Mason Built: Educational Success Forged by Good Character
At Otis A. Mason Elementary School, we believe education is a community commitment. Check our website regularly for volunteer opportunities. All volunteers must be background checked in Raptor. We also believe that every member of our community serves as an example for our students.
Calling all Dads! This organization is for YOU!
Hello, parents! We are excited to announce that we will be starting an All Pro Dad Chapter here at Otis A. Mason Elementary School! All Pro Dad is a monthly gathering where dads get to intentionally engage with their kids! This of course is not just limited to dads, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be fun activities and a character-based curriculum that helps dads start meaningful conversations with their kids. Our first gathering is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at 7:30 a.m. in the Media Center and we would love to see you there. If you would like to come, please RSVP here! (https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16724). For more information or questions, contact our team captain, Craig Sanders, at this email: [email protected].
Enjoying the Literary Classic Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
The 5th grade read-aloud this year is the classic Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. This book was originally published in 1987 and has won numerous children’s book awards including the Newbery Medal.
Discussion questions:
How does experience change a person? How do you think Brian changed as a person because of his experience? Does a person have control over how an experience changes them?
Many people remark that “nature” is a character” of this book. Would you agree? Do you see nature as a protagonist, an antagonist, or both throughout the course of the narrative?
Kindness for a Cause: Register for Raise Craze and Support the OMES Community Today
September 11th: Remember and Honor
How will your family discuss this important day?
Our school will participate in the National Moment of Silence at 8:46am.
Here are some resources to help your family navigate this difficult topic:
- Common Sense Media: A guide for finding age-appropriate media resources
- Nat Geo Kids: Photographs and overview
- Animal Planet: Hero Dogs of 9/11 Documentary (a great film about the animal rescuers!)
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum Activities at home: Meaningful arts and crafts that bring meaning to this important day
- Kids Discover: Remembering 9/11 Overview
Hispanic Heritage Month : September 15-October 15
September 15th through October 15th in the state of Florida is Hispanic Heritage month. How will your family celebrate Hispanic culture and it’s contributions to American culture.
We suggust these resources:
- National Museum of the American Latino
- PBS: Hispanic Heritage month specials
- Frida Kahlo art ideas for kids
- Britannica Kids: Lin Manuel Miranda reignites a love for American History
- National Archives: Guide to Hispanic Heritage Month
Now Enrolling for Soccer and Chorus!
Now enrolling: soccer enthusiasts and Manatee singers!
Soccer Shots meets every Monday from 3:00-4:00pm here at Otis Mason. The program is especially designed for 5 through 10 year olds. Please direct your questions and sign-up through Soccer Shots directly. Sign-up on their website using this link!
Chorus is seeking 3rd-5th grade singers. Apply now to audition. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays until 4:30pm. Performances will be December 5th, December 15th, and December 18th. Forms are available in the Music Room and Front Office. All forms are due by Wednesday, September 9th-click here!
OMES VPK Receives "Excellent" Rating!
Congratulations to our Pre-Kindergarten Team for receiving an EXCELLENT ranking. The score card is based on quality of instructions, child achievement, and learning gains made by students. A well-deserved BRAVO!
Congratulations, SJCSO Student of the Month: Edith Teasley
Our school resource officer, Deputy Gomez, recognized 5th grader Edith Teasley as the SJCSO Student of the Month for August. Edith is a member safety patrol, an exemplary student leader, and a great example of the 6 pillars of character. Congratulations, Edith!
Will YOU be our next SJCSO Student of the Month? How can YOU be a student leader?
Ms. Tanner: Leading by Example in 1st Grade
Our next Character Counts trophy staff recipient is, Ms. Tanner! Ms. Tanner is being recognized as an example of leadership and citizenship in our community. She always exudes a love for our school and students and puts plans into action to make our community better!
Students, keep an eye on this Character Counts! trophy as it will move to our next Character Counts! nominee. It may be your teacher who is next!
YOU are a part of our PTO community:
Order shirts, fulfill wishlists, & celebrate your student!
Amazon Wishlists for our school: Staff Wishlists – Google Drive
OMES Spirit Wear Store-Order using this link
Rent the rock Sign-up-paint a special message for your student!
Celebrate your student’s birthday with a Marquee shout-out: Sign-up here!
Join the School Advisory Council (SAC) &
Be a Part of our Growth & Improvement
Fall Individual Pictures, September 29th: Save-the-Date!
Order Forms coming soon!
A la escuela de Otis A. Mason, se habla espanol. Si necessitas hablar con un membiero de este escuela en espanol, llamanos, por favor, a 904-547-8440.
We are Public School Proud.
Every child deserves to be accepted and challenged to be their best.
Core Values
Our Mission
At Otis A. Mason Elementary School, we believe student success is fostered by a continuous commitment to improvement, which ensures well-rounded and motivated learners. We do this by maintaining a safe and dynamic learning environment, promoting high expectations for all students, nurturing determination, developing personal relationships, and involving our community.
Our Vision
The “Mason Way” is one that nurtures a passion in every child for personal success, good character, and a desire to learn, explore, and better themselves as they grow to be responsible members of our community.
Schedule
School Information:
M-F 7:55am–3:45pm
Main Office: (904) 547-8440
Clinic: (904) 547-8444
Registration: (904) 547-8436
School Hours:
- Arrival – 8:00am
- Classes Begin –8:25am
- Dismissal –
- 2:45pm – Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
- 1:45pm – Wed (Early Release)
Policies & Procedures
Attendance & Tardies
Attendance is extremely important for students to be successful at our school. It is also important that students arrive at school on time, and ready to learn! Parents are encouraged to utilize school bus transportation. Daily drop off begins at 8:00am. Families should utilize the parent drop off line and remain in the car until school staff are outside to welcome students for the day (after 8 am). If your child arrives after 8:20am, you will need to come inside the school to sign them in.
Absences from School
If your child is absent from school, a parent/guardian must turn in a written signed note or a doctor’s note within 48 hours for the absence to be considered excused, upon the students return to school. Notes may be submitted electronically through Parent Square. Phone calls will not be accepted. We appreciate your support.
Early Dismissal & Dismissal Changes
- For the safety of all students, children may not be checked out of school after 2:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday and 1:15pm on Wednesday.
- If you need to change the way your child goes home in the afternoon or for an early dismissal, please complete our Dismissal Change Request Form. Handwritten notes are no longer accepted.
- Please Note: Early Dismissals – We do not send children to the front office until you have arrived and shown your photo ID to the front office staff. Dismissal Changes – Can only be accepted before 2:10pm (1:10pm on Wednesdays).
- We cannot accept phone calls for those changes. Changes in afternoon transportation should only be for emergency situations. Thank you for your understanding.
Featured Links
Parent & Student Information
2026-2027-SJCSD-Master-Calendar Master Calendar
How to Access the FL Assessments Portal
