1.31.25
A Message from MI Principal Eric Messer



Students discussed what is a good mentor during LIFT this week. We had them think of the benefits of being a mentor and the impact of being a mentor. We also had them think about a mentor they have had in their own life. Mine would have been my high school basketball coach and the first principal I worked for in Mason, Cathy Hunter. We will start a new round of specials in 5th grade starting on Monday. Our nurses finished almost half of the 5th grade vision and hearing screenings they have to complete. Nothing is quick when we have 800 students in one grade. Students in 5th grade celebrated their 1,000th day of school in their schooling career on Friday. On Friday, we had MSF Reading Challenge reward assemblies. The students and staff had a lot of fun! Smiles, laughter and Mason memories are a perfect way to end a week.
I know that technology is always changing and social media is a concern for many parents. I wanted to warn you about an App called Omegle. MI students should not be able to make an account because they are too young, but it is being reported to me that some of the students at MI have and use the App. This app connects random people together to have a one-on-one chat. This is concerning to me since the students have no idea who they are talking to. As a parent myself, I would not want my kids to have this App for safety reasons.
First Semester Report Cards are now available in MasonConnects. You can find reports posted in the File Attachments section of MasonConnects.me. (Log in to Mason Connects → Click Students on left panel → click on the student card → scroll down and attachments are on the bottom right). If you have any difficulties logging in, please send an email to support@masonohioschools.com . Please include your student’s name and student ID in the email , along with the trouble you are having. Our team will be happy to support you.
5th & 6th Grade Skating Party Hosted by MI K-Kids
When: February 13th, 2025 - Remember we don't have school the next day!
Time: 6-8 PM Where: Castle Skateland - 980 Loveland Madeira Road
Cost: $5 cash for admission Info: Skate rental available - $3 hightop skates, $5 lowtop skates
Why: Have fun with your friends and support the K-Kids service organization
Below are the Ohio State Test dates that students will take in April. All of the tests will be taken in the morning before lunch.
- ELA: Tuesday April 8th and Wednesday, April 9th - this is for 5th and 6th grade.
- Science: Tuesday, April 15th and Wednesday, April 16th - this is for 5th grade only.
- Math: Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24 - this is for 5th and 6th grade.
6th to 7th Grade Step Up Information from MMS
Next week your 6th grade students will be given the MMS Course Request Form to complete at home. Parents, please review the Course Offerings as they make the selections. This document will be used to enter their course requests at school the following week.
Questions about scheduling should be directed to:
Important Links:
Supporting Every Math Learner: Understanding Our Placement Process
We encourage families to
explore our math placement process, designed to ensure every student receives the right level of challenge and support. Starting in 5th grade, students are placed in either the Traditional or Honors Pathway based on multiple measures. Placement decisions are made thoughtfully, and students are re-evaluated each year to ensure they’re on the best path for their success. Families will receive placement notifications in early June, and we’re always here to answer any questions along the way!
Volunteers - Bottle Caps to Benches Recycling Program
Students are invited to volunteer with the student-led Bottle Caps to Benches Recycling Program joining fellow students at the final Sorting Sessions to separate acceptable caps that will be made into recycled plastic benches and picnic tables for our school, as the program prepares to fundraise to complement the Ohio EPA Grant and place the order this spring. Check out the information and sign up link!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44AAAD29A1F8C16-54083963-spring
Interested in MMS Cheer?
ALL information can be found on the Mason Cheer website
Informational meetings and tryouts begin in the Spring for the following school year!
- Use this website page to learn more about timeline for spring 2025 tryouts and 2025-26 school year participation
Here is the form to register and declare interest in tryouts.
Questions? Contact: Christina Moyer - christinamoyer15@gmail.com
Mr. Messer’s “Dad” joke of the week
What do you call a room with no doors? mushroom
Trivia - What is the only English word that ends in the letters “mt”? dreamt
Parenting Today's Child - Mental Wellness:
As we near the end of the month, it's a great time to reflect on the routines that support our mental health. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help reduce stress and create a sense of stability, especially for children who thrive on structure. Encourage your child to set aside time each day for activities that nurture their mental well-being, such as reading, exercising, or simply taking a break. Also, don’t forget to schedule "unplugged" time to disconnect from screens and practice mindfulness or engage in hobbies. These routines can help lay the foundation for mental wellness throughout the year.
