Keynotes Newsletter-Spring 2015-16

Bond Proposal and Sinking Fund Renewal on Ballot
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Mason Public Schools will have two ballot proposals in front of voters on Tuesday, May
3, 2016. The first proposal will address facilities and site improvements, safety and
security, and educational technology. The $79.8 million bond project will occur in
three series and money will be spent gradually over nine years.
The first series will include the construction of a new 4/5 building to alleviate overcrowding. Our elementary schools were designed for 405 students each, and will each
serve an average of over 484 students next school year. All school sites would be reorganized to improve safety, parking, pedestrian and traffic circulation challenges.
All schools will receive much needed upgrades to plumbing, mechanical and electrical
systems. Our school buildings are over 50 years old and need updated finishes such as
cabinetry, casework, furnishings and equipment throughout the district.
Renovations to the middle school and high school will include improvements to science labs, wood shop, robotics, STEM labs, visual arts, performing arts and athletics.
All three series will include technology and safety and security upgrades to all buildings. Bus purchases have been deferred and our aging bus fleet will be put on a multiyear replacement cycle.
The second proposal will ask for a renewal of the Building and Site Sinking Fund
millage. If renewed, this fund would continue to provide approximately $665,000
annually to the district to fund ongoing repairs and improvements.
If approved, the millage rate
would increase to 6.85, while
maintaining one of the lowest
millage rates in the Lansing
area.
DeWitt
Holt
Haslett
East Lansing
Bath
Williamston
Waverly
Leslie
Eaton Rapids
Okemos
Pewamo-Westphalia
St. Johns
Mason (proposed)
Grand Ledge
Lansing
Dansville
For additional information please visit the district’s website at www.masonk12.net or
follow Mason Public Schools on Facebook. If you have further questions, contact
Superintendent Ronald Drzewicki at (517) 676-2484 or by email at [email protected].
10.00
10.00
8.33
8.095
8.00
7.98
7.40
7.39
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.00
6.85
5.00
2.34
1.77
LEO Club Donates Filters and Water Bottles to Children in Tanzania
Middle School students involved in the Leo’s Club raised money for Bio-Sand water filters and BPA safe water containers for schools in Tanzania. Students in the Uraki Primary School are using 4 donated filters and the donated
water containers amongst 994 students.
The Leo’s Club was formed in September and will have its formal induction in to the Lion’s organization in April. The
club focuses on providing leadership, experience and opportunity for students at the middle school level.
So far this school year, this extraordinary group of students organized a book drive for Dart Bank that raised over
$440.00 for the Mason Promise Scholarship, coordinated a school-wide coat drive and planned a collection for the
Ingham County Animal Shelter. Most recently, students visited the Mason Water Treatment Plant and learned
about World Water Day from speakers Ken Baker and Tom Silsby from Public Works. In response, the Leo’s Club
introduced another school-wide project to collect water and/or funds to send to Flint, MI.
Out-of-District Schools
of Choice
Out-of-District Schools of Choice
applications are accepted by mail
or in person during a 15 day
period (by State Law) between
June 1 and June 15, 2016 in the
Curriculum Office of Mason
Public Schools.
First preference will be given to
students who moved out of the
district during the 2015-16 school
year. Second preference will be
given to siblings of 2015-16
Schools of Choice students.
Grades for which there are more
applications than openings will be
filled through a random lottery.
If you have questions, please
contact the Curriculum Office at
(517)676-6490.
Keynotes / Page 2
Academic All-State Honors
The 2015-16 wrestling team has earned team Academic All-State
honors. The team is comprised of 14 different wrestlers with a combined GPA of 3.2 or higher to qualify. Of those 14 wrestlers, each
member must have participated in a minimum of four separate
Varsity events during the season. The academic All-State team’s
cumulative GPA average was 3.457 and included the following
students:
Jake Komm
Kris Kristofferson
Jared Surato
Tyler Pressley
Ben Surato
Will Muenzenmaier
JD Greathouse
Tristan Miller
Heh Say
Jacob Spencer
Tyler Fanson
Sam Benson
Cameron Swanson
Zach Haynes
Congratulations to these student athletes!
