Mason Minute- November 12, 2025

November 12, 2025

In recognition of Veterans Day, the Mason Middle School Student Government hosted its 4th annual Veterans Day Card Collection, continuing a school tradition of honoring those who have served our country.

Students from all grade levels created thoughtful, handwritten messages expressing gratitude and appreciation for Veterans' service and sacrifice. The cards were shared with two of our middle school staff members who are Veterans and other local veterans at the annual Veterans Day service, helping our students connect directly with members of the community who have served.

Thank you to the middle school students for continuing this tradition and taking the time to reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice!

• Harvey Education Center: 8:40 AM - 12:07 PM
• Alaiedon, North Aurelius and Steele Elementary Schools: 8:40 AM - 12:07 PM
• Mason Middle School: 7:40 AM - 11:00 AM
• Mason High School: 7:40 AM - 11:00 AM

It's showtime! Mason High School will present the fall musical, "Annie" this weekend! Showtimes are:

• Thursday, November 13, 7 PM
• Friday, November 14, 7 PM
• Saturday, November 15, 2 PM
• Saturday, November 15, 7 PM

The annual CBI Craft Fair at Mason High School (MHS) is Saturday, November 15 from 9 AM - 4 PM. The event is put on by the MHS Community Based Instruction Program and is a way to raise funds for their program as well as gain social and life skills.

Artisans and vendors will be offering their items to the community featuring goods such as crafts, clothing, art, concessions and more!

Join the Ingham County Road Department for their annual Paint-a-Plow Event on Wednesday, November 26 from 11 AM - 1 PM. The event takes place the day before Thanksgiving, which is a day off of school for Mason students. There will also be a Touch-a-Truck event!

This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity while learning about the vital work the road department does to keep our roads safe. The event will take place at the road department at 301 N. Bush Street, Mason MI 48854.

This year the 3rd annual North Aurelius PTO Holiday Craft Show will be combined with the Tri County Area Festival of Trees! The dual event will be Saturday, December 13, 2025, at North Aurelius Elementary School from 9 AM - 6 PM. The Festival of Trees has added entertainment and other fun, family activities for this year's event. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family.

More information, vendor registration and order forms are available. Please contact Mike Prelesnik with any questions. Thank you for supporting the North Aurelius PTO.

The Mason Community Services Freely Given Clothing Closet has kids coats and boots for families in need! The Closet is located at 118 W Oak Street and hours are Mondays from 11 AM - 1 PM, Tuesdays from 4 - 6 PM, Thursdays from 11 AM - 1 PM, and the first Saturday of each month from 10 AM - 12 PM.

Donations are also being accepted during the same days and times. Current needs include gently used, in season coats, snow pants, boots, new men's and women's underwear; and children's clothing. Learn more about other resources available and how to get involved by visiting the Mason Community Services website.

Mason Community Services, Inc. is partnering with Mason Public Schools for a Christmas Toy Drive for the second year in a row!

Donation bins have been placed in local businesses around Mason to accept new and gently used toys and gifts for children and teens of all ages. Gifts must be unwrapped and donations will be accepted through December 13.

Donation boxes are available at Howard Hanna Real Estate- Mason & Holt offices, Big Boy Restaurant, A&W Restaurant, Boss Cider, Envy Nails, Midwest Hair Lounge, Five Lakes Therapy of Mason, Kiwanas Village, Sheridan Realty and Auction Company, Hair & Company on Ash, Mason Depot Diner, Kean's Store Co., Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage LLC, Jefferson Street Square, Edward Jones downtown Mason, Family Farm and Home - Mason, Simply Vintage Marketplace, Family Dollar and Commercial Bank of Mason.

The state school aid budget, signed in October, included continued funding for free meals for all public school students. This means all Mason Public Schools students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year with no changes or interruptions to meal service.

A reminder, while meals are free, students must purchase milk (when sold separately from a meal), any a la carte items and extra main entrees. Please check your student’s lunch account often to ensure adequate funds are available for these purchases. If you have questions about lunch options or adding money to your student’s account, contact the Food Services office 517.676.6529. A list of a la carte pricing is available on the Food Service website.

The Mason Optimist Closet (MOC) at Mason Middle School (MMS) is in need of donations to help support students and families across the district. The closet houses a collection of food as well as school and personal hygiene supplies students that can access by request.

Donations boxes are located in the MMS Main Office. Requested items include: toilet paper, paper towel, baby wipes, backpacks, bags, lip balm, hand sanitizer, bandages, pencils, pens, folders, binders, notebooks, body wash and soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, lotion, toothpaste, hair ties, razors and shaving cream.

In addition, requested food items include ready to eat meals, packaged snack items, soup, boxed rice, boxed potatoes, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, cereal and other non-perishable items.

All middle school students and their families are eligible to receive items from the MOC without meeting any income or housing requirements. Requests can be made by completing the MOC request form available in the MMS office. Please contact Tiffany Henfling with any questions.

The Mason Area Swim Club (MASC) Winter 1 session begins December 1 and goes through February 6. Registration is open now and available online.

Sixth through eighth grade students interested in competing in middle school swim meets must be enrolled in the Winter 1 session of MASC with the MASC - GOLD group to participate. Students must also have a sports physical on file in order to participate in middle school swim meets.

Mason Public Schools (MPS) is accepting applications from parents and other community members interested in serving on the Sex Education Advisory Board. This required committee is made up of district stakeholders who review the sex education program, establish goals and make recommendations, as necessary, to the MPS Board of Education.

Those interested in serving on the Sex Education Advisory Board can complete the Sex Education Advisory Board Application online or return it to Randy Barton at the Mason Public Schools' office, 201 W. Ash Street, Suite 2A, Mason, MI 48854. Paper copies of the application are also available at the Mason Public Schools' office. All applications must be received by November 28, 2025, for full consideration. Questions about the Sex Education Advisory Board and the application process can be directed to Randy Barton.

There will be Open Swim this Friday from 7 - 9 PM and Saturday from 1 - 3 PM. The Aquatic Center will be closed Wednesday, November 26 - Sunday, November 30 for Thanksgiving Break.

Mason Aquatic Center Fall Community Events (schedule through December 20, 2025)

Open Swim

• Friday: 7 - 9 PM
• Saturday: 1 - 3 PM
• No Open Swim: 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: 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: November 26
• Cost: $5/person or $35 per punch card of 10

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, November 13 - Half Day for Students
• Friday, November 14 - Half Day for Students
• Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
• Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2 - No School (Winter 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.