Programs at McPherson

STEAM Magnet Program: What is a Magnet School?

Magnet Schools are public schools that provide high quality instruction through specialized, theme-based programs designed to give students unique and innovative learning that promotes student inquiry and agency.  They provide parents with choices for their child’s education through the public school system. Magnet schools attract students and families from a variety of diverse backgrounds to provide a richer, more meaningful experience as students communicate, collaborate, and create together.

McPherson is the recipient of the 2023 US Dept of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant. This 5 year funding provides for materials, equipment, supplies, and field trips for classrooms as well as professional learning for teachers to implement high quality instruction based on McPherson's chosen theme: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math)

All classrooms at McPherson Magnet School participate in thematic units designed through the lens of 5 STEAM themes: Inquiry, Exploration, Communication, Perspective and Innovation. Through interactive and rigorous learning engagements students are striving to become Courageous and Collaborative people who have Integrity, Empathy, and Perseverance.

Curriculum

BEST Behavior

Second Step

Benchmark Advance (English Language Arts)
Comprehensive English Language Arts & English Language Development program taught in all classrooms.  NVUSD adopted this curriculum for 2017-2018 for Grade 3-5 and 2018-2019 for Kindergarten through 2nd grade.  Benchmark Advance is aligned to California Common Core Standards (CCSS) and includes online resources for home use. 

Bridges Math
NVUSD adopted math curriculum taught in all classrooms.  Bridges is an inquiry-driven curriculum focused on accountable "math talk" and students interacting with mathematical concepts.

Mindfulness
McPherson uses Mindful exercises delivered by trained staff along with the Mind Yeti program to give students tools to be centered, focused, and present throughout the school day.