Mason Minute

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Bulldog Bright Spot

Last Friday, students at North Aurelius Elementary presented MSU basketball player Mady Sissoko with more than $1,000 in donations they raised during March is Reading Month.

The funds will be used to purchase books for students at Sissoko’s school in his home of Mali, West Africa.

Students and staff enjoyed an exciting visit, got autographs and even shot baskets with the former MSU player. They even got some great news coverage!

North Aurelius students raise over $1,100 for Mady Sissoko Foundation (WLNS)

Former MSU basketball player visits elementary school in Mason (WILX)

Mady Sissoko is visiting local elementary school that raised money for great cause (WILX)

Thank You Administrative Professionals!

It is National Administrative Professionals Day! Today we celebrate the amazing professionals who keep our schools running smoothly every day. Our administrative professionals support students, teachers, staff, and families while keeping schedules, offices, and buildings organized and efficient! Thank you for all you do!

Tractor Technicians

Last week, the Mason High School Robotics team, the Tractor Technicians, traveled to Houston, Texas for the 2024 FIRST Robotics World Championship!

The team competed in the Archimedes Division against teams from Australia, Israel, China, Turkey, and all across North America. After Division Qualifying matches, the team ranked 13th out of 75 teams. They were selected to join the 6th alliance with the Dexter Dreadbots (Dexter, MI), The Revolution (Tacoma, WA), and MORE Robotics (Milwaukee, WI) and made it to the semifinals.

Team members had a blast attending conferences, making new friends from other teams, scouting matches, and cheering for our drive team.

The team would like to thank their sponsors, notably Alro Steel, John Deere, Pratt & Whitney, and Mason Public Schools for supporting this incredible season, as well as the family and friends who've cheered them on along the way.

Check out photos below from the World Championships and welcome home parade. Follow the Tractor Technicians on Facebook.

skip over carousel

Robotics

Keep up with the Bulldog Bark Squad

Lewis and Sully are busy checking in with students, learning proper building behaviors and having big adventures! Follow along with the Bulldog Bark Squad on Facebook. You can also find them on Instagram- follow Lewis and Sully in and out of the classroom!

Bus Driver Appreciation Day

This week we marked School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Every day, our team of school bus drivers safely transport students to and from school, to sports and activities and on field trips! Thank you to our team of drivers for your dedication and the care you give to our students!

Class of 2024 Top 10 Percent

The Class of 2024 has announced the Top 10 Percent of graduating seniors! Congratulations to the students who have achieved high academic achievement throughout their high school career. We are proud of our graduating Bulldogs!

Sophia Barnum
Morgan Carlson
Maxwell Carlson
Lucille Carter
Catherine Ehresman
Atticus Erbe
Peyton Fiedler
Frances Fiedler

Meghan Ford
Riley Gill
Shane Kirk
Adil Kolah
Jason Li
Austin Martel
Abby Martel
Rebekah Mills
Molly Murgittroyd
Delaney Murphy
Luke Petee
Tyler Putnam
Ashlynn Putnam
Ethan Rice
Holly Sawyers
Isabella Schlosser
Texas Smith

Last Week to Register- Commercial Bank Mason 5K

Get ready to lace up your sneakers for the Commercial Bank Mason 5K supporting the Mason Public Schools Foundation! This year’s goal is to register 500 runners and walkers for the 5K race, Kids’ 1 Mile Race and Kids’ 100 Yard Dash. Register now and join the fun on Friday, May 3.

Coming Soon- Shrek The Musical

Shrek The Musical is coming to Mason High School! Evening performances will be May 2-4 at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on May 4. Tickets are on sale at the door or online: $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens.

Aquatic Center Schedule and Planned Closure

The last Open Swim for the spring will be Friday, April 26, from 7-9 p.m. The last Water Fitness class and evening Lap Swim will be Monday, April 29.

The Aquatic Center will be completely closed beginning May 1 and has a planned reopen date of June 10.

