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.
Important Patriotic Days are Coming!
Celebrate our Constitution and Freedom this September
The state of Florida celebrates Constitution Day on Septmeber 17th and Celebrate Freedom Week on September 21st-25th. On these days, our school will have special announcement, activities, and readings about:
- The U.S. Constitution
- The Declaration of Independence
- The Bill of Rights
- The Founding of our Nation
Calling all Dads! This organization is for YOU!
First Meeting is Friday, September 18th
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].
Girl Scout Registration is Here: for Girls in K-5th Grades
Want a club that emphasizes good citizenship in the community?
Girl Scouts may be just the club for your Manatee.
- Open to girls in K-5th Grades
- Registration required: Girl Scout Registration 26.27
- Student information meeting during lunches on 9/29-students will bring home information!
Junior Creators Art Club is Looking for Artists in K-2
Mrs. C is excited to begin our Junior Creators Art Club. Here are some things to know before you apply:
- Will meet Tuesdays 3-4pm (10/6-12/1)
- Applications due by 9/23
- Permission slip, payment, art sample, & behavior contract needed when applying
- Here is a copy of the application
- Applications can be picked up and dropped off in the Front Office or Art Room
Apply Now: Student Government is
Looking for 3rd-5th Grade Leaders
Student Government Application-please complete both:
Do you want to make a difference at Otis A. Mason Elementary School? Do you have what it takes to be an excellent leader? Are you ready to implment change in our community? If you answered “yes”, apply to be a member of our OMES Student Government:
- Open to 3rd-5th Grades
- Meet Thursday mornings at 7:30am (1st meeting 9/24)
- Applications due 9/18 to Mrs. Jaffa (applications in the Front Office)
- Run for office, help with Character Counts! initiatives, bring back Taco Tuesday, etc.!!!!!!
Now Accepting Members: OMES Guitar Club
Now accepting 3rd-5th grade guitar enthusiasts! Only 15 spots are available for the OMES Guitar Club.
- Meets Tuesdays before school
- Stongly encouraged to have a guitar at home for practice
- Winter Concert will be December 16th
- Completed application required:
- 26-27 Guitar Club Permission Form
- Forms due Friday, September 18th
2026-2027 OMES Yearbook Art Contest
Calling all artists! 3rd-5th grade students are invited to design and create our 2026-2027 Yearbook Cover!
Please pick up the rules and entry form in the Art Room or Front Office.
- Theme: Mason Built
- Color Theme: Rainbow (Think Character Counts pillars!)
- Artwork must be student-generated and original
- Artowrk cannot be larger than 9×12
- Entry Form and art due by 9/30: Mason_Built_Yearbook_Cover_Contest
- See Mrs. C with questions
HAVE FUN CREATING THE FRONT COVER OF OUR SCHOOL YEARBOOK!
Kindness for a Cause: Register for Raise Craze and Support the OMES Community Today
Chipotle Spirit Night: Tuesday September 22
Order online at Chipotle this Tuesday, September 22nd and support our school!
A percentage of sales with our code will come right back here to our school.
Code is coming soon.
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?
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
Character Counts! Trophy Recipient: Mrs. Ward-K!
Congratulations, Mrs. Ward-K! Mrs. K always has a smile on her face and is so warm and welcoming to everyone. She has a way of making people feel seen, valued, and cared for, and her positive attitude is truly contagious.
Mrs. K is always willing to lend a helping hand, encourage those around her, and spread kindness whereever she goes. Mrs. K reminds me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. We are so lucky to have someone who brings so much joy to our community!
Mrs. K: Thank you for showing us what it means to CARE!
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!
Fall Individual Pictures, September 29th: Save-the-Date!
Order Forms coming soon!
See you at the Title I Annual Meeting: 10/15 4:30-5pm
One of the most important components of academic success? Family involvement! Being a Title I school means we actively work to engage our families. Find out all that we have to offer!
- What does it mean to be a Title I school?
- How can OMES serve your family?
- What are the parent-family engagement events this year?
- What is your role at our school?
- What is the Parents’ Right to Know?
- What is the School-Parent Compact?
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

