Mason Elementary

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.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope everyone had a joyous and restful Thanksgiving break!

As we approach the end of the marking period, this is a reminder that students earning a “2” or below will receive a progress report during the week of December 9th. While some teachers may send progress reports home with all students, the expectation is that students who have a grade of “2” or below in any content area will receive one.

Community Drive for Fish Families

Starting Monday, December 9, 2024, all students will have the opportunity to participate in our school-wide community drive to benefit our Fish Families.

• 3rd grade: Hygiene products
• 4th grade: Paper products
• 5th grade: Laundry products

Please refer to the Mason Newsletter for additional details. All donations are due by Wednesday, December 18th. These donations will help support families in need within the Grand Blanc community. Additionally, we will be purchasing gifts for these families. A SignUp Genius link will be sent out for families to donate toys and pajamas. Staff will provide clothing items.

Recess Reminders for Winter

As we enter the winter months, students will continue to go outside for recess, weather permitting. Recess will be held outdoors as long as the temperature is above 10 degrees. Please make sure your child has boots and snow pants if they wish to play in the snow.

Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, we would like to take a moment to recognize the following upcoming celebrations:

· Happy Hanukkah: Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and is observed for eight days. The holiday honors the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Holy Temple. Each day, a candle is lit on a hanukkiah (a nine-branched candelabra), starting with one candle and adding another each day. Blessings are recited, and festive songs are sung.

· Merry Christmas: Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25. It is a religious and cultural celebration celebrated by billions of people around the world.

· Happy Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture, observed from December 26 to January 1. It culminates in a communal feast called Karamu, typically on the sixth day. Created by activist Maulana Karenga, it is based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.

Please mark your calendars and take the time to wish friends who celebrate these holidays a very Happy Holiday season.

Wishing All Mason Families, a Blessed and Joyous Holiday Season!

In the Interest of Our Children,

Mrs. S. James, Ed.S.

The Mason 3rd Grade classes will have their concert on Monday, December 16 at 6:30 pm in the Mason gym. Students are wearing plain black tee shirts with a pair of jeans or leggings on the bottom (tennis shoes or comfortable dress boots on their feet please) for the concert. The stage gets warm so students can leave their coats in their lockers or give them to an adult to hold.

We will spearhead a collection for FISH this year. We will be collecting household items from December 6th - 18th.

The Grades will be collecting the following items:

• 3rd Grade - Hygiene Products
• 4th Grade - Paper Products
• 5th Grade - Laundry Products

We are having a “Grinch Day’ on December 20th. Students are encouraged to wear green, a Grinch shirt, or dress like a “Who.” Students will play Grinch Games around the building. We need a few donations, please use this link to donate https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BA9AF28A4F94-53644977-grinch

Below is a version of the order form for a candy cane gram you can download and print. A paper copy was sent home with your student.

Students should dress appropriately for the weather.

Students will go out for recess as long as the temperature is greater than 10 degrees. Students must have coats, boots, and snow pants to play in the snow.

You have the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act. Self-control is the act of managing behavior in a way that positively influences goal attainment and living up to standards. Possessing this strength protects people from destabilizing emotional extremes. Those with self-control are able to limit impulsive behavior. They have the ability to experience and navigate difficulty while remaining poised. They understand that through discipline and restraint, there are greater, long-term goals that they can accomplish. Self-control is related to prudence, in that people with this

strength are able to implement extended planning techniques in pursuit of difficult task completion. Self-control does not mean a lack of thoughts, feelings, or impulses; it just means you have command over them.

Thursday, December 5

• Guenther & Wilson to Sloan

Friday, December 6

• 4th Grade Choir to the Grand Blanc Historical Museum

Monday, December 9

• U of M Flint Opera "Jack & the Beanstalk"
• Marimba Concert at 6:30 in the Mason Gym
• "Old Fashioned Christmas" 4th Grade Choir at 7 pm at Grand Blanc Historical Museum

Thursday, December 12

• Grand Blanc Children's Choir Concert at GBHS at 6:30 pm

Saturday, December 13

• Marimba Concert at 11:30 at Flint Farmers' Market

Monday, December 16

• 3rd Grade Concert at 6:30 in the Mason Gym

Tuesday, December 17

• Guenther & Wilson to FIA
• 2nd & 5th Grade Caroling at area Senior Living Communities

Wednesday, December 18

• Faucett & Pinson to FIA
• 2nd & 5th Grade Caroling at area Senior Living Communities

Thursday, December 19

• Cook/Mason Holiday Sing-A-Long (For Students only due to space limitations)

Friday, December 20

• Grinch Day

Email: sschwegl@gbcs.org
Location: 4455 East Cook Road, Grand Blanc, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-7840
Facebook: facebook.com/CookMasonElementary