Mason Minute- October 29, 2025

October 29, 2025

Tara Becker-Utess has been named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies!

She was surprised with the award presentation earlier today alongside her Mason High School (MHS) colleagues, MASSP representatives, district staff, and her family and friends who were on hand to celebrate.

Mrs. Becker-Utess has worked in education for more than 20 years, including eight years as an administrator and four years at MHS. She is known for her optimism, work ethic and vision for excellence.

In her nomination, MHS Principal Myriah Lillie said, “Not only is she incredibly intelligent and extremely hard-working, she has a unique way of building solid relationships built on care and concern for both our staff and students.”

To be eligible for the award, nominees must demonstrate a sense of collaborative leadership; involvement in curriculum, instruction and assessment; as well as a personal positive involvement with district staff, students and families.

She will represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals High School Assistant Principal of the Year competition, which will be awarded at the National Education Leadership Awards, in April 2026, in Washington, D.C.

During Inclusion Week, students and staff across the district took time to focus on what it means to belong and support one another while celebrating what makes us all unique.

Students explored daily themes incusing inclusion, self-acceptance, empathy, respect and unity. Students explored ways their words and actions can make a big impact, from showing kindness to listening with empathy and choosing our words carefully, each lesson helped build a stronger, more caring Bulldog community.

Our Mason Bulldogs will take on Linden at home in the first-round of the playoffs Friday night. Kick off is at 7 PM. School appropriate Halloween costumes are allowed inside the stadium, but masks ARE NOT allowed.

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!

Mason varsity football and cheerleading will host a Trunk or Treat before the varsity football game on Friday night from 5:45-6:30 PM just outside the stadium gates. School appropriate costumes are allowed inside the stadium, no masks are allowed.

Can't make it to the football game Friday? You can still check out the Bulldogs through an online livestream. Postseason game livestreams are only available on the NFHS Network which requires a subscription to view games.

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

Donations can be dropped off at MMS in the boxes in the 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, potatoes, and 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.

Tickets are on sale now for the fall musical, "Annie". The Mason High School production will run November 13-15, with four shows. Tickets are available online.

Election Day is less than a week away! On Tuesday, November 4, Mason voters will consider the 2025 Priority Needs Bond Proposal, a zero tax rate increase proposal to address priority needs in our district.

If approved, the bond funding would support:

• Extensive renovations to classrooms and common spaces at Mason Middle School
• An overhaul of the Mason High School auditorium and performing arts spaces
• Construction of a new transportation facility to support safe, reliable student travel

Learn more on the bond website, and don't forget to vote on Tuesday!

We excited to officially introduce Mason's new School Resource Officer (SRO) Marc King. He joined the Mason Police Department (MPD) earlier this year and has already been spending time in every building, getting to know students and staff. His presence helps strengthen the connection between our schools and local law enforcement, supporting safety, trust and positive relationships across the district.

Before joining MPD, he spent more than 25 years with the Livingston County Sheriff's Office working as a detective and SRO in multiple schools. Learn more about Officer King in this short video and make sure to give him a big Bulldog welcome!

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

Membership requirements are established by law, and at least one half of the members of the Sex Education Advisory Board must be current MPS parents. The Sex Education Advisory Board shall also include students of the district, educators, local clergy and community health professionals.

The full scope and responsibilities of the Sex Education Advisory Board are outlined in MPS Board of Education policies ag2418 and po2418.

Those interested in serving on the Sex Education Advisory Board can complete the Sex Education Advisory Board Application online or in person 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.

The Mason High School (MHS) Visual Arts Department is excited to announce the 2026 Disney Imagination Campus Field Trip to Walt Disney World, taking place October 7–11, 2026. MHS students in grades 9-12 interested in visual arts are encouraged to participate.

A parent and student informational meeting will be held on Monday, November 3, at 5:30 PM in the MHS Media Center/Library.

Topics will include the total cost and payment schedule, fundraising opportunities, parent participation, transportation details and Disney’s educational benefits.

Space is limited to the first 40 students, and a $100 reservation deposit is required to secure a spot.

For more information, contact Mrs. Harrington or Mrs. Combs.

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.

There will be NO OPEN SWIM this Friday, October 31. Please see the list of upcoming dates and events below.

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

Open Swim

• Friday: 7 - 9 PM
• Saturday: 1 - 3 PM
• No Open Swim: October 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: 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, October 30 - Board of Education Policy & Community Committee, 5:15 PM
• Monday, November 3 - No School
• 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.