All summer swim lesson schedules and activities will be posted in the Summer Enrichment Guide which will be available April 30 at 6 p.m.

Summer Construction

Work on the final series of updates from the 2017 bond has continued this school year with improvements and updates to buildings, systems and infrastructure.

Construction and improvements will continue through the summer. Areas scheduled for construction this summer include offices and classrooms at the middle school and high school as well as adding secure entries at the middle and high school.

Families and community members should expect limited access to the high school and middle school this summer as construction projects take place. A temporary main office, athletics office and counseling offices will be set up at the high school this summer.

See the map of the planned closures and temporary offices for Summer 2024. Actual closures may change based on project needs.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Bulldog Bright Spot

Congratulations to the seven Mason High School artists chosen for the Lansing Art Gallery show in partnership with the Ingham Intermediate School District. The students will have their artwork on display at the Lansing Art Gallery until April 27. After that, these works will travel to multiple locations around Ingham County for a year and then be returned to the students. Check out the student artists and their works!

Keigo Trout (Flowers for Dawn)
Lauren West (Luck of the Irish Hills)
Darian Giddens (Look Out)
Allison Galloway (Pure Bliss)
Addy Warren (Little Lamb)
Aireyona Mault (Blueridge Dawn)
Adrie Smith (Lilly Blooms in Late June)

Mason High School's Law 2 class attended the Child and Family Charities Teen Accountability Hearing on April 12. Students were able to sit in the jury box at the Mason Historic Court House where they heard three actual cases and decided the final disposition that the teen has to follow.

Save the Date- High School Musical

Shrek The Musical is coming to Mason High School! Evening performances will be May 2-4 at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on May 4. Tickets are on sale at the door or online: $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens.

School Library Month

April is National School Library Month! We are fortunate to have dedicated and enthusiastic staff in our libraries to help students learn, explore and grow. These educators make an impact on students and teachers in all of our buildings. Thank you for all that you do, Kirsten Foster, Angie Moore, Nicole Roodvoets and Kristy Sandel!

April is Autism Acceptance Month

Join us as we raise awareness to promote autism acceptance, celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, and continue to advance inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community.

Summer Construction

Work on the final series of updates from the 2017 bond has continued this school year with improvements and updates to buildings, systems and infrastructure.

Construction and improvements will continue through the summer. Areas scheduled for construction this summer include offices and classrooms at the middle school and high school as well as adding secure entries at the middle and high school.

Families and community members should expect limited access to the high school and middle school this summer as construction projects take place. A temporary main office, athletics office and counseling offices will be set up at the high school this summer.

See the map of the planned closures and temporary offices for Summer 2024. Actual closures may change based on project needs.

COVID-19 Update

There have been many questions about Mason Public Schools adopting the new CDC guidelines for COVID-19 isolation. The new guidance applies to the general public/community and does not apply to schools and daycare centers.

The Ingham County Health Department has provided an update to schools and daycares. At this time, they are following the MDHHS recommendation that schools continue to follow control measures for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases as outlined in the Managing Communicable Diseases in School document.

The CDC is working to update school guidance which will be released prior to the next school year, and we will share updates as they become available. Contact the Health Team with any questions about isolation or other health issues.

Run to Support the Mason Public Schools Foundation

Get ready to lace up your sneakers for the Commercial Bank Mason 5K supporting the Mason Public Schools Foundation! This year’s goal is to register 500 runners and walkers for the 5K race, Kids’ 1 Mile Race and Kids’ 100 Yard Dash. Register now and join the fun on Friday, May 3.

Aquatic Center Closings

The Aquatic Center will also be completely CLOSED May 1 - June 9, 2024, for construction. There will be no Aquatics activities during that time frame. Thank you for your understanding while the Aquatic Center undergoes improvements this spring.

Spring Enrichment Guide

The Spring Enrichment Guide for Mason Community Education is available and registration is open! Please note, the Mason Aquatic Center will be completely CLOSED May 1 - June 9, 2024, for construction. There will be no Aquatics activities during that time frame.

