North Mason School District

Celebrating the "seniors" yesterday at Hawkins MS last home fastpitch game. Players were given flowers and goodies to honor their contribution to the team through the years. Can't wait to see what these players do when they continue on as NMHS Bulldogs! Pictured, left to right, Addyson Roy, Sydnnie Imlay, Elizabeth Henningsen, Aubrey Dunham, Madeline Smith, Elyssia Copeland

This week's feature for National Principals Month is Robert Kalahan, answering the question, "What makes you proud to be a principal at NMSD?" "I am the proud principal of Hawkins Middle School in the North Mason School District. I have worked in middle schools my entire career and love the kids at this age. I know that every day will be an adventure as you can really never predict where the social and emotional rollercoaster that is middle school will take you. I am proud of my amazing staff that I get to work with every day. I have been a leader in four different districts over my 20 years as a principal and have never had a staff that is as much fun as my crew is at Hawkins. Our Hawkins teachers, counselors, paraeducators, custodians, lunch ladies, and secretaries love our students and are always willing to go the extra mile for them. Their dedication to the community is inspiring to me." #thankaprincipal

When it comes to bus safety, teach students to play it SAFE: Stay at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb. Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board. Face forward after finding a seat on the bus. Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street. (tips courtesy of nhtsa.gov)

IMPORTANT RELEASE TIMES FOR CONFERENCE WEEK OCTOBER 23 - 27 Half days for Elementary all week release 12:50 PM Secondary is no early release on Wednesday-it's a full normal day Secondary has early release Thursday and Friday release time is 11:25 AM

North Mason students are not having a video game day...it's actually the "Air Rescue" simulator, giving our students the opportunity to virtually fly helicopters and put out fires. Here today until 1 pm, in front of the high school. You can't miss the giant semi. Thank you to the U.S. Army for this experience!

School Bus Safety Week Quiz: (4 guesses and the first three don't count!) When is it okay to pass a school bus when the safety arm is out? A. Never B. Never C. Never D. All of the above

School Bus Safety Week Tip: Illegal school bus passing poses a significant threat to children and others on the road. In every state, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Thank you, Belfair, for stopping for our buses and keeping our children safe!

Chamber's Choice Award Recipient On National Boss' Day NMSD would like to acknowledge our Superintendent, Dana Rosenbach by sharing the award she received at the Chamber Gala this past weekend, and the speech given by Rebecca Bonneville, Senior Loan Officer, Olympia Federal Savings, Belfair Branch: "Each year the Chamber Chairman has the privilege of choosing a community member extraordinaire that leads the way, volunteering their time, talents and contributing to the vitality of the chamber and the community. For this year’s Chairman Choice Award, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of this year’s winner, please enjoy the photos on the screen as we celebrate, Dana Rosenbach our Superintendent of the North Mason School District. Dana Rosenbach began as our Superintendent of the North Mason School District in 2014. As a Graduate of California State University, Northridge and Washington State University – Go Cougs! Dana has brought a unique approach to the North Mason schools with how she envisioned the success of our students, teachers, and community. I recently heard a statement given by our local Congressman Derek Kilmer. Congressman Kilmer stated, “Children are 1/3 of our population and 100% of our Future”. As a parent of a recent student that graduated from North Mason, I can say without a doubt Dana’s leadership with both the district staff and students alike has allowed our future leaders and community members to excel, if not far exceed expectations. With her guidance and genuine care and concern for our students, Superintendent Rosenbach has given North Mason students the encouragement to reach for the stars, especially during multiple times of uncertainty. Superintendent Rosenbach has made such an impact on so many students over the years, undoubtedly, she will continue to do so even without knowing. Thank you for being a leader, an advocate, a mentor, and an amazing individual. (gift presented) This “Tree of Life” represents growth, strength, family, energy, purpose, and good health. All of which you have brought to our community. Thank you!" Congratulations on this recognition and thank you for all you do as Superintendent of North Mason schools!

