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MMS Newsletter

November 7, 2025

A Message from MMS Principal Jay Reutter

It’s hard to believe we’ve already turned the calendar to November. This time of year always brings a mix of gratitude, reflection, and momentum—and our students continue to rise to every opportunity.

We are continuing our Difference Makers experiences, and it has been inspiring to see our students recognize the people who have shaped them while also finding ways to make a positive impact on others. Their kindness and leadership are showing up in meaningful ways throughout the building.

We’re also looking ahead to our next Journey Day on Thursday, November 21st. These days are powerful moments for students to connect, explore, and grow in alignment with our Portrait of a Comet skills. We can’t wait to see how they engage and what they discover.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting your middle schooler through this busy—and exciting—season.

Every Kid!  Every Day!

Go Comets!

Things to Know

Help Make the Holidays Bright for Every Comet

As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded that not every Mason family experiences this time with ease. Through our CommUNITY Holiday Help initiative, we’re coming together to make sure nearly 1,000 students—from preschool through high school—receive something they WANT, something they NEED, something to WEAR, and something to READ.
 

This effort reflects the heart of our Comet CommUNITY — neighbors helping neighbors, families lifting one another up, and kids feeling the joy of being cared for.

If you’re able, please consider joining us to spread a little extra warmth this season:
Together, we can make this holiday season a special Mason Moment for every Comet family. 💫
 
Discover the Mason High School Experience!
Calling all 8th graders and their families! From rigorous academic courses and vibrant arts programs to elite athletic teams and over 200 student-led clubs, Mason High School offers a learning environment where every Comet discovers purpose and potential. Hear directly from our students, tour our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our top-tier staff, and experience the Mason Quality that sets our students up for success.
Find out more by attending the MHS Open House as part of Teaching and Learning Night on Tuesday, November 19, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
 
Difference Makers
During Crew, we continued rolling out our Difference Maker experiences. Visit our [website link] for details.
 
7th Grade Families
  • Please complete the Google Form sent by Crew teachers on Thursday, October 10.
  • If you didn’t receive it, contact your child’s Crew teacher directly.
  • Please be certain your student has shared the details of the event with the person they have identified. Here is a link to our FAQ page as well
8th Grade Families
  • Ask your student what goal they set for themselves for how: They can Be a Difference Maker”?
  • Interested in sponsoring a blanket for the Love Like JJ partnership? [Follow this link] to learn more!

I can’t wait to share pictures next week from our first Neighborhood(s) events!
 
Student Leadership Conference
The Big Rock Student Leadership Team is proud to be presenting the CommUNITY & Leadership Conference, a student-driven learning event designed to empower and inspire the next generation of youth leaders. For both middle school and high school students interested in making a difference, whether within or outside of school, this conference will provide key insights from experienced high-school student leaders on taking initiative, using your strengths, creating meaningful impact, and more.
 
Date: Friday, November 21st, 2025 (Journey Day #2)
Time: 8:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Location: Mason Middle School
 
Interested? Please fill out the following form to sign up: https://forms.gle/RaeajhV9gbrMeKhT8
 
Junior XLP
Junior XLP has another amazing opportunity coming up—Classroom to Courtroom!
 
Classroom to Courtroom is designed to give students a behind-the-scenes look into the world of law and justice through interactive roundtable discussions with real professionals from the legal field.
 
During this event, students will have the opportunity to hear directly from lawyers, judges, and prosecutors about their career journeys, the challenges they face, and the decisions they make that shape our justice system. They will share stories about their experiences in and out of the courtroom, discuss how they prepare for cases, and offer advice to those curious about the legal field. This event is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights into how to succeed in these careers and learn about the required education for the field.
 
This event is meant to be both informative and encouraging. It gives students a firsthand look at how reasoning, communication, and integrity play key roles in the legal world. By hearing real stories and engaging in meaningful conversations, students will walk away motivated to think critically, lead confidently, and make reasoned judgments and decisions in any situation.
 
Classroom to Courtroom will take place on Friday, November 21st, a Journey Day, starting at 8:45 AM at the Mason Municipal Center (6000 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040). We will be taking attendance at the event. The event will conclude at approximately 10:30 AM. This event is self-transport.
 
If you are interested and would like to attend, please sign up using the Google Form below. This opportunity is open to all MMS students! This event is only open to the first 25 students who sign up. For this event, you must sign up and show up unless there is another commitment/issue. If so, please email xlpjunior@masonohioschools.com.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out! We can’t wait to see you there!
 
The 2025-26 Yearbook Sales are OPEN!
Don't miss out on your 2025-26 Yearbook!
The 164-page 2025-2026 yearbook is on sale for $40 per copy until February 1st, 2026. After the 2/1/2026 date, the cost will be $42 per copy of our book until April 10, 2026. Do not miss your opportunity to own this piece of Mason Middle School history! Please remember we use MILESTONE yearbooks for the middle school provider when purchasing your book.
 
