
We are celebrating National Principals Month with an inside look at our schools' leadership. Our principals are answering the question, "What makes you proud to be a principal for NMSD?" This week we hear about Jessica Collins' journey with North Mason School District.
"Hi, my name is Jessica Collins and I’m the Proud Principal of Belfair Elementary! I love being a principal because of all the wonderful humans I get to work with every day. North Mason has been home to me in all kinds of ways for almost 20 years. I have had the privilege of working in many roles in this district from PTA Volunteer, Para Educator, Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and now Principal. I have been inspired by so many amazing NM educators along the way and the relationships I have built are so fulfilling and special to me. North Mason is a unique place to work because everyone has a way of nurturing the nature of belonging, family, and personal growth. My two children were fortunate enough to learn from, be inspired by, and love so many amazing teachers through their educational journey in North Mason. Both my husband and I have been able to watch our community of students grow and become amazing humans. As the principal of Belfair Elementary, I grow prouder and prouder every day of the staff, students, and families that I have the privilege to serve!"
#ThankAPrincipal


The Belfair Elementary Jog-A-Thon fundraiser has started! The Jog-A-Thon has been a tradition for our Bobcats for 20 plus years! The money raised supports cultural, athletic, recreational, and social events at our school. This is our major ASB fundraiser. (Note: children should not be allowed to go door-to-door alone to solicit pledges)
Tomorrow, October 12th, the first sponsorship forms are due with the money they have earned up to this point. Please make checks payable to Belfair Elementary.
Volunteers are needed on October 19th, the day of the Jog-A-Thon. (October 20th, if the 19th is too rainy.) You can volunteer online @ https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044BA9A92AA7FF2-44891054-belfair
**A current background check is required to be on file with the district.
Thank you for helping to make a difference at Belfair Elementary!

National Principals Month is a tribute to the pivotal role principals play in leading our schools and shaping the future of our nation’s students. Join us this October as we extend our gratitude to these transformative figures. Visit principalsmonth.org to #ThankAPrincipal!
Thank you to our amazing principals, pictured left to right: Robert Kalahan, Hawkins MS, Alexia Hadfield, James A. Taylor/Homelink, Chad Collins, NMHS, Jason Swaser, Sand Hill Elementary, Jessica Collins, Belfair Elementary


Orange Shirt Day is September 30th
North Mason School District honors the experiences of the Native American children who were victims of residential schools. We join with the Indigenous Peoples to celebrate resilience and affirm the commitment that Every Child Matters.


LEO'S Photography is here today!
You can order online using the QR code.


North Mason School District Childfind information.



North Mason School District is committed to offering a variety of opportunities to highly capable/gifted students.
The referral window for the NMSD Highly Capable/Gifted program is now open.
Referrals will be accepted until November 24th, 2023.
Some characteristics of gifted students include:
• Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers
• Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
• Strong sense of curiosity
• Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics
• Quirky or mature sense of humor
• Creative problem solving and imaginative expression
• Absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
• Self-aware, socially aware, and aware of global issues
Have questions?
Savannah Elliott, Coordinator of Highly Capable Programs, 360-277-2110, smelliott@northmasonschools.org



Students at Belfair Elementary modeled the four pillars to Kinders and 1st graders at today's assembly that detailed the PBIS system (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports). Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Kind attributes were demonstrated as the students listened attentively to Principal Collins describe the matrix of expected behaviors. "Character is what you do when no one is looking," she explained to the students. "It is who you are in your heart." After an inspirational assembly, news of the return of the golden trash can was celebrated by the students. Mr. Connell led the crowd in a rousing Belfair Elementary song as they left the gymnasium by grade level; consistently displaying positive behavior.
Great job, Belfair Bobcats!











Big day for our new kindergarten students (and their families!) as they begin their educational journey with North Mason School District. Welcome...and have a great first day!


Happy first day back to school, North Mason! It was wonderful to see everyone's smiling faces and feel the positive energy at each of the schools. It's going to be a great year. We can't wait to see all that our students accomplish!












OPEN HOUSE & BOOK FAIR
Reminder: Open House is tomorrow night, August 29th, from 5:00-6:00. So that parking is not a huge issue, we are dividing up the time by last name. A-L: 5:00-5:30 & L-Z: 5:30-6:00. Parking will be allowed behind the school for those that are unable to walk from the front parking lots.
The Scholastic Book Fair will be in the library during Open House through Friday hosted by our wonderful PTA.
Our first day of school is this Wednesday for 1st through 5th grades. School starts at 9:20 and will be a FULL day, ending at 4:00. Our teachers and staff are SO EXCITED to welcome students back.



Fill the Bus 2023 is happening this Saturday, August 19th from 9 am - 3 pm in the QFC parking lot. All school supplies and money collected support NMSD students. Thank you to the NMSD bus drivers for sponsoring and organizing this popular event. Please come out and show your support!


Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything North Mason School District, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app!
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3plCG5i
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3B323v1



We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3plCG5i
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3B323v1



SAVE THE DATE! August 23rd from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Upper Campus North Mason is hosting the 2nd Annual PICNIC and Transportation Round Up. Hope you can join us!



We're thrilled to announce the new app for North Mason School District! It's everything North Mason School District, in your pocket.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3plCG5i
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3B323v1



🚌🚍 Wave to the Buses
This afternoon at each of the buildings, teachers, staff and administration lined the sidewalks to take part in the traditional wave to the buses. Before boarding, students were seen saying goodbye to friends and teachers, many lingering until the horns started to honk as warning that it was time. Once all the students were on board, drivers slowly drove by the crowds, honking their horns to celebrate the end of the year. Students were smiling as they waved goodbye, some calling out to their favorite teachers, some holding signs that reflected the ones looking back at them. A simple message: We will miss you!
It's a tradition that brings us smiles, laughter and some tears...and it wraps our year up with a bow 🎀.
Congratulations to our North Mason students and families on the completion of the 2022-2023 school year! From all of us at NMSD...have a safe, enjoyable summer! ☀️ We will miss you...
