McPherson News for November 5, 2023

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN AHEAD

Don't Forget to Set your clocks back one (1) hour on Sunday, November 5.

NO SCHOOL, NOVEMBER 7TH – STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY

MINIMUM DAY, NOVEMEBER 9TH - END OF 1st TRIMESTER

NO SCHOOL, NOVEMBER 10TH – VETERANS' DAY

Hello McPherson Families,

We have a busy, short week ahead! This week, there is no school on Tuesday, 11/7, due to a teacher professional development day, and no school on Friday, 11/10, in observance of Veteran's Day. There is also a minimum day on Thursday, 11/9, due to the end of the first trimester.

On Thursday, 11/9, we will have an all-school Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony to honor all of our past and present service men and women. Parents and families are welcome to attend. Please see our link for a Veteran's Day padlet in the newsletter. Make a post to honor a family member or close friend for their military service. The padlet will be shared with classes on Thursday, 11/9.

Have a great week Meteors,

Have a great week Meteors,

Dr. Godsey

Principal

Veterans’ Day Thank you

Thursday, November 9 @ 8:00am

McPherson would like to thank all Veterans that have served our country, past and present. In acknowledgement of Veterans’ Day, McPherson will have a special all-school flag ceremony to honor those who have served our country. We would like to invite all Veterans or spouses of Veterans to attend our ceremony at 8:00am on Thursday, November 9th. Our McPherson Scout troops will be helping us honor our Veterans.

Also, please post a picture of the veterans in your family on our McPherson Veteran's Day padlet so we can honor all of our veterans. The padlet will be shared with classes for Veteran's Day.

https://padlet.com/bgodsey/mcpherson-veteran-s-day-padlet-lbg568nnhil5egov

McPherson Magnet School’s Mission is that students actively engage in a comprehensive academic program that provides equitable opportunities in a

warm, safe, and inclusive K-8 setting. Working in concert with parents, families, and an involved community, McPherson Magnet cultivates a rich and rigorous, STEM-focused learning environment that embraces the creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, and innovation needed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

In order to fulfill our mission at McPherson Magnet School we expect all our students to abide by our standards while on our campus.

McPherson Magnet STUDENT STANDARDS AND EXPECTATION:

1. Students behave in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with the rights of others.

2. Students keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.

3. Students use only kind words towards others. No statements that make fun of a person’s name, appearance, or abilities are allowed.

We appreciate all our parents supporting our students to abide by the rules of the school in order to build a strong community for student learning.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT at McPherson

November 15, 2023 - 5:30 - 8:00

Bring your telescope! Family and friends are welcome. Free event hosted by the McPherson Education Foundation.
Come out and enjoy the evening and learn about our solar system. We will be treated to a presentation by Dr. Gray, a NASA JPL astronomy expert, where you’ll learn cool facts about the skies above! Local astronomy enthusiasts will also be on hand to help you learn how to properly use and take care of your telescopes. Make sure to stop by the Science Olympiad Bake Sale for some yummy treats! Join us for a night under the stars. See you all there!

Holiday shopping! How can it be? Yes we know it's a bit early but PTSA will be having our holiday shop and need your help. If you love to see the joy on little faces as they pick out gifts for their family and

friends this is your time to shine. See the link below to sign up to volunteer.

https://forms.gle/kn6dK5mZFuFznpdb9

We have a lot of jackets and sweaters that get left behind on the playground. Please check our lost and found, located in front of the school office, for any lost clothing items, water bottles and lunch pails.

PLEASE PICK UP BEFORE THANKSGIVING BREAK!!

ALL ITEMS NOT PICKED UP BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITY

Mark your calendars to drop off your gifts, under our tree starting November 27.

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Mother Teresa

Donating gifts to McPherson’s Operation Gift Giving is one way you can take your part in giving during this Holiday Season. How YOU can help! Leadership will be collecting gifts for McPherson’s Operation Gift Giving, which will run from Monday, November 27 through December 6. Please drop off an unwrapped new toy in the Holiday Boxes located at the entrance of the back gate and the front gate parking lot. These gifts will be given to children who do not have the means for receiving gifts during the Holiday Season. This is a great way to share the gift of giving during the holiday season!!!

