Mason Moose Minutes
March 15, 2021
Dear Mason Families,
Happy Sunday! We have a fun-filled week planned for our learners this week. Not only will we be having Spirit Week but we will also be bringing awareness to our community by participating in World Down Syndrome Awareness Week at Mason next week. We have a variety of learning opportunities for our students to take part in but the overall theme of the event is to learn how to spread kindness and have more empathy for each other. We are all different in some way or another and we must make the time to truly learn about each other so we can continue to be a community that is focused on meeting the needs of all our learners!
Thank you so much for all your support in making sure our parking lot continues to be as safe as possible for our students. Our morning drop off process is running like a well oiled machine but we need to continue to look for ways to improve the afternoon pickup process. In speaking with several of our community members, there are a couple of things we must revisit to make sure we are keeping our community as safe as possible. Please review the parking lot procedures that we will be focusing on this week below.
Last, but not least, we have conferences coming up for all our Mason Families in two weeks! We need you to sign up for a 15-minute time slot to connect with your child's teacher. This is a great opportunity for us to connect and briefly talk about your wonderful child and how they are growing as a learner. We are looking for 100% participation during conferences this year! Please let us know if you need any support at all.
Thanks,
Dr. Bishop
Parking Lot Procedures that we will be focusing on this week (and every week)- 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.
World Down Syndrome Day
The 21st of March is Down Syndrome Day (WDSD)! The goal is to spread global awareness and support to those living with down syndrome. WDSD has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. It is so important that we continue to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of all individuals living with down syndrome.
Here are some of the things our students will be doing this week as we bring awareness:
Monday (3.15)-
-Virtually meet a woman who has down syndrome.
-Learn ten facts about children who have down syndrome.
Tuesday (3.16)-
-View and discuss examples of how our actions affect others.
Wednesday (3.17)-
-Learn eleven facts about children who have down syndrome.
-Virtual Read aloud with Mr. Wettstein posted to facebook at 4pm for families to watch with their child.
Thursday (3.18)-
-Each classroom will participate in a virtual read aloud with Mrs. Wettstein! Thank you, Mrs. Wettstein for your support!
Friday (3.19)-
-Crazy Socks Spirit Day at Mason!
Sunday (3.21)-
-Actual World Down Syndrome Day!
-We will be asking Families to share their Crazy Socks with us via social media. Use the hashtag #WDSD. Thank you for your participation!
Special Shout out to the Wettstein Family for bringing forward this awesome awareness idea! This event wouldn't have been possible without all their efforts! Thank you! Thank you!
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!
OFFICE NOTES
Water Bottles
Thank you
Morning Drop Off and Pick Up
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!
Conferences Are Coming Up Soon
PTC Wizard- New Parent-Teacher Conference New Sign System- Available beginning March 9th
Click Here for more information
Conference Dates and Times
Wednesday, March 24, 5-8
Thursday, March 25, 12:30-3:30
Thursday, March 25, 5-8
Dr. Bishop's Morning Announcements
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?
*** Staff Spotlight***
Meet Our Wonderful Lunch Aides
Calendar Dates
March 15
- Hat Day
March 16
- Detroit Sports Team Day
- Report cards available in MiStar
- Take Out Tuesday - Ashby's - See flyer below
- Happy St.Patrick's Day
- Wear Green Day
- College day - wear your favorite college team gear
- Pajama Day and Crazy Sock Day
- World Down Syndrome Day
- Board of Education Mtg @ 7 PM virtual
- 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