Recent News

Dear McSwain Students and Families,

As we celebrate Mother's Day this weekend, I want to extend a warm and joyful greeting to all the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community. Your love, sacrifice, and support shape the lives of our students every day.

On this special day, I am reminded of the profound impact my own mother had on my path to education. Despite leaving school in the third grade and being unable to read, she understood the power of education and worked tirelessly to support our family. Her encouragement and belief in the importance of learning inspired me to pursue a career in education and continue to advocate for every child's educational journey at McSwain.

Let's take this opportunity to thank and honor all the mothers who, much like my own, have made countless sacrifices to ensure a better future for their children. Your unwavering belief in the benefits of education continues to inspire and motivate us all.

Wishing you a Mother's Day filled with love, gratitude, and joy.

Best,

Mr. P

Hello, McSwain Community!


We hope you are well. Please see the information below.


NWEA Test
We are approaching the time for our students to participate in the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) assessments, which will take place over the next few weeks. These assessments are crucial as they help us understand the academic progress of our students in various subjects.


The NWEA tests are adaptive and designed to align with each student’s learning level. They provide a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures performance—whether a student performs on, above, or below grade level. The results of these assessments will guide our teachers in tailoring instruction to meet each student's needs and support their growth.


Please ensure that your child is well-rested and has a good breakfast on the days of testing. Encourage them to do their best, but also remind them that these assessments are just one of the tools we use to gauge where they are in their learning journey.


Yearbook Information

Get your McSwain 2023-24 Yearbook!

We have a few yearbooks left! It is a first come, first serve. The cost is now $54.00

To order a yearbook, visit this website

Search for McSwain School and look at the special packages available for our students.






Vegetable of the Month


VEGETABLE OF THE MONTH……..CHICKPEAS!!!!


Our vegetable to Salute this month is Chickpeas!!


Chickpeas are known by many different names all over the world. Other names include garbanzo beans, a popular term in the US, Bengal grams, Egyptian peas, ceci beans, and Kabuli chana. Chickpeas come in a variety of different types and colors, not just the beige variety we are used to seeing in cans. Chickpeas can also be black, green, red, and brown.


These fun facts may make you want to eat this vegetable even more.


Some people think I am a bean, but I’m a seed, or a legume.


I grow on a plant on the ground in warm and dry climates. I can pull nutrients and water from the ground all summer long. But before harvest, farmers want me to dry out, so I am not watered! I also grow in a green pod all summer, and I’m ready for harvest (picking) in September.

I keep bugs away with a natural acid on my pod. When I am dried, the acid goes away.

Farmers are looking for a unified (one) color because most of me will be canned and blended into hummus.

At the grocery store, you will find canned or dried chickpeas. You can blend it (like hummus), add it to salads, roast it, and bake it. It can even be used to make desserts!


DID YOU KNOW

Chickpeas weren’t popular in North America until the 1990’s

India harvests the most chickpeas

Chickpeas are used across the world in many different dishes but are most popular in the United States for hummus


Let’s give them a try this month. You can eat them plain or in a salad!


8th Grade Sports Night @ Buhach High School




Congratulations to Our McSwain Writing All-Stars!


We are thrilled to celebrate the students of McSwain Elementary who participated in this year's Merced County Writing Festival! Your creativity and dedication to expressing your thoughts and ideas through writing have truly shone. We are proud of your hard work and the unique voices each of you brought to the festival. Keep up the great writing, McSwain Stars! Please click this link to see all of the amazing winners!

Hello McSwain Families!


Just a friendly reminder that next week, students in grades 3-8 will be participating in the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress). As we prepare for this upcoming week, it's a chance for our students to demonstrate the remarkable progress they've made over the past year.


Please see below.


Testing Window for CAASPP: May 6th to May 24th for grades 3-8


During our testing cycle, students must attend school regularly and punctually. To ensure they have the best opportunity to perform their best, we kindly request your assistance in scheduling appointments during afternoons or after school hours whenever possible.


By arriving on time and allowing a few moments to settle in before testing begins, students can approach the assessments with the focus and preparation they need for success.


Also, please note that students should not be pulled out early during testing. This allows them the necessary time to get in the zone and demonstrate their growth effectively.


We want to make sure our Mustangs get to show their knowledge and skills!


Reminder: here are some best practices for kids to remember:


1. Get a good night's sleep: Adequate rest helps improve concentration and cognitive function.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast: Fuel up with nutritious foods to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.

3. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.