There are more ELOP classes starting next week. Please see the Child Development website for registration. Home - OUSD Child Development Services (eleyo.com)

Here is the McPherson Fall schedule for ELOP classes:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RZvHWKiev5m5bXIKyDkSRw-yp07Irmw9r7QWxpSnbMM/edit?usp=sharing

Middle school concert band and drum line classes are now available for registration! Middle school classes start next week.

The winter session of classes will be starting in January/February. Popular classes will be repeated if possible.

The El Modena Boys & Girls Soccer teams are working with Orange Unified Public School Foundation to put on a soccer camp for 7th and 8th graders on Saturday, November 18th from 8:30am-11:00am. We are asking any student-athletes that are interested to register using the link or QR code that is provided on the attached flyer.

Looking for a way to recognize your child's hard work and amazingness over the past 8 years? Want to show your child how proud you are of them for finishing up this K-8 chapter of their lives ? Then a recognition ad in the yearbook (section or full page) is the perfect way to do it! Click on the following link and follow the easy steps! The deadline will be here before you know it so don't delay! More details are in the attached flyer.

https://tinyurl.com/McPh-8th-Grd-Yrbk-Ads

McPherson Parents: WE NEED YOUR INPUT

It is time for our annual LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan) Survey. Our survey is essential in informing our actions outlined in our LCAP. Thank you in advance for participating in our survey! Please use the link provided to take the survey today on any device.

Please use the link provided to take

the survey today on any device. Survey window is open from October 23, 2023 through January 12, 2024. https://bit.ly/LCAPSurvey23-24

On Saturday, December 2 and 9, we will be holding Saturday Enrichment Academy (SEA) sessions! We will have fun activities for the kids and parents can have the morning off to take care of errands or start planning for the holidays! Also, for any student who has missed a day of school because of illness or other personal reasons, we are able to recover the lost ADA funding if you “make up” your absence by attending SEA. Our goal is to provide students with additional academic instruction in a more relaxed and fun environment while recovering lost attendance funds for McPherson! Please register your child on the Google form if they are able to attend by November 29, 2023.

When: Saturday, December 2 and 9, 8:00 am - 12:15pm

What: Fun, Winter Themed STEAM Activities

Drop off/Pick Up: Front gate, near the office

What to wear: Cozy PJs (no slippers)

What to Bring: A charged device for 3rd-8th graders; a free school snack will be provided

Fill out the Google Form to Sign Up by 11/29/23:

12/2 Sign Up Link: https://forms.gle/9sCGTea7AaxQEzPT7

12/9 Sign Up Link: https://forms.gle/mPTuudiUsoGsAjL87

Attached please find information on the GATE testing provided by OUSD

Universal Screening

All 3rd-grade students are tested in their classrooms unless parents "opt out "of testing.

OUSD 3rd grade students: May Opt Out and the Opt Out Form is attached.

Students will be tested between 1/30/23 and 3/3/23.

All OUSD 2nd and 4th-6th graders are eligible for GATE testing. Parents, teachers & staff may refer students by January 10th, 2024. See attachments for more details.

Mini Dancer Clinic - Sunday, January 14th AND Varsity Basketball Game – Tuesday, January 16th

Participants will experience the excitement of being a VPHS dance team member! Your VPHS Dance Team and Coaches will share our latest dances! SEE FLYER ATTACHED FOR ALL THE DETAILS

OUR SPARTAN MINI DANCER CLINIC: (Sunday, January 14 th ) is open to grades K-8th.

Cost : $50.00 (includes VPHS Dance T-Shirt, treat, and free admission to the basketball game for the

participant.) Parents/Guardians, siblings, etc. will have to purchase a ticket for the game.

