Recent News

Please see Parent Square Communication Regarding Parent Survey

Hello McSwain Community,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we remain committed to engaging directly with our stakeholders to build a stronger McSwain community.

We kindly ask you to take a moment to complete our Family School Climate Survey, linked here.

Your responses are completely anonymous but provide us with valuable feedback to help improve and continue supporting our students, staff, and families.

The survey will remain open until January 17th, 2025.

Thank you for your time and input—it truly makes a difference!

Warm regards,
Superintendent Pannu

Good evening Mustang Families,

As we gear up for the final week before the Winter Break, we’re excited about the many activities happening on campus! From holiday performances to classroom celebrations, it’s a wonderful time to come together and enjoy the season’s spirit. We’re also wrapping up our NWEA testing, and we appreciate your support in ensuring students are well-rested and ready to finish strong.

Next Week’s Events

Monday, December 16

Holiday Headwear Day: wear your favorite Holiday headwear

B Boys and Girls Basketball vs. Winton

Tuesday, December 17

Holiday Socks Day: stay warm with your favorite pair of Holiday socks

A Boys and Girls Basketball vs. Winton

Wednesday, December 18

Holiday Ugly Sweaters Day: wear your tacky Holiday sweater or shirts

Winter Dance (grades 7th/8th 12:30-2:30)

Winter Band Concert 6pm

Minimum Day for both campuses

East Campus Dismissal: 12:20

West Campus Dismissal: 1:20

Thursday, December 19

Holiday Colors Day: show your Holiday spirit by wearing green, red or white

Friday, December 20

Holiday Pajamas Day: cozy up in your Holiday pajamas to get ready to relax on break

Weekly Community Update

Good evening McSwain Community,

We hope everyone had a restful and joyful Thanksgiving week. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 5th Grade Pancake Breakfast today. Your support helps make the upcoming camp experience possible for our 5th graders. We’re grateful for your generosity and Mustang spirit!

As we gear up for the week ahead, below are a few highlights:

Next Week’s Events

Monday, December 2

College Spirit Day. Wear your favorite college gear!

B Boys and Girls Basketball vs. OLM

Tuesday, December 3

B Boys and A Boys/Girls Basketball vs. Mariposa

Wednesday, December 4

B Boys and Girls Basketball vs. Livingston

Minimum Day for both campuses

East Campus Dismissal: 12:20

West Campus Dismissal: 1:20

Thursday, December 5

A Boys and Girls Basketball vs. OLM

Friday, December 6

Mustang Pride Day. Wear your McSwain Swag!

Girls Basketball Ballico Tournament

Saturday, December 7

5th Grade Poinsettia Pick-ups

Girls Basketball Ballico Tournament


5th Grade Poinsettia Sales

Please help support our 5th grade campers and send them to camp!

Poinsettia pick up is Saturday, 12/7/24 from 9AM-12PM.

Dear McSwain Community,

As we enter the veteran’s holiday weekend, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our veterans. On behalf of the McSwain staff and students, we thank those who have served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Your bravery, dedication, and service are an inspiration to us all. Let us remember and honor our veterans for their commitment to our country and their role in safeguarding our way of life.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Kamal Pannu
Superintendent, McSwain


Exciting News, McSwain Community!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re exploring the possibility of hosting a blood drive right here at McSwain, and we’d love to have your support! To make this happen, we're gauging interest from those who might be interested in donating or helping out.

If you'd like to participate or support the event in any way, please fill out our interest form survey. With enough community interest, we’ll be able to move forward and share the next steps soon.

Your involvement could have a lasting impact on our community, and we’re grateful for your support in this life-saving effort!


New Episode Alert: Mr. Lance Talks with McSwain's Mr. Brigham!

In the latest episode of Mr. Lance Talks, we’re excited to feature McSwain's Jr. High Science teacher, Mr. Brigham! Hear about his unique approach to teaching science, from hands-on experiments to sparking curiosity about the natural world. Tune in to discover his insights, the methods he uses to make science engaging, and stories that highlight the thrill of learning at McSwain. Don't miss this inspiring conversation—perfect for anyone passionate about education and science!

