate the Engineering Design Process across all subjects and grade levels, empowering students to think critically and creatively. Through this process, students are encouraged to ask questions, explore possible solutions, design models, evaluate outcomes, and explain their reasoning. This approach fosters problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of real-world applications.

What is Title I?

Title I is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. The goal of Title I is to help ensure that all students, regardless of their economic background, have access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to reach academic success.

These funds are used to support a variety of programs and services that help students achieve—such as additional teachers or interventionists, instructional materials, and professional development for staff.

We Need Your Input!

We recently sent home the Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the Parent-School Compact for your review. These documents outline how we work together as a school and family to support student learning.

We truly value your feedback! Please send any suggestions or revisions to Lauren Phillips, our Title I Curriculum Specialist, by August 15, so we can review all input during our upcoming planning meeting. Your voice matters in helping us strengthen our school community and support all students.

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 12: Coffee with the Principal @ 8am

August 12: 4th and 5th Grade Field Trip Information Meeting - 8:15am OR 6pm

August 13 & 14: i-Ready Testing for K-5 grades

August 15: PTO Kona Ice Fundraiser

August 21: Fall Title I Planning Meeting

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

September 1: Labor Day - No School

September 3: Interim Reports

September 4: Title I Family Night: Open House

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