MI Newsletter
April 10, 2026
A Message from Principal DeAuna Todd

Hello MI Families,
Happy Friday! As we continue moving through this important time of year, we are proud of the focus, effort, and growth our students are showing each day!
This first week of testing was off to a great start! Our LIFT quote, “Focus on progress, not perfection,” reminded students that testing is less about being perfect, but more about showing all they’ve learned and how far they’ve grown. Students were encouraged to do their best, take their time, and demonstrate all they know. Next week, only fifth grade will be assessed on science. The following week, all students will take the math portion. Thank you for ensuring students were present and on time, as this makes a big difference! Dates: Science (5th grade) 4/14 & 4/15 Math 4/21 & 4/22
Fifth grade families, just a reminder that tomorrow is the Music Fair at MI and ME on Saturday, April 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to help students determine if they want to play an instrument or participate in choir. Also remember the MI - Rising 6th Graders Form will close this Wednesday, April 15th and you can find other important information using this LINK.
Thank you for helping us get testing off to such a strong start! Hoping you enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved weekend, and look forward to another great week ahead!
Warmly,

Volunteer for After Prom
Mason High School’s After Prom is right around the corner—and we’re counting on the power of our amazing Comet CommUNITY to help make it happen! This isn’t just a party—it’s a safe, fun, and unforgettable night where Mason students get to celebrate with their classmates in a space that’s full of energy, surprises, and joy… and completely free from risky decisions.
Got younger kids? Volunteering at After Prom gives you a front-row seat to what’s ahead—and trust us, it’s pretty awesome. This is your chance to pay it forward and create a safe, unforgettable Mason Moment for our high schoolers.
We urgently need:
• Casino Card Dealers & Bankers
• Inflatable Monitors (aka: the bounce-house bouncers!)
• Prize Raffle Helpers
• Clean-Up Crew (1:30–3:00 AM warriors—we see you!)
Sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4DA5A72BA13-61487603-2026#/

At Mason City Schools, your voice matters. Your feedback helps us uphold Mason Quality and ensure our schools continue to meet the needs of our community. This year, we are also especially interested in your perspective on Journey Days as we reflect on this new experience and use your input to guide planning and improvements for the year ahead. This 11-question survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself in any of the open-ended questions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Stress can affect students of all ages, from preschool to high school. It’s important to recognize signs like changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or academic performance. Encourage open communication and make time for family check-ins. The Kids Health on helping children manage stress: Kids Health. Additionally, check out the CDC’s stress management tips: CDC Stress Resources.
Special Section Update
Mason 3-6 PTO Corner
Bus Driver Appreciation Donations
Mason 3-6 PTO, along with MECC and MMS PTOs are organizing a special way to thank our amazing bus drivers, and we’d love your help. These dedicated drivers play such an important role in getting our students to and from school safely each day.
Please consider donating items to help us show our appreciation. Every contribution helps us create a meaningful thank you for this hardworking group.
Bus Driver Appreciation Donations
Staff Appreciation Week Donations
Mason 3-6 PTO is planning a luncheon for Staff Appreciation Week, and we’re looking for donations to help make it extra special for our incredible ME and MI staff.
Please consider signing up to donate food, drinks, or supplies. No time to shop? Donate via the link on the signup, and we will do the shopping for you. Your generosity helps us show our appreciation for everything our staff does for our students each day.
Staff Appreciation Week Donations
Love Kroger? Love helping our school?