4. Read instructions carefully: Take your time to understand what is being asked before answering.

5. Manage your time: Pace yourself during the test to ensure you have enough time to complete each section.

6. Take breaks when needed: Listen to your body and take short breaks to relax and refocus.

7. Review your work: Before submitting your test, double-check your answers and make any necessary corrections.


GO Mustangs!



Weather Reminder

As the temperature continues to be warmer for this time of the year. Please send your child with a refillable water bottle. We have water stations on campus and want to ensure your child stays hydrated.





Yearbook Information

Get your McSwain 2023-24 Yearbook!

We have a few yearbooks left! It is a first come, first serve. The cost is now $54.00

To order a yearbook, visit this website

Search for McSwain School and look at the special packages available for our students.






Day of Awesomeness Fundraiser!

From the McSwain Parent CLUB: Just a quick THANK YOU for helping your student use their AWESOMENESS to help others! We are so grateful for all the support and participation in Step It UP! Program!

On May 24th, your student will attend the Day of Awesomeness.

This will be a field day, and all students will be able to participate.

Hello McSwain Families!


We hope you are well. As we approach the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) Testing at McSwain Elementary, we wanted to provide you with the necessary information regarding the testing window:


Testing Window for CAASPP: May 6th to May 24th for grades 3-8


During our testing cycle, students must attend school regularly and punctually.


To ensure they have the best opportunity to perform their best, we kindly request your assistance in scheduling appointments during afternoons or after school hours whenever possible.


By arriving on time and allowing a few moments to settle in before testing begins, students can approach the assessments with the focus and preparation they need for success.


Also, please note that students should not be pulled out early during testing. This allows them the necessary time to get in the zone and demonstrate their growth effectively.


We want to make sure our Mustangs get to show their knowledge and skills!


Reminder: here are some best practices for kids to remember:


1. Get a good night's sleep: Adequate rest helps improve concentration and cognitive function.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast: Fuel up with nutritious foods to keep energy levels stable throughout the day. Feel free to bring a snack to school!

3. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.

4. Read instructions carefully: Take your time to understand what is being asked before answering.

5. Manage your time: Pace yourself during the test to ensure you have enough time to complete each section.

6. Take breaks when needed: Listen to your body and take short breaks to relax and refocus.

7. Review your work: Before submitting your test, double-check your answers and make any necessary corrections.


GO Mustangs!

Hello McSwain Families!


It's that time of the year again – state testing for grades 3 through 8 is just around the corner. These assessments provide valuable insights into your child's progress and help shape their educational journey. Let's support our young learners by ensuring they're well-rested, nourished, and encouraged to do their best.


Here are some best practices for kids to remember:


1. Get a good night's sleep: Adequate rest helps improve concentration and cognitive function.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast: Fuel up with nutritious foods to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.

3. Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.

4. Read instructions carefully: Take your time to understand what is being asked before answering.

5. Manage your time: Pace yourself during the test to ensure you have enough time to complete each section.

6. Take breaks when needed: Listen to your body and take short breaks to relax and refocus.

7. Review your work: Before submitting your test, double-check your answers and make any necessary corrections.


State Testing will begin May 6th

For information regarding the CAASPP test, please refer to this link from the California Department of Education website.


Together, we can empower them to shine bright and showcase their knowledge. Good luck to all students!

Hello McSwain Families,


Please see the information below.


Open House for all Grades!

We will have our Spring Open House on April 24th

Come and see the fantastic work our students have completed as they showcase their mastery of skills and content.

The event will be from 4-6 pm.

West Campus presentations will be from 4-5 pm.

There will be a transition built in from 5-5:15 pm

East Campus presentations will be from 5:15 pm to 6 pm.











McSwain Parent Club Fundraiser for McSwain


Dear Parents,


On behalf of the McSwain Parent Club, I am SO excited to invite you to participate in our Next Level Program! We need your help to raise money for Field Trips, Student Activities, and Classroom Enrichment.


Click on the link to set up your child’s personal donation page and invite friends and family by email or text to join our efforts. This entire process can be completed in 10 minutes or less! When you enter 10 or more email addresses or cell phone numbers of your friends and family via your personal donation page, your child will earn Golden Ticket Prizes starting Monday!


Please complete this process by midnight tonight to qualify for prizes. Don’t forget to share your personal donation link on social media as well. The more money we raise, the more impact we can make at Mcswain Elementary School.


Our school is extremely excited to celebrate our students and their hard work on our best day ever. Check out this link to see what this EPIC event is all about.


