March 8th, 2024

a message from principal Jay Reutter

Congratulations to Mason Middle School's Power of the Pen team!  Both the seventh and eighth-grade teams placed first at the Regional Tournament on March 2 at Cincinnati Country Day School. Thirty-two districts in Southwest Ohio participated in this tournament.

Individual seventh-grade winners include  Akshaj Kulharni (10th), Kaho Asai (8th), Claire Liu (4th), and Addie Kemper (1st) with Seva Radjabova completing the team and helping earn the first place grade level team award.

Individual eighth-grade winners include Merrick McClure (5th) and Michelle Zuo (2nd) with Ellen Yin, Pooja Narayana, Malissa Li, and Riley Chiu completing the team and helping earn the first-place grade level team award.

Akshaj Kulkarni and Michelle Zuo were also awarded “Best of Round” awards for pieces they wrote at the district tournament held in February.

The state Power of the Pen tournament will be held at Ashland University on May 16th-17th in Ashland, Ohio.

 We are so proud of you.

We were also fortunate this week to send 23 of our 7th-grade students down to the Museum Center for a Bystander to Upstander event.  We are so grateful to be able to provide these opportunities for our students.  

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.

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.

8th Grade Parents and Guardians, 

We recognize that familiarity and a warm welcome can have a tremendous impact on success in a new setting. So, as we continue the 8th grade transition to MHS, March 12th and 14th have been set for our MHS building tours. 

Tours will be led by the MHS Sibs group (Students Involving and Befriending Students), and will be one hour long. Students will be called down each morning by CREW to the large commons then walk to MHS.  During the tour, students will have the opportunity to walk the halls, identify key areas in the building, and ask questions. 

We have set a rainout date for March 18th.  

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Schermer, 8th Grade Assistant Principal

CALLING ALL TOPSOCCER FANS!  WE NEED YOU!

We are an Adapted Soccer League for players age 4 and older with special needs.

Our Spring Indoor Season starts in one month and we need help!

Spring Indoor Season starts April 6.

Saturdays April 6 - May 18 11AM - Noon, Wall2Wall Soccer, Mason

BUDDIES:

In TOPSoccer, we use middle school and older “Buddies” to come alongside our players who need individual help.

Buddies help players by adapting the activity to meet their ability level, offer a helping hand for balance or to push a wheelchair, offer cognitive or emotional support to explain activities, direct players during play or just being a friend.

More than 50% of our players request a buddy to work with them.  We have less than 5% signed up for the upcoming season.

Would you or someone you know be interested in working with our amazing players?

Please email Randy@CincyTOPSoccer with any questions.

Learn more and Register to help at www.cincytopsoccer.com/volunteer

Coaches and buddies work with us for entire seasons.  Groups or individuals can help at our tournament or other short-term activities.

TOPSoccer Buddies

Buddies work on the field with children who need assistance (either physically or cognitively) to participate in the game.  This could include pushing a wheelchair, guiding a player on the field, or just helping a player to stay focused and participating in the practices and games. 

Buddies should be in middle school or older, very mature, have an open mind and heart and be willing to commit their time to the entire season or camp. 

The commitment to attend regularly is very important because a bond develops between the player and the buddy very quickly.  When players get used to a certain buddy and then they are no longer there, it is difficult on the player.

A general knowledge of soccer is helpful.  Buddies do not need to be soccer superstars.

The TOPSoccer Buddy provides on-field assistance to our players during practices and games.  This assistance can be physical, intellectual, or emotional.

Buddies need to be:

• Present for every practice and game

• Very mature

• Unafraid to work with people with disabilities

• Able to carry out tasks without constant direction

• Willing to put their player’s needs above their own

Buddies must have:

• An open mind and loving heart

• No pre-conceived notions or prejudices

• Some basic soccer knowledge and skills

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, we celebrate Women’s History Month and all of the amazing contributions of women throughout history and in our everyday lives. In this article, SAMHSA acknowledges such contributions and advocates, with specific suggestions, of how women can take care of their mental health needs. 

Additionally, there is still time to sign up for an upcoming QPR learning session with 1n5. QPR stands for Questions. Persuade. Refer. “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. Click on the date below to register!

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

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.

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.  

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

Register for the Info Session:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Mason25 

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.

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

• Explore Central Europe and learn about the Holocaust with Ms. Hayley Kennedy (Summer '25) - Open to Classes 2030 and 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 Global Leadership Summit: Berlin, London and Dublin with Mr. Jeff Schlaeger (Summer '25) - Open to Classes 2026-2029

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

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

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PROM FASHION SHOW

Thursday, March 14, 2024 | 7:00 PM | Mason High School Auditorium

Proceeds go to MCS Student Activities to lower the cost of Prom tickets and to support the Daylight Prom

Tickets are pre-selling for $8 at lunch and will be $10 at the door

Formal wear has been provided by Formal Society

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!

DISTRICT OFFICES CLOSED
Friday, March 29, 2024 

EASTER

Sunday, March 31, 2024

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

SOLAR ECLIPSE - NO SCHOOL

Monday, April 8, 2024

Learn more on how to celebrate as a family

• MMS 2023-24 Handbook

• Student Meal Accounts

• SafeSchools & Bias-Based Incident Reports Tipline

• MMS Athletics Website

• MMS Student Announcements

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