Mason Minute- October 1, 2025

October 1, 2025

Are you interested in learning more about the great things going on across the district? Check out the Team Mason series written by Dr. Janet Alleman, instructional consultant for Mason Public Schools. Team Mason articles are a snapshot of her observations and experiences in classrooms and buildings throughout the district.

Keeping children safe is at the heart of Michigan’s secure storage law. Mason Public Schools is sharing information with families about firearm storage laws and penalties in order to reduce the risk of injuries and save lives.

Michigan’s secure storage law says firearm owners must take steps to prevent access by minors (under 18). If a firearm is left unattended where a minor is or may be present, it must be:

• Secured in a locked box or container, and/or

• Unloaded and secured with a locking device (such as a trigger or cable lock)

These requirements apply whether firearms are kept in your home or brought to another location.

If a firearm is stored in a vehicle, the vehicle must be locked when not in use. The firearm itself must also be secured in a locked container or disabled with a trigger or cable lock.

Find more resources about secure firearm storage on the MPS School Safety website, the Michigan Department of Education website and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

Michigan law (Section 380.1313b) requires schools to share firearm safety storage information with families annually beginning October 1, 2025, and every October thereafter. This ensures that all families receive current information about safe storage practices and legal requirements.

Tomorrow is Custodian Appreciation Day! Our team of custodians and maintenance staff work behind the scenes to keep the district looking good. They keep our buildings safe and clean, make sure our teachers and staff have what they need and work overtime to help ensure sporting events, performances and special events run smoothly. Take a minute to thank our custodians and maintenance staff tomorrow (or anytime!) for all they do!

Thank you Tony Alvarado, Roger Brock, Jack Crosby, Scott Deehan, Pete Hudson, Cecilia Bailey, Vicki Dexter, Bonnie Gierke, Denise Green, Brendan Hanson, Debra Jones, Merida Juvier-Sanchez, Jerry Lawson, Gerald Parsons, Constance Robison, Art Rosas Jr., Gerald Runyon, Steve Stokes, Elizabeth Titus, Katerina Toodzio and Karen Wells!

The arts are an important part of our Mason community. If approved, the proposed bond would fund renovations to the Mason High School auditorium, creating an updated and modern facility where students and community members can shine. Take a look inside high school auditorium and hear how these spaces support student creativity today and what could be possible in the future.

The auditorium is home to student performances, concerts, recognition ceremonies and community events. In the community survey conducted earlier this year, 74% of respondents said they support major renovations and improvements to the high school auditorium and performing arts spaces.

The bond proposal will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. If approved, it will generate an estimated $66 million for districtwide projects without raising the current tax rate for Mason homeowners. Learn more about the proposed bond on the MPS Bond website and vote November 4!

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (HHM). This month is a time to recognize and honor the many contributions, diverse cultures and rich histories of the American Latino community.

The celebration begins September 15 to honor the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

By learning about other cultures, we also learn more about ourselves. This shared knowledge helps us build stronger connections and create a more interesting, cohesive community.

Mason and Dansville area churches and schools have joined together to provide children and families with warm coats.

Donations of good, clean coats, snow pants, hats, mittens, gloves, socks, sweatshirts, fleece and flannel shirts, scarves and boots will be accepted at all Mason school buildings from September 29 - October 10. Please place donations in boxes marked “Coats for Kids.”

Donated items will be available to anyone in need on Saturday, October 25, from 8 AM until 2 PM at Sts. James, Cornelius and Cyprian Church Hall in Mason.

Can't make it to the football game Friday? You can still check out the Bulldogs through an online livestream. Don't miss a minute of the action!

Parents and community members are invited to help Mason High School students practice interview skills by conducting quick interviews and providing feedback.

Mock interviews will take place on Tuesday, October 30, during the timeframes below. To volunteer, please complete the form or contact Brittany Catalano for more information. Thank you!

• Second Hour: 8:59 - 10:13 AM
• Fourth Hour: 12:07 to 1:21 PM
• Fifth Hour: 1:26 - 2:40 PM

The Lansing Community College (LCC) Youth Program is coming to Mason Public Schools for three afterschool classes beginning in October! Classes are open to Mason students in grades 2-5 and will be at Harvey Education Center.

