McPherson News for Oct 20, 2024
Principal's Message
Hello McPherson Families,
We're in our final week of our Reach for the Stars Fundraiser! We have made it to 62% of our fundraising goal! Our top classes so far are Conrad, Johnson, and Vander Wall! Also, this Friday is our annual Trunk Or Treat event! Our PTA and Dad's Club are working to make this an extra special event so be sure to join us. In addition to the trunk or treating, we will have a straw maze, arts and crafts, and a special art show in the cafeteria. We are still in need of a few more trunks so please fill out the form in the newsletter if you can help out.
Please see the newsletter for more information on middle school sports, a middle school assembly on Cyberbullying, Boo Grams, upcoming school events, and a message from our Education Foundation.
Have a great week Meteors,
Dr. Godsey
Principal
PTSA FALL FUNDRAISER - ONE WEEK LEFT!!!!
We’re in the final countdown, and we need your help to launch us across the finish line! With just one week remaining, we’ve made fantastic progress, reaching 62% of our fundraising goal. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far—your support is truly making a difference towards a new outdoor STEM lab!
As we gear up for this last push, let’s give a special shout out to our top fundraising teachers:
1. Conrad
2. Johnson
3. Vander Wall
Every donation, big or small, helps us get one step closer to our goal. Together, we can create an out-of-this-world impact! Let’s make this final week count! Thank you for your support, and let’s reach for the stars! 🌟
Calling all ATHLETES! - Flag Football, Volleyball and Track
Calling all ATHLETES!
Flag Football starts on THURSDAY! 10/17
Volleyball starts next MONDAY, 10/21
This year we will have 3 teams for both Football and Volleyball.
Flag Football Boys A/B and Girls A Teams (Coaches Mr. J / Mr. Merchant and Mrs. Keiser)
Volleyball Girls A/B and Boys A Teams (Coaches Ms. Wyckoff/ Mrs. VanderWall and Mrs. Nguyen)
Must have your ATHLETIC PACKET turned in BEFORE play.
Calling all RUNNERS!
The middle school CROSS COUNTRY RACE will be on November 6th at Santiago Middle School
Girls at 3 PM and Boys at 3:30 PM
Track and Field Meet is May 15th
Kids Run the OC event is May 3
Please mark your calendar. If you need more information you can email Ms. Manion at lmanion@orangeusd.org
Social Media and Cyberbullying Presentation for Middle School
Our School Resource Officer with the Orange Police Department, Officer Hardwick, will be doing a presentation for our 6th - 8th middle school students about Social Media and Cyberbullying. McPherson parents are welcome to attend the presentation to gain more information about the topics. The assembly will take place in our Cafeteria on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 1:21 pm – 2:06 pm. Please contact our Counselor, Ms. Keiser, at skeiser@orangeusd.org with any questions.
McPherson Education Foundation News
Hip Hip Hooray! The McPherson Education Foundation has funded another great project!
Ms. Conrad and Ms. Carpenter will be supplied four additional incubators allowing for more students to investigate bacteria cultures for Science Fair projects. The cost of this equipment is over $2,000 and it will be fully covered by funds from the McPherson Education Foundation. Providing modern technology and equipment to support McPherson's STEM focus is made possible through the contributions of our families and community.
Boo Grams on Sale - ENDS ON 10/28/ - Don't Miss Out!!
Boo Grams will be on sale Thursday, 10/17 thru Monday, 10/28. Show you care and send a scare!!! Boo Grams are on sale before school and after school at the back gate and in front of the office. Boo Grams are also sold at lunch in the quad. Grams cost 25 cents to 75 cents and will be delivered on Thursday, October 31st.
PTSA's Annual Trunk or Treat - October 25
Trunk or Treat is this Friday, Oct 25th, from 5:30-7:30 PM. We are in desperate need of candy—please drop off any contributions in the candy monster bin out front.
We will have the Lime Food Truck on site (they are cashless, so please plan accordingly). There will also be a straw maze, games, a costume parade, a photo booth, an art show, and other fun activities.
We still need more trunks to help make this event a success. Please sign up below to support our school and create wonderful memories for our kids.
