Mason Moose Minutes December 6th!

Dearest Mason Families,

What a blessed first week back from Thanksgiving break it has been! Our students have shared heartwarming stories of time spent with family and friends, from holiday travels to enjoying turkey feasts and creating cherished memories. It is always a joy to see their excitement and hear about their experiences.

This week, our 4th-grade students participated in Instrument Demo Day, hosted by the middle school music team. Students had the opportunity to explore the variety of musical instruments available to them as they prepare for the exciting transition to middle school next year. The joy and curiosity on their faces were inspiring!

As the winter weather sets in, I would like to remind families to review our Playground Procedures and Cold Weather Guidelines posted further down in the newsletter. It is essential for everyone to follow these guidelines to ensure that our students stay warm, safe, and healthy during outdoor play. Please take a moment to go over these important procedures with your children.

Additionally, I would like to remind all families of our arrival and dismissal procedures, particularly regarding drop-off on Charlevoix Rd:

• Cars should not be parked on Charlevoix Rd. Police enforcement has ticketed individuals in the past. This is only a morning drop off or dismissal pick up zone.
• Please refrain from parking past the designated drop-off or pick up area, as this blocks the street for other vehicles and buses coming from Anita Rd.

Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth and safe arrival and dismissal for all students.

Looking ahead, there are several events planned for next week:

• Communities United in Diversity: This event will take place on Monday, December 9 at 6 p.m. at Grosse Pointe South High School.
• Parcells Middle School Choir Visit: On Thursday, December 12, the middle school choir will visit Mason to perform for our students. It will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the joy and talent of these young musicians.
• 4th-Grade Field Trip to Lansing: On Friday, December 13, our 4th-grade students will head to Lansing for an enriching visit to the Michigan State Capitol Building and the Michigan History Museum. They will deepen their understanding of government operations and Michigan's history! This trip is sure to be both educational and memorable!

The Mason team and I are so grateful for the opportunity to support our students in learning and growing through meaningful experiences. 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

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.

We have an amazing group of professionals here at Mason and would like to introduce them to you. This week we are highlighting our Reading Specialists Mrs MacGillis, Mrs Murray, and Mr. Shire. Thank you for being part of our dynamic Mason team!

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!

If you have a current 2nd or 3rd grade student you may be interested in finding out about our magnet program. The GPPSS offers a magnet program for 3rd and 4th grade students. Please read this parent letter for more information and click on the parent nomination form to nominate your student if you are interested. Additional information is available on our district website including a slideshow and an FAQ document. If you have any questions feel free to email Pam Albrecht, Magnet Program Coordinator, at albrecp@gpschools.org.

Please take a look at the Lunch Volunteer Signup Genius.

Nov 19 - Picture Retake Day!

Nov 27 - 29 Thanksgiving Break

Dec 14 - Merry Mornings as Mason

Dec 23 - Jan 3rd - Winter Break

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