Mason Elementary
October 2024
Mason Equity Statement
We at Mason Elementary value belonging, joy and respect. Everyone will recognize strengths in themselves and others. They will show respect for individual differences, so that all students can feel understood and accepted. Equitable opportunities will help students learn and grow.
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The end of the marking period is Friday, November 1, 2024. During this time, teachers will be preparing final grades, so parents will not be able to see students’ grades or report cards on Jupiter from November 1 to November 8. Parent-Teacher Conferences will occur the week of November 11. Please schedule a conference to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. In addition to attending conferences, stay connected with your child’s academic journey by checking Jupiter and Renaissance Home Connect.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of gratitude. Take 10 minutes before or on Thanksgiving to reach out to someone who has made a positive impact on your life and let them know how much you appreciate them.
We are excited to announce the Grand Blanc Elementary Basketball League for 3rd to 5th grade boys. This initiative invites all Grand Blanc elementary schools to participate in a competitive basketball league. Our aim is to foster a friendly yet competitive environment where students can learn fundamental skills, sportsmanship, and knowledge of the game from our players and coaching staff. Please watch your email for a flyer coming soon.
Additionally, we have many clothing items in our Lost & Found. If your child is missing shoes, sweatshirts, or jackets, please encourage them to check the table.
We are also launching a school-wide community Food Drive to support our adopted families. A letter will be sent home soon with details about food and clothing donations.
As winter approaches, please note that students will continue to go outside for recess as long as the temperature exceeds 10 degrees. To play in the snow, students must wear boots and snow pants.
Students will have holiday vacation beginning Monday, December 23, 2024, and will return to school ready to learn on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Wishing all Mason families, a blessed and joyous holiday season!
In the Interest of Our Children,
Mrs. S. James, Ed.S.
Notes from the Library
From Mrs. Baker
Please help your students to be good book citizens. Could you explain the proper way to care for and read a book? Our library books are coming back damaged and fines will be assessed.
You can use the link above to set up an e-wallet for your student to shop in person at the book fair. You can share the e-wallet link with friends and family who can add money to your student's e-wallet.
Fall Conferences
Classroom teachers will be sending out information to sign up for conferences. Our Conferences will be at the following times:
- Tuesday, November 12 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- Wednesday, November 13 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- Thursday, November 14 from 1:10 pm - 4:10 pm
Notes from the Cafeteria
Lunch Accounts
Picture Retake Day
Mason Picture Retake Day will be Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The photographer will be here at 9:00 am once students needing pictures taken have been photographed they will leave.
Student Absences
Late Arrivals and Early Pick Up
Due to the large number of students receiving lunch this year, any student arriving after 10 am will receive a grilled cheese sandwich as a hot lunch.
If you are picking up your student early please call the office at 810-591-7840 we will try to have your student waiting for you. Students must be signed out and show ID.
Dress for Recess
Students should dress for the weather.
From the School Nurse
Food Allergy Awareness
The holiday season from now through the new year poses threats to kids trying to manage food allergies. We would like to increase awareness about food allergies by reminding students and parents of the following:
- Food allergies are very serious. It is not a joking matter.
- Reactions can be life threatening
- Preventing exposure is crucial
- Don’t share food, forks, knives, spoons, or straws with friends
- Wash hands before and after eating. Some people with food allergies can get sick even if they are touched by something that has a tiny bit of food on it
- If a friend with allergies is sick, tell an adult right away. This will make sure that your friend gets help and gets the medicine they need to feel better
- Food allergies can make Halloween even scarier. Please remember not to bring anything with nuts into the classroom
When to Keep Students at Home
Many illnesses do not require exclusion. However, children may be excluded if the illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in school activities or if there is risk of spread of harmful disease to others. These criteria also apply to when staff should be excluded. Criteria include:
- Severely ill – lethargic, difficulty breathing, or rapidly spreading rash
- Fever 101F or greater AND behavior change or other signs of illness
- Staff can use their best judgement if the child does not have a fever of 101F or greater, but still appears significantly ill with symptoms such as glassy eyes and lethargy
- The child should not return until there is no fever for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications
- Diarrhea – 2 or more loose watery stools
- The child should have no loose stools for 24 hours prior to returning to school unless health care provider determines it’s not infectious.
- Vomiting – vomited 2 or more times
- The child should have no vomiting episodes for 24 hours prior to returning unless health care provider has determined the vomiting is not due to an infectious condition.
- Abdominal pain – abdominal pain that continues for more than 2 hours or intermittent pain associated with fever or other symptoms
- Rash – rash AND a fever or change in behavior
- Respiratory symptoms - Worsening or not improving, and not explained by another cause (e.g., allergies)
Skin Sore – weeping sores on an exposed area that cannot be covered with a waterproof dressing
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, November 5
- Election Day
- No School for Students
- Professional Development for Staff
- Conferences in the Evening
- Scholastic Book Fair in the Library - Open during conferences
- 1/2 Day of School - dismissal is at 12:17 pm
- Conferences in the Evening
- Scholastic Book Fair in the Library - Open during conferences
- 1/2 Day of School - dismissal is at 12:17 pm
- Conferences in the Afternoon
- Scholastic Book Fair in the Library - Open during conferences
- 1/2 Day of School - dismissal is at 12:17 pm
- No School - Thanksgiving Break - Office will be closed.
Mason is a Peanut/Tree Nut Free Building
Information from Easter Seals
GBCS Winter Color Guard for 5th Grade Students
About Mason Elementary
Email: sschwegl@gbcs.org
Location: 4455 East Cook Road, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-7840
Facebook: facebook.com/CookMasonElementary