Let's make this year's Trunk or Treat the best one yet!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1g6ZQJK2OVXTSyG8g_utrh8mj5Rj1UExz99x56_Sun3A/edit?usp=sharing
Vill Park High School Football Feeder Night
Thursday, October 24, is Feeder School Night for the Villa Park football game at 7:00 pm at Fred Kelly. If you would like to attend, there are free tickets available in the office starting Monday afternoon. The tickets are for one adult and one child admission.
Released Time Christian Education
Released Time Christian Education (Chapel on Wheels) is excited to begin our 71st year in OUSD! We are a nationwide Program offering FREE Bible Story classes for 4th & 5th graders at a Chapel right in front of school campus; (parked on Public property) which focus on great heroes of the Bible with a moral lesson applicable in today's society. Registration forms are available in the office or you can register online at orangert.org or to find out more information see our website. Classes start this Monday, 10/21. Permission slips must be signed for students to participate.
Legal Reference: Cal. Education Code § 46014.
Meteor of the Month
Our October Flag/Awards presentation will be on Wednesday, October 30, at 8:10am. Each grade level will be recognizing one student each month as "Meteor of the Month". All parents are welcome to attend. If your student is receiving an award, you will be notified via email.
PTSA Meeting & Principal's Coffee - 10/30
Come and enjoy coffee and donuts and join our Principal's Coffee/General PTSA Meeting on OCTOBER 30 in the library after the Flag/Award assembly. All Parents are welcome to join us!!
The link to join virtually will be shared next week.
Red Ribbon Week Set up Volunteers Needed
Red Ribbon week is 10/28-11/1. We need volunteers on Sunday 10/27 at 9am to help get our campus ready for Red Ribbon Week!! If you are able to help please fill out the google form so we can send out any needed information as the date gets closer.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tttn-p3xz35nrK6159ZL1jd7b588xJrleOO4Do6M1CQ/edit?usp=sharing
Halloween Spirit Day on October 31
On Thursday, October 31 students will be able to dress in their school appropriate Halloween costumes or wear Fall Colors to celebrate the fall season. No masks and no bloody costumes and no weapons of any kind.
Save the Date - Astronomy Night, 11/7
Save the date for our upcoming Astronomy Night sponsored by our Education Foundation. Pizza and baked good sales will benefit our Science Olympiad team.
November 7, 5:30-7:30 pm
PTSA Reflections Program - MUST SUBMIT IS 10/21 - LAST CALL FOR REFLECTIONS ENTRIES!!
PTSA Reflections Program 2024-2025 “Accepting Imperfection” MUST SUBMIT BY 10/22/24
Is your student interested in art, music, dance, writing, producing film or taking photos? Encourage your child to showcase their talents by participating in the National PTA Reflections program. California State PTA and its members, families, and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education. This year’s theme is “Accepting Imperfection.” There are opportunities for awards and fun prizes just for participating!
More information can be found at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gmGlIbSKQQ-0T9kJwF_MRt5pNf1H5mASPzF1iRcW5qE/edit
All submissions will be submitted electronically by October 22, 2024
Any questions can be emailed to reflections@mcphersonptsa.org
GATE Testing - Please Open Attachment for Information on Gate Testing
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.
3rd Grade Students will be tested between 1/27/24 and 2/7/24.
See Flyer Attached for Fall Parent Information Sessions and GATE Testing Dates
ELAC Meeting Information
ELAC Meetings this year are scheduled for September 30, October 28, January 27, and April 28. Meetings review the resources available for all our English learners and ways to help support students in succeeding. All families are invited to attend.
Please join us at 8:15 AM in room 500 for ELAC.
FREE MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TUTORING
We are excited to offer math tutoring BEFORE school for all middle school students on Thursdays and Fridays (starting September 5). This is a great opportunity for students to get extra help with math assignments, prepare for tests, or simply improve their math skills. No sign-up necessary. These are drop in tutoring sessions.
When: Every Thursday & Friday morning from 7:15am to 8:00am (Starting September 5)
Where: Mr. Castro's Room #107
Who: Any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student
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
10/21 - LAST DAY TO SUBMIT REFLECTIONS ENTRY
10/22 - Social Media and Cyberbullying Presentation for Middle School
10/24 - Totally Thrilling Thursday - TBD
10/25 - Trunk or Treat
10/30 - Flag Awards - PTSA Meeting & Principal's Coffee
10/31 - Free Halloween Costume Day