MHS Newsletter

April 10, 2026

A Message from Principal Ben Brown

Dear Mason High School Families,

As we move fully into spring, there is a renewed sense of energy and momentum throughout Mason High School. With that comes the familiar pace and excitement of April and May—filled with important assessments, student celebrations, and meaningful milestones. It’s a special time of year, and we are grateful for your continued partnership in supporting our students.

End-of-Course (EOC) Exams – Adjusted Schedule
A reminder that we will be administering End-of-Course (EOC) exams next week. To best support a focused testing environment, we will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule all week:

Students who are testing should report at their regular time.
Students who are not testing will begin their school day at 9:45 AM.

You can find the full EOC testing schedule for next week here: Spring 2026 EOC messages MHS families

Please remember to have your Chromebook or device fully charged.

Prom (Enchanted Garden) & After Prom (Island Adventure) – A Time to Celebrate
We are excited for Prom and After Prom next week—always a highlight of the school year and a wonderful opportunity for students to create lasting Mason Moments together.

With these celebrations, we ask for your partnership in emphasizing student safety and responsible decision-making. Conversations at home can make a meaningful difference in ensuring all students have a safe and positive experience.

We also encourage families to attend the After Prom Community Preview: “Island Adventure”, where you can see the incredible work that goes into creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for our students:

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Location: Mason High School

Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and trust. Together, we will continue to make this a memorable and successful spring season for all of our students.

Warm Regards,

Ben Brown
Executive Director of High School Experience / Principal
Mason High School

Go Comets!

Counselors’ Corner

Counselor	Extension Number	Last Names	Email Address
Jordan Rosenfield	30305	A - Bor	rosenfieldj@masonohioschools.com
Tony Affatato	30310	Bos - Dei	affatatot@masonohioschools.com
Linda Dumstorff	30307	Dej - Gre	dumstorffl@masonohioschools.com
Sami Cunningham	30309	Grf - Kar	cunninghams@masonohioschools.com
Michelle Brinkman	30311	Kas - Mans	brinkmanm@masonohioschools.com
Kristen Macks	30308	Mant - Om	macksk@masonohioschools.com
Megan Pay	30312	On-Sad	paym@masonohioschools.com
Katie Hicks	30313	Sae-Td	hickska@masonohioschools.com
Seth Johnson	30314	Te-Z	johnstons@masonohioschools.com

Role of the School Counselor:

Assistance with Academic, Career, and Personal Goals
College and Career Exploration/Planning: Employment, Military Enlistment, Trade/Technical Training, College/University Enrollment
Academic Advising and Intervention
Personal Counseling and/or Referral Services

**Please feel free to contact your School Counselor at any time with questions/concerns - we will respond as soon as possible.

MHS Awards Information

Junior Parent Meeting Presentation

This video includes important information to help students prepare for senior year, including guidance on college visits, letters of recommendation, XLP opportunities, and more. We encourage your family to review the presentation together to ensure you feel informed and ready for the year ahead!

Parents’ Corner

Spring 2026 End Of Course Testing Information
We want to share an important update regarding our End-of-Course (EOC) testing schedule. This year, we will be shifting from a two-week testing period to a more focused, one-week testing schedule that is designed to maximize instructional time and better support all of our students. Our testing dates will run from April 13th through April 29th. (These dates include original testing as well as days for makeup testing if a student is absent). Please click here for more information.

Important Information for Prom
We are excited as we quickly approach The Enchanted Garden—Prom 2026! We wanted to share some important last-minute details as students and families prepare for this special Mason moment.

Prom Details:

Location: Manor House; 7440 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040
Time: 7:00–10:30 PM

Arrival to Prom

Shuttle Option (Recommended):

We will provide shuttle service from MHS beginning at 6:45 PM. This will be the only way for students to be dropped off directly at the Manor House main entrance.

Students may park on campus and access the shuttles. Please note that the shuttles will run multiple trips. See the Shuttle Map for pickup locations.

Driving / Drop-Off:

Students who choose to drive or use a ride service must use the front parking lot of Manor House. The back of the venue will not be accessible due to prom activities.

While parking attendants will be available, please expect possible delays with this option.

Overflow Parking:

Overflow parking will be available in the front lot of the nearby medical buildings.

After Prom
Mason High School is proud to host Island Adventure After Prom from 10:00 PM–2:00 AM; students must check in by 11:15 pm. Raffle prizes will begin at 1:30 am; students must be present to win. Students will enter through the Natatorium doors. Food options include Chick-fil-a or BibiBop, ice cream, donuts, pizza, and more! Two hypnotist shows (10:45 pm and 12:00am), a caricature artist, a casino, a tattoo artist, karaoke, bracelet making, dodgeball, and inflatables.

Shuttle from Prom to MHS:
Students using the shuttle will be transported back to MHS following the event. Shuttles will start at 9:45pm and will run multiple trips.

Volunteer Opportunity: MHS After Prom cannot happen without wonderful volunteers! If you would like to be a part of this special evening, there is still time to sign-up to volunteer!

