Held on July 14, the outdoor event brought together families, local businesses, churches, community organizations, and volunteers to help students begin the year with confidence and excitement. Throughout the evening, students signed their Shark Commitment, symbolizing their promise to work hard, show character, and pursue excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Families enjoyed games, activities, music, food, and opportunities to connect with the MAST leadership team, teachers, and community partners. Students also received school supplies generously donated by local organizations, churches, and businesses, helping ensure they are equipped for a successful school year.
The event reflected MAST's mission to intentionally pursue excellence by developing solution seekers who solve real-world problems through the engineering design process. More importantly, it showcased what is possible when a community comes together to invest in its children.
"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community," said Principal Dr. Danny Hall. "Shark Signing Day was about much more than preparing students for the first day of school. It was about building relationships, creating excitement, and showing our students that an entire community believes in their success."
Thank you graphic for the various sponsors and vendors that participated in the Shark Signing Day event.
MAST extends a sincere thank you to every sponsor, church, business, vendor, volunteer, and staff member who donated school supplies, sponsored activities, gave their time, and helped create an unforgettable experience for our students and families. Your generosity and partnership made this event possible.
Image of the Easley Parks & Recreation table preparing to serve students for the Shark Signing Day event.
As the new school year approaches, MAST looks forward to welcoming families back for Meet the Teacher on Thursday, July 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Take a moment to view photos from the event here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gk9VAMZbbmglcABA4-a8mBeQm_kPF8FI?usp=drive_link
Together, we are on an intentional pursuit of excellence. We can't wait to see what this school year has in store for our Sharks! 🦈
📚 The first day of school for SDPC students is Tuesday, August 4! We can't wait to welcome everyone back for an amazing year of learning.
Please note: Students in our 4K and 5K programs have a staggered start to help ensure a successful transition to school.
🍎 4K Families: Your child's school will contact you to schedule:
• An assessment appointment on August 4 or 5
• A half-day orientation on August 6 or 7
• Full-day classes begin Monday, August 10
🍎 5K Families: Your child's school will contact you to schedule:
• An assessment appointment on August 4, 5, or 6
• Full-day classes begin Friday, August 7
We look forward to seeing our students soon! 💙
Give your child a great start with the SDPC Academy for Early Learners — a FREE 4K program designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students for kindergarten and beyond.
Through hands-on learning in immersive environments, students explore, create, problem-solve, and grow while developing important early literacy, social, and emotional skills.
🚌 FREE transportation is available to all Pre-K students!
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child an engaging learning experience that sets the stage for future success!
🔗 Register for 4K today: https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/four-year-old-kindergarten
📩 Questions? Contact the Academy for Early Learners at aelreg@pickens.k12.sc.us or 864-397-1000.
Happy Friday, Shark Families! Here is Fins Up 5.15.26 for our last week of school: https://app.smore.com/n/1jzbx-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Friday, Shark Families! Here is Fins Up 5.1.26 for next week: https://app.smore.com/n/z3few-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Friday, Shark Families! Here is Fins Up 4.24.26 for next week: https://app.smore.com/n/3eu6c-fins-up-newsletter
Good morning, Shark Families! Here is Fins Up News 4.18.26 for next week: https://app.smore.com/n/9m7b6t-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Sunday Shark Families-here is Fins Up for this coming week 4.13.26: https://app.smore.com/n/snyx3-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Friday, Shark families! Here is Fins Up News 3.20.26 for next week: https://app.smore.com/n/9wztv-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Monday off, Shark Families! Here is our Fins Up News 3.16.26 for this week: https://app.smore.com/n/q126t-fins-up-newsletter
The School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees has recently approved the following leadership positions:
Heather Touchberry – Director of Innovative Services (Beginning July 1, 2026) You can read more about Mrs. Touchberry here - https://bit.ly/4kPu1k0
Dr. Danny Hall - Interim Principal of McKissick Academy of Science and Technology (Beginning July 1, 2026) You can read more about Dr. Hall here - https://bit.ly/4s99WYm
Please see the link below for more information:
https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us/article/2643092
Happy Friday, Shark Families! Here is Fins Up for our full week, next week 2.20.26: https://app.smore.com/n/jk2pr-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Friday off, Shark Families! Here is Fins Up for next week: https://app.smore.com/n/48dmw-fins-up-newsletter
Happy Friday, Shark Families, here is Fins Up News for next week: https://app.smore.com/n/79zh6-fins-up-newsletter