Mason Minute- September 3, 2025

Congratulations to the first group of North Aurelius Top Dogs for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for setting a great example and being safe, respectful and responsible in the first two weeks of school!

As we begin the school year, families are encouraged to review the bus rider safety expectations with students to ensure safe transportation! Thank you for helping ensure our students and drivers have safe travels on the bus.

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.

This November, a bond proposal will be on the ballot for Mason voters. If approved, the bond would support three key projects. Learn more on the MPS Bond website.

Take Able Eyes Virtual Tours of Mason Middle School, the Mason High School Auditorium and the Transportation Facility to see the areas identified as top priorities by our community survey and Bond Steering Committee.

Virtual tour of Mason Middle School

Virtual tour of the Mason High School Auditorium

Virtual tour of the Transportation Facility

Special thanks to Able Eyes for producing these virtual tours.

As needed, families should follow the flow of communication outlined in the Chain of Communication to discuss concerns with appropriate staff and administrators in the district.

We promote and foster student advocacy. Please encourage students to use their voices and advocate for their needs and/or concerns through communication channels.

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

Mason Middle School: September 16

North Aurelius Elementary: September 16

Mason High School: September 18

Harvey Education Center: September 25 and 26

Steele Elementary: October 2

Alaiedon Elementary: October 6

The Fall Community Education Enrichment Guide is now available on the website. Check out the full schedule of classes and programs, including swim lessons and register online!

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: September 12, 13, 19, 26, 27; 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: September 13, 27; 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

Mason Public Schools (MPS) will continue to provide free meals to all students through September 30, 2025. Funding for meals is determined by the State of Michigan School Aid Budget, which has not yet been finalized. At this time, we are unsure if meals will continue to be free for all students during the entire 2025-26 school year. We are keeping a close eye on what is happening with the budget and will provide information to families as soon as it becomes available to us.

Please remember to log into Skyward and check your family meal account balances and make deposits as needed. All à la carte purchases, extra main entrees and milk-only purchases will need to be paid for and are not included in the free meal program.

Families are also reminded to please take a moment to complete the 2025-26 Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals. This form collects information needed to ensure MPS 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 including:

• Summer EBT
• Pay to Play or Pay to Participate assistance
• Programs that provide food support
• Programs that provide field trip support
• Programs that provide school supplies or assist with school fees
• Programs that provide holiday support

Completing an application helps to ensure additional funding for the district is available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the application is confidential. Without your assistance in completing and returning the application, MPS cannot maximize the use of available State and Federal funds.

Mark your calendars for upcoming events and activities. A full calendar of district happenings is available on the MPS website.

Homecoming: Friday, September 19

No School: Monday, September 29

Seventh Grade Mystic Lake Trip: October 13 -17

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.