School Bus Safety Week runs from October 16-20, 2023 We will be sharing helpful tips throughout the week. Check back daily!

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

Students at Hawkins Middle School got an inside look at the career of an underground miner, thanks to parent Jon Hobson who works at Hecla Green Creek in Juneau, Alaska. Ms. Kidd's 6th grade science class were super engaged, asking tons of questions about what the job entails. Students were able to inspect rock samples, 1 oz pure silver and gold coins and they also received a bunch of prizes from the Hecla Mining Company. Thank you so much to parents Jon and Rebecca Hobson for organizing this very interesting career presentation for our students!

Sharing photos from last week... Congratulations to North Mason Homecoming Court 2023 Freshmen: Reid Shumaker and Sophia Sparks Sophomores: Owen Oblizalo and Mattie Huckaby Juniors: Ray Corley and Marriah Fortin Senior Court: Nathan Keller and Leah Hahn Leland Lopes and Abigail Butler Aaron Kilbury and Jesslynn Thomas Woody Tupolo and Madison Butler King: Woody Tupolo Queen: Madison Butler #gobulldogs

NMHS students from the CTE Health classes visited Belfair Elementary to deliver healthy tips in a variety of fun ways to our younger students. The health class students created posters and presentations on healthy habits related to hand washing, teeth brushing, overall hygiene (showering and wearing deodorant), good sleep, and stress management (for the older elementary classes). Thank you Principal Chad Collins and Teacher Heather Brase for sharing these photos and materials highlighting your students in action!

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! In Observance at North Mason School District, there are no classes for students. NMSD Staff will have a Professional Development Day.

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?" First up we are hearing from Mr. Chad Collins. "I am the proud principal of North Mason High School in Belfair, Washington. This is my 13th year as principal at NMHS. Both of my kids have graduated from here – proud of that. My daughter is a 1st year teacher in this district – proud of that. My son is at WSU and also wants to be a teacher, proud of that. And my wife is a second-year principal at BES, proud of that too. My family and I have lived in this community since 1996. My goal was always to be a principal in the community that I live in. It was my privilege to begin this journey in the North Mason SD in 2010. Prior to that, I worked at Maple Lane HS (WA state school for incarcerated boys, state has since shut it down), Gig Harbor HS as Dean of Students, and North Kitsap HS as Assistant principal from 2005-2010. North Mason High School’s student body is something that I brag about to others all the time. It is the most accepting student body I have ever worked with. Our students accept all, and I love that. That is the piece that I am most thankful for. Love the community, great staff – but the kids are what makes it fun for me."

To our North Mason community, This morning at Mary E. Theler Early Learning Center a parent pedestrian was struck by a car exiting the parking lot. Officers and paramedics responded immediately to the scene. Fortunately, the parent involved was not seriously injured, however, it could have been much worse. He was protecting his child from being hit by the car. We have asked repeatedly for our community to follow the school zone speed limit signs and be vigilant while in and around our schools. This is a reminder of the consequences that can result unless we take extra precautions to ensure the safety of our students and families. Everyone must do their part, and a heightened awareness when in parking lots, near schools and around buses will make situations like this preventable. Thank you to our first responders for attending to the scene so quickly, and for their ongoing support enforcing speed limits in our school zones. Superintendent Rosenbach

Celebrating World Teachers Day. We are grateful for our teachers at North Mason!

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

SAVE THE DATE! Bulldog Boosters are hosting the 4th Annual NMHS Soccer Footgolf Tournament & Dinner Auction Fundraiser, Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 3-8 pm at Gold Mountain Golf Course. Tickets: $50 per adult; $25 for children under 12 Thank you for supporting North Mason Girls Soccer!

District-wide bus safety drills were conducted this morning so the transportation team could review safety protocols and instruct students on proper evacuation procedures in the case of an emergency. With the help of staff and volunteers, students practiced exiting through doors on the side and rear of the buses. This valuable refresher happens three times per year.