February 9th, 2024

a message from principal Jay Reutter

Congratulations to ALL four of our basketball teams. Each team made the GMC final tomorrow - Saturday 2/10/24 at Lakota Plains. All the games are back to back with the first game starting at 9 am. Tickets are $5 cash only. We would love to see a number of our families out if you can make it.

A reminder that our 7th to 8th grade transition meeting will be Monday, February 12th from 7:30-8:30 in the MMS auditorium. We will discuss the scheduling process for their 8th-grade classes.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Go Comets!

7th grade Families

Interested in learning about 8th-grade and the scheduling process? Transition meetings for families of incoming 8th-grade students will take place on the evening of February 12th from 7:30-8:30 PM in the Middle School Auditorium.

Scarlet OAKS

Dear Families of Mason Middle School 8th Graders,

Your 8th Grade Student is in the process of registering for classes at Mason High School if this is their choice for 9th grade. Part of this journey is to start thinking about career opportunities and other high school options they can explore during the next couple of years.

Mason City Schools continues to partner with the Scarlet Oaks Career Campus to offer great programming to our students. Our counselors will take interested 8th grade students on a tour of the facility on March 20, 2024 to give them the chance to meet with faculty and students. They will be able to see what programs are available and hear about the requirements needed for each. Students have the opportunity to apply to participate in Scarlet programs as sophomores for their junior and senior year of high school.

Here is the link (8th Grade Teacher Scarlet Resources) with more information which includes everything your student will see and hear in Crew along with the permission form needed for the field trip. The permission trip form is due to the Crew Teacher by Friday, February 2nd. Students MUST have their Emergency Medical Authorization filled out online at Gateway in order to attend https://bit.ly/3uQJcU8

If you have any questions, the contact info for the 8th Grade School Counselors is listed in the link.

These are exciting times for our 8th grade students and we are glad to continue our partnership with you as they begin this next phase of their educational journey.

MMS Spring sports information

MMS Athletics - SPRING Sports Information & Details are Available

If your student is interested in participating in spring sports, please take time to review the Spring Sports Information document now posted on our MMS Athletics website - linktr.ee/MMSathletics.

The contact information for coaches is linked in the document & on our Coach Directory so feel free to reach out to coaches directly for sport-specific questions.

Please pay special attention to page 1 of the 2024 Spring Sports & Information Details document to ensure your student has everything they need to participate.

Go Comets!

sumer credit flex

Summer 2024 Credit Flexibility Application is now OPEN!

Please review ALL information on the MHS Credit Flexibility site before submitting your application. The application can be found on the Credit Flex site and the deadline to submit is May 1, 2023.

Please contact your school counselor with any questions.

prevention and wellness

1N5 Reach Out App: An “at your fingertips” safety and education tool

1N5’s goal in creating the app is that everyone, youth and adults, will take advantage of this “at your fingertips” safety and educational tool. It's easy-to-navigate features enabling fast access to help in a crisis is what makes it so unique. One of the most important features of Reach Out is the ability to direct dial or text (with just one button) local emergency services and lifelines, including the newly active national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The app also offers information for those who may be struggling (Help Me) and for those who may be supporting someone in crisis (Help a Friend). There is a wealth of information about mental health including conditions, safety steps, risk factors and tools for coping. Another key component is the option to enter the names and contact numbers for people in your support network, making them immediately accessible in the event of a mental health crisis. To download the Reach Out app to your phone or tablet, scan a QR code below.

If you would like more information on mental health and wellness or would like to get connected to mental health resources, check out the Resources for Mason Families page and reach out to Dawn McCorkle or your child’s school counselor.

mms pto updates

PTO at MMS Updates:

Please be sure to check out our page on Facebook for our latest updates: Mason Middle School Parent Teacher Organization and follow us on Twitter @MMSPTO2!

MMS PTO January Staff/Teacher Luncheon- THANK YOU!

Thank you, thank you to EVERYONE who donated towards the MMS PTO Staff/ Teacher luncheon! We appreciate your flexibility as we navigated the reschedule date due to the winter weather! The MMS Staff/Teachers had a wonderful lunch all thanks to our great MMS Community!

MMS Girls/Boys Basketball, MMS Dance and MMS Cheer- Thank you!

