North Mason School District

International Translation Day - September 30, 2023 Language rights are human rights – everyone has the right to use their language of proficiency. For many, this is only possible with the assistance of a translator or interpreter. Leaving no one behind means speaking to everyone, especially in times of hardship and crisis, where the need to understand what is going on around you, and be understood, can be a matter of survival. Translators and interpreters make this possible. (taken from the International Federation of Translators website https://en.fit-ift.org/)

FOOTBALL GAMEDAY! North Mason hosts #3 Bremerton at 7pm in Phil Pugh Stadium! It is Hero Night! Show up in Uniform Military & First Responders for free entrance! Halftime Highlights: Mini Cheer, Marching Band, and a Jersey Retirement. For more info: follow NMBulldogs on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CxyB5XVMMmF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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.

Celebrations were underway in the Life Skills classroom this morning when the students threw a baby shower for Mrs. Ashley. Not only did they have fun, the students also learned valuable skills in event planning. They were involved in every detail including what food would be served, the theme, decorations and the games that would be played. As part of their planning, students earned "money" and "shopped" to select the perfect baby gifts for Mrs. Ashley, who was visibly moved by the students' thoughtfulness. Great job by all our Life Skills students! Congratulations, Mrs. Ashley!

Celebrating our MLL staff during Hispanic Latino Heritage Month!

Come support the Bulldog Marching Band & Color Guard this SATURDAY as they compete against Bainbridge and six other Northwest high schools at the Peninsula Classic Marching Band Festival. General admission is $12, with reserved seating at $15. Performances start at 11:20 A.M and continue until 6pm. This is the first competition of the season, so join us at Peninsula High School (Gig Harbor) as we root on our marching bulldogs.

Athletics around the District are ramping up, with many season openers happening in recent days. Hawkins' girls fastpitch has their season opener this afternoon at Klahowya Secondary, while boys baseball and co-ed track are both hosting events at home. For the schedule of events for HMS: https://www.northmasonschools.org/o/hawkins/events NMHS cross-country athletes are on the road at Sequim this evening. Girls volleyball plays at Home. Tomorrow, girls volleyball and soccer play at home. For a full schedule of NMHS sporting events: https://www.northmasonschools.org/o/nmhs/events or https://northmasonbulldogs.com/ Updates can be found on https://www.instagram.com/northmasonbulldogs/ Good luck to all of our student athletes!

Celebrating our MLL teachers and staff during Hispanic Heritage Month! First up, meet Yesenia Nunez, MLL teacher at Sand Hill Elementary, answering the question, "Why did you become a teacher?" Thank you for sharing your story, Yesenia! My decision to become a teacher was to help kids that were like me feel confident in their ability to become whatever they want to be. I had an ELA teacher that was always there to help in my learning needs. Mrs. Suarez is a one of the biggest reasons I became a teacher. She always told me to be proud of my culture. I am a Mexican American, first in my family to receive a master's degree and second after my mother to receive a bachelor's degree. My mother is another reason teaching is a passion of mine. I come from a family of farm workers. My father worked hard to put my sisters and I through school and teach us what hard work was. One thing that makes me who I am is being Mexican; my culture and upbringing are why I am the way I am. It is also one of the main reasons I became a teacher.

On IT Professionals day, we would like to thank our amazing technology team. Thank you for all you do to keep things running smoothly at NMSD!

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

Curriculum night at Hawkins Middle School was a huge success, with so many of our families coming out to spend the evening learning more about the student experience at HMS. Families gathered in the gymnasium for an opening welcome from Principal Kalahan, then met staff and teachers while navigating their student's schedule by going class to class. Thank you to all who came out to hear about the great things happening at Hawkins!

Thank you to Brennan Hanson of Hanson Paint & Repair, Class of '02, who donated his artistic expertise and gave the NMHS Bulldog a fresh new look. We appreciate you! Check out the before and after! https://www.facebook.com/HansonPaintRepair #gobulldogs

Thank you to all who attended the NMSD PICNIC in August, and to all that made the event possible. Click on the link to watch a video slideshow: https://clipchamp.com/watch/Puj3oj3x0FB

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!

First Day of Kindergarten! New students with siblings, parents and more, taking their kindergartner to the front door. Arms wrapped around and holding them tight, waving until they are gone from their sight. Some students and parents wipe away tears but mostly the smiles override any fears. It takes a village to get students their tools, all of it here at North Mason schools. Bobcats and Cougars joining the fold, our utmost priority, their hearts to hold We are so happy to have our new Kindergarten students join Belfair Elementary and Sand Hill Elementary. What a warm welcome they received from staff, administration and fellow students. The journey begins!

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!

North Mason schools and District Office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 4th. Enjoy the long weekend!

BOYS VARSITY FOOTBALL · SEP 1 Battle for the Axe Game Date: Friday, Sep 1st, 2023 Starts: 7:00pm Home vs. Shelton High School Location: Phil Pugh Stadium PACK THE KENNEL WITH HAWAIIAN WEAR!

Kiwanis Club of North Mason has a huge garage sale starting today and going through the weekend. They give back all proceeds through scholarships and other initiatives that benefit our students and our community. Sale is on Hwy 3, across from Belfair Elementary, from 9 am - 5 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thank you, Kiwanis of North Mason, for all you do!

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!