Mason Moose Minutes
January 11th, 2021
Dear Mason Families,
Happy Friday! We learned a lot this week as we navigated our first week of face to face learning in 2021. It was a joyous reunion as teachers and students were both excited to get back to hands-on learning. I can't thank our community and staff enough for all your support. The constant changes that are thrown our way aren't easy but together we can do just about anything. As we move forward, we will begin to make even more changes such as:
- Having students eat in the gym with their plastic partitions up and no more than 4 people at a table beginning Tuesday next week.
- Extending the school day back to 3:38 pm beginning Jan. 25th.
- Having live specials for students during the school day starting Jan. 25th.
- Executing school drills with regularity (We have one scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14th at 10 am).
I know what you are thinking... These are a lot of changes but I am sure we can do this successfully together. Be on the lookout for more information in future weeks about all these changes.
Last but not least, it was a devastating week from a global perspective. Seeing the US Capitol building desecrated and the acts of hate that filled our televisions have undoubtedly impacted not only our students but our entire community. Unfortunate and unprecedented events like the one that occurred this week take a toll emotionally on everyone involved. Our number one goal is to always create a safe learning environment where students can safely share their feelings, receive factual information, and brainstorm ways to make the world a better place. Let's continue to support our students by having intentional conversations about what is right and wrong and helping them see the strengths and growth opportunities in this ever-changing world that we live in. Our youth are the glimmer of hope that we need for a better world rooted in respect and decency. I am extremely proud of our Mason educators for always being ready to comfort students in their time of need, modeling what good citizenship looks like, and stepping in and make these sensitive topics grade-level appropriate teachable moments.
Thanks for your time,
Dr. Bishop
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!
*** STAFF SPOTLIGHT ***
Meet Our Staff - Mrs. Kefgen, Mrs. Kisskalt and Mrs. Weinhaus
Each week, we will be featuring one or two Mason staff members in our Mason Gazette and on our social media outlets. It is so important for us to highlight the wonderful professionals we have working at Mason just in case you need them to support your learner in the future! Thank you , Mrs. Kefgen, Mrs. Kisskalt and Mrs. Weinhaus for being a valuable members of the Mason Family.
Parking lot
Young 5s - 2nd grade
Please remember there is NO LEFT turn into or out of the Mason parking lot. The police will start enforcing this in the very near future.
The speed limit in the parking lot is 5 MPH... Please slow down! It's for everyone's safety.
3rd and 4th Grade Drop off and Pick Up
Walkers: Students will line up on the blacktop, sanitize when they walk in Door B and proceed directly to their classroom.
Car Drop Off: 3rd Grade Families are able to drop their child off by the rock on Anita. 4th Grade Families are able to drop their child off by the playground gate off of Charlevoix. Students will line up on the sidewalk by the bike rack, sanitize when they walk in Door B and proceed directly to their classroom.
Bus: Enter through the side KDG playground doors, sanitize and proceed directly to their classroom
OFFICE NOTES
LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY DISMISSAL:
If your student is arriving to school late or leaving early this year, 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.
ATTENDANCE:
If your child will not be in school due to illness, travel, appointments or any other reason, please remember to call the attendance line at 313-432-4401 and leave a brief message.
LUNCH:
There will NOT be microwaves available for heating lunches this year. Please be sure your student is able to open their own food items. Bring a water bottle if possible.
Diversity Den
Please click the link below to discover five activities to begin having conversations with your children around Diversity and Culture.
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.
Dinner Conversation Topic
What questions do you have about the events that happened in Washington, D.C. this week?
Why do does your school do safety drills every year?
How was your first week of face to face learning? Give me two highlights and two areas of improvement.
Calendar Dates
Jan 11
- School Board Mtg - 7 pm
- Take Out Tuesday - See flyer below
- Mason Virtual Diversity Mtg - 7PM
- Middle School Information Night - Virtual
- 9th Grade Information Night - Virtual
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
- 1/2 day AM only - staff professional development
- Picture Day!! more information to come
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