Mason Minute- November 19, 2025
November 19, 2025
The preschool playground at the Harvey Education Center (HEC) has a new visitor- The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Three teachers, Krystal Hodge, Jena Krumm and Stacey Somerville, wanted to jazz up the play area used by their students and create something functional as well as decorative at the same time.
Working with the Mason Middle School (MMS) Unified Club advisor, a plan began to emerge to develop an outdoor area with a chalkboard surface for the students to write on during recess.
The teachers and advisor took the idea to the MMS Unified Club members who decided to theme the project based on the book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and its artwork. The idea took off and became a community collaboration.
Ray Rustem, a community member and scout leader with a knack for woodworking, cut out the caterpillar and food pieces from patterns drawn by members of the Unified Club. The pieces were then given to Marty Frew’s eighth grade WIN class to be painted! They did an amazing job and worked together to bring the pieces to life.
For the installation, Jerry Lawson, the MMS building engineer, volunteered to drill the holes needed to attach the pieces to the fence, and then the pieces were taken to the HEC by a group of students from the MMS Unified Club to be installed.
The club members worked as a team to position and hang the pieces along the fence in the preschool play yard, making sure they were secure and safe for the preschool students to use. Now, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has a new home at the HEC. It was a hit with both the preschool and middle school students who tested it out together! The MMS Unified Club is looking forward to planning their next project to help improve our schools or enrich our community.
Thank you to Cindy Hyaduck, MMS Unified Club Advisor for the article and photos!
Enjoy the break with family and friends and we'll see you back in class on Monday, December 1.
Today we recognize the many Education Support Professionals (ESPs) who help Mason Public Schools thrive!
These team members include paraprofessionals, office staff, food service workers, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance staff, technology support personnel and many others who keep our schools running smoothly.
Their work supports every student, every day, by building strong relationships, solving problems behind the scenes, and creating safe, welcoming spaces for learning.
Please take a moment to thank the school support staff in your life!
Join the Ingham County Road Department for its 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.
Friday, November 21, is Substitute Educators Day! Join us as we celebrate our substitute teachers who step in when we need them most. They keep classrooms running, support students and make sure learning never stops.
Some serve as regular faces in our buildings. Others step in for a day to help cover a class. No matter how long they are here, their impact is felt.
Please take a moment to thank the substitute teachers and staff when you see them!
November is National Native American Heritage Month. This month honors the history, traditions and contributions of Native Americans across the country.
At Mason Public Schools, we value opportunities for students to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Classrooms across the district have studied important historical events, influential leaders and stories that help students better understand Native American heritage.
We encourage students to think deeper, ask questions and explore how Native American culture continues to shape our communities today and hope you will continue these conversations at home. Information and resources are available on the National Native American Heritage Month website.
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, 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.