Mason Minute- February 4, 2026

February 4, 2026

Congratulations to the Mason High School (MHS) Band members who wrapped up their performance and competition in the District Solo and Ensemble Festival on January 31. Seventy-four students performed earning 54 First Division Ratings and 20 Second Division Ratings!

In addition, Mason Middle School's Colton Wilson was selected as a member of the Michigan All State Middle School Band. He was selected through an audition process, and being chosen recognizes him as one of the top middle school clarinetists in the state.

Mason High School (MHS) seniors and families can apply for more than 25 local scholarships with one simple application! The deadline to apply is February 23, 2026, and students must submit a copy of their transcript along with two letters of recommendation in order to apply. A full list of scholarships and additional details are available on the MHS website.

This week we celebrate the team of school counselors who work across our district to serve every student, every day. During National School Counseling Week we thank school counselors for helping students achieve school success, manage emotions, build interpersonal skills and plan for their futures. Thank you Janelle Briggs, Beth Conroy, Jen Hamers, Kathleen Oakes, Miles Warren and Danielle Ziehmer for all you do!

Kindergarten and Young Fives registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open for in-district students. Registration must be completed in the Skyward system for both new families and families with established Skyward accounts.

Young Fives registration closes March 15, 2026, and families interested in Young Fives should include a note in their kindergarten registration to indicate their interest.

All Kindergarten classes meet at Harvey Education Center (HEC). For more information about required registration materials, Kindergarten Roundup and School of Choice applications, please visit the HEC website or contact Karla Harkness with questions.

Count Day is a state-required day when Michigan public schools count student attendance. This count is important because school funding is based on the number of students enrolled and attending. If your student will be absent for the full day or part of the day on Count Day, please notify your student's school. Thank you!

The Winter Enrichment Guide is now available, and enrollment is open for all classes and activities.

The guide includes community education classes for adults and students, aquatic offerings, swim lessons and enrollment for the Elementary Dances. Check out all of the offerings and enroll online!

The Spring Enrichment Guide will be posted on February 24, 2026, at 6 PM. Enrollment will also open for all events on February 24.

Priority registration for Summer Child Care and Before and After School Care for the 2026-27 school year will take place March 2-13, 2026. Only currently enrolled tuition families will be eligible to enroll during this two week period.

On March 16, 2026, enrollment will open to the public if spaces are available. Space is very limited in both programs. In order to complete enrollment, families must turn in all paperwork and pay the registration fee.

Five-day or consistent three-day enrollment options are available for both programs for students enrolled in Early Learning through fifth grade. Please contact Mrs. Neisinger with questions about enrollment or to submit paperwork and payment.

Ten Mason High School (MHS) artists are sharing their skill and creations in the 19th Annual MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit. The show and contest run through March 1, with artwork on display at the MSUFCU Headquarters Building, 3777 West Road in East Lansing.

Votes can be cast in person or online. To find MHS artwork, select "Mason" from the menu on the voting page.

Mason elementary students and their favorite adult are invited to a night of circus fun at the Elementary Dances! The dances will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Mason Middle School gym. Registration information and details can be found in the Winter Enrichment Guide and on the MPS website.

Don't miss the Mason Public Schools Foundation Commercial Bank Red Carpet Gala coming up on Saturday, March 7, 2026! Tickets are on sale now!

Enjoy a sophisticated evening featuring a lively cocktail hour, an exciting silent and live auction and a formal plated dinner- all in support of Mason Public Schools students. The event will be held at a new location this year- the Graduate by Hilton East Lansing.

Visit the gala website for more information about purchasing tables and sponsorship opportunities.

The Mason Aquatic Center will be closed February 13-16, 2026, for Mid-Winter Break and closed on Monday, February 23, 2026, for a teacher work day. Remember, if the school district is closed for inclement weather, the Aquatic Center will also be also closed.

Schedule through March 26, 2026

Family Open Swim

• Friday: 7 - 9 PM
• Saturday: 1 - 3 PM
• Cost: $3/adult, $2/student or senior, $8/family of four
• No Family Open Swim February 13 and 14

Water Fitness (ages 14 and up)

• Monday and Wednesday: 7:15 - 8:15 PM
• Shallow and deep water classes
• Cost: $6 at the door, punch cards are available
• No classes February 16 and 23
• No deep water classes February 11, 18, 23

Adult Lap Swim (ages 18 and up)

• Tuesday-Friday: 6 - 7:30 AM
• Saturday: 7 - 8:30 AM
• Monday and Wednesday: 7:15 - 8:45 PM
• Cost: $5/person or $35 per punch card of 10
• No classes February 13, 14, 16, 23

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, February 5: Board of Education Finance & Property Committee Meeting, 5:15 PM
• Thursday, February 12: Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM
• Friday, February 13 and Monday, February 16: No School
• Thursday, February 19: Board of Education Policy & Community Committee, 5:15 PM

• Friday, March 27: No School

• March 30 - April 3: No School (Spring Break)

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.