 
Sales will run from October 1st until April 10, 2026. There will be NO late sales offered! Don't miss this opportunity!
 
3 Ways to Report Absences
A reminder that there are three ways to inform our staff of an absence.  Saving the attendance number in your phone is a great option.

 
MMS Math Acceleration + Pathways
If you are looking to explore the Math Pathways at MMS/MHS, please view the document linked below. This document will give you insight into the progression of courses and details regarding our Credit Flexibility Process. This process gives students the opportunity to earn credit in non-traditional ways, such as online courses, mastery tests, or individualized learning plans. This option allows students to move at their own pace, advance if they’ve already mastered material, or explore areas of personal interest.
 

New CommUNITY Quests. New Connections. Journey Day Returns Nov. 21
Get ready for our second Journey Day on November 21 — a day of discovery, service, and connection across the community. Students can explore real-world careers with the City of Mason, from environmental science and utilities at the Water Reclamation Plant to hands-on learning with the Service Center and Fire Department. They’ll strengthen safety awareness with a Run, Hide, Fight workshop and build water confidence at the Safety Swim Clinic. Service-minded students can lend a hand by organizing food packs with the Comet Cupboard, assisting at St. Susanna Schuh Center’s Thanksgiving ministry, supporting residents at the Christian Village at Mason, or helping the Rotary Club of Mason Deerfield prepare for their annual Holiday Ball. History enthusiasts can explore the Mason Historical Society Museum or honor veterans through an interactive scavenger hunt at the Mason Veterans Memorial. Families can enjoy the Warren County Park District’s Nature Open House, while students engage in team-building and outdoor learning at Camp Joy or join games and activities at the Mason Public Library. With so many opportunities to learn, serve, and grow, Journey Day #2 promises another unforgettable Mason moment.
 

Register NOW for November 21 Community Quests

PTO Updates:

 
Help Stock the MMS Snack Cart
The MMS PTO is excited to continue supporting our amazing staff through our popular Snack Cart. This rolling cart of goodies brings smiles and a much-needed boost to teachers and staff throughout the school day.
 

We’re asking for donations to help keep it stocked with snacks, drinks, and treats they’ll love. If you’re able to contribute, please sign up using the link below. Every donation helps us show appreciation for the incredible people who support our students every day.

Sign Up to Donate

Thank you for your continued support of MMS and our wonderful staff!

MMS PTO Winter Spirit Wear Sale Pop-up
Looking for the perfect holiday gift or a way to show your Comet pride this winter? Our MMS PTO Winter Pop-Up Spirit Wear Sale runs from November 3-14, 2025.
 

Shop a great selection of cozy sweatshirts and tees all while supporting Mason Middle

School. Families can choose to pick up their order or have it delivered directly to MMS for easy distribution.

Visit the shop here: ocdunlimitedinc.com/masonspiritwear

This limited-time pop-up shop won’t be around for long, so don’t miss out. Thank you for supporting MMS PTO and helping us keep Comet spirit going strong!

MMS Volunteer Opportunities:
 
The MMS PTO is looking for volunteers to help with basketball concessions this season. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, support our students, and help us raise important funds for programs and events at Mason Middle School.
 
Your time and energy make a real difference. Every shift helps us give back to our school community in meaningful ways.
 
If you’re able to help, we’d love to have you on the team. Thank you for supporting MMS PTO!
 
Support MMS PTO through the Dorothy Lane Market Good Neighbor Program:
 

You can support Mason Middle School PTO simply by doing your regular shopping. Sign up for the Dorothy Lane Market Good Neighbor Program and designate Mason Middle School PTO as your preferred nonprofit. A portion of your purchases will be donated back to our PTO, helping us continue to support students, staff, and programs at Mason Middle School.

Thank you for making a difference in our school community! Every little bit helps!

 
Comet Chip-In

The Comet Chip In is our biggest annual fundraiser, and thanks to the incredible generosity of our MMS families, it continues to make a lasting impact. Every dollar donated stays right here at Mason Middle School and helps fund meaningful programs for students and staff.

Your contributions support classroom enhancements, student activities, staff appreciation events, and one of our most important initiatives—the MMS staff grant program. These grants provide resources and opportunities that directly enrich the learning experience for our students.

Donations are welcome year-round. Every gift, big or small, helps us continue this important work and strengthens our school community.

Thank you for your continued support of MMS PTO. Together, we are making a difference!

