National School Counseling Week 2025 is Feb. 3-7, 2025, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. The theme this year is: School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive.
Thank you to our amazing counselors (left to right, top to bottom): Deb Swaser, Juliet Tran, Allie Wojtanowicz, Victoria Edwards, Katelin Lacoste, Jane Adams, and Ashley Lyon. We appreciate all you do to help our students thrive!
❄️Due to road conditions in parts of our district and the prediction of more snow this afternoon, North Mason School District will be closed today.
💙 Recognizing Empathy 💙
As part of the building administration appreciation series, Assistant Principal Tyler Lunde from Sand Hill Elementary has nominated 3rd grade teacher Maria Sweet for consistently demonstrating the trait of 'Empathy.' He shares, "Maria continually models showing empathy to her students and colleagues. She lends an ear when needed and gives endless warm smiles and encouragement to everyone."
Congratulations on this recognition, Maria. We appreciate you for creating an environment of empathy for students AND staff.
💙"I practice my gratitude every day, being in this position, because I know it's an extra. Today we're doing the Pawsitive Shop and every student participates. Then in a few minutes, I get the privilege of opening the doors and saying hello to everyone." This is how Andrew Shifrin, Library Tech at Sand Hill Elementary, starts his day. He beams with pride, knowing he is impacting the students each day and recalls when he was that student, going to Sand Hill as a young boy. "Every day I remind myself I'm in the most beautiful room in the school." He motions to the ceiling where the light is flowing in, "Look at that. They don't build schools like this anymore." After a few moments of being lost in his memories, he adds, " I remember the wonder I felt as a student coming to the library. And now I feel that every day."
🧟 The REAL Zombie 🧟
The invasion of the zombies is coming next week to our elementary schools. No, not THAT kind of zombie but rather the gooey, delectable, cheesy goodness kind. So when you hear your student talking about the zombies at school, now you know, it's a GOOD thing!
Thank you to our Child Nutrition Director Mackenna Long for this public service announcement!
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Celebrating Jana Hoberg, 4th grade teacher at Sand Hill Elementary, who is being highlighted as part of our administrator appreciation series for how she approaches every interaction with gratitude! Nominated by Tyler Lunde, assistant principal, he shares that "Jana is so appreciative of everyone's efforts and she expresses gratitude to her students for the assets they bring to her classroom. She makes them known they are appreciated, too."
Congratulations on earning this recognition, Jana!
💚 Leading with Gratitude 💚
Congratulations to Sand Hill Elementary paraeducator, Jillie Mauer, on being nominated by Principal Jessica Collins as part of our building administrator staff recognition series. Thank you for all you do for our students!
📖 Mrs. Varick's first grade class had a special visitor today when Superintendent Rosenbach stopped by to read them one of her favorite Christmas stories, "Santa's First Christmas," by Mac Barnett. Before getting into the story, students raised their hands to share their observations in a thoughtful discussion about elves, Christmas magic, and their favorite holiday memories and traditions.
Most adorable book-club ever!
The theme for National School Psychology Week is, Spark Discovery,” recognizing the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, effect change, and expand horizons for children and youth. One of our school psychologists, Chasity Johnson, shares what sparks her to do this important work. “I am driven by a passion for helping others, embracing teamwork, and honoring every person’s unique worth. I believe that joy is found in the little moments, and each day is a chance to make a positive impact.”
Thank you to all of our school psychologists, Chasity Johnson, Maria Gent, Annie Kuznik, and Anthony Wilborn, for supporting our students through your commitment to this important work.
Not pictured - Anthony Wilborn
🍂 Harvest Hustle 🍂
It was a perfect day for Sand Hill's jog-a-thon on Friday. Over two sessions, kids gave it their all and logged lap after lap towards their fundraising goal of $8,000. Teachers and volunteers lined the field to track student progress, marking their cards as they ran by. One student proudly exclaimed, "I've done 20 laps!" Also on the sidelines were student sections, motivating the runners to keep going with high-fives and cheers. The water station was hopping and the "Parent Poppers" were seen inside preparing a ton of popcorn for a post-jog-a-thon snack.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible for our students!