Thank you, McSwain Community, for your ongoing support and involvement!

Click here to watch and add us on Facebook!

#MustangsPride #McSwainExcellence #MrLancePodcast

Dear McSwain Community,

As we conclude Red Ribbon Week, I want to recognize the shared commitment to making safe and healthy choices. This week has highlighted our dedication to a drug-free community, and with Halloween celebrations tonight, let’s keep this spirit alive to ensure a fun, safe evening for everyone. Please remember to look out for each other as we enjoy this festive time.

A special thank you to the Sheriff’s Office last week for providing valuable insights and education on community safety, especially regarding the dangers of fentanyl. Your participation in our community safety meetings has been invaluable. Thanks to the parents and community members who attended—your involvement reinforces our collective effort to raise awareness, prevent tragedies, and prioritize our community's well-being.

Tomorrow, while students enjoy a well-deserved day off, our dedicated McSwain teachers will engage in professional development sessions focused on refining instructional practices, exploring best practices, and collaborating to enhance student success. This focus on professional growth extends into our early-release Wednesdays, where we consistently dedicate time to building skills and strengthening the supports we provide. These sessions are critical in ensuring that every student at McSwain thrives in a supportive learning environment.

Thank you to our families and staff for your continued support and commitment to making McSwain a place of success, safety, and unity.

Warm regards,
Mr. Pannu
Superintendent

Dear McSwain Community,

We are excited to announce that 375 of our students achieved perfect attendance for the month of September! Their dedication to learning and commitment to being present every day is truly admirable, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishment.

Regular attendance plays a vital role in every student's academic success. Even missing a few days of school can have a significant impact, creating gaps in learning, reducing engagement, and missing valuable opportunities to connect with teachers and peers. Research shows that students who miss just two days a month are more likely to fall behind and face challenges in reaching their full potential. We encourage all of our students and families to prioritize consistent attendance to ensure that every child has the chance to excel.

Here are some helpful tips for families to promote regular attendance:

Establish a consistent morning routine to ensure students are ready and enthusiastic for school each day.

Whenever possible, schedule appointments and vacations outside of school hours to limit disruptions.

Reach out to your child’s teacher if your student is facing any challenges so we can provide the necessary support.

Celebrate attendance milestones as a way to highlight the importance of being present and engaged.

In addition to celebrating perfect attendance, we are excited to share news about our upcoming Bus Safety Week at McSwain! Led by our Transportation Department, students will take part in important safety reviews to ensure they know how to stay safe while riding the bus. Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority, and this event will help reinforce critical bus safety practices.

Community Reminder: Fentanyl Awareness Presentation

To address this urgent concern, McSwain Union Elementary School District is once again partnering with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office to present vital information on fentanyl awareness. The presentation will cover the dangers of fentanyl, how to recognize overdose signs, and steps we can take to keep our community safe.

Event Details:

Date: October 22nd

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: West Campus Cafeteria

We strongly encourage all parents, guardians, and community members to attend. Experts from the Sheriff’s Office will provide valuable insights and answer any questions you may have. Your involvement is crucial in our shared effort to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies. Keeping our community informed and safe is a priority for us all.

Thank you to our families and staff for your continued support of our students and for working together to make McSwain a place of success, safety, and unity.

Warm regards,
Kamal Pannu
Superintendent

Dear McSwain Community,

The safety and well-being of our students, families, and community members are our highest priorities. As we head into October and with Halloween around the corner, we want to take this opportunity to educate our community on the growing concern and dangers of fentanyl—a powerful and deadly synthetic opioid that has led to a dramatic rise in overdoses across the country, including right here in Merced County.

Fentanyl is often disguised as other drugs, making it incredibly dangerous, especially to young people who may not realize what they are taking. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal. This crisis affects all of us, and it’s crucial that we come together as a community to protect our children and educate ourselves on the risks.