The deadline to register has been extended to October 6. Learn more about the offered programs and register on the LCC website.

Football game nights are an exciting time and fans are a great part of the experience. To ensure the health and safety of all spectators in attendance, please review the spectator expectations below with your family before attending home football games.

• No alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vaping on school property.
• All K-8 students must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• No horseplay or running around in any part of the stadium, including behind the bleachers.
• No throwing anything, including footballs, tennis balls, etc., inside the stadium including the grassy area behind the home stands.
• No tackling or rough-housing of any kind is allowed. Any students found to be engaged in this behavior may be asked to return to their parent’s seat or asked to leave the stadium area.
• Please walk while inside the stadium area at all times to ensure safety for all family members attending the event.
• No climbing the fences or trees located near or around the football stadium.

The Mason Athletic Department and Mason Public Schools encourage fans of all ages to come cheer for their Bulldogs and look forward to seeing you at future events. For up-to-date scheduling information, please visit the Mason Bulldog Athletics website.

Thank you for your cooperation! Go Bulldogs!

Free breakfast and lunch for all Mason students will continue through October 31, regardless of the final outcomes of the State School Aid Fund budget. The district and the Board of Education are continuing to monitor the budget situation and will notify families of any changes regarding school meals.

ALL FAMILIES should complete the 2025-26 Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals. This form collects information needed to ensure Mason Public Schools receives state and federal funding. In addition, based on the information you provide on your School Meals and Summer EBT Application, your student may qualify for other programs and support. Thank you!

Bring the whole family for a fun swim celebration on October 26, from 1-3 PM at the Mason Aquatic Center!

The event will include open swim and a movie. Gift bags will be available for the first 50 swimmers. The cost is $4 for students or senior citizens, $5 for adults, $18 for a family of four, plus $1 each additional person from the same household.

Join the fun at the 4th annual Harvey Education Center Fall Festival on October 17! Volunteers are needed to run activity stations, help students and support the fun for Harvey students. Groups and individuals are encouraged to volunteer. Staff will be available to sign community service and volunteer hour forms.

Learn more about the Fall Festival and email with questions or to volunteer!

There will be no open swim on Friday, October 3. Open Swim will take place as scheduled on Saturday, October 4.

Mason Aquatic Center Fall Community Events (schedule for August 20-December 20, 2025)

Open Swim

• Friday: 7-9 PM
• Saturday: 1-3 PM
• No Open Swim: October 3, 10, 31; November 28, 29
• Cost: $3/adult, $2/student or senior, $8/family of four

Water Fitness (ages 14 and up)

• Monday and Wednesday: 7:15-8:15 PM
• Shallow and deep water classes
• No Water Fitness: October 15; November 26
• Cost: $6 at the door, punch cards are available

Adult Lap Swim (ages 18 and up)

• Tuesday-Friday: 6-7:30 AM
• No Adult Lap Swim: November 26, 27, 28
• Saturday: 7-8:30 AM
• No Adult Lap Swim: November 29
• Monday and Wednesday: 7:15-8:45 PM
• No Adult Lap Swim: October 15; November 26
• Cost: $5/person or $35 per punch card of 10

Mark you calendars and get your smiles ready for Picture Day! More information and ordering details will be provided by each building.

Steele Elementary: October 2

Alaiedon Elementary: October 6

Join the City of Mason for their annual Open House on Saturday, October 11, from 10 AM - 2 PM. Emergency vehicles and public works equipment will be on display along with kid-friendly activities and resources for residents.

Mark your calendars for upcoming events and activities. A full calendar of district happenings is available on the MPS website. Additional board meeting information is available on the Board of Education website.

• Thursday, October 2 - Board of Education Finance & Property Committee, 5:15 PM
• Thursday, October 9 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM
• Friday, October 10 - No School
• October 13 -17 - Seventh Grade Mystic Lake Trip
• Thursday, October 16 - Board of Education Curriculum & Staff Committee, 6:30 PM
• Thursday, October 30 - Board of Education Policy & Community Committee, 5:15 PM
• Monday, November 3 - No School

Join the Mason Public Schools team and make a difference in the lives of our students each day! Check out our current job openings and learn more.