Building our Bright Future Together. We are Mason Built!
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.
Scholastic Book Fair: 10/22-10/28
The Book Fair is Coming!
The Book Fair is Coming!
Classes will attend the book fair during their regularly scheduled Media rotation.
Click here to set up your child’s eWallet (the safest way to set up funds for your child to spend at the Book Fair). This is the preferred method. If you are sending cash, please send it in a sealed envelope with the child’s full name, teacher’s name, and amount enclosed. Please send the teacher a message so that the teacher expects the money.
Click here to Share the Fair: This is a way to donate money for students who don’t have money to spend at the Book Fair. Thank you for sharing the fair!
Click here if you would like to volunteer at the Book Fair! Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you volunteer two hours or more, you get a coupon for the Book Fair! All volunteers must be background checked.
Book Fair Family Night is October 23rd 5:30-7pm (same time as Trunk or Treat).
*We do not pull students from academic time to shop. If you would like to attend the Book Fair with your child, please contact your child’s teacher for their Book Fair time slot. You are also welcome to come during Family Night. Anyone attending Book Fair during the school day MUST be an approved volunteer.
Manatee, You're Invited to Pedro Menendez High School!
Will you win the mystery prize? Attendance Matters!
In an effort to spread awareness and to encourage attendance, Otis A. Mason Elementary School is offering a chance to win prizes based on attendance this October.
What do you need to do? Be here at school, on time, everyday! That’s it!
Why is attendance important? Studies show that time and time again, one of the most important factors of academic success is attendance.
How can we help? Remember, we offer free bus transportation, free breakfast and lunch, and so many support services to assist your family with getting to school. Call our Guidance office if more support is needed.
What if my child is sick or my child has a doctor appointment? We know that sickness and medical appointments are an inevitable part of life. All you need to do is bring a note to excuse the absence (or enter it on Parent Square). If your child is ill, please keep them home 24 hours past their last symptom (vomiting diarrhea, fever, etc.).
Children learn by YOUR example. Let your child know how important their education is by talking to them about it and by making a point to show them with your actions that their education is a priority!
Have you met YOUR AR Goal? AR Party Time!
Each quarter, students will make reading goals in Accelerated Reader(AR). We want to always encourage students to read within their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Reading at their level and creating those stretch goals helps their reading level progress (along with comprehension, vocabulary, and phonological awareness).
The Quarter 1 AR Party will be a Science Show in the OMES cafe.
Want to volunteer? Volunteers are always needed and appreciated!
Student Government Elections on November 3rd & 4th
Please take a moment to connect our local, school elections to the importance of the democratic process in our country! Use the following tips to talk to your children with a character-focused approach:
- Always model civility and an open mind: Your children are watching and listening to how you view the election. It is important to model approaching conversations with an open mind, respect, and civility.
- Create expectations for respect: If you are engaging in conversations around any election, set expectations for how everyone will treat one another. Regardless of opinions, your children should still speak respectfully to their peers. Remind them that it’s okay to disagree with one another.
- Encourage questions: Lean into your child’s questions about issues and elections. They may have questions about the voting process, the electoral college, or other logistics about how an elected official takes office. Help your child find the facts through reputable sources.
- Teach the differences between fact and opinion.
- Explain the voting process: Why is voting an important responsibility?
Picture Retakes: November 10th (Let the teacher know if you would like your child photographed)
Leonard’s will be back!
November 10th is Picture Retakes. Not all students will be photographed. Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like your child photographed.
- Your child was absent on the original picture day
- Your child is new to our school
- You do not like how the original photograph turned out
- For NEW orders, send in your order confirmation in your child’s folder.
- For OLD orders that require retakes, please return the original photo package.
Volunteers are needed and appreciated! Help students look their best and smile their brightest!
Upcoming Holidays: No School
Please be sure to plan for the following upcoming school holidays:
Veterans Day: NO SCHOOL November 11th: Click here for Veterans Day Resources
Thanksgiving: NO SCHOOL November 23rd-27th Click here for History of Thanksgiving Resources
Don’t forget to save the date for future holidays and breaks using the SJCSD Master Calendar
Congratulations: Teacher, Rookie Teacher, and Employee of the Year!
Teacher of the Year: Ms. Catie Tanner! Ms. Tanner exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated educator. She consistently goes above and beyond for her students, colleagues, and community. Her passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and willingness to support others make her an invaluable member of the team. Ms. Tanner’s positive attitude, leadership, and school spirit are evident in everything she does, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Ms. Jarrett! Ms. Jarrett has already made a tremendous impact at our school. She approaches each day with enthusiasm, passion, positivity, and a genuine love for her students and team. Her dedication and team-first mindset have made her a valued member of our school family.
Employee of the Year: Mrs. Lebon! Mrs. Lebon approaches every task with with professionalism, kindness, gentleness, and a smile. Her positive attitude, team spirit, and willingness to go above and beyond have earned the admiration and respect of those around her.
And the Trophy goes to...Team Media!
Congratulations to Team Media for being our next Character Counts Trophy recipients: Ms. Davis and Mrs. Scott
Basketball and Cheer Season is Here:
Come Cheer on the Mason Manatees!
Cheerleaders and Girls Basketball players should report by 5pm (Game starts at 5:30pm) and Boys Basketball players by 5:45pm (Game starts at 6:30pm).
Order your Yearbooks at the Lowest Price
Leonard’s Photography is our provider for pictures and yearbooks. Please order your yearbooks as soon as possible to get the lowest prices.
- Yearbooks: www.BuyTheYearbook.com, search our school or enter ID# 384565
- Missed Picture Day? Photo Retakes will be November 10th!
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
