
McPherson News for May 25, 2025
NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, MAY 26 - MEMORIAL DAY
Principal's Message
Hello McPherson Families
It's important to honor and remember those who have made sacrifices for our country. Memorial Day is a time for reflection and gratitude. As we transition into the busy season of year-end academics and activities, let's also take a moment to enjoy the weekend and recharge. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking a moment for yourself, I hope you have a restful and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!
Have a great week Meteors,
Dr. Godsey
Principal
Congratulations to the Americanism Essay Contest Winners from McPherson. These students were awarded certificates and cash awards from the Orange Elks Lodge for their excellent essays on “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?”
Our McPherson Winners Were:
Div I - 5th Grade
Eric Rodriguez - McPherson
Thor Brady - McPherson
Jaylah Mendez - McPherson
Div III - 7th Grade
Kyle Avelar - McPherson
Aubrey Boniaby - McPherson (2-time winner)
Elliott Imboden - McPherson
Div IV - 8th Grade
Tyler Fennell - McPherson
Joshua Arellano-Bravo - McPherson
Totally Awesome Tuesday - May 27
Totally Awesome Tuesday on May 27. Please come wearing beach wear. No flip flops, torn clothing, spaghetti straps, midriffs showing or short shorts. Students not complying with free dress will call home to get a change of clothes.
Forever Sarah Foundation
Forever Sarah Foundation was founded in loving memory of Sarah. Sarah started Kindergarten at McPherson Magnet in 2019. She was well known for wearing big bows , loving unicorns, and being a good friend. When Sarah was in second grade, she was diagnosed with terminal brain stem cancer (DIPG) on January 26, 2022. Sarah endured three brain surgeries, and two clinical trials during her battle with cancer. Sarah fought with courage, and a positive attitude every step of the way. She taught us to enjoy every moment and to always look for the light amidst darkness. She gave us the drive to keep searching for a potential cure, and to help others facing the same battle. The Forever Sarah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that is committed to providing resources for families battling brain cancer and raise funds for research. May is brain cancer awareness month, please help us show support to all families facing pediatric brain cancer. McPherson Magnet is teaming up with Forever Sarah Foundation from May 26- May 30th, to help spread awareness. All students and staff are encouraged to bring a toy or one dollar donation each day this week, and in exchange have the ability to wear a big bow or hat. On Friday students and staff can also wear yellow and grey clothing to show your support. Your donations can have a great impact on families facing the toughest battle. All donations will be used for family grants, and toys for warrior hope baskets. Thank you in advance and generosity. Please visit www.foreversarah.org to learn more about our foundation.
MINIMUM DAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 30
Reminder - It is a minimum day on Friday, May 30. Please remember to pick up your students at the following times:
Kindergarten - 12:20pm
1st & 2nd Grade - 12:25pm
3rd thru 5th Grade - 12:30pm
Middle School - 12:40pm
PTSA Mtg. & Princpal's Coffee
Come join us for our last PTSA meeting and Principal's coffee on Wednesday, May 28 in the library at 8:30. You are also welcome to join us virtually: meet.google.com/wsg-boqm-tqy
McPherson PTSA Talent Show - Come and Support
Talent Show - McPherson's Got Talent! Come out and support our amazing students in the Talent Show on Friday, May 30th, 5:30- 7:30. Our students have been practicing and are very excited to show off their talents. This is a free event!!!
SBAC Testing
SBAC Testing continues next week for 3rd through 5th grade students.
We ask the parents to do as much as possible to ensure that students do not miss class or come in late during the state testing window. We will not be able to remove a student from class during testing. If a student is tardy and testing has started, they may not be able to enter the class to test.
From McPherson Education Foundation
We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors, dedicated teachers, and supportive families who made this year’s open house raffles a huge success. Thanks to your collective efforts, the foundation raised over $2,700! Every dollar will go directly toward funding STEM grants for our amazing teachers, helping bring innovative and inspiring learning opportunities to our students.
--
Amy Chung
Secretary - McPherson Education Foundation
Mental Health Awareness Month/Week
During the month of May, we recognize National Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Week. It is a time to raise awareness of the importance of Mental Health in addition to Physical Health and help reduce the stigma surrounding asking for help. Please see the attachments for family activities and resources that you can do anytime. You may also reach out to the school counselor, Ms. Keiser at skeiser@orangeusd.org with any questions.
McPherson Goodbye Grams
The end of the school year is just around the corner and so is our McPherson Goodbye Grams Sales. Show your friends some love by sending one! You can send one to siblings, friends and even your teachers! Send your friends to summer with a Goodbye Gram!!!
How You Can Get One?
Grams will be sold in the front of the office every morning and after school. They are also sold during middle school and elementary lunches. The prices range from $0.25—$0.75, and will be sold Tuesday, 5/27 – Wednesday, 6/4. Grams will be handed out on Monday, 6/9 to all classes. Enjoy the end of the school year and send a gram to your friends and teachers.
FREE DRESS ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING SUMMER VACATION DAYS
Come dressed in your BEST Hawaiian Beach Vacation Wear, as we celebrate the summer coming up soon!!! - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
Calling All Moms! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
The dads did an amazing job hosting Muffins with Mom—now it’s our turn! We’re looking for moms to help plan, set up, and clean up for our upcoming Donuts with Dad event happening on Friday, June 6th from 7:15 AM to 8:00 AM.