It’s a simple way to give back while you shop.
Sign up here and choose Mason 3-6 PTO as your organization of choice:
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Facebook: Mason 3-6 Parent Teacher Organization
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Instagram: @mason36pto
Upcoming Events:
MI PERFORMING ARTS FEST (INSTRUMENT FAIR)
Saturday, April 11 | 8:00 AM - 4 PM | Mason Intermediate School
Sixth-grade Comets begin their performing arts journey by exploring instruments, learning about choir, meeting Mason music educators, and discovering the many ways they can grow as musicians and performers. Families can try instruments, ask questions, and find the path that’s the right fit for their child’s musical interests and talents.
STRIDES 4 HOPE COMMUNITY 5K FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Saturday, April 11 | 11:30 AM - 3 PM | Mason High School Dwire Field | Register for FREE
Join the Mason High School Hope Squad for Strides 4 Hope, a community 5K run/walk dedicated to raising awareness and support for mental health. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, every step helps strengthen a culture of care and connection in our community. Following the 5K, stay for an afternoon of fun with games and activities, food trucks from Graeter’s and The Barking Burger Company, and opportunities to connect with mental health resources. Gather your friends and family and take meaningful steps toward hope and wellbeing. Sign up for free at strides4hope.com.
AFTER PROM COMMUNITY PREVIEW
Saturday, April 18 | 7:00-8:00 PM | Mason High School
The Mason City Schools community is invited to stop by Mason High School on Saturday, April 18 from 7-8:00 pm to take a peek at what MHS juniors, seniors and their guests will experience during their After Prom party including giant inflatables, creative decorations (the bathrooms are always a hit!) and rooms filled with fun. Bring the family and come see why Mason After Prom is one of the most anticipated events at Mason High School! Admission is free, however, donations will gladly be accepted at the door.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, April 21 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mason High Harvard Room | Live Streaming
The Mason City Schools Board of Education holds regular public meetings monthly. These meetings provide the opportunity for the public to observe discussions relating to the business of the district. View Meeting agendas.
SISTER ACT
April 23, 24, 25, & 26 | SHOWTIMES | Mason High School Auditorium | Purchase tickets
Mason High School Performing Arts will present the musical Sister Act. Show time is at 7 pm on the 23, 24, and 25 and 2pm matinee on April 26. Golden Comet Card holders may attend free of charge by reserving tickets with the Public Information Office at 513-398-0474, option 7.
General Admission Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, children, and seniors. Reserved patron seats are also available for $15. Purchase your tickets at www.masondrama.com.
DISTRICT ART SHOW
April 24-25 | 6:00-9:00 PM | Mason High School Large Commons
Don’t miss the world class talent on display at Mason City Schools annual district art show featuring an exhibit of extraordinary student work.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION DAY: MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS WORKSHOP
Sunday, May 3 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Manor House (7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH) | $10 Registration
Join the Lindner Center of Hope for a half-day Community Education Day focused on mental health and wellness. This engaging event features keynote speaker Dr. Ross Ellenhorn, presenting “No Hope Without Fear, No Fear Without Hope: How Fear of Hope Influences Our Lives.”
Registration includes a brunch buffet and access to all sessions. Following the keynote, participants can choose from three breakout sessions covering topics such as stress and self-care, trauma and addictions, diagnostic assessment, digital media and mental health, suicide prevention and AI, and recovery and wellness strategies.
A community resource center will be open throughout the event, offering opportunities to connect with local supports and services.
MILITARY ENLISTMENT RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Monday, May 4 | 9:00-10:30 AM | Mason High School l Harvard Room
The Mason City Schools commUNITY is invited to a special ceremony honoring the Mason High School seniors who have made the decision to serve our country.
AAPI COMMUNITY MIRRORS & WINDOWS EXPERIENCE
Monday, May 11 | Mason Intermediate School | Cafeteria
MCS Diversity Council is partnering with the Mason Schools Foundation to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a part of our CommUNITY Mirrors and Windows series. This event will include a showcase of building activities, music, food sampling, a picture book tasting, a make it/take it art craft, and more!
SENIOR LAST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
Monday, May 11
SENIOR BIKE RIDE
Wednesday, May 13 | approximately 7:00-7:35AM |Mason-Montgomery Road
The Mason High School Senior Bike Ride on the last day of school for seniors is a beloved Comet tradition. Families and community members should expect some traffic delays as Mason-Montgomery Road from Manor House to Mason High School will be closed from about 7:00-7:35AM. We hope everyone will celebrate this powerful #MasonMoment for the Class of 2025!
MHS CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Sunday, May 17 | 9-11:00 AM |Cintas Center
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, May 19 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mason High Harvard Room | Live Streaming
The Mason City Schools Board of Education holds regular public meetings monthly. These meetings provide the opportunity for the public to observe discussions relating to the business of the district. View Meeting agendas.
MHS ESPYS
Monday, May 21 | 6:30PM | Mason High School Auditorium
The annual MHS ESPY awards honor the incredible individual and team accomplishments of Mason Varsity athletic teams during the 2024-2025 school year. This student-produced event is chock full of Mason Moments you won’t want to miss. Doors open at 5:45 pm, walk the Red Carpet at 6:00 pm, and find your seat by 6:30 pm for the start of the ceremony!
STUDENTS LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Friday, May 22