2025-2026 MMS PTO Executive Board!
Carrie Upchurch- President
Tracy Athan- Vice President
Lia Zhou- Treasurer
Preeti Sullivan- Assistant Treasurer
Colleen Sadak- Co-Fundraising Coordinator
Marisa Scagnelli- Co-Fundraising Coordinator
Zahirah Goines- Concessions Coordinator
Tricia Fetters- Co-Community Coordinator
Wendy Spatz-Co-Community Coordinator
Victoria Anderson- Publicity Secretary
Emily Conner-Recording Secretary

Prevention and Wellness Update

If you are in need of food support and are not already receiving support from the district, please email Laura Martin - martinl@masonohioschools.com.

This month, we are focusing on gratitude—its importance and how we can cultivate it in our daily lives. Gratitude helps develop positive relationships, enhances well-being, and teaches students to appreciate both big and small aspects of life.

Practicing Gratitude at Home

  • Gratitude Jar: Encourage each family member to write something they’re thankful for every day and place it in a jar. Read them together at the end of the month.
  • Thank-You Notes: Write letters of appreciation to friends, family, or community members.
  • Family Gratitude Walks: Take a stroll and discuss things you are grateful for in nature and in each other.

If you would like more information about mental health and wellness or would like to connect your child with a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital therapist, please check out Resources for Mason Families and reach out to your child’s school counselor or Prevention and Wellness Designer.

Upcoming Events

66TH KIWANIS PANCAKE SOCIAL

Sponsored by Mason Kiwanis Club, MHS Key Club, MMS Builders Club, and MI K-Kids
Saturday, November 8 | 7AM-1PM | Mason Middle School | Buy tickets
Bring your family, friends & neighbors to this true CommUNITY event. Enjoy great tasting pancakes, sausages, biscuits & gravy, coffee, juice, milk, chocolate milk and more? Click above to purchase your $5 advance purchase tickets, children under 3 years old are free! There will also be raffle baskets to bid on during the event.
 
This is an important fundraiser that supports dozens of local programs for children in and around the Mason area. 100% of the proceeds goes towards these important community programs.
 
VETERANS DAY
Tuesday, November 11
On Monday, November 11, our commUNITY will come together to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Their dedication, selflessness, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment are the pillars of our nation’s strength and freedom. The City of Mason recently created moving video tributes featuring local veterans reflecting on their experiences in World War II and Vietnam. We are grateful for the opportunity to watch our veterans share their stories, so that we can honor their sacrifice. May we never forget, and may we always listen.
MASON CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, November 11 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mason High School Harvard Room | Live Streaming 
The Mason City Schools Board of Education holds regular public meetings monthly. These meetings provide the opportunity for the public to observe discussions relating to the business of the district. View Meeting agendas.
 
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 8:00–9:30 AM | Cocoon Coffee
Featured Topic: Wellness Summit (Dr. Amy Brennan, Deputy Superintendent)
Brewing Up CommUNITY Conversations give community members the chance to connect with the superintendent and school leaders while supporting local businesses.
 

EXPERIENCE MASON QUALITY:  TEACHING & LEARNING NIGHT

Wednesday, November 19 | 6PM-8PM | Mason High School
Education thrives on the partnership between school and home, and Mason City Schools annual Teaching and Learning Night is the perfect opportunity for families to dive deeper into your child’s educational journey. You’ll learn about proposed new courses, curriculum and instruction updates, and learning progressions from elementary to high school. The evening will be interactive, with plenty of time for questions and feedback. Mark your calendars, and come be part of the conversation!
 
JOURNEY DAY - NO IN-PERSON LEARNING
FRIDAY, November 21 | All School and District Offices Closed 8am - 12pm
Theme: LEADER – Grow Your Strengths & Skills to Lead with Purpose.
Students step into the role of LEADER—not by title, but by action. This Journey Day is about discovering the unique ways students can influence, inspire, and support others. Whether leading by example, lending a voice to a cause, or organizing an idea into action, students will reflect on their leadership potential and take steps to strengthen it.
 
FALL BREAK - NO SCHOOL
November 24-28
 
TURKEY TROT / 5K Run/Walk
Thursday, November 27 |8AM-9:30AM | Corwin Nixon Park | Register
Friends, family and runners can enjoy a 5K before sitting down for turkey time and holiday festivities. We hope to see everybody on Thanksgiving for a live event to Run First, Eat Later!
 
THANKSGIVING
Thursday, November 27
🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Comet Family! 🍁🦃
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you. To our incredible Comet students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and our vibrant commUNITY, may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and the love of those dear to you. Let's continue to spread kindness and gratitude not just today, but every day!
 
ELEGANT HOLIDAY
Saturday, December 13 | 6PM-9PM | MHS Auditorium | Buy Tickets
The Mason High School Choirs are once again hosting their annual "An Elegant Holiday" concert performance. The program entails delicious dessert and beverage service (provided by volunteer parents and students), and an evening filled with the joyous songs of the season performed by the choirs. This year's performance will be held at the MHS Auditorium Saturday, December 13th.
 

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