Community Preview 7-8 pm: We are excited to invite the community to take a peek at what MHS juniors, seniors, and their guests will experience during their After Prom event! Bring the family and come see why Mason After Prom is one of the most anticipated events at Mason High School! Admission is free; donations will gladly be accepted at the door.

Additional Reminders

Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided at Prom. Students planning to eat a full meal should do so prior to arrival.
Once a student leaves Prom, they will not be permitted to re-enter.
We will have a variety of photo booths for students to enjoy and capture the evening.
All students must have a ticket to enter Prom and/or After Prom.
Non-Mason guests must be accompanied by a Mason student at all times.

We look forward to a safe, fun, and memorable evening for all of our students!

MHS After Prom - Island Adventure

Date: April 18-19, 2026
Time: 10pm - 2am (must arrive by 11:15pm)
Place: Mason High School
Tickets: $30

Check/Cash accepted in the Student Activities Office (Z228), Online tickets on Payschools Guest Forms Here All guest tickets must be purchased in person in Z228 with a completed guest form. If the guest is attending both Prom and After Prom, only one guest form is required.

All After Prom tickets must be purchased by April 12th

Volunteer for After Prom
Mason High School’s After Prom is right around the corner—and we’re counting on the power of our amazing Comet CommUNITY to help make it happen! This isn’t just a party—it’s a safe, fun, and unforgettable night where Mason students get to celebrate with their classmates in a space that’s full of energy, surprises, and joy… and completely free from risky decisions.

Got younger kids? Volunteering at After Prom gives you a front-row seat to what’s ahead—and trust us, it’s pretty awesome. This is your chance to pay it forward and create a safe, unforgettable Mason Moment for our high schoolers.

We urgently need:

• Casino Card Dealers & Bankers
• Inflatable Monitors (aka: the bounce-house bouncers!)
• Prize Raffle Helpers
• Clean-Up Crew (1:30–3:00 AM warriors—we see you!)

Sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4DA5A72BA13-61487603-2026#/

We Want to Hear From You, Comet Families! Deadline 4/13/2026
At Mason City Schools, your voice matters. Your feedback helps us uphold Mason Quality and ensure our schools continue to meet the needs of our community. This year, we are also especially interested in your perspective on Journey Days as we reflect on this new experience and use your input to guide planning and improvements for the year ahead. This 11-question survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself in any of the open-ended questions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Brain Health Network Survey
Later this month, we will be conducting a survey of Mason High School students to determine levels of stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression in order to get a picture of overall student mental health and well-being. The results of this survey will be used to help inform efforts at Mason High School to enhance student mental health. The survey is also part of a research project titled “High School Student Mental Health and Stressors” with Suzanne Sampang, MD (of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital) serving as principal investigator, working in collaboration with 1N5 and MindPeace. Dr. Sampang is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and currently serves as Clinical Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Findings from this study may appear in journals, books, or professional meetings.

Students will take the initial survey (approximately 20 minutes) later this month. The survey is completely anonymous; responses cannot be tracked back to individual students. The only risk to students is the possibility that some questions may make them somewhat uncomfortable. The surveys will be completed in class and the school’s counseling services and prevention and wellness team will be available to answer any student questions or concerns that may arise. Students will have the right to not answer any question. Their participation is completely voluntary and they can withdraw from participation at any time.

If you are not willing to allow your student to take this survey, you may opt your student out by completing this FORM. If you are willing to have your student participate in this anonymous survey, you do not need to take any action. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey or the study, you may contact Laura Martin, Prevention & Wellness Coordinator, at martinl@masonohioschools.com or Nancy Eigel-Miller (1N5) at nancy_miller@1N5.org.

MHS PTO

Mason High School is the largest in Ohio! Consider joining the MHS PTO. We still have open positions.

If you have interest in the PTO, please complete the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wios2iM0KezHyrlted3mdwlXtCAAa1wpack6l3Cr_fU/edit

We are grateful for your ongoing support!

You can support the MHS PTO at any time during the year through Venmo or PayPal:

2026-27 MHS PTO Interest Form

Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@mhs_pto) and Facebook (Mason High School PTO)!

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MXonaBGa9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
@mhs_pto: https://www.instagram.com/mhs_pto?igsh=ZzV4M2FqNWZjYWVj

Mason Moments

Nurses Notes

See the mobile health van information below. This is a good opportunity for 12th graders to receive their MCV4 (Meningococcal ACWY).

Thank you,

Kathy McVey, RN - mcveyk@masonohioschools.com
Rachel Barsoum, RN - barsoumr@masonohioschools.com

Clinic phone number: 513.398.3864

Prevention and Wellness Update

Stress can affect students of all ages, from preschool to high school. It’s important to recognize signs like changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or academic performance. Encourage open communication and make time for family check-ins. The Kids Health on helping children manage stress: Kids Health. Additionally, check out the CDC’s stress management tips: CDC Stress Resources.

If you would like more information about mental health and wellness or would like to connect your child with a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital therapist, please check out Resources for Mason Families and reach out to your child’s school counselor or Prevention and Wellness Designer.

