March 1st, 2024

a message from principal Jay Reutter

This week our students had the opportunity to celebrate Leap Day in some of their classes.  It was fun the walk the building and see the different ways our teachers tried to celebrate February 29th.  It was also wonderful seeing so many of our students at Black History Fest last night.  We are three weeks out from Spring Break.  This can become a time that students lose focus so please at home encourage your students to continue to focus and work up to break.  We want to get to Spring Break on a high.  

I wanted to also draw your attention to a required student training that will take place on March 11th during Crew time.  More information can be found below.

This past weekend, a few of our chess players had some great success.  Shaurya Mohanty(Grade 7), Aryan Bishoyi (Grade 7), and Aahan Kole (Grade 8) represented Mason Middle School as a team and secured 2nd position under the K-8 U800 section of the championship: 2024 High School and Middle School Championships hosted by Cincinnati Scholastic Chess. The championship was held at Hotel Embassy Suites in Blue Ash on February 24th and 25th, 2024. Aarnav Kodkani, Prathamesh Joshi, Gokul Senthilkumar, Rishik Jha, Diya Balamurali, Dakshin Suresh, Karthik Challa, Rishik Shukla, and Timur Beck also competed as a team and brought how first place in the High School Middle School Championships.  MMS is so proud of you and your accomplishments.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Go Comets!

On Monday, March 11th, the Middle School will be using the Signs of Suicide (SOS) Program to teach students about how to recognize when they or someone they know is struggling, and how to seek help.  This program is mandated by new state law for grades  7-12 and the program was implemented at MHS on Wednesday, February 28th.  Through the program, students learn: 

• to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend 

• that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help  

• how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend 

• who they can turn to at school for help 

Full Family Letter and Opt-Out Form can be found here.

ALL rising 9th grade students must complete the William Mason High School Bus Registration for the 2024-2025 school year.  Please indicate if you will be a DAILY bus rider, EMERGENCY USE only bus rider, or if you will not use bussing at all next school year.  If you select emergency use only, you will have a place on a school bus when needed.  This information will help transportation accurately assign bus routes. 

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!

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.

During the month of March, many Mason staff members will participate in our continued suicide prevention efforts by engaging in QPR Training. QPR stands for Questions. Persuade. Refer.

Mason City Schools partners at 1n5 help us to answer this call to action, “As someone who may be in the best possible position to prevent suicide—parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, mentor–you will find that QPR is designed to help you save a life.”

You serve as another one of the most important caretakers in your student’s life. Join an upcoming virtual QPR training hosted by 1n5 by clicking on the date below to register!

Register for a FREE QPR Training Session (each session is limited to 25 participants):

March 6, 2024 ~ 4-6pm – General Audience

March 20, 2024 ~ 4-6pm – General Audience

April 10, 2024 ~ 4-6pm – General Audience

April 24, 2024 ~ 4-6pm – General Audience

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.

Get Ready for a Flavorful Adventure at the 17th Annual Taste of Mason

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 6

🕒 Time: 5-8PM

📍 Location: Mason High School Large Commons, 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road

Calling all Comet foodies & families! 

Indulge your taste buds in an incredible culinary journey at the Taste of Mason!  From savory bites to delectable sweets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Discover mouthwatering dishes from local restaurants, savor international flavors, and treat yourselves to a multicultural celebration of our commUNITY’s diversity!

Plus, there's more than just food! 

• Live music & mesmerizing performances to groove along with and be inspired by!

• Fun, educational activities for kids

Make memories together as you sample a diverse array of cuisines, mingle with neighbors, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of community and culture.

Summer 2025 International Tours

Looking to give your child the adventure of a lifetime while providing them a unique educational opportunity outside of the classroom? Discover the world through an educational travel experience sponsored by Mason City Schools in partnership with EF Educational Tours! 

Join us for a family information session where we’ll unveil the life-changing experiences awaiting our Comets in grades 7-12. Whether it’s exploring the rainforest, breathing in the tranquility of Japanese shrines, seeing the lasting impact of WWII in Central Europe, swimming in the Mediterranean, or collaborating with student leaders from across the globe at EF’s Student Leadership summit, these trips are guaranteed to broaden horizons and create lasting memories.

📅 Date: Thursday, March 14th ⏰ Time: 6 - 8 PM 📍 Location: MMS Large Commons

Please register to attend the info session here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Mason25 

See what leaders in Education say about the impact of an educational tour. 

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!

MHS 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 - 3:00 PM | 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, Euphonium, and Tuba  - 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

RAMADAN
March 10 - April 9, 2024
We wish all of our Muslim friends and neighbors Ramadan Mubarak!

2025 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR 7-12 STUDENTS INFO MEETING

Thursday, March 14, 2024 | 6-8PM | Mason Middle School Cafeteria | RSVP

Please join us to learn more about the trips being offered to Mason students during the summer of 2025. Mason staff who are leading each trip will talk about their itinerary highlights and curricular ties. 

• Explore Japan with Ms. Sara Napier (Summer '25) -- Open to Classes 2030 & 2031

• Explore Central Europe &  learn about the Holocaust with Ms. Hayley Kennedy (Summer '25) -- Open to Classes 2030 & 2031

• Explore Costa Rica: A Touch of the Tropics with Ms. Stacy Van Erp and Mr. Ryan Lehr (Summer '25) -- Open to Classes 2026-2029

• Explore Europe's Mediterranean Coast with Ms. Lori Howard (Summer '25) -- Open to Classes 2026 - 2029

• Participate in the Global Leadership Summit: Berlin, London, & Dublin with Mr. Jeff Schlaeger (Summer '25) Classes 2026 - 2029

During the informational meeting you will learn about:

- The Mason travel program and its travel partner EF

- Safety & Support on-tour

- How to earn academic credit

- Flexible Payment Options, How to Sign up (space is limited!) and EF's Risk-Free Enrollment period

PROFESSIONAL WORK DAY - NO SCHOOL

Friday, March 15, 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. 

COFFEE WITH DR. COOPER - Comet Coffee Talks
Monday, March 18 | 8-9:30AM |Adesso Coffee
Comet Coffee Talks are open opportunities for the community to connect with the Superintendent|CEO of Mason City Schools and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district. Grab a friend/neighbor and join the conversation. 

BREWS WITH THE SUP’T
Monday, March 18 |5:30-7:00PM |Sonder Brewing
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.

NOWRUZ
March 19-20, 2024
We wish all of our Persian friends and neighbors Mubarak Nowruz!

BOLD Moves CommUNITY Design Team Meeting
Thursday, March 21 |6:30-8PM | MHS Large Commons | RSVP to be on the team
Give feedback on the draft Journey to 2030 (and beyond!)Road Map including input on focus areas and strategic priorities. 

SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL
Monday, March 25 - Monday, April 1, 2024
We wish all of our Comets a relaxing & rejuvenating Spring Break!

SCHOOLS & DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED
Friday, March 29, 2024 

EASTER

Sunday, March 31, 2024

We wish all of our Christian friends and neighbors a Happy Easter! 

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