Team Mason: Excellence in Action

For tips on economic concepts before your next garage sale or selling items on EBay, consider checking in with the third-grade students at Alaiedon Elementary or the fourth-grade students at North Aurelius elementary, both of which held their Market Days this spring. I saved my money so I could attend both to check out the array of goods for sale. They had everything from cotton candy, popcorn, cookies and cakes to lemonade, jewelry, bookmarks, small toys and even Bulldog tote bags. 

Recently, Dain Ryckman and I had a conversation about his fifth graders serving on the leadership team and how they may be applying their skills to their lives right now – so we decided to ask them! Students were given a survey that asked how they apply their leadership skills in three areas: at home, at public events and, of course, at school.  We were ecstatic to see the results!

Family and friends of students at North Aurelius and Alaiedon Elementaries were treated to outstanding performances of “The Jungle Book” and “The Aristocrat Kids” this spring, but you better believe these performances didn’t just suddenly happen. The real work occurred behind the scenes with long rehearsals, set construction, costume preparations and more!

Imagine you are enrolled in Courtney Ford’s science class. Two weeks before school is out for the summer, she posed the question, “What are the pros and cons of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?” She then says, “You are going to have the opportunity to research this question, and next week we will debate this in class.” What are you thinking? How are you feeling? 

Jostens, the leading producer of yearbooks and student-centered content, recently announced that Mason High School’s yearbook team, under the leadership of Kristin Higgins, was awarded the Program of Excellence Award for its broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills. 

May 18 was a very special confidence building day for our kindergarten students as they had a chance to tour their “new digs” for the upcoming fall. Excited smiles, tiny backpacks and curious eyes filled the hallways of our three elementary buildings.  The principals lead students on tours to meet the teachers and all the people that will be there to help them.  

You would be amazed at the leadership opportunities Mason Public Schools offers students- implicitly in the arts, sports, robotics, and even in the classroom. Additionally, you would be impressed with the explicit leadership offerings for elementary through high school students. I have observed them all in action, and I can attest they are having some remarkable experiences and doing some show stopping things in our community! 

Jessica Curtis’ mantra is “15 in 50”, so what do you think that means? Imagine being in a Spanish class where the teacher orchestrates 15 strategic moves in 50 minutes. Now, if that doesn’t keep middle school students on their toes, I’m not sure what will. Having been in Jessica’s classroom on numerous occasions, I can attest to that happening – and finding myself participating. It’s simply contagious!  

Mason Middle School’s annual Evening of the Arts was one of those magical nights as students showcased their talents. While robotics and sports are highly subscribed to and provide great opportunities for our middle school students, the music and fine arts programs displayed that evening revealed those programs can hold their own.  

What are the chances that an Olympic Gold Medalist visits Mason, Michigan? With our creative faculty, I’ve come to the conclusion that almost anything is possible! Recently, Tiffany Reeser’s class participated in a live Zoom meeting with Olympic gold medalist and professional soccer player Alyssa Naeher, who currently plays for the Chicago Stars Football Club.