McPherson Education Foundation runs the annual STAR Mission contribution campaign and hosts sponsored events to support the highest priority Magnet Focus (science, math and technology) needs and long-term goals of the McPherson Magnet School. We also provide teacher grants to purchase technology that enables them to teach at the high level that our students and parents expect.
See the FY2018-2019 Year in Review
FY2019-2020 Budget – $56k
Administration and Taxes – $2k
STEAM Night and Science Fair – $5k
Earth Lab, Aquarium Maintenance and Therapy Zoo – $3k
Software Licenses – $2k
Student Activities (Robotics, Femineers, Drones) – $8k
Technology Support and Upgrades – $20k
Elementary Teacher Grants – $5k
Middle School Teacher Grants – $5k
Teacher Stipends – $6k
FY2019 – 2020 Allocations Summary:
October 2019 –
District Contribution: Mr. Erven, McPherson Magnet Principal, requested funds for a teacher stipend to provide for one extra class period for Elementary STEM. This will allow another teacher to fulfill her Career Technical Education certification, providing additional capability to teach more dedicated Elementary STEM in the future. Dedicated Elementary STEM staff is one of the most unique aspects of McPherson Magnet. Estimated Benefit: 600+ students
District Contribution: Cindy Lundby, Kindergarten teacher, requested funds for a new laptop, as her current one is non-functioning and the District was unwilling to replace. Estimated Benefit: 30 students each academic year
Teacher Grant: Jay Turner, Journalism teacher, recently received a donation of VR headset equipment. He requested funds for VR journalism training through the New York Times and 360 degree VR cameras for the students to create VR News content. Estimated Benefit: 800 students each academic year
Teacher Grant: Diane Jennings, Robotics teacher and Adrian Ober, Office Manager, requested funds for VEX Robotics team registration and competition entries. The purpose of VEX Robotics is to provide hands on learning and competitions to encourage 4th and 5th grade students in STEM fields. Estimated Benefit: 60 students
Teacher Grant: Shannon Duncan, 6th Grade Science teacher, requested funds for a new iPad to harness the full potential of her newly outfitted Project Lead the Way Classroom. Estimated Benefit: 200+ students each academic year
Teacher Grant: Shannon Duncan, 6th Grade Science teacher, requested funds to replenish Middle School Science supplies and the McPherson Therapy Zoo. Estimated Benefit: 350+ students
September 2019 –
District Contribution: Mr. Erven, McPherson Magnet Principal, requested funds for a 2 year license of Seesaw when the district declined to continue funding. The Purpose of Seesaw is to provide an easy to use software application for Kinder – 3rd grade student to easily upload and store their Portfolios and share with family to show what they have been working on and bring with them to the next grade to provide visible growth. Estimated Benefit: 400 students each academic year
Teacher Grant: Diane Jennings, Robotics Teacher, requested funds for a new VEX Robotics station in her new classroom. The purpose of VEX Robotics is to provide hands on STEM learning and competitions to encourage young students in the 4th and 5th grade. Estimated Benefit: 60 students each academic year
Special Event: Kayee Conrad, STEAM Night coordinator, requested funds to have two major presenters at the annual STEAM Night. The Purpose of STEAM Night is to showcase the uniqueness of McPherson Magnet. It is not only open to the students and their families but the public as well. This year we have invited Bubblemania and Kids Reptile Parties. Estimated Benefit: 500 students and their families.
August 2019 –
Teacher Grant: Kayee Conrad, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Science teacher for 7th and 8th Grade, requested funds to replenish tools and supplies for the classroom and projects. Estimated Benefit: 200+ students