Questions about how to complete your Golden Ticket? Click here:

https://www.pop4kids.org/video/how-to-pop


Be confident that the data entered into the donation platform is safe and secure.

Privacy Policy.


Reminder: The event is being held by the McSwain Parent Club. These organizations are non-affiliated with McSwain Unified.

Hello McSwain Mustangs!

I hope you are doing well; please see the announcements below.

Open House for all Grades!

We will have our Spring Open House on April 24th

Come and see the fantastic work our students have completed as they showcase their mastery of skills and content.

The event will be from 4-6 pm.

West Campus presentations will be from 4-5 pm.

There will be a transition built in from 5-5:15 pm

East Campus presentations will be from 5:15 pm to 6 pm.

Mr. Lance Podcast


Check out the latest episode of the Mr. Lance Podcast! Our special guest for this episode is none other than Ms. Lourenco herself. Please refer to your aeries communication email for the link.


What is the Mr. Lance Podcast?

Insightful Discussions: From community matters to global topics, Mr. Lance will delve into various subjects that matter to us all.

Special Guests: Expect interviews with local heroes, community leaders, and special guests who bring unique perspectives.

Interactive Sessions: Participate in Q&A sessions and share your thoughts with Mr. Lance and our community.

Fun and Learning: Each episode blends fun, learning, and community spirit.


How to Join:

Subscribe to our podcast channel on Pod Bean

You can click this link to subscribe. You will be asked to download the Podbean app, which is available on Android, PC, and the Apple store.

Tune In for weekly episodes.

Engage with us through comments and feedback.


Let's connect, learn, and grow with the Mr. Lance Podcast Series!

Hello McSwain Mustangs!


We hope you are enjoying your break. Here are some reminders.


Spring Break

As we all rest, this is a reminder that students and staff will return to school on Monday, April 8th, 2024.


Dress Code Reminder


As we head into the warmer time of the year, please take a moment to review our dress code expectations.

Appropriate dress and good grooming contribute to a positive atmosphere and promote student safety. Students should dress in a manner that is age-appropriate and acceptable.

Any dress, grooming or appearance which disrupts or tends to disrupt the educational process or affect the health or safety of individuals will be prohibited (EC 48900, EC35183, EC 35294.1).

Pants/shorts will be worn at the waist level without the need to use a belt.

All belts must be worn through the loops.

Backless, halter, strapless, low-cut necklines, bare midriff tops, spaghetti straps, crop tops, and tube tops may not be worn. Straps must be at least ½ inch wide.

All undergarments must be covered, including bralettes.

Holes/rips/fraying in pants, shorts or skirts may be no higher than fingertip length.

If arms are held at the sides and straight down, the shorts, dress or skirt bottom should match the students longest fingertip.

Students will be required to change if their shorts, skirts or dresses are of an inappropriate length.

Leggings are ok to be worn under shorts or jeans with holes/rips higher than fingertip length.

Footwear must be worn at all times. Students must have appropriate footwear for PE. Failure to do so will result in non-participation and will impact the student’s grade in PE. Elementary students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes.

Students cannot wear heelys shoes.

Hats, hoods and sunglasses must be taken off when indoors.

Clothing, accessories or jewelry with inappropriate language, pictures, inferences, or symbols which tend to mock, ridicule, provoke, demean, or display words or pictures associated with alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, sex, drugs may not be worn at school.

Lettering and printing will be allowed on garments as long as it is not crude,vulgar, and does not contain profanity or make reference to tobacco, drugs, alcohol, violence, gangs, weapons or is sexually suggestive, and is not a racial slur or epithet.

Accessories that may cause injury such as, but not limited to, spiked jewelry, studded collars, safety pins, chains or long belts will not be allowed.

Any attire/paraphernalia/symbol that signifies gang affiliation will not be allowed on campus. Any attire/ paraphernalia/symbol that displays a logo or other message promoting alcohol or controlled substances, promoting violence, illegal activity or relating to gangs may not be worn on campus.


The final school-level decisions as to the suitability of dress and grooming rest with the administration.


Reminder: Lost and Found Items

Please take a look at the items we lost and found on both the East and West Campuses.

When we return from break, any uncollected items will be donated on Friday, April 12th







Weather Reminder

As the temperature continues to be warmer for this time of the year. Please send your child with a refillable water bottle. We have water stations on campus and want to make sure your child stays hydrated.



Parent Club Meeting

The McSwain Parent Club will meet on 4/8 at 6 p.m. in the West Campus Cafeteria. This is open to all! Please come and join us!



Have a fabulous break, Mustangs!