MPS Newsfeed

Sex Education Advisory Board Public Hearings

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Sex Education Advisory Board Committee will hold public hearings regarding two reproductive health consent lessons. Hearings will be held on April 22 and May 11. Both hearings will be at 5:30 PM in the Sycamore Room at City Hall. Community members are welcome to attend and provide input.

Mason High School Solo & Ensemble Shines at State Festival

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Mason High School Band program had plenty to celebrate following this year's State Solo and Ensemble Festival, with Bulldog musicians turning in one of their strongest performances in recent memory. Competing across 47 events, the ensemble earned an impressive 40 First Division Ratings, the highest honor available, along with six, Second Division Ratings and one, Third Division Rating.

MASON WINS 2026 MICHIGAN FFA PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE CONTEST

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The 98^th Michigan FFA State Convention witnessed fierce competition as teams vied for the top honors in the Parliamentary Procedure Contest. The finals, held March 4-5, saw teams showcasing their knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of effective meeting management, group decision-making and leadership.

After rigorous rounds of district and regional level competition, the Mason FFA Chapter emerged victorious as the winners of the 2026 Michigan FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest. The winning team was comprised of Wesley Rogers, Katie Hills, Ellen Picken, Alex Cargill, Emma Whipple, Maya Olvera and Bryce Crowl. Their dedication, teamwork and mastery of parliamentary procedure principles set them apart in this prestigious competition.

Mason Middle School's Evening of the Arts

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Don't miss Mason Middle School's Evening of the Arts! The fine arts teachers and their students will host the annual event on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6 - 9 PM.

State Superintendent Visits Steele Elementary

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Mason Public Schools (MPS) and Steele Elementary were honored to welcome State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko for a special visit on March 4, 2026! During the visit, Dr. Maleyko met with students, toured classrooms and read stories to to kick off March is Reading Month. He was joined by Michigan Board of Education (BOE) member Dr. Mitchell Robinson, who also read to students and answered questions; MPS BOE President Liz Evans; Superintendent Dr. Gary Kinzer and Steele Principal Craig Kueffner.

Sen. Anthony Visits North Aurelius Elementary

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

North Aurelius Elementary had a very special guest reader this week when State Senator Sarah Anthony stopped by to celebrate March Is Reading Month!

New Middle School Principal Named

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Mason Middle School (MMS) Assistant Principal Mary Hilker-Loch has been selected as the new Principal at MMS. She will assume the role at the start of the 2026-27 school year after the retirement of current Principal Ted Berryhill.

2026-27 School Year Calendar

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The 2026-27 School Year Calendar has been approved by the Board of Education. The first day of school will be a half day on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Please see the important dates below and view the full calendar with all half days, school breaks, testing schedules, late start days and holidays.

Board of Education meeting updates

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The March 26, 2026, Curriculum and Staff Committee meeting is cancelled. The April 16, 2026, Board of Education Meeting start time has been changed to 5:30 PM.

Betsy Collins awarded 2026 Excellence in Education Award

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Mason High School (MHS) Teacher Betsy Collins has been selected as the recipient of the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) 2026 Excellence in Education Award!

March Board of Education Meeting Date Change

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The March meeting of the Mason Public Schools Board of Education has been moved to March 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Board of Education meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 201 West Ash Street, Mason, MI.

Middle School Robotics Team Makes an Impressive Debut

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This year marked an exciting milestone for Mason’s Robotics Program, Tractor Nation, with the launch of Team 32118, Tractor in Technicians in Training made up of Mason Middle School students.

The new team began the year with a Unified Team-style format with general education peers providing support, but by season’s end, most students chose to compete independently alongside their teammates, showcasing tremendous growth in confidence and skill. Truly becoming a competitive team!

Kindergarten Enrollment

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:36:00 GMT

Kindergarten and Young Fives

Online Kindergarten Registration opens on February 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 School year on the Mason Public Schools website for in-district students. All Kindergarten classes meet at Harvey Education Center. We can’t wait to meet the next class of bulldogs!

Young 5 registration closes March 15. Submit Kindergarten registration with a note for Y5 class. All registration documents must also be received by March 15, 2026 to be considered for Y5.

