September 22nd, 2023

a message from principal Jay Reutter

It has been a great week here at MMS.  Today, our administrative team sat down with our teachers during their plan bells to hear how things were going within the building.  In every one of our meetings, the staff was so impressed with our students.  They continued to reference how kind they are, that they live the Comet Culture, and that when they fall short (as we all do at times), they own it and make improvements.  That kind of feedback means the world to me.  Thank you for sending us your best.  We are so proud of our students.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Go Comets!

Spring 22-23 State Testing Reports:  Reports have been uploaded into Mason Connects and are accessible to families.  To view them go to your student's profile, then scroll down to the bottom right.  The picture below will show an example of what it will look like on your screen.  When you click the "eyeball" their full report will pop up. 

Fall 2023 MAP Scores:  Our students took the Reading and Math MAP tests these past two weeks.  Family MAP scores should be accessible on Mason Connects by Friday, September 22nd.  Next week we will confirm that they have been posted. 

We strongly encourage families to utilize EZ Pay to make online payments for school fees. Cash and checks (made payable to Mason Middle School) will be accepted at the MMS main office. 

Please make sure students are only exiting cars from the right lane to ensure all student safety.  If students are being dropped off in the parking log please make sure they are using the crosswalk to enter MMS.

TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE - THE CONVERSATION THAT COULD END UP SAVING A LIFE

Why is it so hard to talk about suicide? Starting the conversation with someone having suicidal thoughts is never easy, but it is important and could be lifesaving. Scott Langenecker, PhD, a clinical neuroscientist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and professor of psychology at University of Utah Health, and Mindy Schreiner, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in psychiatry, have dedicated their time to studying suicide, and offer insight into how and when to start that challenging dialogue.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Suicide Prevention: Recognizing the Red Flags

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide: An Age-By-Age Guide

ChildMind Institute: Parents’ Guide to Getting Good Care

This interactive module made by the Child Mind Institute walks parents through common questions they have about mental health and looking for help.

STAY ALIVE / MAKE ART / CINCINNATI

Opening on September 23rd and closing on October 28th, the free public exhibit features youth artists' work. The event includes hands-on activities, group guidance, and community involvement. It aims to initiate conversations about crucial issues while offering a safe and colorful space for reflection and expression. MORE INFORMATION

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, the Prevention and Wellness Designer or your child’s school counselor.

Comet Cupboard

When they were just 3rd graders, Mason Comets in Girl Scout Troop 44405 began the first Comet Cupboard at what was then Western Row Elementary to provide weekend food, clothing, and personal items to their peers in need. Today, Comet Cupboards at Mason Elementary School, Mason Intermediate School, Mason Middle School and Mason High School serve approximately 100 Mason families each week.  ME and MI students receiving food have it discreetly placed in their backpacks by a school employee, and MMS and MHS students come down to a closet or locker to pick up items themselves. 

Do you need help? Simply email the Prevention and Wellness team at martinl@masonohioschools.com to receive food and/or other assistance. 

Would you like to help?  Consider purchasing oatmeal cups, granola bars, mac and cheese cups, fruit cups, peanut butter or cheese crackers, snack items such as goldfish or graham crackers. Please drop off at school, and let staff know it is for the Comet Cupboard. 

YOM KIPPUR
Sundown September 24-25
Wishing an easy fast for our Jewish friends and neighbors observing the day of atonement.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Sept. 15-Oct. 15

"Todos Somos, Somos Uno"

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the countless contributions of more than 60 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx-identifying people to our culture and society. 

INDIGIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY
October 9
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day we celebrate the survival and contemporary experience of Native peoples, and recognize that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas. We in Mason, Ohio live on the traditional lands of the Osage, Myaamia, Shawnee, Kaskaskia, Hopewell, and Adena peoples.

COFFEE WITH DR. COOPER - Comet Coffee Talks
Monday, October 9 | 8-9:30AM | Kala 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, October 9|5:30-7:00 PM |Sonder Brewing
Brews with the Sup’t 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. 

HISPANIC HERITAGE MIRRORS & WINDOWS CELEBRATION
sponsored by DEI COUNCIL with funding from the Mason Schools Foundation
Thursday, October 12|6:00-8:00 PM |Mason Intermediate School Cafeteria
Mason City Schools DEI Council is partnering with the Mason Schools Foundation, MECC PTO, ME/MI PTO, and the MHS Spanish National Honor Society to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as part of our Mirrors & Windows series. This event includes dancing with Cincinnati Baila, music, food sampling from Tortilleria Garcia, a picture book tasting, and make it/take it art crafts.

PROFESSIONAL WORK DAY - NO SCHOOL
Monday, October 16
Students do not attend school. 

PERSONAL LEARNING DAY - STUDENTS DO NOT REPORT TO SCHOOL
Tuesday, October 17
Instead of reporting to school on Personal Learning Days, students choose or design their own learning experiences. Personal Learning Days empower students to pursue learning that inspires, engages, or connects with their interests and goals. The District provides a framework and a variety of learning opportunities, and families and students have a choice in how they accomplish those learning objectives. This is a student/family/community learning opportunity, and there will be time to collect and celebrate the learning.

MCS FAMILY ACADEMY: MAKING SENSE OF THE IEP, ETR & 504
sponsored by the MPAC
Wednesday, October 18|6:00-7:30 PM |Mason High School Harvard Room
Join other Mason families for this In-Person Family Academy Opportunity! Event sponsored by MPAC. MPAC is a committee made up of MCS Student Support Services leads and parent advisors from across the district. MPAC works collaboratively to provide insight and input related to special education programs and practices within the Mason City School District. The Committee meets monthly and strives to positively impact student and family experiences across all grade levels.

MASON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION GALA | SILENT AUCTION
Saturday, October 21 |6-11PM | Manor House

You’re invited!  The Mason Schools Foundation cordially invites you to join us for our 15th annual Gala | Silent Auction at the Manor House on Saturday, October 21, 2023.   It will be an unforgettable evening of fun!  Join us in person to see guitarist Brandon Jones perform, or participate in the silent auction online.  You’ll see all the usual favorites: class parties, Principal experience,  lunch with Super Cooper, the coveted sweet spot for parking, and of course a few new surprises.  There is something for everyone! Join us in celebrating "Mason Thrives."   Check out the details at https://MSFThrive.givesmart.com or text MSFThrive to #76278 

• MMS 2023-24 Handbook

• Student Meal Accounts

• SafeSchools & Bias-Based Incident Reports Tipline

• MMS Athletics Website

• MMS Student Announcements