
McPherson News for May 11, 2025
Principal's Message
Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms out there! 💐
Today, we celebrate the love, care, and countless sacrifices that mothers make every single day.
Whether you're a biological mom, stepmom, adoptive mom, or someone who fills a nurturing role in someone's life, your love and dedication do not go unnoticed. Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and the appreciation you truly deserve. ❤️
This week, 3rd-5th grade classes will start SBAC testing. It is very important that students come to school on time, with a charged device. Also, Friday is the final Lunch on the Lawn for the school year. Please see the newsletter for more details on this and other upcoming events.
Have a great week Meteors,
Dr. Godsey
Principal
SBAC Testing
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.
LUNCH ON THE LAWN - FRIDAY, MAY 16
PLEASE READ BELOW FOR IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR LUNCH ON THE LAWN
Friday, May 16
Schedule
Kindergarten: 11:35 to 12:20
1st through 2nd Grade: 11:20 to 12:05
3rd through 5th Grade: 11:49 to 12:26
6th through 8th Grade: 12:34-1:09
- Parents or family members may bring lunch, picnic baskets, lawn chairs or blankets to the McPherson Lunch on the Lawn (easy ups and umbrellas are also allowed, and the entire grassy lawn area is available to use). School lunch is still available for all students.
- We will open the Palmyra gate located on the north east side of campus (on Palmyra) at 11:15am. Please be mindful of parking signs as the north side of Palmyra is parking by permit only. (Unfortunately, The Revive Church Parking Lot is NOT available for parking during the day)
- Students 1st through 5th will line up on the playground by teacher name during the first 5 minutes of the schedule ABOVE (please be sure to note that lunch schedules vary by grade level). After students are in line for 5 minutes they will be released to eat lunch and play. No one will be eating in the quad area near the cafeteria as everyone will enjoy lunch.
- ·Students that get school lunch will be picking it up before they line up. Please make sure your student knows if you are coming with lunch, they should not get a school lunch on Friday.
- Administration will make announcements for students to line up at the end of each lunch period. Please be sure to encourage students to line up at this time and then ONLY parents will exit out through the Palmyra gate. We want to make sure that everyone has exited and the gate is locked by 1:20.
- Should you want to take your student home after Lunch on the Lawn, please have them bring their backpack from the classroom when they come out for lunch. If they have their things, you will be able to check them out at the Palmyra gate. I
“Family Fun Night Out” Chuck E Cheese
Chuck E Cheese - Thursday, 5/15/24 from 3:00-9:00
Please remember to take the attached flyer with you!!!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 15 – Chuck E Cheese McPherson family night from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. A night of fun with McPherson families and 15% of your order will be donated to McPherson Magnet School to help purchase classroom supplies. Chuck E Cheese is located at 1875 N. Tustin Ave., Orange, CA.
Important Information Regarding City Athletic Gates
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!
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
🎨 Show Your School Spirit – T-Shirt Design Contest! 👕
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!
Not Returning To McPherson Next Year?????
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.
MS Track & Field Information
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
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.
PTSA TALENT SHOW COMING!!!
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!
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.
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!
Early Learning Round Up
Orange Unified School District is hosting a School Readiness Fair to connect families with resources and support for all of their children's early learning needs. Join them for a fun event to help parents and kids play, learn and grow together. Saturday, May 17, from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Fred Kelly Stadium. Open the attached document for more information.
The event will include:
Games & Crafts
Raffles & Fun Giveaways
Preschool & TK Registration
Free Development screenings
Balloon Art
Education, Health & Community Resources
Diaper Distribution
Petting Zoo
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
5/15 - Chuck E Cheese Fundraiser
5/16 - Lunch on the Lawn
5/17 @9:00am - Carnival of Champions Track Meet for 3rd thru 6th Grade
5/17 - Early Learning Round Up - Free Kelly Stadium
5/22 - Middle School Track Meet for 7th & 8th Grade
5/30 - Talent Show