Any questions can be emailed to harknessk@masonk12.net.

Skyward registration links

Registration for existing families
Registration for new families

Thank you MPS Board of Education

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:30:00 GMT

January is School Board Appreciation Month! Thank you to the Mason Board of Education for their service and support to our students, our schools and our community. Board members give many hours to set goals, review policies and make tough decisions with care, all while prioritizing the district mission to serve “every student, every day”. We appreciate all they do to help make Mason a great place to live, learn and grow. Learn more about each of our board members and why they serve.

Holiday giving- Thank you Mason!

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:13:00 GMT

Each year, Mason Public Schools (MPS) and Mason Community Services team up to provide assistance and support for families in need around the holidays. This year more than 254 students and children in Mason received gifts along with food and other household items for their families during the holiday season.

For the second year in a row, toys and stuffed animals were collected through donation boxes placed at local businesses. Thank you to local businesses, organizations, clubs and families for supporting this year’s giving campaign and making the holidays brighter for children and families in Mason.

Register Now for the Mason Elementary Dances

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:07:00 GMT

Mason Elementary students and their favorite adult are invited to a night of circus fun at the Elementary Dances! The dances will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Mason Middle School gym. Tickets are $12 ticket and available online ONLY. Attendees must purchase one per adult and one per child for the dance they plan to attend. Please note each dance has a separate "class number" in the RevTrak registration system.

Rachael Feskorn Named Michigan Special Olympics Coach of the Year

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:15:00 GMT

Congratulations to Mason High School teacher and coach Rachael Feskorn who was honored by Special Olympics Michigan for her outstanding leadership and commitment to inclusion! She was named Coach of the Year for Area 8, and then was selected from 38 regional winners as the 2025 Special Olympics Michigan State Coach of the Year! This recognition highlights her commitment to her students and dedication to Special Olympics and the Unified Champion Schools program.

Board of Education Committee Meeting Change

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:27:00 GMT

The December 18, 2025, Board of Education Curriculum and Staff Committee meeting has been cancelled. The Policy and Community Committee meeting will still take place as scheduled.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Comes to Harvey

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT

The preschool playground at the Harvey Education Center (HEC) has a new visitor- The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

Three teachers, Krystal Hodge, Jena Krumm and Stacey Somerville, wanted to jazz up the play area used by their students and create something functional as well as decorative at the same time.

Working with the Mason Middle School Unified Club advisor, a plan began to emerge to develop an outdoor area with a chalkboard surface for the students to write on during recess.

Mason Community Supports 2025 Bond Proposal

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On November 4, 2025, Mason community members voted on a zero-tax-rate increase bond proposal, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the election.

The successful passage of the 2025 bond proposal will allow Mason Public Schools (MPS) to move forward with several major projects. These include extensive renovations to Mason Middle School, updates to the Mason High School auditorium and the construction of a new transportation facility.

“This vote is a strong statement of support from the Mason community for our schools,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Gary Kinzer. “We are thankful for the ongoing trust of our community, and we look forward to sharing our progress as transparency will remain a key part of this process.”

In the months ahead, the district will share updates and progress reports to keep families and community members informed every step of the way.

Free Breakfast and Lunch for Students Extended Through School Year

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 23:37:00 GMT

The state school aid budget, signed in October, included continued funding for free meals for all public school students. This means all Mason Public Schools students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year with no changes or interruptions to meal service.

A reminder, while meals are free, students must purchase milk (when sold separately from a meal), any a la carte items and extra main entrees. Please check your student’s lunch account often to ensure adequate funds are available for these purchases. If you have questions about lunch options or adding money to your student’s account, contact the Food Services office 517.676.6529. A list of a la carte pricing is available on the Food Service website.

Sex Education Advisory Board Applications

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:15:00 GMT

Mason Public Schools (MPS) is accepting applications from parents and other community members interested in serving on the Sex Education Advisory Board, a required committee made up of district stakeholders who review the sex education program, establish goals and make recommendations, as necessary, to the MPS Board of Education.

