Mason Moose Minutes
March 1, 2021
Dear Mason Families,
Happy Sunday! We are excited to welcome all of learners back to Mason this week. In so many ways, it very much feels like September all over again. Over a year ago was the last time all our students were all in the same classroom/building together. The pandemic changed everything and our learners were split into cohorts. Tomorrow we will be combining our cohorts and we realize we are bringing two different worlds together. We are excited "to go slow to go fast" as we create new classroom routines/procedures, learn how to play together instead of just with our cohort friends, build new relationships, safely interact with one another and continue to build an inclusive community.
We would like to thank you for your support in advance. This huge task is one that our staff is willing and able to take on but we will definitely need your support. Situations will arise, it will feel like we are starting all over again and change sometimes can be hard. As we embark on this new journey together, continue to talk to your child about their new experiences. Give your child and teacher an opportunity to work out the situations that will arise. Connect with your child's teacher often to see what can be done to best support your child. Operate out of empathy and understand as this will be a new experience for everyone involved. Together, we will be able to successfully create a new norm for our learners. Together we can, Together we must, Together we will!
Thanks for your time,
Dr. Bishop
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
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.
Diversity Den
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!
OFFICE NOTES
Revised Return to School
Let's Play Ball
Sign up for the 2021 Woods/Shores Little League season! Registration ends February 28th for this season! Visit grossepointelittleleague.com to avoid paying a late fee. We hope to see you on the field this year. Email gpwslittleleague@gmail.com with any questions!
Summer Learning Opportunities
For the summer of 2021, GPPSS will create programming for all students that centers on key grade-level concepts and offers opportunities to collaborate with other students and teachers. This programming will be delivered through high-interest, appropriately-challenging courses and experiences.
The summer programming will be scheduled to allow for maximum participation, and to account for the various needs our GPPSS families have this summer. Our goal is to provide a summer experience that acknowledges what our students and families have experienced through the pandemic, while also preparing students to move forward successfully into the 2021-22 school year.
In addition to the usual summer programming
- Camp Invention
- St. Clair Shores Adult and Community Education (SCSACE) - High School ONLY for credit
- Camp O' Fun
- Extended School Year
- Summer Music and Theatre Offerings
- Summer Sports Camps
- Safety Town
GPPSS is offering three, two-week Summer Learning Bursts Tuesday-Thursday, between July 6-August 13, to cover key concepts while fitting easily into family schedules. Please complete this short Summer Learning Burst Survey 2021 to help us in the planning process for these short, targeted learning opportunities. The survey will close at 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 24.
Cold Weather Is Here!
Morning Drop Off and Pick Up Change-
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
Calendar Dates
March 2
- Take Out Tuesday - see flyer below
March 4
- 1/2 day AM only
- NO school - Records Day
- Board of Education Mtg @ 7 Pm virtual
- Report cards available in MiStar
- 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 11:16 Dismissal
- Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
*** STAFF SPOTLIGHT ***
Meet Our 4th Grade Team - Mrs.Frakes, Mr. Ratcliff, Mrs. Remillet, Ms. Sims and Ms. Nurse
Each week, we will be featuring 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.Frakes, Mr. Ratcliff, Mrs. Remillet, Ms. Sims and Ms. Nurse for being a valuable members of the Mason Family.
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
- “When you talk, you are only repeating something you know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” – Dalai Lama
Dinner Conversation Topic
What book are you reading right now in class during your small group reading time?
What goals do you have for yourself this week?
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