Mason Moose Minutes January 10th!

Dearest Mason Families,

Welcome back! I hope this message finds you refreshed and ready to dive into 2025 with enthusiasm! It has been wonderful hearing about the many exciting and memorable experiences our students had over the holidays. Here we are, kicking off a new year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and success!

This week, we were delighted to have Mr. Wesley, principal of Parcells Middle School, visit Mason to speak with our 4th graders. During his visit, he shared valuable insights about the exciting opportunities that await our students in middle school. They were introduced to a variety of offerings and clubs at Parcells, including academics, extracurricular activities, and other resources that support student success. These conversations helped our 4th graders begin to envision their transition and explore what they might look forward to in middle school. Additionally, we hope to schedule a walking field trip to Parcells later this school year, giving students a chance to visit Parcells, meet staff and students, and experience the school environment firsthand.

Teachers are in the process of preparing students in grades 1-4 to complete the practice Grosse Pointe Writing Assessment. Additionally, the Winter NWEA testing window for grades K-4 is now open. Starting next week, students will begin their NWEA math and reading assessments. Teachers will communicate specific testing dates for each class in their newsletters. Please remind your children not to overthink the tests or feel stressed. Encourage them to take their time, do their best, and approach the assessments with confidence. We want to remind them that we always believe in them, and we want them to believe in themselves!

Looking ahead, next Friday, January 17, marks the end of the second quarter and first semester. I am incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication our students and staff have shown throughout the semester. Their commitment to learning, growth, and perseverance has been truly inspiring! Please note it will be a half day for students on Friday, January 17, with dismissal at 11:36 a.m. Teachers will spend the afternoon completing records. Elementary report cards will be available in the Parent Portal on January 28.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement—let’s keep moving forward together, remembering that Mason is more than just a school—it’s a home and a family. As always, I welcome open and direct communication with all of my families. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to connect with me directly. I am here for you and your student. Thank you for being part of our Mason family, and as always, Teamwork it is! One Mason, One Family, and One Team!

Mrs. Anita Hassan, Principal

As we work to maintain a safe, focused, and productive learning environment, please remember that students should not bring toys from home to school, unless specifically announced by their teacher. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as balls of any type, Pokémon or other trading cards, slime, toy cars, stuffed animals, and similar items. Bringing toys can be a distraction in the classroom and during school activities, and we appreciate your support in ensuring all students can focus on learning and engaging positively with their peers. Thank you for your understanding, and please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Read Aloud, Our Class is a Family, by Shannon Olsen, and craft activity being planned for January 14th from 3:45-4:20 pm in the Mason library. First come, first serve using this Sign Up Genius.

Monday

• Breakfast Starts: 8:50 am
• School Bell: 9:05 am

Students should not arrive before 8:50 am on Mondays, as there is no supervision available before this time. Breakfast is served at the drop-off time, allowing students time to eat before the bell.

Tuesday through Friday

• Breakfast Starts: 8:05 am
• School Bell: 8:20 am

For the rest of the week (Tuesday through Friday), students may arrive starting at 8:05 am.

Important Reminder:
Please ensure students are not dropped off before these designated times. The staff supervision, breakfast services, and the building itself may not be available prior to these times, so adhering to this schedule is important for the safety of all students.

Please reference Mason's Playground Procedures/Rules. As the days get colder please remember to have your students bring appropriate outdoor wear. Students are asked to wear jackets when it is 55 degree or below. We value fresh air a movement during the school day, so please review the reminders below:

ADDITIONAL PLAYGROUND PROCEDURES/RULES DURING COLD WEATHER/WINTER

1. Snow stays on the ground: No snowballs

2. No jumping nor standing in muddy/snowy puddles or any icy surfaces

3. No picking up ice shards

4. Respect other people’s space and snow creations

5. Play safely and stay dry

6. Feet stay on the ground

7. The blacktop is a ‘snow-free’ zone

Students who do not wear boots or snow pants are only allowed to play on the blacktop. Teachers can restrict students at any time who do not have the proper clothing from going outside for safety reasons.

All students should have an extra set of clothes in their locker in case it is needed throughout the school year.

Guidelines for when outdoor recess will be held:

1 degree and above with wind-chill - outdoor recess

0 degree and below with wind-chill - indoor recess

Guideline for when jackets should be worn by students outside:

At 55 degrees or below, students should wear a coat/long sleeve item during recess.

Did you know that you may qualify to receive discounted athletic fees, class materials, college application fees and more by filling out the 2024-2025 Education and Nutrition Benefits Application? All info is confidential and protected – so take action today!

Please take a look at the Lunch Volunteer Signup Genius.

Jan 17 - 1/2 Day of Schools (11:36 dismissal)

Jan 20th - NO School

Monday (late start) 9:05 a.m. - 3:38 p.m.

Tuesday - Friday 8:20 a.m.- 3:38 p.m.

Late Arrivals - If students are arriving late, they will need to enter through door A (secure entrance) and kindly sign in with the office staff.

Parents know your child is in great hands! We are committed to providing our students with a quality education and maximizing the safety of all.

To assist us with this, anytime your student will be absent or late to school, please call by 9 a.m. our attendance line at

313-432-4401

Please know this is a direct to voicemail line and you will not be connected with a staff member.

If you need to speak to someone in the main office please use one of the following numbers:

(313) 432-4403

(313) 432-4411

Breakfast will be available in the cafeteria, on Mondays from 8:50 - 9:05 a.m. & Tues. - Friday from 8:05 - 8:20 a.m.

• Students who want to eat breakfast will need to be dropped off to enter Mason through door A (secure vestibule) at 8:50 a.m. on Mondays, or 8:05 a.m. Tuesday through Fridays. Students can not enter the building before the noted times for breakfast.

• Students will be walked to the blacktop at 9:05 am on Mondays and 8:20 a.m. Tue- Fridays to join their class for arrival.

We love having our families involved here at Mason.. If you plan on volunteering throughout the school year please fill out this volunteer release inquiry form.

Teamwork it is! One Mason, One Family, One Team!

Email: hassana@gpschools.org
Website: https://www.gpschools.org/Domain/1501
Location: 1640 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-4400