Tara Becker-Utess Named MI 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:20:00 GMT

MASON, Mich. – Tara Becker-Utess, Mason High School Principal, was surprised by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies and her district during a staff meeting to announce she was selected as the award recipient for Michigan’s 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

A New Transportation Facility Included in 2025 Bond Proposal

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:42:00 GMT

The Mason Public Schools district spans more than 108,000 square miles, and nearly 50% of our students rely on bus transportation for their daily commutes to and from school. In addition, students are transported on our buses to field trips, sporting events, performances and other school events and activities.

This presents significant challenges in providing sufficient space for our transportation and maintenance staff and our fleet of over 20 buses.

If the 2025 bond is approved, we will have the opportunity to create safer working environments for our staff, increase their capacity, and improve our daily operations and overall efficiency. Hear what a new transportation facility could do for the district in this short video.

The bond proposal will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. If approved, it will generate an estimated $66 million for districtwide projects without raising the current tax rate for Mason homeowners.

Mason Middle School Renovations Included in 2025 Bond Proposal

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 22:36:00 GMT

As Mason Middle School continues to age, it presents growing challenges for both students and staff. If approved, the 2025 bond proposal would enable us to make priority upgrades to directly impact learning and safety. Together, these improvements would create a more functional, welcoming and efficient environment for our entire school community. Hear what middle school leaders and teachers have to say about the proposed projects and what it would mean to improve Mason Middle School in this short video.

If the bond is approved, community members can expect to see significant upgrades to Mason Middle School, similar to the improvements completed at the Harvey Education Center and North Aurelius and Alaiedon Elementary Schools.

Planned projects include:

Implementing additional safety and security measures
Improving parking lots and traffic flow
Replacing and renovating mechanical systems
Updating classrooms with new furniture, technology, storage, and cabinetry
Updating and renovating building finishes: tile and carpeting, windows, paint, etc.
Renovating restrooms and plumbing throughout the building
Updating the existing gym and mezzanine
Updating the cafeteria and stage

Mason Made: What is in the 2025 Bond Proposal?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:05:00 GMT

Mason Made is more than hometown pride, it’s a connection to our community and a long history of delivering high-quality education to our students. As we look to the future, Mason Made means aligning our school buildings and learning spaces with our exceptional education system, now and for generations to come. Hear what school and community leaders have to say about investing in our schools in this short video.

Auditorium Renovations Included in 2025 Bond Proposal

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:57:00 GMT

The arts are an important part of the Mason community. If approved, the proposed 2025 bond would fund renovations to the Mason High School auditorium, creating an updated and modern facility where students and community members can shine. Take a look inside high school auditorium and hear how these spaces support student creativity today and what could be possible in the future.

Registration Extended for LCC Elementary Afterschool Classes

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:56:00 GMT

The deadline to register for the LCC Afterschool Youth Program at the Harvey Education Center has been extended to Monday, October 6, 2025. Class descriptions and registration are available on the LCC website.

These after school programs are offered to Mason elementary students in grades 2-5. The first session will be October 13- November 24. Classes are from 4:15-6:15 PM at the Harvey Education Center.

Scholarships are still available for students, and families are encouraged to apply using the Scholarship Form.

Congratulations to the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:14:00 GMT

Each year, Mason High School (MHS) honors a group of standout student athletes, coaches and supporters by inducting them into the MHS Athletic Hall of Fame. The 2025 honorees included 2020 Girls Bowling Team, Dan DeMartin, Class of 1971; Tony Greathouse, Class of 2002; Abby Meirndorf, Class of 2012; and Travis Valentine, Class of 2011.

The Athletic Hall of Fame honorees were recognized during the Mason High School football game on Friday, September 12, 2025. Learn more about this year's honorees on the Hall of Fame website.

Football Spectator Information

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:34:00 GMT

Mason High School Varsity Football games are an exciting time and fans are a great part of the experience. To ensure the health and safety of all spectators in attendance, please review the spectator expectations below with your family before attending home football games.

MPS Adopts New Safety Protocol

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Mason Public School (MPS) will adopt the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for school emergencies. Learn more by watching this short SRP video which explains the change in language for safety protocols. By standardizing the vocabulary, school district officials, staff, students and emergency responders can understand the actions being taken and status of the event.