Have Breakfast at School!

Breakfast is available in all buildings each day and is free for all students. Grab breakfast to start your day!

Elementary Grab and Go Steele: Cafeteria, 8:20-8:50 a.m.
North Aurelius: Cafeteria/Gym, 8:20-8:50 a.m.
Alaiedon: Cafeteria/Gym, 8:20-8:50 a.m.
Harvey Center: Drop off area by Gym, 8:25-8:55 a.m.
Middle School Cafeteria, 7:20-7:40 a.m.
High School Cafeteria, 7-7:40 a.m.

Aquatic Center Spring Community Events

April 1-29, 2024, the Mason Aquatic Center will offer community events the following dates and times:

Open Swim

Friday 7-9 p.m.
Saturday 1-3 p.m.
No swim 4/27
Price: $3/adult, $2/student or senior, $8/family of four. Punch cards are available.

Water Fitness (ages 14+)

Monday and Wednesday 7:15-8:15 p.m.
No class 4/24
Shallow and deep water class
Price: $6 at the door. Punch cards are available.

Adult Lap Swim (ages 18+)

Tuesday-Friday 6-7:30 a.m.
Saturday 7-8:30 a.m.
No swim 4/27
Monday and Wednesday 7:15-8:45 p.m.
No swim 4/24
No shallow end walking available during evening lap swim.
Price: $5/person or $35 for 10-punch card

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Bulldog Bright Spot- Robotics Success!

Congratulations to the FRC 3655 Tractor Technicians for qualifying for the World Championship! The team will head to Houston to compete next week. Safe travels and good luck!

In addition, the Next Gen Team 8424 earned the Spirit Award given by the judges of DTE Foundation Field at the State Championship last week! Way to go!

Evening of the Arts- Tomorrow!

Join Mason Middle School to celebrate an Evening of the Arts tomorrow, April 11 from 6-9 p.m. The evening will include drama performances, musical performances by the Red and Blue Bands, 8th Grade Band and Varsity Choir.

Students will showcase artwork in the student art show, Glow Gallery and new Art is Alive in our Town immersive display featuring Mason landmarks!

Have Breakfast at School!

Breakfast is available in all buildings each day and is free for all students. Grab breakfast to start your day!

Elementary Grab and Go Steele: Cafeteria, 8:20-8:50 a.m.
North Aurelius: Cafeteria/Gym, 8:20-8:50 a.m.
Alaiedon: Cafeteria/Gym, 8:20-8:50 a.m.
Harvey Center: Drop off area by Gym, 8:25-8:55 a.m.
Middle School Cafeteria, 7:20-7:40 a.m.
High School Cafeteria, 7-7:40 a.m.

Arab American Heritage Month

April is National Arab American Heritage Month, an annual celebration of the diversity and richness of Arab American identity, culture and experience.

Summer Construction

Work on the final series of updates from the 2017 bond has continued this school year with improvements and updates to buildings, systems and infrastructure.

Construction and improvements will continue through the summer. Areas scheduled for construction this summer include offices and classrooms at the middle school and high school. In addition, secure entries will be added at the middle and high school.

Families and community members should expect limited access to the high school and middle school this summer as construction projects take place. A temporary main office, athletics office and counseling offices will be set up at the high school this summer.

See the map of the planned closures and temporary offices for Summer 2024. Actual closures may change based on project needs.

COVID-19 Update

There have been many questions about Mason Public Schools adopting the new CDC guidelines for COVID-19 isolation. The new guidance applies to the general public/community and does not apply to schools and daycare centers.

The Ingham County Health Department has provided an update to schools and daycares. At this time, they are following the MDHHS recommendation that schools continue to follow control measures for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases as outlined in the Managing Communicable Diseases in School document.

The CDC is working to update school guidance which will be released prior to the next school year, and we will share updates as they become available. Contact the Health Team with any questions about isolation or other health issues.