Check in Time : 12:00pm – 12:30pm Clinic Time : 12:30pm - 3:00pm

***For more information, please feel free to contact Jennifer Howerton at jhowerton@orangeusd.org

Section 5 of Article IX of the State of California Constitution guarantees students a “free

public education.” The State Supreme Court concluded in the 1984 case of Hartzell v. Connell,

“that all educational activities carried on by public school districts, extra-curricular as well as

curricula, must be without cost to the students who participate in such activities.” This same

ruling found that “mandatory fees for participating in such extra-curricular activities as drama,

music, and athletic competition were illegal under the State Constitution.” Furthermore, they

also rejected the argument that “fees could be charged so long as the district waived fees for

students who were financially unable to pay.” Recent proposed legislation includes

reimbursement with interest for any illegally collected fees as well as a district sanction.

We are developing the McPherson Wellness Center for the support and well-being of all students on our campus. If you would like to support us with purchasing any of the items on the Amazon Wish List or Target Wish List. The Links are listed below, we would appreciate your kindness and assistance.

Amazon Wish List Link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2Q0D5VI9UVBOC?ref_=wl_share

Target Wish List: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/mcphersonwellnesswishlist

It is always fun to post a special message for your child's birthday. You can purchase Birthday Marquee messages now at - https://my.cheddarup.com/c/map-birthday?cart=558b524f-dfb5-4dff-b5ee-620c1d38e040%21%2159728133

All birthday marquee messages must be purchased by the Wednesday prior to the week you are requesting.

Hello McPherson Families! My name is Trinh and I'm your school Box Top for Education Coordinator.
Our school is participating in Box Tops, which means that you can earn cash with the products you already buy to help our school earn money for classroom supplies. We need your help, collecting Box Tops to earn cash for McPherson. Each one is worth 10¢! Everyone’s participation is helpful. Let's work together to give our students what they need to succeed — and see how much we can earn this year!

Here's how you can help:

If you haven't done so already, download the Box Tops app on your smartphone.

Buy Box Tops products, scan your receipt with the Box Tops app within 14 days of purchase and earn for McPherson with every Box Tops product you buy. The earnings through the application are recognized immediately. Our school will get a check to spend on classroom supplies. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE STUDENT & TEACHER’S NAME UNDER “GIVE CREDIT MEMO.”

Refer your friends, family and other parents in the school to sign up for Box Tops. You'll earn Bonus Box Tops for our school when your referral scans their first receipt! Turn on notifications in your Box Tops app to get scan reminders and stay updated on special offers, new products and opportunities to earn for our school. Go to your Communications Settings by tapping on the person icon in the upper-right corner of the app. · If you shop online, you can earn with your digital or email receipt, too. MCPHERSON MAGNET SCHOOL | School ID: 227368. If you have trouble scanning your receipts, please email Trinh a copy of the receipts immediately. Thank you for your support of the Box Tops Program and McPherson! We couldn’t do it without you!

Trinh Guevara
Box Tops Coordinator
trinhandcarlo@gmail.com

ATHLETIC SCHEDULES

Students should have no D’s or F’s for grades and citizenship

with no U’s to be eligible. Tryouts will be based on grade standings, effort, and skill for Football and Volleyball

FLAG FOOTBALL

Mondays Practices 3:00-4:00

Wednesdays Practices 1-2 (supervised lunch 12:40-1)

November 6- Game vs Cerro Villa 3:00

November 8- Practice

November 13- Game vs Portola 3:00

November 15- Practice

November 27- Game @Yorba 3:00 (bus @1:30)

November 29- Practice

December 4- Game vs El Rancho 3:00

December 6- Practice

December 11- Game @ Santiago 3:00 (bus @ 1:30)

Football Coaches: Jeno Jorgensen and Marc Merchant

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball Practice/ Game Dates

Mondays and Thursdays Practices 3:00-4:00

November 6- Game @ Cerro Villa 3:00 (bus @ 1:45)

November 9- Practice

November 13- Game @Portola 3:00 (bus @ 1:30)

November 16- Practice

November 27- Game vs Yorba 3:00

November 30- Practice

December 4- Game @ El Rancho 3:00 (bus @1:45)

Please note that the return time will be 5:30-6 PM

December 7- Practice

December 11- Game vs Santiago 3:00

Volleyball Coaches: Julie VanderWall and Nicole Wyckoff