McPherson News for May 18, 2025

Hello McPherson Families,

This week, 3rd-8th grade students will be taking the SBAC assessments. Please be sure students bring a charged device along with head phones for the tests. The SBAC scores are an indicator on the California School Dashboard so we want all students to be prepared and do the best they can!

Please see the newsletter for more information on upcoming events including the Talent Show, Goodbye Grams, a fundraiser for the Forever Sarah Foundation, and more.

Have a great week Meteors,

Dr. Godsey

Principal

SBAC Testing begins this 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.

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.

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.

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!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7k4HJQaRKrJB6_y1og-VCaErRSrrvG1MN5Vzy6gweVAs4xg/viewform?usp=sharing

Tuesday, May 27th, is our final Totally Awesome Tuesday of the school year. K-5 students will enjoy games and music at lunch and middle school students will enjoy music during lunch recess. All students are encouraged to dress in the theme which is Beach Day. Students can wear board shorts and t-shirts or summer attire to show their school spirit. All spirit day clothes must be school appropriate

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

Let your creativity shine and help design next school year’s Spirit Shirt! This is your chance to leave your mark and get the whole school wearing your artwork.

🖌️ Design Requirements:

• Must fit on one side of an 8½" x 11" sheet
• Use no more than 3 colors
• Include the school name and school year (2025–2026)

📅 Deadline: All designs must be turned in to the front office by Friday, May 23, 2025

Whether you’re doodling by hand or creating digitally, we can’t wait to see your bold, spirited, and school-proud ideas!

🎉 The winning design will be featured on our official 2025–2026 Spirit Shirt!

Please click on the link below to fill out a form if you DO NOT plan on returning to McPherson for the 2025-2026 school year. It is VERY IMPORTANT that we know if you are not returning to McPherson next year. Thank you for responding promptly.

https://tinyurl.com/McP-No-Return-25-26

MS Track and Field (May 22nd) (buses available email Ms. Manion at lmanion@orangeusd.org)

Carnival of Champions- grades 3-6 , May 17 at 9 AM, link to register

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.

PTSA TALENT SHOW COMING!!!

🎤 SAVE THE DATE! 🎤

McPherson PTSA is thrilled to announce our Spring Talent Show! 🌟

🗓 When? May 30th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
🎭 Where? McPherson School (Details to follow!)

Do you have a special talent? Dance, sing, magic tricks, comedy—ALL acts are welcome! 🎶🎩💃

💥 Want to perform? Fill out the Google Form https://forms.gle/nKQhYz21UW5rBjtf6 to sign up!

Get ready to shine and make this year’s Talent Show the best one yet! 🌟 Let’s make some memories, McPherson!

Please be aware that the city athletic gate attached to McPherson is locked around dusk each evening. If you are using the athletic facilities or passing through the area, plan accordingly to avoid being locked in or out. Thank you for your cooperation!

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.

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

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:

https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MjY4OmVzLVVT

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.

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

5/22 - Middle School Track Meet for 7th & 8th Grade

5/30 - Minimum Day for all grades

5/30 - Talent Show