If you're interested in being part of this fun and memorable morning, please fill out the attached Google Form. We’d love your help in making it a sweet success!
Thank you in advance for your support!
Under the LIghts Youthcamp
Calling all student-athletes in grades Kinder to 8th grade! Please join us for a night of football under the lights at El Modena.
Please use this registration form to register for the Vanguard Football Youth Camp on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 5 PM-7 PM at Fred Kelly Stadium. On-site registration will be from 3:30PM-5PM before the youth camp begins.
Youth can suit up in ELMO gear for a photo opp.
The cost is $25 per player and can be collected upon entry. Payments accepted: cash, check to Vanguard Football Boosters, and Venmo (@elmodenafootball).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwwiPCnrV_WhWBfYCMEU28HLbbz5CMidJs3Xm_4PxjnOowkw/viewform
T-Dap Required for all Students Entering 7th Grade in 25/26
REMINDER - If your 6th-grade student has not turned in proof of the T-Dap vaccination before they enter 7th grade next year, they will not be able to register nor attend school until their T-Dap proof is turned in. Please make sure you turn in your T-Dap vaccination record before your student enters 7th grade for the 25/26 school year.
WILD RIVERS EVENT COMING UP!!!! - TUESDAY, JUNE 17
Kick Off Summer with McPherson at Wild Rivers! ☀️
Join us for a fun-filled day at Wild Rivers Water Park on Tuesday, June 17, 2025! We’re making a splash to celebrate the start of summer—and you’re invited!
🎟️ Special Discounted Tickets
Just $40 per person (ages 3 and up)
Family and friends are welcome to join!
Purchase Tickets Here: https://wild-rivers-waterpark-day-2025.cheddarup.com
📌 Important Info:
This is not a drop-off event—all children must be supervised.
Parking is not included and will require an additional fee.
Let’s make waves and great memories together—see you there!
Dear OUSD Families,
New for Summer 2025!
We are excited to introduce a brand new OUSD College & Career Exploration Summer Camp for OUSD students entering grades 4–6 in the 2025–2026 school year! This hands-on program is presented by Orange Unified’s Career Technical Education department and provides a fun and engaging way to explore real-world careers.
Location: Yorba Middle School
Session 1: June 23–26, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 2: July 7–10, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This program is FREE and spots are limited, so don’t wait to sign up!
Click here for more information. Sign up here!
College for Kids Summer Program
We are thrilled to once again offer the Santiago Canyon College “College for Kids Summer Program” for current Orange USD students in grades K-12! This free program provides fun, interactive, and engaging classes designed to support academic growth, close learning gaps, and offer rigorous enrichment opportunities. Each OUSD student may register for one free class. Space is limited, and registration will close once classes are full.
Register starting May 5 at 10:00 a.m. at www.sccollege.edu/ck
Browse the course brochure here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/qlhdz/pnet/#p=36
ELOP & CARES Summer Enrichment
Registration is currently open for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs at California, Cambridge, Canyon Rim, Esplanade, Handy, Lampson, Olive, Portola, Prospect, Sycamore, Taft & West Orange.
June 16-July 25, 2025 | 7:30-4:30 PM
The CARES parent paid program will be taking place at Chapman Hills, Fletcher, Crescent OPK, McPherson and CDC Preschool
June 16-August 15, 2025 | 7:00-6:00 PM
Click here for more information
Optional Summer Activities
We would also like to share a collection of optional activities to keep students engaged in learning throughout the summer.
Link to Optional Summer Activities
For questions, please contact the OUSD Office of Curriculum and Instruction at 714-628-5452 or curriculum@orangeusd.org
We look forward to a summer filled with learning and exploration!
Sincerely,
Orange Unified School District
Office of Curriculum and Instruction
Campus Volunteer Procedures
At McPherson, we value a partnership with parents and families and we want you to take an active role in your child's education. We do have an expectation that every family will contribute ten hours of volunteer time every year. There are many ways to volunteer throughout the year but if you intend to volunteer on campus during the year (classroom help, parties, field trips, etc) we must have you complete OUSD's volunteer application. You can complete this now and it will be good for the entire school year. The majority of our campus volunteers will be working 5 hours or less on campus so you will only need to complete the requirements listed under #1 and #2 on the links below. Please call the office if you have any questions regarding the volunteer application process.
English:
https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MjY4OmVuLVVT
Spanish:
PTSA BIRTHDAY MARQUEE
It is always fun to post a special message for your child's birthday. You can purchase Birthday Marquee messages now at - https://mcp-birthday-marquee.cheddarup.com
All birthday marquee messages must be purchased by the Wednesday prior to the week you are requesting.
PLEASE COLLECT YOUR BOXTOPS TO HELP McPHERSON
Our school is participating in BoxTops, 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!
If you're new to BoxTops, you can download the app, select McPherson and input referral code C86O5H22 to earn an extra $2.50. Spread the word!
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
UPCOMING DATES
5/27 - Totally Awesome Tuesday
5/28 - PTSA Meeting & Principal's Coffee
5/30 - Minimum Day for all grades
5/30 - Talent Show
6/4 - Free Dress Hawaiian Beach Vacation Attire
6/6 - Donuts With Dad
6/17 - Wild Rivers Family Day