
North Mason HS Career and College Program and the North Mason Chamber of Commerce partnered together to coordinate the first ALL SCHOOL Career & College EXPO for NMHS and JTHS. There were 37 tables in the gym filled with community partners from various careers and colleges. In the Commons, there was a presentation on grade level specific financial aid information and post high school planning. In the auditorium, Amber Trail (Our Community Credit Union) and Leah Pokraka (Peninsula Credit Union) presented interview tips, digital foot printing, and personal branding.
The NMHS Career Center looks forward to empowering our students to dream big and connect to viable career pathways. One highlight from the event was our students from the NMHS EMT program recording vitals for students and staff.
HUGE SHOUT OUT TO our custodial staff and student leaders who helped set up and tear down the event!
Celebrating our partnerships:
US Marines
Olympic College
Kitsap County
University of Idaho
Mason County 911
Our Community Credit Union
Peninsula Credit Union
Central Mason Fire Authority
The Evergreen State College
NM Scholarship Foundation
Local Wrench
Parker Mooers
Central Washington University
West Sound STEM
Mason Transit
The Youth Connection
University of Puget Sound
US Navy
PUD 3
US Air Force
Hood Canal Communication
Mason Health Hospital
Mason County Coroner's Office
Gennaro Contracting
NM Worksource
Salmon Center
Mason Health
Safe Boats
US Coast Guard
Washington State University
Universal Technical Institute
Pacific Lutheran University
St. Martin's University
Peninsula Community Health
University of Puget Sound
NM Fire Authority
Evergreen State Roofing

🐰Some 'bunny' loves you!
Belfair Community Church delivered Easter treats last week that made our staff feel loved and appreciated. Thank you so much for your continued support of our staff!


💙 Recognizing Cooperation 💙
Today we highlight Stephanie McMaster, Attendance/Reengagement Secretary, recognized for the trait of 'Cooperation' by Cris Turner, Director of Systems & Supports. "Stephanie is wonderful to work with. She works hard to pay attention to others and find ways to support them. She is extremely cooperative at all times."
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Stephanie. We appreciate all you do!


🧑🏻🎓NM Career & College Expo
Calling all NMHS, James Taylor, and Homelink students! Tomorrow, there is an opportunity to gain valuable information at the North Mason Career & College Expo. With three key areas of focus, students will have the chance to learn more from colleges and community partners to aid in postsecondary planning, learn the importance of managing their digital footprint, and receive timelines and strategies around financial aid and scholarships.
Don't miss this amazing Expo!
When: April 22nd
Time: 8:00 am-10:00 am
For more information, contact Deb Swaser at dswaswer@northmasonschools.org
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Exposición de Carreras y Universidades de NM
¡Llamando a todos los estudiantes de NMHS, James Taylor y Homelink! Mañana, hay una oportunidad de obtener información valiosa en Centro de Carrera y Exposición de North Mason. Con tres enfoques clave, los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de aprender más de las universidades y de nuestro socios colegios comunitarios para ayudar en la planificación postsecundaria, aprender la importancia de administrar su huella digital y recibir plazos y estrategias en torno a la ayuda financiera y las becas.
¡No te pierdas esta increíble Expo!
Cuando: 22 de abril
Hora: 8:00 am-10:00 am
Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con Deb Swaser en dswaswer@northmasonschools.org



Thank you to the army of volunteers that make our district flourish! The time you choose to spend here provides invaluable benefit to our students. Thank you SO much for being an integral part of our team. Interested in joining NMSD as a volunteer? We would love to have you! Please visit our website to learn more and submit the required paperwork https://www.northmasonschools.org/page/volunteer


🥎 Special Guest at the Fastpitch Game 🥎
Our upcoming superintendent was visiting the district yesterday as part of the transition planning. Her goal is to meet with students, staff, and community members by visiting events that are underway. Accompanied by School Board President Erik Youngberg, she stopped by the fastpitch game to meet the team, coaches and officials, and throw the first pitch. Decked out in Bulldog gear, Kristine Michael is embracing all the Pacific Northwest has to offer and is looking forward to joining the North Mason community when she moves here in June. Welcome to North Mason, Superintendent Michael!

☀️ The Sound of Sunshine ☀️ Mr. Frost and his band students took their class time outside on this beautiful day, the sunbeams making the instruments shine just a bit brighter and the music sounding that much sweeter being carried along by the warm breeze. Thank you, Mr. Frost and students...it's always a treat for those working inside the district office to hear the outside practices!

📅 SAVE THE DATE - May 2nd & 3rd! 📅 Always a popular event -- the NMHS Spring Plant Sale! 🌼🌺🌷 Sponsored by North Mason FFA and NMHS Agriculture program. Hanging baskets $20, Mint and Rosemary plants $5. Pre-order: slanders@northmasonschools.org. Cash or check only. Thank you for your support!




❗️ALERT! Medivac Activity at District
We would like to inform school families, staff and students that the medivac activity is for an non-district related accident. This is impacting the lower parking lot by Phil Pugh Stadium, which is currently closed for parents picking up students.