Run to Support the Mason Public Schools Foundation

Get ready to lace up your sneakers for the Commercial Bank Mason 5k supporting the Mason Public Schools Foundation! This year’s goal is to register 500 runners and walkers for the 5k race, Kids’ 1 Mile Race and Kids’ 100 Yard Dash. Register now and join the fun on Friday, May 3.

Aquatic Center Closing

The Aquatic Center will also be completely CLOSED May 1 - June 9, 2024, for construction. There will be no Aquatics activities during that time frame, thank you for your understanding while the Aquatic Center undergoes improvements this spring.

Spring Enrichment Guide

The Spring Enrichment Guide for Mason Community Education is available and registration is open! Please note, the Mason Aquatic Center will be completely CLOSED May 1 - June 9, 2024, for construction. There will be no Aquatics activities during that time frame.

Tuition Preschool, Early Learning and Before/After School Care Enrollment

Registration is now open for new and currently enrolled students in Tuition Preschool, Early Learning, and Before and After School Care 2024-2025 school year programs. Information for enrolling was sent to currently enrolled families via email from Mrs. Neisinger. If you are currently enrolled and did not receive the email, please contact neisingerp@masonk12.net

Enrollment for new families is online via a link on the Harvey Education Center website and on the Mason Community Education Facebook page.

A $65 registration fee PER child, PER program, is due at the time of enrollment for all programs by cash or check.

Program spaces are filled as registration and deposits are received and space is limited in all programs. Please call 517.676.6528 with any questions.

Aquatic Center Spring Community Events

April 1-29, 2024, the Mason Aquatic Center will offer community events the following dates and times:

Open Swim

Friday 7-9 p.m.
Saturday 1-3 p.m.
No swim 4/12, 4/13 and 4/27
Price: $3/adult, $2/student or senior, $8/family of four. Punch cards are available.

Water Fitness (ages 14+)

Monday and Wednesday 7:15-8:15 p.m.
No class 4/10 and 4/24
Shallow and deep water class
Price: $6 at the door. Punch cards are available.

Adult Lap Swim (ages 18+)

Tuesday-Friday 6-7:30 a.m.
Saturday 7-8:30 a.m.
No swim 4/13 and 4/27
Monday and Wednesday 7:15-8:45 p.m.
No swim 4/10 and 4/24
No shallow end walking available during evening lap swim.
Price: $5/person or $35 for 10-punch card

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Bulldog Bright Spot- The Eclipse is Coming!

On Monday, April 8, Mason, and most of the state of Michigan, will be in the path of a partial solar eclipse. The solar eclipse is expected to take place in the afternoon reaching its maximum at 3:12 p.m. and ending about 4:25 p.m. Students will be dismissed on their regular schedule.

A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles, but can also pose a threat to our eyes. In order to stay safe while viewing the eclipse, or even being outside during the time frame of the eclipse, follow these safety tips:

Use eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standards (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015). But do not stare continuously at the sun. Take breaks and give your eyes a rest.
Use a box pinhole viewer or a pinhole projector to view the eclipse.
Use your hands to cast shadows on the ground.
Look at shadows on the ground, such as under a leafy tree to see the crescent sun shadows projected by the spaces between the leaves.
Do not look at the sun directly, even with eye protection.
Do not view through regular sunglasses, homemade filters, cameras, binoculars, telescopes, welder's glasses or damaged viewers or glasses

Learn more about eye safety and the eclipse. For information about school-specific plans for Monday, April 8, please contact your student's building administrator.

North Aurelius Receives Grant

North Aurelius Elementary School has been awarded a $500 grant to support their goal of becoming a Grief-Sensitive School. The grant will be used by the staff at North Aurelius to purchase bereavement materials or books to assist students who are dealing with grief and loss in their lives. The grant was provided by The New York Life Foundation and local New York Life Agent, Sarah Rich.