Mason Public Schools Foundation
Red Carpet Gala Raises A Record Shattering $48,000
The Mason Public Schools Foundation (MPSF) Red Carpet Gala Dinner and
Auction held on Saturday, February 6, 2016, netted $48,000, the highest
amount since the event’s inception in 2011. The total net raised in 2015 was
$30,400. All proceeds benefit Mason Public Schools.
“The amount of money raised at the 2016 Red Carpet Gala has exceeded our
expectations,” said Carrie Geyer, MPSF President. “The results are indicative
of the tremendous level of support individuals and businesses in the Mason
community and beyond have for our Mason Public Schools. The hundreds of
Bulldog supporters who either attended or sponsored the event and donated or purchased auction items are to be acknowledged and applauded.”
Two Top Dog awards were presented at the
gala recognizing Spartan Barricading and
Traffic Control Inc. and Lynne Mark. The Top
Dog award was conceived by MPSF to recognize an individual or organization that has
gone above and beyond to support Mason
Public Schools.
“Spartan Barricading and Lynne Mark are wonderful examples of what giving
back to the community truly means and we salute their tireless efforts and
contributions,” said Geyer.
The annual Red Carpet Gala Dinner & Auction is MPSF’s largest annual fundraiser. MPSF also raises funds through the Mason State Bank 5K Run/Walk
held the first Friday in May.
MPSF has donated more than $348,000 to Mason Public Schools over the
past several years. Funding has primarily supported the district’s efforts to
provide enhanced technology in the classroom.
To view photos of the event taken by TruJen Photography, visit
www.masonpsf.org.
Thank you to all of the 2016 Red Carpet
Gala attendees, donors and sponsors!
The Mason Public Schools
Foundation was established
in 1984 by several dedicated
community members sharing
a common cause:
expanding and enhancing
the educational experiences
of Mason Public Schools
students.
To learn more, visit
www.masonpsf.org
Donors and Sponsors:
Platinum Bulldog Sponsor
Dart Bank
Dean Transportation
Friends of the Mason Public Schools
Highland Engineering, Inc.
Mason Jr. Bulldogs Football
Moore Trosper Construction Company
Gold Bulldog Sponsor
Cady Financial
CSM Mechanical, LLC
The Disselkoen Family
Gestamp North America
Dave and Annette Golder
LAFCU
Mason Optimist Club
MSU Federal Credit Union
Oracle Financial Solutions
Spartan-Net
Superior Services R.S.H. Inc.
Vision Real Estate
Wolverine Engineers & Surveyors, Inc.
Silver Bulldog Sponsor
Dave & Laura Cheney
Kathy and Tom Cochran
Melissa and Mark Cook Family
GMB Architecture + Engineering
Patterson Veterinary Hospital
Patrick and Lisa O'Connor Family
Rieth-Riley Construction Co., Inc.
The Skillman Corporation
Chris and Mike Waltz
Ware's Pharmacy
Zielinski Dental
Bronze Bulldog Sponsor
John and Linda Akers Family
CE&A Professional Services
CP Federal Credit Union
Peter and Kalene Curtis
Tom and Jessica Curtis Family
Ron Drzewicki
Dave and Carrie Geyer Family
Hair & Company on Ash
J2 Design
Johnny Mac’s Sporting Goods
Eric and Kathy Joneson Family
King Motors
Lansing Sanitary Supply
Mason Youth Wrestling Club
Commissioner Robin Case Naeyaert
Marc and Rita Ramsey
Andrew and Lynda Radvansky
Bill Schneider and Frances Trail
Sehi Computer Products
Brian and Christine Spitzley
Sarah and Joe White Family
In-Kind Sponsor
ASAP Printing, Inc.