We loved supporting our Comets at many of the MMS Boys/Girls Basketball games! The concession stand was always busy, and we loved getting to know all the parents, families and friends of the Comets who participate in basketball, dance and cheer at MMS! We will see you next season!

Support the MMS PTO through the Comet Chip-In Fundraiser

If you would like to donate to MMS PTO at any point throughout the year, please do so here: MMS PTO Comet Chip In 2023-2024

Your kind donation goes to support all members of the MMS Community- teachers, staff and students!

2023-2024 MMS PTO Executive Board

Tracy Athan- President

Marisa Scagnelli- Treasurer

Carrie Upchurch- Vice President

Zahirah Goines- Publicity Secretary

Kelly Howe- Recording Secretary

Amy Davidson- Fundraising Coordinator

Kathy Stevens- Community Coordinator

Joy Fowler- Community Coordinator

mcs things to know

Your Feedback Needed as MCS Plans for 2024-2025

As a part of the Mason City School District’s OKRs, we are looking to get feedback from our Comet families about you and your child's experience when moving to your next grade level and school. Please consider taking a few moments to answer 4 questions to help us be “better tomorrow than today.” We value and appreciate your feedback!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Black History Fest: Family Battle Bowl

There are so many exciting plans underway for this year’s Black History Fest: a Comet CommUNITY Mirrors & Windows experience! On February 29th at 6PM, teams of alumni, families, staff and community members can compete in a Black History Fest trivia contest modeled after the MI Black History Bowl. All registered teams will receive a link of questions and rules of play by 2/16/24.

Keep Students Safe at the Bus Stop

The most critical safety moments for our bus riders are during pickup and dropoff at the bus stop. Ohio law requires your child’s bus driver to complete a twelve-step procedure at each stop that includes designating a place of safety. Riders must wait for the bus at the designated place of safety before the bus arrives in the morning and until the bus leaves in the afternoon. This allows the driver to account for each student before they pull away - ensuring all students have exited the danger zone safely and it is clear for the bus to move.

Your Help Needed

Please have your child stand at their “Designated Place of Safety” (DPS) until the bus pulls away. If you or your child are unsure of where your child’s DPS is, please ask your driver or contact transportation at 513-398-6682.
If you have your student waiting inside your car before the bus arrives, please make sure they exit your car and are standing at the DPS before the bus arrives at the stop.
At dropoff, students must wait in their driver’s designated place of safety (DPS) until the bus leaves. We like to say “Stay put until you see the word “Stop” on the back of the bus!”
Parents or Caregivers need to stand at the DPS to receive students instead of staying inside a car. Children cannot be released from the bus to walk to a car.

upcoming events

AMERICAN LEGION BREAKFAST SUPPORTING THE COMET CUPBOARD & CLOSETS
Saturday, February 10 |8:00 AM-12:00 PM | Joe Barr Post 194, 401 Reading Rd. Mason
Girl Scout Troop 44405 supports their food insecure peers by founding and sustaining Comet Cupboards and Closets at ME/MI, MMS and MHS. Proceeds from the breakfast benefit the American Legion and the Comet Cupboards & Closets. Breakfast includes Biscuits & Gravy, Omelets & Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Goetta and Pancakes. Adults $10. Kids 10 and Under $5.

LUNAR NEW YEAR
Saturday, February 10
We wish all of our friends and neighbors celebrating the Year of the Dragon a prosperous New Year filled with lots of red envelopes!

COFFEE WITH DR. COOPER - Comet Coffee Talks
Monday, February 12 | 8-9:30 AM | Cocoon Coffee
Comet Coffee Talks are open opportunities for the community to connect with the superintendent and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, and have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district.

BREWS WITH THE SUP’T
Monday, February 12 |5:30-7:00 PM |16 Lots Brewing Company
Brews with the Sup’t are open opportunities for the community to connect with the superintendent and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, and have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district.

VALENTINE’S DAY
Wednesday, February 14
We love our Comet kids, staff and families. We hope your day is filled with reminders of how much you are loved!

ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 14
Wishing a blessed Ash Wednesday and reflective fast for all of our Christian and Catholic friends and neighbors who celebrate.

