MMS Newsletter
January 17, 2025
A Message from MMS Principal Jay Reutter
This week we were able to recognize our Team Magic at our Board Meeting. It was truly a Mason Moment. Thank you so much to our MMS and MHS cheer volunteers for giving your time to our students and providing this opportunity. Thank you to Colleen Johansen and Jill Arminio for coaching these young ladies. It was evident at the meeting the impact this has had on everyone. From our coaches to our volunteers to our athletes, the level of learning and confidence-building was off the charts. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this a reality.
Just a reminder that next week we will hold Building Level CommUNITY Conversations at the high school. Please join us and share your thoughts and feedback to help MMS and MHS improve.
CommUNITY CONVERSATION: Secondary Families
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 6-8 PM | Mason High School
What supports, resources and or experiences would make MCS Personal Learning Days meaningful for your teen and manageable for your family? Help answer this question and give input into other topics that will be discussed at the Elementary Family CommUNITY Conversation.
Every Kid! Every Day!
Go Comets!
Next Step Meetings for 7th Grade Families
Interested in learning about 8th grade and the scheduling process? Next Step meetings for families of incoming 8th-grade students will take place on the evening of January 27th from 7:30-8:30 PM in the Middle School Auditorium.
Purchase your 2024-25 MMS Yearbook now!
$38.00 for 164 pages (increased from 144) of great memories of your student's 2024-2025 school year!
Make sure to buy your yearbook today! Don't miss out on the memories!
Call for Science Fair Judges
The Mason City Schools Science Fair needs judges for Thursday, January 30, 2025! If you are interested in judging our projects please fill out this short survey. An email confirmation will be sent in the near future. Thank you very much!
College Credit Plus
The annual College Credit Plus (CCP) informational meeting for students in grades 6-12 will be on January 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Mason High School Auditorium. Any family interested in exploring CCP options for their student should attend to learn about legislative updates and the process for students to participate in this learning opportunity. Students interested in participating in the College Credit Plus Program during the 25-26 school year should plan on attending. MCS College Credit Plus site
8TH GRADE FAMILIES ONLY Summer School 2025 Original Credit Information
PLEASE READ THROUGH!
Registration is ONLINE ONLY! No mail-in or drop-offs will be permitted. This is based on a first come-first serve basis. Please be sure to speak to your student/s and register for the class time (if pertinent) as no changes will be made after completing registration.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14. You will be able to see the information with the link provided below. Registration ends May 2, 2025.
REGISTRATION LINK: 2025 Summer School Original Credit Registration can be accessed via this link. (You can view the courses offered, costs, dates, etc).
Instructions are attached but a few quick notes:
- Classes run June 2 - July 16; no class on June 19, July 2- July 4
- No IEP or 504 services are available for summer school
- Refunds will not be given once registration is complete
- PE is in-person at the High School (Monday-Friday). Please be sure to select the correct time as no changes will be made once registration is complete.
- Health, Current Global Issues and Financial Literacy are ONLINE ONLY. These are asynchronous (students will work at their leisure) online classes with benchmarks to meet during the course of summer school.
- You may sign up for an online and in-person class. Day 1 accommodations will be made for students who are doing both. That information will be emailed out in late May.
- Courses are seat-capped so if a class is not visible to add to your cart, it is full and closed. There are no wait-lists.
- If there will be a conflict with vacations, sports, or other school-sponsored activities, please utilize the credit flex option. See Mr. Powell for credit flex opportunities.
Things to Know
Student Survey Begins Week of February 3rd
As part of our #CometCulture commitment to be “Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today,” we continually look for ways to hear from our learners so that we can better meet their needs. During the week of February 3rd, your child will have the opportunity to participate in our semi annual student survey.
This year, we will continue to conduct the survey online for students in grades 5-12. The survey will help us measure 2024-2025 Objectives & Key Results (OKRS). This year the district is partnering with Branching Minds to survey students using the SECA. The SECA will replace the Panorama Survey to provide a more robust view of our learner’s sense of belonging, well-being, and self-awareness. It will be used to help determine our school district’s strengths, as well as areas for improvement. Branching Minds safeguards students’ privacy, keeping their responses confidential. This is the same survey that your child completed in October.
It is our goal to be as inclusive as possible and to capture the many student perspectives we have in our district. Students with disabilities can be provided accommodations identified in their IEP/504 plans during the survey administration. Students participating in Ohio’s Alternate Assessment can participate with assistance from their intervention specialist or parents may choose to opt out of participation altogether. Please connect with your child’s intervention specialist or guidance counselor with questions.