Mason Insurance Agency, Inc.
Meijer
Publicom, Inc.
Sheridan Realty & Auction Co.
Keynotes / Page 3
Mason Public Schools Implements New Strategic Plan
Mason FFA
State Convention
The Mason FFA Chapter
participated in the annual
State FFA Convention
March 9-11th at Michigan
State University. Twenty
six members had the opportunity to attend Leadership Workshops and
convention sessions, listen
to motivational speakers,
as well as receive awards
and participate in state
level competitions.
Chapter Delegates, Analiese Guettler and Alec
Boomer toured the capital
and met with our state
legislators to discuss the
importance of Agriscience
Education and the FFA.
Members, Adrian Schunk
and Nathan Torrey, received their Outstanding
Jr. Degree.
Our Chapter was also
recognized with a Silver
National Chapter Award
for their activities and
accomplishments throughout the past year.
Keynotes / Page 4
Mason Public Schools’ Board of
Education approved the district’s
new Strategic Plan on December
14, 2015. The new Strategic Plan
will be used to guide the district in
decision making as it makes
improvements to facilities, technology, and instructional program.
“The Strategic Plan will function as
a road map,” said Ronald
Drzewicki, Superintendent. “It will
focus our efforts on excellence
and in meeting the needs of the
students and community.”
The development of the Strategic
Plan was a year-long process.
Input was gathered from students,
staff, parents and community
members and a Strategic Planning
Task Force was established to
develop the formal plan.
“This process was community and
staff driven,” said Drzewicki. “We
listened and engaged others in the
development of this plan.”
The Strategic Plan contains the
district’s vision, mission, core values, targets and priorities, and
promise. The Task Force selected
“Inspire, Empower, Succeed” as
the district promise. The promise
represents the commitment of all
district employees to establish an
exemplary learning community
that enables each student to flourish as a responsible citizen in a
complex, changing world.
Jump Rope for Heart Event
Each year all three elementary schools participate
in a fundraiser in connection with the American
Heart Association. Jump Rope for Heart is
designed to raise awareness and funds to assist
those with serious heart conditions. Students are
taught the importance of developing hearthealthy habits, being physically active and the benefit of helping others.
Mr. Cargill, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. McKay organize awesome Jump Rope
for Heart events at their respective buildings for students, motivating
them to live healthier lifestyles and helping children like them all over
the United States. The American Heart Association provides prizes and
tokens of appreciation (jump ropes, soccer balls, t-shirts, etc.) to
students that have collected donations.
As a district our students have raised over $56,000 over the past two
school years! Mr. Cargill, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. McKay are so proud of
the efforts of our students and the support of our administrators. The
goal is to continue Jump Rope for Heart to educate students about
healthy living and to assist those in need of assistance from the
American Heart Association.
Mason State Bank Centennial Fund
Donates to Mason Promise
Scholarship
In 1984, the Mason State Bank Centennial Fund,
Inc. was organized exclusively to provide funds for
charitable, religious, educational, and scientific
purposes to groups in the Mason area. Since the
Mason State Bank Centennial Fund Board of
Directors recently voted to dissolve the corporation, assets in excess of $51,000 now must be
distributed in accordance with the by-laws of the
corporation.
Their decision was the Mason
Promise Scholarship would be the recipient of the
funds.
“We are very happy to support our community by
providing financial assistance in education of our
young people that will be the future of this
community,” says Timothy Gaylord, President and
CEO of Mason State Bank. The Mason Promise
Scholarship was established in 2005 to provide
student support and scholarship assistance for two
years at Lansing Community College to selected
students who graduate from Mason Public
Schools.
Students currently in the program range from sixth
grade through college. Students are selected at
the end of the fifth grade by teachers and administrators.
Selection criteria includes academic
capability, motivation, behavior, parental support,
and economic need. The scholarship’s “Pathway
Program” provides mentoring over the six years
between selection and graduation from Mason
Public Schools.