PERSONAL LEARNING DAY - NO SCHOOL, February 16
During Personal Learning Days, staff report to work for professional development and other district work. As your child prepares for their Personal Learning experience, the following guiding questions should be considered:
- What do I want to learn or create?
- Who do I want to help? An individual, a group or organization, my community, my state or country, people across or another part of the world?
- How am I contributing to my own personal growth and/or the world around me?

PRESIDENTS’ DAY - NO SCHOOL, February 19

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION PARENT/CAREGIVER MEETING
Wednesday, February 21 |6:00-7:00 PM | Mason Early Childhood Center
Families with children who will turn 5 by August 1, 2024 won’t want to miss coming to this important informational meeting on Feb. 21st. Get your free “A Class of 2037 Comet Lives Here” yard sign to proudly display when you COMPLETE registration! MECC Kindergarten is a ½ day program. PARENTS ONLY please at the meeting due to limited seating.

MI BLACK HISTORY BOWL COMPETITION FINALS
Friday, February 23 |1:00-3:00PM | Mason Intermediate School
Mason Intermediate School's beloved Black History Bowl, which was started in 2007 by Mr. & Mrs. Handy, has become an important #MasonMoment for fifth grade students and our community.

BLACK HISTORY FEST: a Comet CommUNITY Mirrors & Windows Experience
Thursday, February 29 |6:00-8:00PM | Mason Intermediate Cafeteria & Gym
MCS DEI Council is partnering with the Mason Schools Foundation, MECC PTO, ME/MI PTO, MCS Inclusive Excellence Teams, and the MMS Black Student Union to celebrate Black History month as part of our Comets Connect Mirrors and windows series. This event will include music, food sampling, a Black-Owned Business Showcase, a picture book tasting, STEAM challenges, a family Black History Bowl, and more! During the event, there will be a special recognition ceremony for the 2024 MI Black History Bowl winners, the Mason Elementary Black History Bowl float entries, and a Scavenger Hunt!

Learn more about the “Your Story Matters” Featured Citizens: Mr. Terry Killens and Dr. Purcell Taylor, Jr, Black-Owned Business Showcase, and entertainment featuring Comet staff and the YOLO Band!

TASTE OF MASON: a Comet CommUNITY Mirrors & Windows Experience
Wednesday, March 6 | 5:00-8:00PM | Mason High School Large Commons
At the Taste of Mason you can sample a new dish, catch up with friends, and be mesmerized by incredible talent! Enjoy exciting offerings from many ethnic and independent Mason restaurants. Watch multicultural acts perform. Children can enjoy a global carnival hosted by MHS World Language Societies, and get their passports stamped while purchasing items at the Comet Zone with global currency from the Comet Savings & Loan. Don't miss this incredible cultural community event!

COLLEGE FAIR
Thursday, March 7 l 6:00-8:00 PM l Mason High School | REGISTER

Students and Families, your opportunity to talk to over 100 college admissions reps is coming soon! We will be using StriveScan, which will create a barcode specific to you so that colleges can scan and send you more information. This is an important aspect to the College Fair so be sure to SIGN UP HERE!

5TH GRADE INSTRUMENT FAIR

Saturday, March 9, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 3:00PM | Mason Intermediate Gym, Mason Elementary Cafeteria

Play & try out every instrument! Meet the teachers & ask questions. Get information from local rental shops.

Mason Band - Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tube - Located at ME Enter at ME Cafeteria Doors

Mason Orchestra - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass - Located in the MI Gym, Enter at MI Main Entrance

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Sunday, March 10, 2024

MEAN GIRLS JR.: a Middle School Production

March 15,16, 17 | 7:30 PM | Mason Middle School Auditorium | Purchase tickets

Mason Middle Theater invites you to back-to-school when students present the smart and ferociously funny musical Mean Girls JR. beginning March 15 at Mason Middle School. Adapted from the hit movie written by Tina Fey and starring Lindsay Lohan, Mean Girls JR. tells the story of student Cady Heron who must learn to navigate the treacherous social hierarchy of high school when her family moves to suburban Illinois from Kenya.

Show times are March 15-16 at 7:30 pm and March 16-17 at 3:00 pm

Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 at the door.