💙 Recognizing Cooperation 💙
This week we highlight Traci Milovich, nominated by Joan Moore, Director of Facilities & Maintenance, as part of the Administration Appreciation series. Joan had these observations to share about Traci's contribution as secretary for the busy department: “Traci actively listens to others and seeks a win-win solution that benefits our group. She is adaptable, supportive and goes out of her way to ensure things run smoothly. Her positive attitude and commitment to shared success make her an essential part of our department.”
Thank you for all you do, Traci! Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!


🌿 As part of the 7th grade ecology unit, Ms. Kivi took her class to the Theler Wetlands last week for a field trip sponsored by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG). Students learned about the ecosystem, focusing on native and invasive species, and also had the opportunity to remove English Ivy under the guidance of HCSEG and AmeriCorps employees.
The students also participated in several activities, including planting native willow live stakes, creating rain gardens to learn about the wetlands as natural filters, going on a native and invasive plant/animal scavenger hunt, and playing a native plant identification relay game.
Thank you to Brandi Kivi for sharing this glimpse into this incredible learning opportunity for our students, right in their own backyard! Thank you HCSEG and AmeriCorps for sharing your knowledge with our students.
* Photos courtesy of HCSEG

🐴 After an impressive ride this weekend at the Washington State High School Equestrian Team (WAHSET) District Four Meet, two James Taylor High School students, Aria Stremlau and Ashlynn Clemo, won gold and will be heading to state with their Freestyle 6+ Drill Team! High school equestrians from across the state will meet in Moses Lake on May 15-18 to compete in a variety of disciplines. Please join us in cheering on our girls and the other members of their Drill Team as they prepare for state!
Thank you to Kim McLure for sharing this accomplishment so we can celebrate our JAT students and congratulate them on a job well done!





Though they are off during spring break we would still like to take a moment to recognize Kevin Pattison, Christy Dalby, Tyler Lunde, and Steve Hackett for Assistant Principals Week. Thank you for all you do to support our students' success. Enjoy some well-deserved relaxation!


📢 Scam Alert 📢
Dear North Mason Families,
We want to inform you of a scam that is circulating in the area. The scam involves a caller informing you that they have kidnapped your child and demanding a ransom payment for your child’s safe return. A phone call of this nature is alarming, and we want to make sure you know what to do if a scammer calls you or your household.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) recommends that if you receive a call like this:
1. Do not pay the caller
2. Immediately report the call to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number (360) 277-3094
3. Review these tips from the National Institute of Health (NIH) for additional information and recommendations: https://tinyurl.com/acuz3pna


Thank you to all who came out to the Community Conversation night to discuss the budget shortfall affecting our district. The informative meeting began with a presentation by Superintendent Rosenbach and Dan King, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, who spoke about budgetary impacts of the replacement levy failure this past February. Community members and staff in attendance then broke out into groups led by school board members and administration, and engaged in answering a set of five questions. Please visit our website (https://shorturl.at/hEpGF) to learn more about what was discussed. Thank you, again, to all who took the time to attend this in-person event and participate in this productive discussion.

💙 Recognizing Cooperation 💙
The trait being recognized for this month's Building Administration Awards is "Cooperation." Our first recipient is Kyle Ottenbacher, NMHS Athletic Trainer, nominated by Assistant Principal Steve Hackett, who shared that, "Kyle Ottenbacher exemplifies the true spirit of cooperation in everything he does. As our dedicated athletic trainer, Kyle goes above and beyond to support our students, staff, and families. He spends countless hours working with athletes to ensure their health and well-being, collaborating closely with coaches to create a safe and successful athletic environment, and assisting families in navigating the challenges of sports-related care. Beyond his role, Kyle is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed in building. His unwavering commitment and teamwork make a lasting impact on our school community. Thank you, Kyle, for your dedication and cooperative spirit."
Kyle was also nominated by Principal Chad Collins who recognized that, “Kyle has been cooperating extensively with Mason County EMS and Trauma Council and our local Fire Districts, North Mason Regional Fire Authority and Central Mason Fire and EMS as we partner with them to offer our new EMT class to our Seniors.”
Congratulations, Kyle, on this recognition, and thank you for all you do for our students and district!


State bound!
Congratulations to the Hawkins Middle School TSA team, off to the state championship in Spokane today! Principal Kalahan, Mr. Wells, and the team of 6 students left early this morning to take their technology projects to the next level of competition. Visit https://www.washingtontsa.org to learn more about how TSA prepares students for careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
#GoHuskies


April is Month of the Military Child
⭕ There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service.
⭕ While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children.
⭕ Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks.
Visit our website for resources to support military students. Thank you to all our military students for your resiliency and service.


Due to the severe weather warning for this evening, the Hawkins International Festival is re-scheduled for Monday, March 31st, for the safety of our students, families, and staff.


Congratulations to Superintendent Rosenbach, Coach Varick, and our prior AD, Ray Bonnell, for receiving the Ed Amick 'Service to the Sport' Award. The award was voted on by a select group of former wrestlers and presented in recognition of the efforts made to establish the girls wrestling program at North Mason High School.