Board Approves Zero-Tax-Rate Increase Bond for November 4, 2025, Vote

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Mason Public Schools (MPS) is committed to creating safe, modern learning spaces that match the high-quality education our students receive. On June 26, 2025, the MPS Board of Education (BOE) voted to place a bond proposal on the November 4, 2025, ballot. If approved, the bond would generate an estimated $66 million without raising the current tax rate for Mason homeowners.

Board of Education Votes to Suspend Policy on Memorials

Sat, 31 May 2025 15:25:00 GMT

The Mason Public Schools (MPS) Board of Education held a special meeting today to review Board Policy 7250.01 which outlines public memorials.

Following a period of public comment, the Board of Education voted unanimously to suspend the policy for commencement tomorrow and allow empty chairs to be displayed at graduation in remembrance of two students, Amanda Blue and Lilian Klages, who passed in August 2023. The empty chairs will be placed at graduation with approval from their parents.

The board will revisit Policy 7250.01 at a future meeting. The community is encouraged to attend and engage in the public forum to provide input on policy changes prior to any final action.

Notice of Special Board Meeting

Fri, 23 May 2025 16:36:00 GMT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the Mason Public Schools Board of Education, for the purpose of reviewing district policy, is scheduled for May 31, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m.

School Improvement Bond Update

Wed, 21 May 2025 18:15:00 GMT

During a community informational meeting on May 12, 2025, the School Bond Committee shared details about a proposed School Improvement Bond. The committee reviewed the outcomes of the 2017 bond, shared results of the January 2025 community survey, gave an overview of the proposed bond and provided additional details outlining how funds would be allocated. 

The proposed bond would be a zero mil increase School Improvement Bond expected to yield approximately $65 million dollars. If approved, the bond would fund major renovations at Mason Middle School, improvements and upgrades to the Mason High School auditorium, and a new transportation facility. It would also support technology enhancements and continued building updates across the district.

North Aurelius Presents Aladdin Kids!

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:33:00 GMT

Congratulations to the cast and crew of the North Aurelius production of Disney’s Aladdin Kids! The students presented the musical to their fellow students at North Aurelius and took to the stage in the Mason High School Auditorium for a community performance last week. Check out more photos from the production and the video on Facebook.

The project, presented in conjunction with the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, gave students and staff support and guidance as they rehearsed and perfected the show. Students also had the opportunity to perform with all other participating schools, including Alaiedon Elementary students, at the Wharton Center.

Class of 2025 Top 10%

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:25:00 GMT

Congratulations to the members of the Mason High School Class of 2025 who have placed in the Top 10% of graduates for academics.

Notice of Special Board Meeting

Fri, 09 May 2025 16:36:00 GMT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the Mason Public Schools Board of Education, for the purpose of Field Trip Approgal, is scheduled for May 15, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m.

South African Student Visit

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:09:00 GMT

By: Dr. Janet Alleman, MPS Instructional Consultant and Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University.

While visiting the United States, four graduate students from South Africa visited the district to learn more about education and learning in our country. The students visited several buildings and engaged in dialogue with students, mental health specialists, teacher coaches, classroom teachers and building leaders.

2025 Bond Proposal Information- Meeting May 12

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:32:00 GMT

Fellow Bulldogs,

In the fall of 2023, Mason Public Schools (MPS) passed a new five-year strategic plan. One of the four primary focuses of the plan is Facilities and Infrastructure improvements. The plan calls for the district to prepare for a bond initiative during the 2025 calendar year. The proposed School Improvement Bond, which will be presented to voters in November if approved by the Board of Education at the June 26 budget hearing, would request the Board NOT raise taxes from the 2025 assessment level.

Community members are invited to an Informational Meeting on Monday, May 12 at 6 pm at Mason City Hall to learn more about the recommended School Improvement Bond which will be presented to the Board of Education in June.

Notice of Special Board Meeting

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:36:00 GMT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the Mason Public Schools Board of Education, for the purpose of a student discipline hearing, is scheduled for May 1, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Notice of Special Board Meeting

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:36:00 GMT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the Mason Public Schools Board of Education, for the purpose of a student discipline hearing, is scheduled for February 27, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m.