If you would like more information about mental health and wellness or would like to connect your child with a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital therapist, please check out Resources for Mason Families and reach out to your child’s school counselor or Prevention and Wellness Designer.
Special Section Update:
3-6 PTO Corner
We are so excited to work with Cincy Sammy’s on February 11th! Cincy Sammy’s will be donating 20% of all purchases from 3:00 to close to our 3-6 PTO. Please contact Cincy Sammy’s if you would like to preorder a dozen or a half dozen cookies. There will be some “celebrity” scoopers ready to fill orders so please stop in for a tasty treat!
5th and 6th Grade Comets Night Out, Friday February 14th (ME Cafeteria)
Drop your student off for a night of games, movies, dancing and inflatables! We will also have amazing raffle prizes that your student could win! You can buy raffle tickets when you register but they can also be purchased in person at the event. 5th grade: 3-5 pm 6th grade: 6-8 pm Low sensory Hour: 5-6 pm Please RSVP to me_mipto@masonohioschools.com after you register your student only if attending the low sensory hour.
Click
HERE to view the flyer with more details.
Click
HERE to register your student.
Click
HERE to volunteer at the event
Join Kroger Rewards
Did you know you can support the Mason 3-6 PTO every time you shop at Kroger. Click
HERE to learn how to choose our PTO for your Kroger donations.
Stay in the know about PTO...visit our social media pages:
Things to Know:
2025 Mason Intermediate Reading Challenge - Final Fundraising Push!
What an amazing week of fundraising it’s been, MI families! A huge THANK YOU to our students, families, and staff for supporting the Mason Schools Foundation (MSF) and helping us make this year’s Reading Challenge a success! ππ
It’s Not Too Late to Donate!
If you haven’t had a chance to send in your donations yet, there’s still time!
π
Donation Deadline: Monday, February 3rd
3 Easy Ways to Donate:
1οΈβ£ Return your donation envelope with cash or a check made out to Mason Schools Foundation.
2οΈβ£ Text: R25MI to 41444
3οΈβ£ Donate Online: Make Your Donation Here
π Exciting Prize Levels for Donations:
- π₯ $10+ Raised: Menchie’s Coupon + 1 Raffle Ticket π¦ποΈ
- π₯ $25+ Raised: Menchie’s Coupon + Lunch Treat + 2 Raffle Tickets πποΈποΈ
- π₯ $50+ Raised: Menchie’s Coupon + Lunch Treat + 3 Raffle Tickets ποΈποΈποΈ
- π $75+ Raised: Menchie’s Coupon + Lunch Treat + 5 Raffle Tickets + VIP Event ππ
- π $90+ Raised: Menchie’s Coupon + Lunch Treat + 5 Raffle Tickets + VIP Event (Bring a Friend!) ποΈπ«
VIP Event Details:
π Wednesday, April 16th
Enjoy a fun evening with your principal, featuring pizza, snacks, and exciting activities! ππ¬
π Raffle Prizes Include:
- Amazon and other gift cards
- Ice cream party for your class
- Catered lunch with friends
- Lunch with the principal, and more!
Calling all local Black-owned businesses!
We’re looking for vendors to be part of our Black-Owned Business Showcase at Black History Fest: a Comet CommUNITY Mirrors & Windows Experience on Thursday, February 27, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Mason Intermediate. If you or someone you know would like to participate, sign up here. Help us celebrate and support Black entrepreneurs in our community!
Mason Moments:
The students on Team Aspire collected a large amount of clothing, blankets and had warmers for the Mary Magdalen House. This House supports homeless people in Cincinnati. This is another example of Comet Culture and supporting others in need. Thank you to Mrs. Castner and Mrs. Rossetti for helping your students live out Comet Culture and to our recess aide, Mr. Gary for delivering all of the items.
Upcoming Events:
MASON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION READING CHALLENGE | MECC, ME & MI
Donate Collection Week: Jan. 27- Feb 3, 2025
Over the past 16 years, MSF has invested over $1.2 Million in grants across the district including school supplies and books for students in need, DREAM center catalysts, flexible seating options, outdoor learning gardens, and educational experiences in and out of the classroom. Now it’s your turn to be part of this legacy!