From the Transportation Department
Once a student is assigned to a bus route, the driver assumes responsibility to pick up and deliver
your child to his/her school or designated stop.
Occasionally, it may be necessary for a student to
get on or off the bus at another student’s stop.
This can put a bus driver in an awkward position if
the student does not have written permission from
the parent. Drivers are not permitted to allow
students to ride a bus if they are not assigned to
the route without written permission from a
parent or guardian. Permission is best handled by
the parent/guardian writing a note authorizing the
student to get on or get off the bus at a location
different than their normal stop. A permission
note should include a parent/guardian name, be
signed by the parent/guardian and have a contact
phone number. In those rare cases where plans
may evolve after your child has gone to school, the
parent may call the school office to request a note
be written authorizing your child to get off at a
different location. Drivers are not permitted to
accept text messages or parent calls for permission.
Note: Students who are deviating from their
normal schedule must be capable of getting to the
proper bus without assistance. Younger riders will
likely not be able to do this.
Timothy Gaylord, President and CEO of
Mason State Bank, presents Mason Public
Schools Superintendent Ron Drzewicki with
a check for over $51,000 for the Mason
Promise Scholarship.
Good communication between parents and the
Transportation
Department will help to keep
your child safe and assure
you child arrives at the
correct location.
Keynotes / Page 5
Masquerade Fun at the Elementary School Dance
One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock rock, as the
music begins, screams of excitement from a record
breaking crowd of 341 young ladies and their special guest in attendance at the Mason Elementary
School Dance. The dance floor was filled the entire
night with old dance moves, new dance moves and
smiles on everyone’s faces!
Thank you to all the Elementary Secretaries, Peggy
Wassner and Yolanda Combs for your help in
putting this dance together. The impressive decorations made by the Mason Visual Arts Trip Club were
a huge success. Thank you to all!
The next big event will be held Saturday, May 14th
at City Limits for the Mom and Son Bowling Date.
Registrations will go out the end of April.
Register Now for the Mason State Bank 5K Run/Walk
Runners, walkers and Bulldog supporters alike can
register now for the 28th annual Mason State Bank
5K Run/Walk event to be held Friday, May 6, 2016
in downtown Mason with net proceeds benefit
Mason Public Schools.
This event is part of the Playmakers Race Series.
You must be pre-registered by April 29 to be guaranteed a shirt, so don’t delay! It’s fun for the whole
family. Registrants can pick up their packets at the
dates and locations listed below:
Register online at www.masonstate.com. Those
who register on or before April 29, 2016 pay only a
$25 entry fee for the 5K Run/Walk. Early registration is only $10 each for the Children’s 1-Mile Run
and Kids 100-yard Dash.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Harvey Education Center
(formerly Cedar Street Elementary School)
400 South Cedar Street, Mason
5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Group discounts are available. Groups of 10-19
participants – 10% discount; Groups of 20+ participants – 20% discount. Payment for the entire
group must be one check (made out to Mason Public Schools Foundation) or cash and all individual
registration forms must be submitted with payment to Mason State Bank by April 29, 2016.
Keynotes / Page 6
Thursday May 5, 2016
Playmakers
2299 West Grand River Ave., Okemos
5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2016 (race day)
Downtown Mason
Under the tent by the starting line
5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
The Mason Public Schools Building
and Site Sinking Fund millage is up for
renewal. A Building & Site Sinking
Fund is an annual millage (with a term
of ten years), allowing districts to provide funding on a pay as you go basis.
Science Night Delights Families, Raises Funds
Nearly 300 people attended the Mason Schools Science Night on
Friday, Nov. 6 at Impression 5 Science Center presented by the
Mason Public Schools Foundation. This special event was held after
hours exclusively for Mason families to view Impression 5’s newest
exhibit: Paleomania: 4.6 Million Years of Fossil History.
