Mason Moose Minutes
March 22, 2021
Dear Mason Families,
Happy Sunday! Virtual conferences are this week (March 24th and March 25th) and our staff is super excited to partner with you to best support your child. I am always excited during conference week, although it is a long week for everyone involved, it is dedicated time for us to create a collaborative roadmap for our learners. Over the years, I have sat in a lot of very successful conferences and they usually have some things in common. Both parties (home and school) come to the conference focused on the following:
-Seeking First to Understand- We can do this by asking questions and not assuming there is only one right answer. There is room for everyone to share their perspective in a respectful way!
-Actively Listen- Everyone involved can take away something to help support the learner if they listen with their heart.
-Celebrating the Learner- Our learners are doing awesome things. Let's focus more on the positive than what needs to be improved.
-Asking Questions- Finding ways to support our learners at school and at home is essential for creating learning that extends beyond the classroom walls.
-Exercising Empathy- Everyone is doing their best so we must continue to work from a lens of empathy and compassion. No one is perfect!
* Please remember that we can only talk to you about your child at conferences. Educational laws permit us from talking about other children beyond your own during conferences.
Last but not least, I need everyone in our community to know that conferences is not an optional activity. We need every family to be present and invested in their learner's conference. If you have a special situation or something arises, please let us know; we will work with you. But not attending conferences is not an option. Thank you for your support and being present!
Thanks,
Dr. Bishop
World Down Syndrome Day
Mason Staff is all in for World Down Syndrome Day!! #WDSD2021. Can’t Thank our community enough for creating awareness all week long! Let’s keep it going!
OFFICE NOTES
Welcome Mrs. Lyon
Water Bottles
Thank you
Morning Drop Off and Pick Up
Parking Lot Procedures - Safety Comes First!
-Please don't get out of your car while waiting idle on Vernier for your chance to turn into the Mason parking lot.
-Please watch out for families walking to and from their cars in the Mason parking lot.
-Pull all the way around when picking up your child. Don't stop when you see your teacher or child. We are trying to get as many people in and out of the parking lot as possible.
-Please slow down and don't let your patience get the best of you. Everyone is there to pick up their most prized possession. Modeling good character for our learners in the parking lot is essential!
-Please make sure your parking tag with your child's name on it is visible when you enter the Mason parking lot.
-Stay all the way to the right when you pull in the parking lot so cars who want to park can drive by on the left side.
-Don't get out of your car when picking up your child in the pick up lane. This slows down the process tremendously.
-Cars should never enter in the "exit only" driveway to pick up their child.
Late Arrival and Early Dismissal
Late Arrival
If your student is arriving to school late, we are asking that you use the QR codes posted on the front doors. Scan the code with your phone camera or QR app and answer a few brief questions. We are notified of your response and will bring your student out to you.
Early Dismissal
If your student needs an early dismissal, you must call the attendance line at 313-432-4401 before 2pm. Include the students name, teacher and reason for dismissal. Please use the QR codes posted on the front doors upon arrival. Scan the code with your phone camera or QR app and answer a few brief questions. While we understand sometimes last minute appointments happen, we ask that you understand students are wrapping up their day and it may not be possible to get them early if you haven't called the attendance line. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Attendance
Women's History Month
Women's History Month starts for us on March 1st! Please complete the survey below about some awesome Women you would like to learn more about at Mason! Thanks for your time!
Click Here to fill out the survey!!
Take a look at this Women's History Month Bookroom!
Dr. Bishop's Morning Announcements
Diversity Den
March is Reading Month and this year all seven elementary buildings decided to read picture books to our community focused on different themes instead of doing our traditional One Book, One School Initiative. Each week, we will be releasing a set of books for you and your child to listen to at home. I am sure these books will create some very important dialogue and discussion in your home. Please let me know if you have any questions or need support as you have these rich conversations with your child!
Specials Update
For the latest information on what your student is doing in their specials class read the update below.
Quote Of The Week
Dinner Conversation Topic
How can you be a better friend to someone?
Why is it a good thing that we all are different?
How can we be respectful of our differences?
Calendar Dates
March 22
- Board of Education Mtg @ 7 PM virtual
- Take Out Tuesday - see flyer below
- Evening Conferences - Sign ups coming soon!
- 1/2 Day AM only 11:36 Dismissal
- Afternoon and Evening Conferences - Sign up coming soon!
- 1/2 Day AM only 11:36 Dismissal
- Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
Young 5's and Kindergarten Enrollment
Young Fives/Kindergarten
Young Fives is an alternative for children whose parents feel they are not yet ready for a traditional kindergarten experience. The program will be at every elementary building next year if enrollment allows. The natural progression from Y5 is to Kindergarten at their neighborhood school. Growing physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally, while establishing a safe culture for learning, continues to be our focus. If you are interested in Young Fives, you must submit the online Young Fives Lottery Process form, and complete GPPSS enrollment and establish residency by April 9. The lottery will be conducted April 13.
www.gpschools.org/Page/17390
Enroll in Kindergarten by 5/1
The GPPSS kindergarten program plays an essential role in introducing young children to the world of school. Our professional staff believes each student is unique, and is dedicated to providing appropriate and fun experiences and activities from which your child can learn, grow, and develop a love of learning. The day is a wonderful combination of large and small group activities, with opportunities for individual and buddy work. Music, physical movement and art activities are woven throughout the curriculum. Math and language arts activities are part of the daily routine. Kindergartners also participate in recess daily to foster gross motor development.
Nominate Your Favorite Teacher
This year has been a constant adventure for the teachers in the world. The Michigan Lottery has a program where they award one teacher a cash award and in addition also provide a grant for their classroom. If you are interested in nominating ANY of the incredible teachers in your (or your children's) life, please follow the link and fill out the short Google form. We have amazing teachers in our GP school system. Take five minutes and fill this out.
One winner will be selected EACH week!
Mason Elementary School
If not us, who? If not now, when? -John F. Kennedy
Email: bishopr@gpschools.org
Website: https://www.gpschools.org/Domain/1501
Location: 1640 Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-4400
Facebook: facebook.com/masonelementary
Twitter: @MasonelemGP