3 Ways to Give
- Return provided envelope with cash or check made out to Mason Schools Foundation
- Text R25MECC to 41444, R25ME to 41444 or R25MEI to 41444
- Donate online by clicking on the link: MECC | ME | MI
MHS THEATER - An Evening With Edgar Allan Poe
On January 24, 25, 31, and Feb 1, Mason High School Theater will present An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe by Robert Mason. Show times on each day is at 7 pm with an additional matinee on January 25 at 2 pm. This matinee will be ASL interpreted. An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe is rated PG-13, for some mild language and spooky thrills. It is best suited for audience members aged middle school and up.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY TALENT SHOW
This event has proven to provide students with an amazing opportunity to showcase their talent and shine while bringing the community together. Tickets can also be purchased at the door through cash.
Monday, February 10 | 8-9:30AM | Cocoon Coffee
Comet Coffee Talks are open opportunities for the community to connect with the Superintendent|CEO of Mason City Schools and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district. Grab a friend/neighbor and join the conversation.
BREWS WITH THE SUP’T
Monday, February 10 | 5:30-7:00PM | 50 West
Brews with the Sup’t are open opportunities for the community to connect with the superintendent and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, and have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district.
VALENTINE’S DAY
Friday, February 14
We love our Comet kids, staff and families. We hope your day is filled with reminders of how much you are loved!
PERSONAL LEARNING DAY
Friday, February 14
Instead of reporting to school on Personal Learning Days, students choose or design their own learning experiences. Personal Learning Days empower students to pursue learning that inspires, engages, or connects with their interests and goals.
As your child prepares for their Personal Learning experience, the following guiding questions should be considered:
- What do I want to learn or create?
- Who do I want to help? An individual, a group or organization, my community, my state or country, people across or another part of the world?
- How am I contributing to my own personal growth and/or the world around me?
PRESIDENTS’ DAY - NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 17
All Mason City Schools and district offices are closed in observance of Presidents Day.
MASON INTERMEDIATE BLACK HISTORY BOWL FINALS
Friday, February 21 | 1:30 - 3:00 PM | Live Stream
Mason Intermediate School's beloved Black History Bowl, which was started in 2007 by Mr. & Mrs. Handy, has become an important #MasonMoment for fifth grade students and our community.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION PARENT/CAREGIVER MEETING
Wednesday, February 26 |6:00-7:00 PM | Mason Early Childhood Center
Families with children who will turn 5 by August 1, 2025 won’t want to miss coming to this important informational meeting on Feb. 26. Get a yard sign to proudly display when you COMPLETE registration! MECC Kindergarten is a ½ day program. PARENTS ONLY please at the meeting due to limited seating.
BLACK HISTORY FEST: a Comet CommUNITY Mirrors & Windows Experience
Thursday, February 27 |6:00-8:00PM | Mason Intermediate Cafeteria & Gym | Flyer
Join us for a special Comets Connect: Mirrors & Windows event celebrating Black History Month! We're teaming up with the MCS Diversity Council, Mason Schools Foundation, MECC, ME/MI, MMS & MHS PTOs, MCS Inclusive Excellence Teams, and the MHS Black Student Union to bring you an exciting evening filled with:
π΅ Live music by the YOLO Band
π΄ Free food sampling from Divine Cafe
π A Black-Owned Business Showcase
π Picture book tasting π¬ STEAM challenges
π A Family Black History Bowl
β¨ Black student and staff performances
…and so much more!
Don’t miss this fun, inspiring, and delicious celebration!
TASTE OF MASON: a Comet CommUNITY Mirrors & Windows Experience
Tuesday, March 4 | 5:00-8:00PM | Mason High School Large Commons | Flyer
At the Taste of Mason you can sample a new dish, catch up with friends, and be mesmerized by incredible talent! Enjoy exciting offerings from many ethnic and independent Mason restaurants. Watch multicultural acts perform. Children can enjoy a global carnival hosted by MHS World Language Societies, and get their passports stamped while purchasing items at the Comet Zone with global currency from the Comet Savings & Loan. Don't miss this incredible cultural community event!
ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, March 5
Wishing a blessed Ash Wednesday and reflective fast for all of our Christian and Catholic friends and neighbors who celebrate.
COLLEGE FAIR
Thursday, March 6 l 6:00-8:00 PM l Mason High School Large Commons | REGISTER
Students and Families, your opportunity to talk to over 100 college admissions reps is coming soon! We will be using StriveScan, which will create a barcode specific to you so that colleges can scan and send you more information. This is an important aspect to the College Fair so be sure to
SIGN UP HERE!
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