Mason Minute Newsletters

The student-led Mason High School Safe Driving Campaign has designed and secured two local billboards reminding students, and all residents, to drive safely.

The billboard artwork features signatures of high school students who signed a banner pledging to drive safely during an event earlier this year.

The boards were made possible by a donation from Clean Team USA. The safe driving group and campaign were started by students to remind one another to drive safe and sober and remember, “someone loves you.”

Teacher Appreciation Week

A great big Bulldog, “thank you!” to our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. We thank the individuals who teach, train, assist, nurture, mentor, coach and care for children during the school day and beyond. Your dedication is appreciated, your commitment is commendable, and your impact is felt by students and families across our district and throughout the lives of our students. Thank you for all you do!

National School Nurse Day

Time for Kindergarten Round Up

Incoming kindergarten students and their families are invited to Kindergarten Roundup and Signing Day! Students who have registered to begin Kindergarten in the fall should sign up to attend one of the Roundup events offered May 29 and 30.

The Mason Community Education Summer Enrichment Guide is now available and registration is open for all programs and classes!

Some classes and programs will be impacted by summer construction and maintenance in school buildings, please read the registration and location information carefully. Contact Jessica Miller with any questions.

Beginning Band Parent Information Night- Tomorrow

Incoming 6th grade students interested in taking band at the middle school are invited to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Students and their families will meet the band director, learn about the band program and have the opportunity to ask questions. The meeting is in the Mason Middle School Band room, use Door 4 to enter.

Aquatic Center Closure

The Aquatic Center is currently closed. The planned reopen date is June 10. All summer swim lesson schedules and activities are included in the Summer Enrichment Guide.

Summer Construction

This summer, construction and improvements will take place at the middle school and high school. Families and community members should expect limited access to both buildings 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. 

Upcoming Dates

Bulldog Bright Spot

The Mason Middle School Band program received a generous gift of 42 new Manhasset music stands and one conductor stand from the Mason Orchestral Society (MOS). The new stands will replace the band’s old and damaged music stands. Thank you to MOS for your support. The band students, and directors Amber McRay and Beth Bousfield, are excited to use the stands for daily rehearsals.

School Principals Day!

Happy School Principals Day! We are so lucky to have amazing leaders in each of our school buildings!

Our principals include Shana Barnum at Alaiedon Elementary, Ted Berryhill at Mason Middle School, Lance Delbridge at Mason High School, Kevin Dufresne at Steele Elementary, Michael Prelesnik at North Aurelius Elementary and Angie Vandecar at Harvey Education Center.

Class of 2024 Scholar Athletes

Excelling on and off the fields, these seniors achieved the top 10 grade point averages of students who also earned two or more varsity letters during their senior year!

Congratulations to AJ Martel, Kaelyn Craddock, Claire Heathman, Meghan Ford, Catherine Ehresman, Joe Strach, Luke Petee, Atticus Erbe, Ashlynn Putman and Tex Smith.

Time for Kindergarten Round Up

Incoming kindergarten students and their families are invited to Kindergarten Roundup and Signing Day! Students who have registered to begin Kindergarten in the fall should sign up to attend one of the Roundup events offered May 29 and 30.

The Mason Community Education Summer Enrichment Guide is now available and registration is open for all programs and classes!

Some classes and programs will be impacted by summer construction and maintenance in school buildings, please read the registration and location information carefully. Contact Jessica Miller with any questions.

District Communication Reminder

A reminder to families that communication to and from Mason Public Schools is done through various channels including Skylert email and phone messages, building newsletters, the district website, and classroom portals and emails.

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), are used to supplement official channels but are not primary communication tools. When needed, families should reach out directly to staff and building administrators using email or phone. Please allow 24-48 hours for staff to reply to any non-emergency emails and phone calls.

A guide to the district’s Chain of Communication is available on the website. Messages and posts on social media pages not maintained by the district are not monitored by district staff.

Beginning Band Parent Information Night

Incoming 6th grade students interested in taking band at the middle school are invited to attend an information meeting on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Students and their families will meet the band director, learn about the band program and have the opportunity to ask questions. The meeting is in the Mason Middle School Band room, use Door 4 to enter.

School Lunch Hero Day

This Friday, May 3, is National School Lunch Hero Day! Our Food Services staff get up early to prepare breakfast and lunch for students in all of our MPS buildings!

Join us as we recognize and thank our food services staff and the difference they make for every student who comes through the cafeterias. Be sure to thank a School Lunch Hero this week!  

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!

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. 

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.

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

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. 

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, 4/12 and 4/27
• Price: $3/adult, $2/student or senior, $8/family of four. Punch cards are available.