Mason Road Summer Update

August, 2024

Message from J. Desto

Good afternoon Mason Road Family,

I am sorry to interrupt your summer time with school talk but as we approach the start of the new school year, I want to extend the biggest welcome to all of our families who are returning or joining our Mason Road School community for the first time. I am sure there are also many questions that you want answers to and I am hoping I am able to provide answers to those questions now. The sooner the better, right?

Before I get into it, and I apologize if this comes across as being rough, but it is essential that you know that your child MUST BE POTTY TRAINED prior to starting school. This is extremely important and I cannot stress this enough. There are unusual circumstances (preschool or special needs) that require additional support with potty training. I completely understand that however we do not potty train. All information related to special circumstances need to be submitted prior to the start of school.

Now that is out of the way (and I do apologize but it is extremely important everyone is clear on the expectations for school-aged children), let's talk about Mason Road School and how we are gearing up for an amazing school year! The custodial engineers have been working extremely hard to have our school shining like the sun (the sun is our new logo) and teachers have been working hard in their classroom to create a welcoming, bright, positive, and loving learning environment.

You may be wondering why a school would choose "the sun" as a logo. It is quite unique for sure... just like Mason Road School! Now I know that there are many meanings of what "the sun" symbolizes. To me, Mason Road represents positive energy, brightness, warmth, love, and happiness! These feels are essential to the learning process. No matter what part of the building you enter, there is positivity flowing like a wild river. Whether it is the staff or students, everyday brings in something positive. With a building feeling like this, and each classroom shining bright, students are going to want to be here to learn! For me, the sun always makes me feel good and that is how I feel about MRS! Each and everyone of our school community members are the rays to make the sun (school) shine as bright as it is which will, in turn, help the students to grow and learn while being amazing human beings. This will take some time to update our vendors for school swag so please be patient with us. I will be sure to notify everyone with ordering information when everything is ready to go!

Communication is one of the most important ingredients in developing a positive relationship between home and school so that each child can have the most rewarding, fun, and memorable learning experience. Our students are little peanuts: 3-7 years old. They are still "babies" (essentially). We need YOU to make sure you stay up to date on the happenings of school. We need YOU to communicate with school as often as necessary. We need YOU to be part of your child's school experience. We cannot expect important information to come from a 3-7 year old (this works both ways). We need your help so that we can help your child.

With that being said, most of my newsletters will contain a lot of information and I know that it can be a turn off. However, the information provided is important! I promise to not waste your time with unnecessary information. I will always do my best to keep families updated on the happenings within the school and the school district. This will require you to read these lengthy newsletters in order to have the information from the very start. If you have questions, please contact the school. I cannot help if I am not aware. Please help me avoid answering the same questions over and over again when it is all stated in the newsletter. Note: Newsletters will also be posted on the Mason Road School website which provides a wealth of information related to the school and district. You will receive another, more detailed, newsletter prior to the start of the new school year.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Due to summer hours, email is best. You can reach me at jdesto@dcrsd.org.

I am sincerely looking forward to an amazing school year!! Enjoy the remaining days of summer!!

Sincerely,

Jen D.

Who is my child going to have for a teacher?

Learning your child's teacher for the new school year is always an exciting time, especially in elementary school! When it comes to student placement, there are many factors that are taken into consideration. Things such as previous kindergarten screening results, teacher recommendation, parent/caregiver input, and information that would be essential are all necessary factors that are extremely important for placement. This information is critical so students are placed, with great confidence, in a classroom where connections can be made so that the learning will happen! Please know that each student is placed carefully and with much thought. The process isn't an easy one as I always strive to "get it right."

Everyone will find out about their child's classroom teacher, typically, a week before school starts (if not sooner). While it is not often this happens, but, there could be changes right up until the day before school starts. In that event, you will be personally notified. Factors such as class size, supports, and familiar faces (for some of our grade one transfers) are things that could require a last minute change. While not ideal, it might be necessary. Regardless of where your child is place, please know that every single person at Mason Road School is truly amazing. Everyone cares deeply for all students and will go above and beyond to give them what they need. Mason Road is a unique school with a lot of love for these little people.

NOTE: If your child is entering kindergarten and has not been screened, you will be notified to attend a screening date/time the week before your child starts school. This could be a factor for necessary classroom changes for some students. Again, families will be personally notified if there are any changes to classroom placement.

You will learn of your child's teacher through the parent portal. A notification will be emailed to all to inform you that the information is now available.

The elementary years of school are the most critical especially the very beginning. Everyone here at Mason Road School will love your child as if they are our own. Everyone will be working hard to teach your child the necessary skills to be a life long learner while developing positive character both in and out of school. You will learn that very quickly if you do not know it already. 💙

Meet the Teacher / Student Orientation

With grade one starting on August 27th and preschool/kindergarten starting on September 3rd, all orientations will be held on Thursday, August 29th. This means that grade one families will not be meeting their child's teacher until after school has already started. Have no fear! There is a plan!

Orientation is going to look different this year because I am determined to make sure that we all meet as a group, per grade level. I, along with classroom teachers, want to be able to explain to all of you, what will be the key things for your child to be successful as they begin their 2024-2025 school year. I also want the opportunity for you to ask questions to us! While I might not have answers to all your questions, I will certainly find them. After our group discussion, families will be excused to go to their child's classroom. Grade one students will already know where to go.

All grade level orientations will be held on the same day: August 29th, 2024.

10:00 - Preschool / Kindergarten

1:00 - Preschool / Kindergarten

4:00 - Grade One

At your arrival, please go directly to the cafetorium (this is used as our gym, cafeteria, and auditorium). Let's start this new school year with open, honest communication!

Important Information for Nurse Moisan

Champions Before School / Afterschool Child Care @ Mason Road

Champions is a before/afterschool child care program that is located right here at Mason Road School! To be clear, this is not a district program however, this program is located in the Mason Road School cafetorium! The staff of Champions are truly amazing and do a fabulous job with the students. Champions is open at 7am and closes at 6pm each school day (with a few exceptions but you will get all this information from the Champions supervisor once you sign up). For more information, please see below 👇.