Mason Elementary is one of the few schools who have been selected across the country for a 2012 I Am A Leader Foundation Grant for The Leader in Me. The total grant for 5 years is estimated at over $72,000! The Leader in Me is an innovative, school-wide model that emphasizes a culture of student empowerment and helps unleash each child’s full potential. Applying The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, teachers and students internalize timeless leadership principles that nurture the skills students need for success in the 21st century. More information can be found in published book, The Leader in Me.

Mason Elementary has to put $5,000 toward the grant each year to prove that we are committed to the project. We thank the following donors who have confidence in our school and donated:

Erna Frac Sand Plant, Fine Arts Association of the Hill Country, Tony & Nancy Frerich, Mason National Bank, Joni Matthews, Michael & Tammy Parrish, Brian & Kati Vinson, Doyle & Renee Weitz, and Mason ISD. Included in the grant are Student Activity Guides for all students, Teacher Editions, Leader in Me books, 7 Habits of Happy Kids books, 7 Habits of Happy Kids posters, 7 Habits Tree posters, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People books, Free Website access, among many other things. Staff training is included and you can witness this by the dedication of Mason Elementary staff members. The staff has taken 3 full extra days (one a Saturday and two during the summer) out of their busy schedules to attend the training.

Mason Elementary is the only public school in Region XV Education Service Center (San Angelo area) to have implemented The Leader in Me. 883 schools in the United States and only 104 schools in Texas have The Leader in Me.

In a letter to Mason Elementary from I Am A Leader Foundation states: We commend you on your leadership, passion, and commitment, and for your outstanding preparation work in qualifying for this grant. We have the highest of expectations for your school and for the success you will achieve with your staff and students. We look forward to being your partner in your efforts to become a model and “lighthouse” to schools around the world of how (paraphrasing Stephen R. Covey) “to communicate to children their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.”

We invite anyone to visit Mason Elementary and experience the wonderful things happening! We will advertise the date for the Leadership Day (similar to an Open House) so you can witness the great things happening! If you have any questions, please feel free to call Tammy Frerich Parrish, Mason Elementary Principal at 347-1122 ext. 1.