Young and old alike were able
to touch fossils, make slime,
walk into a giant eye, strike a
pose on the shadow wall and
much more.
Through ticket purchases, food
sales, donations and sponsorKindergartner, Katie Truman,
ships, the event raised $2,000
plays with the smart board
to benefit Mason Public
Schools while providing a hands-on, interactive educational opportunity.
Special thanks to underwriting sponsor Wolverine Engineers & Surveyors, Inc.; Impression 5 Science Center; and refreshment donors:
Paul Davis Restoration
Mark McGee
Pepsi Company
Melissa Mullaly
This fund currently provides approximately $665,000 annually to the
district, providing a significant source
of funding dollars.
Over the past several years, the
Mason Building and Site Sinking Fund
has provided for:
*Roof replacements and repairs
*HVAC repairs
*Heat pump and chiller repairs
*H.S. classroom renovations
*Parking lot repaving
*Door and window replacements
*Well repairs
The use of Building and Site Sinking
Fund dollars allows for the preservation of general fund dollars for education.
Proceeds can be spent on new
construction, additions, remodeling,
site improvements, athletic facilities,
playgrounds and certain aspects of
technology. Proceeds may not be used
for maintenance, buses, furnishings
and equipment, or salaries of any
school district employees.
If approved, these funds would continue to pay for roof repairs/
replacements, HVAC system repairs,
paving of parking lots, and additional
ongoing repairs.
Alaiedon third grader, Michael
Mullaly, admires the giant T-Rex fossil
Keynotes / Page 7
Community Forum Scheduled
MASON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Forum will discuss the May 2016 ballot initiatives
Ralph Beebe, President
Becky Brimley, Vice President
Laura Fenger, Secretary
Julie Rogers, Treasurer
Laura Cheney, Trustee
Kurt Creamer, Trustee
Tom Curtis, Trustee
Mason Public Schools would like to invite the community to attend a third
Community Forum about the May 3rd, 2016, Bond Proposal and Sinking Fund
Renewal. The forum titled, “Investing in Our Future,” will be held on
Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Mason Middle School Library.
It is the policy of the Mason Board of
Education that no person be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or
otherwise be subjected to discrimination, on the basis of race, religion,
color, national origin or ancestry, age,
sex, height, weight, or handicap, or
being a disabled veteran, or a veteran
of the Vietnam era, in any program,
activity, or employment involving the
Mason Public School District.
The purpose of the forum is to provide the community with information on
the Mason Public Schools Bond Proposal and Sinking Fund Renewal. The
discussion will address the issues facing the district, answer frequently asked
questions, and show the solutions decided on through research, facility
audits, surveys, and hours of steering committee meetings.
For additional information, please visit:
www.masonk12.net
April 12
11th Grade MME/SAT
Full Day (11th Gr.)
April 12
Half Day
(9th, 10th, 12th Gr)
April 1
April 13
Conference Release Day
11th Grade MME/SAT
No School (K-12)
Full Day (11th Gr.)
April 4—8
Spring Break
No School (K-12)
April 12
Half Day
(9th, 10th, 12th Gr.)
April 27
High School
Conferences
May 30
Memorial Day
No School (K-12)
June 8-9
High School
Exams
June 9
Last Day of School
Half Day (K-12)
District Communications
To stay in touch with what’s happening in
the district, “like” us on Facebook, follow
various Twitter accounts and view the district website. The website is available to
the community and can be found at
www.masonk12.net. The website is updated often and is a primary source for
district information.
MASON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SUPERINTENDENT
Ronald Drzewicki, Ed.S.
[email protected]
Phone: 517-676-2484
CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
Cheryl S. Wald
[email protected]
Website: masonk12.net
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM
Matthew Stuard
[email protected]
400 S. Cedar St.
Mason, MI 48854
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Rick Brooks
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER EDITOR/GRAPHICS DESIGN
Heather Waldrop
[email protected]