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Mason City Schools launches "My Mason Journey" specials class for 2nd–4th graders
Summary
The district introduced My Mason Journey, a specials class at MECC and Mason aimed at self-discovery, wellness and early career exploration for second- through fourth-grade students; board members said the course also supports reducing specials class sizes.
Mason City Schools introduced My Mason Journey, a new specials class for second-, third- and fourth-graders at the MECC and Mason elementary campuses, district staff said at the March 18 board meeting.
The district described the course as a foundation in self-discovery, wellness and career exploration that helps young students “identify their strengths, set meaningful goals, and recognize the impact they can have on their community,” Tracy, a district staff presenter, said. The program is intended to teach students language for emotions and personal strengths and to connect those strengths to future school and career pathways.
Board members said the course also supports a district goal to reduce class sizes in elementary specials. “This course came from our buildings as an idea for us to take our specialist class sizes down,” Dr. Cooper, superintendent, said, noting the change was one way to both lower special-class size and add new curricular value.
Students who appeared in the superintendent’s presentation described classroom activities and community projects. One student said, “We made cars for Meals on Wheels…so they can have a brighter day.” Another described learning to “be nice to three people, then three other people will be nice to more three people,” summarizing a classroom exercise on kindness and ripple effects.
District staff said the class connects early work on strengths and decision-making to later career-exploration offerings at the middle and high school level. The board praised staff and teachers for designing and piloting the course and asked administrators to continue reporting on its rollout and enrollment.
The presentation was part of the superintendent’s monthly “Mason Moment” segment; board members thanked the students and teachers who participated in the video and in-person remarks.
A follow-up update to the board is expected as the district monitors enrollment, teacher assignments and the effect on specials-class sizes.