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

Today is National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! Across our district, paraprofessionals aid in classes, assist students in special education, supervise students, help with the general running of the school, and work to motivate and empower students every day! Thank you for everything you do!

Robotics Teams Head to State Championship

Good luck to the high school and middle school FIRST Robotics Competition teams as they head to the State Finals this weekend at Saginaw Valley State University! Go Tractor Technicians!

COVID-19 Update

There have been many questions about Mason Public Schools adopting the new CDC guidelines for COVID-19 isolation. The new guidance applies to the general public/community and does not apply to schools and daycare centers.

The Ingham County Health Department has provided an update to schools and daycares. At this time, they are following the MDHHS recommendation that schools continue to follow control measures for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases as outlined in the Managing Communicable Diseases in School document.

The CDC is working to update school guidance which will be released prior to the next school year, and we will share updates as they become available. Contact the Health Team with any questions about isolation or other health issues.

Evening of the Arts

Join Mason Middle School to celebrate an Evening of the Arts on Thursday, April 11 from 6-9 p.m.

The evening will include drama performances, musical performances by the Red and Blue Bands, 8th Grade Band and Varsity Choir. Students will showcase artwork in the student art show, Glow Gallery and new Art is Alive in our Town immersive display featuring Mason landmarks!

Run to Support the Mason Public Schools Foundation

Get ready to lace up your sneakers for the Commercial Bank Mason 5k supporting the Mason Public Schools Foundation! This year’s goal is to register 500 runners and walkers for the 5k race, Kids’ 1 Mile Race and Kids’ 100 Yard Dash. Register now and join the fun on Friday, May 3.

LCC Youth Programs- Sign up now!

Register now for after school Lansing Community College (LCC) Youth Programs. Spring classes begin April 15. All courses are exclusively for Mason Public School students in 2nd through 5th grades and are held at Harvey Education Center with transportation available.

Learn more and register on the LCC website. Registration closes April 5. Courses include:

Beginning Robotics, Grades 2-3
Music Video Club, Grades 4-5
Wetland Explorers Club, Grades 4-5

Aquatic Center Closings

The Aquatic Center will also be completely CLOSED May 1 - June 9, 2024, for construction. There will be no Aquatics activities during that time frame, thank you for your understanding while the Aquatic Center undergoes improvements this spring.

National Assistant Principals Week

It is National Assistant Principals Week! Thank you to our team of assistant principals- Tara Becker-Utess and Nicholas Toodzio at Mason High School and Mary Hilker at Mason Middle School. We recognize their hard work and commitment to our students, staff and schools- thank you for all you do!

Spring Enrichment Guide

The Spring Enrichment Guide for Mason Community Education is available and registration is open!

Tuition Preschool, Early Learning and Before/After School Care Enrollment

Registration is now open for new and currently enrolled students in Tuition Preschool, Early Learning, and Before and After School Care 2024-2025 school year programs. Information for enrolling was sent to currently enrolled families via email from Mrs. Neisinger. If you are currently enrolled and did not receive the email, please contact neisingerp@masonk12.net

Enrollment for new families is online via a link on the Harvey Education Center website and on the Mason Community Education Facebook page.

A $65 registration fee PER child, PER program, is due at the time of enrollment for all programs by cash or check.

Program spaces are filled as registration and deposits are received and space is limited in all programs. Please call 517.676.6528 with any questions.

Stay Home When You’re Sick

A reminder to all staff, students and families: If you are feeling sick, please stay home. We all play a part in keeping our school community healthy and limiting the transmission of colds, the flu, viruses and other illnesses.

Anyone with the symptoms below, should not come to school:

A fever greater than 100 degrees. A person MUST be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
Vomited or had diarrhea in the past 24 hours.
Severe eye drainage or red swollen eyes.
A severe or croup sounding cough.
Severe cold symptoms or constant thick nose drainage.
Rash of unknown origin.

Thank you for doing your part by staying home when you're sick. If you have questions, please contact the Health Team at bulldogrn@masonk12.net or 517.883.8115.