Well done, Cougars!
(for more pictures, please visit https://www.facebook.com/northmasonschooldistrict)
“We would like to enthusiastically nominate Irina Bailey for Staff Member of the Month! Irina truly goes above and beyond. Despite the whirlwind of changes that come with new administration, she has embraced every new task with grace, humor, and unwavering diligence. Not only is she incredibly hardworking but Irina also brings a joyful and positive attitude to everything she does. Whether she’s handling new challenges or simply sending out one of her famously fantastic emails, she does it all with a smile and a sense of humor that brightens everyone’s day. Her commitment and energy are nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.” Jessica Collins, Principal, Sand Hill Elementary
REMINDER: Fall parent-teacher Conferences are next week! If you haven't already, you'll be hearing from your child’s teacher(s) soon to schedule yours. If for some reason you don’t, please reach out to them via ParentSquare. > Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25 are half days for students (Dismissal @ 12:50). For conference information at other North Mason campuses, follow this link: https://www.northmasonschools.org/page/school-conferences Follow the link below for information about what to expect at a parent-teacher conference: ENGLISH: https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/tips-successful-parent-teacher-conferences-your-childs-school SPANISH: https://www.colorincolorado.org/es/articulo/consejos-para-padres-conferencias-de-padres-y-maestros
Happy National Principals Month! Sending a huge thank you to our incredible principals who lead with dedication and inspire our students every day. Your impact is invaluable! #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth
📣Share your voice, North Mason!
Possip Pulse Checks® are a great way to keep us updated on your needs! Next survey coming October 2nd!
Learn more by watching these videos:
English: https://youtu.be/P5Zcy4an3qM
Spanish: https://youtu.be/Im5RJ3ZdNdk
🖐️Welcome to Kindergarten/Bienvenidos a Kinder🖐️
Today we welcome our Kindergarten students! Please drive safely and watch for our students and buses. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) form was sent home on the first day of school with your student. Please fill this out and return to your school no later than September 6th. The information you provide helps qualify the district for free and reduced meal benefits. Currently, all North Mason students are eligible for free meals. For more information about CNEEB, visit the OSPI website https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/child-nutrition/school-meals/washington-school-meals-application-finder or see below:
Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit Application
The Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit (CNEEB) Application merges the free and reduced-price meal application and the Family Income Survey. Through submission of the CNEEB Application, households may qualify for:
Free and reduced-price meal benefits,
Summer EBT benefits (if enrolled in an NSLP/SBP school),
Reduced fees for other programs and activities, and/or
Help secure other educational funding for the Local Education Agency.
🚌 Fill the Bus was a HUGE success with nearly $3,000 raised (and climbing!) in cash donations, along with boxes and boxes of school supplies. Thank you to everyone in our community who supported this fundraiser. What a tremendous show of support! This is our bus drivers' biggest fundraiser of the year, their labor of love, and it completely benefits North Mason students. Thank you, bus drivers! (If you, or someone you know, needs assistance getting school supplies for the upcoming school year, please contact Laura Pugh, Family Community Intervention Liaison, LPugh@northmasonschools.org , 360-277-2241)
🚌 It's happening! 🚌 Come on down and support our students! Bus drivers are set up in the QFC parking lot until 1 pm for their biggest fundraiser of the year. Any school supplies and cash donations will be gratefully accepted! Thank you for your support!
It's almost time! Return to School is August 28th for 1st-12th grade and September 3rd for Kindergarten. We can't wait to see our students! Save this link to the calendar for the 24/25 school year https://www.northmasonschools.org/documents/parents%2Fcommunity/calendars/454993
🚌 FILL THE BUS EVENT 🚌 Saturday, August 17th from 8:00 am-1:00 pm in the QFC parking lot. This is our bus drivers' big volunteer project: collecting school supplies/donations for students. Let's help them set a record for the 24/25 school year! Thank you, QFC, for hosting!