Upcoming Events

MI PERFORMING ARTS FEST (INSTRUMENT FAIR)
Saturday, April 11 | 8:00 AM - 4 PM | Mason Intermediate School
Sixth-grade Comets begin their performing arts journey by exploring instruments, learning about choir, meeting Mason music educators, and discovering the many ways they can grow as musicians and performers. Families can try instruments, ask questions, and find the path that’s the right fit for their child’s musical interests and talents.

STRIDES 4 HOPE COMMUNITY 5K FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Saturday, April 11 | 11:30 AM - 3 PM | Mason High School Dwire Field | Register for FREE
Join the Mason High School Hope Squad for Strides 4 Hope, a community 5K run/walk dedicated to raising awareness and support for mental health. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, every step helps strengthen a culture of care and connection in our community. Following the 5K, stay for an afternoon of fun with games and activities, food trucks from Graeter’s and The Barking Burger Company, and opportunities to connect with mental health resources. Gather your friends and family and take meaningful steps toward hope and wellbeing. Sign up for free at strides4hope.com.

WARREN COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT MOBILE HEALTH VAN

Wednesday, April 15 | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Mason High School | Make an Appointment | More Information

The WCHD mobile van will be on site at Mason High School! This is a great resource if your child is missing required immunizations.

AFTER PROM COMMUNITY PREVIEW
Saturday, April 18 | 7:00-8:00 PM | Mason High School
The Mason City Schools community is invited to stop by Mason High School on Saturday, April 18 from 7-8:00 pm to take a peek at what MHS juniors, seniors and their guests will experience during their After Prom party including giant inflatables, creative decorations (the bathrooms are always a hit!) and rooms filled with fun. Bring the family and come see why Mason After Prom is one of the most anticipated events at Mason High School! Admission is free, however, donations will gladly be accepted at the door.

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, April 21 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mason High Harvard Room | Live Streaming
The Mason City Schools Board of Education holds regular public meetings monthly. These meetings provide the opportunity for the public to observe discussions relating to the business of the district. View Meeting agendas.

SISTER ACT
April 23, 24, 25, & 26 | SHOWTIMES | Mason High School Auditorium | Purchase tickets
Mason High School Performing Arts will present the musical Sister Act. Show time is at 7 pm on the 23, 24, and 25 and 2pm matinee on April 26. Golden Comet Card holders may attend free of charge by reserving tickets with the Public Information Office at 513-398-0474, option 7.

General Admission Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, children, and seniors. Reserved patron seats are also available for $15. Purchase your tickets at www.masondrama.com.

DISTRICT ART SHOW
April 24-25 | 6:00-9:00 PM | Mason High School Large Commons
Don’t miss the world class talent on display at Mason City Schools annual district art show featuring an exhibit of extraordinary student work.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION DAY: MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS WORKSHOP
Sunday, May 3 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Manor House (7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH) | $10 Registration
Join the Lindner Center of Hope for a half-day Community Education Day focused on mental health and wellness. This engaging event features keynote speaker Dr. Ross Ellenhorn, presenting “No Hope Without Fear, No Fear Without Hope: How Fear of Hope Influences Our Lives.”

Registration includes a brunch buffet and access to all sessions. Following the keynote, participants can choose from three breakout sessions covering topics such as stress and self-care, trauma and addictions, diagnostic assessment, digital media and mental health, suicide prevention and AI, and recovery and wellness strategies.

A community resource center will be open throughout the event, offering opportunities to connect with local supports and services.

MILITARY ENLISTMENT RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Monday, May 4 | 9:00-10:30 AM | Mason High School l Harvard Room
The Mason City Schools commUNITY is invited to a special ceremony honoring the Mason High School seniors who have made the decision to serve our country.

AAPI COMMUNITY MIRRORS & WINDOWS EXPERIENCE
Monday, May 11 | Mason Intermediate School | Cafeteria
MCS Diversity Council is partnering with the Mason Schools Foundation to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a part of our CommUNITY Mirrors and Windows series. This event will include a showcase of building activities, music, food sampling, a picture book tasting, a make it/take it art craft, and more!

SENIOR LAST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
Monday, May 11

SENIOR BIKE RIDE
Wednesday, May 13 | approximately 7:00-7:35AM |Mason-Montgomery Road
The Mason High School Senior Bike Ride on the last day of school for seniors is a beloved Comet tradition. Families and community members should expect some traffic delays as Mason-Montgomery Road from Manor House to Mason High School will be closed from about 7:00-7:35AM. We hope everyone will celebrate this powerful #MasonMoment for the Class of 2025!

MHS CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Sunday, May 17 | 9-11:00 AM |Cintas Center
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, May 19 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Mason High Harvard Room | Live Streaming
The Mason City Schools Board of Education holds regular public meetings monthly. These meetings provide the opportunity for the public to observe discussions relating to the business of the district. View Meeting agendas.

MHS ESPYS
Monday, May 21 | 6:30PM | Mason High School Auditorium
The annual MHS ESPY awards honor the incredible individual and team accomplishments of Mason Varsity athletic teams during the 2024-2025 school year. This student-produced event is chock full of Mason Moments you won’t want to miss. Doors open at 5:45 pm, walk the Red Carpet at 6:00 pm, and find your seat by 6:30 pm for the start of the ceremony!

STUDENTS LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Friday, May 22