Community Presentation on Fentanyl Awareness

To address this urgent issue, McSwain Union Elementary School District is once again partnering with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office to host an informative presentation on fentanyl awareness. The presentation will cover the dangers of fentanyl, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, and what steps we can take to keep our community safe.

Event Details:

Date: October 22nd

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: West Campus Cafeteria

We encourage all parents, guardians, and community members to attend. Experts from the Sheriff’s Office will share valuable information and answer any questions you may have. Your participation is vital in our collective effort to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies. It is imperative that we keep our community safe and well-informed.

If you have any questions about the event or need additional resources, please feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at this important presentation.

Sincerely,

Kamal Pannu
Superintendent
McSwain Union Elementary School District

Dear McSwain Families,
As we continue to prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and community, we kindly remind everyone to follow all established traffic guidelines while on campus during or after school hours. In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we have established accessibility to campus for emergency vehicles. To maintain this level of safety and efficiency during or after school, we ask that all families take note of the following:
Adhere to All Traffic Signs: Please be mindful of speed limits and traffic signs while driving on campus.
Do Not Park in Fire Lanes: These lanes must remain clear at all times to ensure emergency vehicles have immediate access when needed.
Avoid Blocking Entry and Exit Ways: Keep all driveways and entry/exit points open to allow for a smooth flow of traffic.
Respect Handicapped Parking Spaces: Please ensure that handicapped stalls are only used by those with the appropriate permits.
Failure to comply with these rules can lead to ongoing traffic delays, and may result in citations by law enforcement or vehicles being towed. Your cooperation is essential in making sure our campus remains accessible for emergency services at all times, ensuring a safe environment for all.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school safe for everyone.
Sincerely,
Kamal Pannu
Superintendent
McSwain Union School District

Good evening Mustang Families,

As always, we are excited to keep you informed about all the great things happening at McSwain. Below, you'll find updates on upcoming events, important reminders, and highlights from the past week. Your continued support makes our school community stronger, and we appreciate all you that you do. Let’s work together for another fantastic week ahead.

Patriot Day

On Wednesday, Patriot Day, McSwain came together to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and to pay tribute to the bravery of first responders and the resilience of our nation. We observed a moment of silence across both campuses, reflecting on the impact of that day and the importance of unity and compassion in our community. Teachers facilitated thoughtful discussions in classrooms to help students understand the significance of 9/11, and we encouraged staff and students to wear red, white and blue as a way to honor those who served selflessly.


Atwater High School Homecoming Parade

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Atwater Homecoming parade. We had a fantastic turnout, and the float looked amazing. A special thanks to our Leadership team, Mrs. Perez and Mr. Sherman for leading the effort.


McSwain Foundation’s Mustang Night’s Fundraiser

The Foundation’s annual fundraiser will be held on Saturday, September 28th. Please see the flyer linked here to buy tickets and for more information.


Yearbook Purchases

Today is the last day to order yearbooks at $41. Tomorrow the price increases to $46. Yearbooks can be ordered online at Jostens.com.


Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, September 17

Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball vs. Winton

Wednesday, September 18

Minimum Day for both campuses

East Campus Dismissal: 12:20

West Campus Dismissal: 1:20

Thursday, September 19

Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball vs. Mariposa


Traffic Drop-off Reminders:

Please do not leave your vehicle when dropping off.

When pulling into the drop-off zone, please pull all the way forward.

West Campus drop-off - enter from Hwy 140 onto Scott Road. Please do not make a left hand turn into West Campus from Scott Road.

East Campus drop-off - enter from Vaughn Ave; onto Scott Road. Please do not make a left hand turn into East Campus from Scott Road.


Student Pick-up Reminders:

Students will not be released to anyone under the age of 18.

Please provide the office with any names of individuals that you would like on the pick-up list for your student(s).


Best Regards,

Mrs. Sanders