As we head into Fall Break, I want to take a moment to celebrate the success we’ve had so far this year. Our students have shown incredible growth, and our staff’s commitment to excellence has been evident in every classroom and activity. This break is a well-deserved opportunity for all of us to rest, recharge, and reset.
When we return, we will focus on completing the first semester, which includes preparing for semester exams. These exams serve as a valuable culminating learning experience, and their format will vary based on each teacher’s approach to best reflect their course objectives.
It is important for students to attend school during exam days to complete these assessments. We understand that holiday travel plans may already be in place, and teachers will work with students to arrange alternative plans for making up exams. However, our expectation is that students prioritize attendance during this time. Families will need to follow our normal school procedures for reporting absences to ensure proper communication and accountability. The exam schedule is available 2024-25 Final Exam Schedule Note-there will be an adjusted schedule on Dec. 19th & 20th students will be released at 11:05, but bussing will not be available until 2:30pm. Alternative transportation would need to be arranged if you want to pick up your child prior to normal bus times. More detailed information will be provided in the weeks leading up to semester exam week.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to finish the semester strong. Have a wonderful Fall Break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead!
Go Comets!
Sincerely,
Ben Brown
Executive Director of HS Experience / Principal
Fall EOC exams will be administered Tuesday, December 2nd - Friday, December 13th. Information regarding the EOC exams and the testing schedule can be found here along with answers to FAQs.
GREAT OAKS OPPORTUNITIES
Any sophomore and/or their parents who want information for the Great Oaks Vocational School, which is one of the largest career and technical education districts in the United States known for their innovative career training should contact Sally Clark. The informational meeting will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 8:30 am in the MHS Auditorium. Parents are also welcomed to attend the meeting clarks@masonohioschools.com.
Great Oaks is home to programs like Agriculture and Environmental Systems, Law and Public Safety, Health Sciences, Welding and Manufacturing, Cosmetology, Engineering and Technology/Robotics, Automotive and Transportation Systems, Construction Technology, Information Technology, Culinary, and Education just to name a few.
Seniors and Parents
See the links below for information from Miami University as well as the MHS Counseling Office regarding the FAFSA and scholarships for college.
**A recording of the FAFSA Night meeting is expected to be posted soon, along with sign-up information for one-on-one FAFSA help sessions. The counseling department will share this information with all senior parents as soon as it becomes available
Second Semester 2024-2025 Credit Flexibility Application is now OPEN!
Please review ALL information on the MHS Credit Flexibility site. The application can be found on the site and the application deadline is December 1, 2024 (application must be completed from the student's Mason account).
Current seniors are not eligible to complete a second semester application.
All Second Semester Credit Flex plans have a due date of May 1, 2025.
Please contact your school counselor with any questions - thank you!
Parents’ Corner
CommUNITY Holiday Help.
YOUR help is needed to make the holidays bright for our Comets!
Thanks to our amazing community, we're 1/3 of the way there! But 574more Comets still need something to WEAR and something they WANT.
Let’s come together to ensure every Comet has a joyful holiday season!
📱 Text MCSHOLIDAY to 53555 to donate today.
Together, WE make magic happen. Let’s do this, Mason! 💚🎁
Purchase gifts on Amazon Wishlists:
(Ensure delivery to Mason City Schools CommUNITY Holiday Help, Mason, OH)
The clinic is in need of clean, gently used active bottoms. Leggings, sweat pants, and athletic shorts, all sizes, male and female styles. Shirts and denim are not needed. Thank you in advance for supporting our students!
Teaching our children to be thankful not only boosts their happiness but also promotes empathy and kindness. Take this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about gratitude around the dinner table. Nurture an attitude of thankfulness that extends throughout the year. Explore the science of gratitude and its impact on well-being.
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.
How to Tackle Parental Stress - The Emerging Epidemic:
Mounting Pressure on Parents Leads to Overwhelming Stress
Parents have been consistently more likely to report experiencing high levels of stress compared to adults without children. 41% of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function and 48% say that most days their stress is completely overwhelming compared to other adults.