PPRA Notification for Students
The Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires Mason City Schools to give notice and give parents (and students who are 18 years of age or older) an opportunity to opt a student out of any protected information survey. If you wish to opt your child out of the survey, please do so by 3:00 PM on Friday, January 31st.
Your child’s opinions are valuable to us as we plan for the future. Thanks so much for partnering with us!
Prevention and Wellness Update:
Establishing a before school routine not only helps the morning run smoother, it can also provide the structure and healthy habits children need to do their best during the school day. This includes eating a healthy breakfast every day! Understand more about how breakfast sparks learning here. For information on meals at school, as well as to apply for meal benefits (free or reduced breakfast and lunch), click here.
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.
PTO Updates:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonmiddlepto/
MMS PTO will provide a luncheon for the staff on January 31st. Please consider a donation to our luncheon to treat our awesome staff. Thanks for your support! Sign Up Here
Does your family make a donation to a non-profit organization? Consider a donation to MMS PTO. Your donation goes to support all members of the MMS Community- staff, students and families!
MMS PTO Fan Zone: Concessions, fan gear and more at MMS Basketball Games!
Get your hats, stadium seats or t-shirts from the MMS PTO Fan Zone. MMS. PTO will be selling Fan Zone items as well as concessions at MMS Basketball games. Stop by to get all your fan zone gear and a treat to enjoy at the game.
To pre-order go to MMS PTO Fan Zone.
2024-2025 MMS PTO Executive Board
Carrie Upchurch- President
Joy Fowler- Vice President
Marisa Scagnelli- Treasurer
Kelly Howe- Co-Fundraising Coordinator
Carrie Upchurch- President
Joy Fowler- Vice President
Marisa Scagnelli- Treasurer
Kelly Howe- Co-Fundraising Coordinator
Jamie Morton-Co-Fundraising Coordinator
Cassie Myers- Co-Community Coordinator
Wendy Spatz-Co-Community Coordinator
Victoria Anderson- Publicity Secretary
Emily Conner- Recording Secretary
Cassie Myers- Co-Community Coordinator
Wendy Spatz-Co-Community Coordinator
Victoria Anderson- Publicity Secretary
Emily Conner- Recording Secretary
Upcoming Events
MASON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION READING CHALLENGE | MECC, ME & MI
Read: Friday, Jan. 17-20, 2025 | Donate Collection Week: Jan. 27-31, 2025
Over the past 16 years, MSF has invested over $1.2 Million in grants across the district including school supplies and books for students in need, DREAM center catalysts, flexible seating options, outdoor learning gardens, and educational experiences in and out of the classroom. Now it’s your turn to be part of this legacy!
3 Ways to Give
- Return provided envelope with cash or check made out to Mason Schools Foundation
- Text R25MECC to 41444, R25ME to 41444 or R25MEI to 41444
- Donate online by clicking on the link: MECC | ME | MI
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY - NO SCHOOL
Monday, January 20, 2025
All Mason City Schools and district offices are closed to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
CommUNITY CONVERSATION: Elementary Families
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 6-8 PM | Mason Early Childhood Center
What supports, resources and or experiences would make MCS Personal Learning Days meaningful for your child and manageable for your family? Help answer this question and give input into other topics that will be discussed at the Elementary Family CommUNITY Conversation.
CommUNITY CONVERSATION: Secondary Families
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 6-8 PM | Mason High School
What supports, resources and or experiences would make MCS Personal Learning Days meaningful for your teen and manageable for your family? Help answer this question and give input into other topics that will be discussed at the Elementary Family CommUNITY Conversation.
MHS THEATER - An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe
January 24, 25, 31 & February 1 | Mason High School Studio Theater | Purchase tickets
On January 24, 25, 31, and Feb 1, Mason High School Theater will present An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe by Robert Mason. Show times on each day is at 7 pm with an additional matinee on January 25 at 2 pm. This matinee will be ASL interpreted. An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe is rated PG-13, for some mild language and spooky thrills. It is best suited for audience members aged middle school and up.
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
We wish all of our friends and neighbors celebrating the Year of the Snake a prosperous New Year filled with lots of red envelopes!
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY TALENT SHOW
February 6 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Mason High School Auditorium | Purchase Tickets
This event has proven to provide students with an amazing opportunity to showcase their talent and shine while bringing the community together. Tickets can also be purchased at the door through cash.
COFFEE WITH DR. COOPER - Comet Coffee Talks
Monday, February 10 | 8-9:30AM | Cocoon 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, February 10 | 5:30-7:00PM | 50 West
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.
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