Parents/Caregivers Experience a Multitude of Unique Stressors:
Financial Strain
Time Demands
Children’s Health
Children’s Safety
Isolation & Loneliness
Technology & Social Media
Cultural Pressures & Children’s Futures
What Can Parents Do to Help:
Remember, caring for yourself is integral to your ability to care for your family
Nurture connections with other parents/caregivers
Empower yourself with information about mental health care
Recognize how mental health challenges manifest and seek help when needed
Fernside Grief Support Program:
Fernside Grief Support Program will offer onsite peer support groups for students at Mason High School. These groups meet during the school day and provide a safe, supportive space for students navigating the feelings that come after the death of a loved one. Led by trained facilitators, each session covers meaningful themes like Feelings, Changes & Rebuilding, Special Days, and Memories. Using expressive arts, students will have the chance to explore their emotions, share personal experiences of loss, connect with peers, and both receive and give support. As always, Fernside provides these valuable school-based groups at no cost to students or the school.
Upcoming Events
FALL BREAK - NO SCHOOL
November 25-29
THANKSGIVING
Thursday, November 28
🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Comet Family! 🍁🦃 We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you. To our incredible Comet students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and our vibrant commUNITY, may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and the love of those dear to you. Let's continue to spread kindness and gratitude not just today, but every day!
MASON TURKEY TROT 5K Run/Walk
Thursday, November 28 | 8:30AM | Corwin Nixon Park (back baseball field area | Sign Up
Benefiting the Mason Cross Country & Track Programs and CommUNITY Partners that include the Comet Cupboard, the Mason Schools Foundation and Paws for Miles Join us for the 2nd annual Mason Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & have a healthier and happier Thanksgiving Day! Family and friends can enjoy a 5K and support the community before sitting down for turkey and holiday festivities. Let's show our Comet spirit and give back to the community by bringing mac & cheese cups or ramen noodle packets to donate to the Comet Cupboard on race day!
Comet Coffee Talks are open opportunities for the community to connect with the Superintendent|CEO of Mason City Schools and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district. Grab a friend/neighbor and join the conversation.
Brews with the Sup’t are open opportunities for the community to connect with the superintendent and other district leaders while supporting a local business. Attendees will hear updates that are taking place throughout the district, and have an opportunity to ask questions, give feedback and engage in productive conversation about the future of our school district.
The Mason High School Choirs are once again hosting their annual "An Elegant Holiday" concert performance. The program entails delicious dessert and beverage service (provided by volunteer parents and students), and an evening filled with the joyous songs of the season performed by the choirs. This year's performance will be held at the MHS Auditorium Saturday, December 14th.
THE NUTCRACKER ALL JAZZED UP
December 20 -21 | 3 Shows-Friday 6:30 pm, Saturday 11 am & 2 pm | Buy Tickets
Join your neighbors for a Mason tradition celebrating its 22nd annual performance with all proceeds benefiting the MHS After Prom! Ticket proceeds from these annual shows have supported the Mason High School After Prom since 2002. Watch highlights from last year’s show! ONLINE TICKET SALES END at 9:00 AM, Friday, Dec 20. Remaining Tickets Day of the Show CASH ONLY at the DOOR
WINTER BREAK
Monday, December 23, 2024-Thursday, January 2, 2025 - NO SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Wishing a very Merry Christmas to our Christian friends and neighbors celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
HANUKKAH
Evening of Wed, December 25, 2024 – Thursday, January 2, 2025
Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends and neighbors celebrating the Festival of Lights.
PROFESSIONAL WORK DAY - NO SCHOOL
Friday, January 3, 2025
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS INFORMATION MEETING
Thursday, Jan. 23 | 7PM-8PM | Mason High School Auditorium
Students and families interested in participation in the College Credit Plus program are strongly encouraged to attend our Annual CCP Information Meeting where we will cover program policies and procedures. Please mark your calendar if your student may be interested in participating during the 2025-2026 school year!
Links
For all things activities, please visit the new site created by MHS Interns
Purchase gifts on Amazon Wishlists:
Donating via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/... 
Donating through PaySchools Central: https://payschoolscentral.com/