Inclusive Excellence
Every child deserves to believe that they belong in our schools, and that their learning community cares about them.
MCS INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE PRINCIPLES
Inclusive Excellence is an ongoing journey. We try to be better today than yesterday and better tomorrow than today. With a spirit of humility and curiosity, we can support and empower ALL Mason learners by learning about, reflecting on, and acting for our district’s Inclusive Excellence principles: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. Every child deserves to believe that they belong in our schools, and that their learning community cares about them. Putting these principles into action helps ensure that each Comet feels safe, valued, supported, and empowered.
SUPPORTING & EMPOWERING MCS LEARNERS
Learning is powerful when students feel safe, valued, supported, and empowered. Educators are powerful dream launchers - shaping children's vision of themselves and their abilities. It's our duty to design meaningful and relevant learning experiences that connect with students' interests and identities, celebrate their uniqueness, and encourage them to see new possibilities for themselves and the world around them..
YOUR STORY MATTERS
Our stories weave our community together. Everyone has stories to share, and every story we seek to understand is an opportunity to gain empathy beyond our own life experiences. By listening with curiosity and honoring each other’s perspectives, we strengthen the connections that make our community special and strong.
MCS Demographics
Black History Fest
AAPI Celebration
Fiesta Hispana
MIRRORS & WINDOWS
Mason City Schools is committed to providing learning materials and experiences that allow students to see themselves reflected in what they learn—like mirrors—and to explore and understand perspectives different from their own—like windows. This concept, developed by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, highlights the importance of ensuring that every child feels seen and valued in their education while also gaining a broader understanding of the world around them.
To bring this commitment to life, we host district-wide Mirrors & Windows events throughout the year, celebrating the richness of our diverse community. These include Fiesta Hispana during Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Fest in February, an Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration in May, and our beloved Taste of Mason in March. Each event is intentionally designed to foster connection through food, music, performances, book tastings, and interactive experiences that deepen understanding and appreciation of different cultures. By creating these opportunities, we ensure that every student and family in our community has a place to belong, share, and learn together.
Taste of Mason
MCS DIVERSITY COUNCIL
Mason City Schools' Diversity Council was formed in 2004. It is a superintendent’s committee made up of parents, staff and community members. The Council meets quarterly, and sponsors events like the annual Taste of Mason, Mirrors & Windows celebrations, and community trainings.
Members help co-create and lead Council's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Members provide feedback about the outcomes and execution of the Mason City School District's OKRs. With a spirit of cultural humility and curiosity, ambassadors help communicate and cascade MCS Inclusive Excellence goals - celebrating diversity, and acting for equity, inclusion and justice.
REPORT AN ACT OF BIAS
In Mason City Schools, every Comet (student, staff, community member) is called to Step Up against acts of bias that hurt our Comet Culture and have no place in our schools. Even when an act of bias is unintentional, the impact remains the same. Working together to challenge bias and respond is a crucial step toward creating the safe learning community that every Comet deserves. If you or your child has experienced or witnessed an act of bias, please report the incident utilizing the SafeSchools Tipline.
If you are willing to share your contact information, a member of the team will connect with you about your report, and offer support within 48 hours. You may, however, choose to leave an anonymous tip.
MCS INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE GUIDE
Mason City Schools’ Inclusive Excellence guide was designed to help define what we mean
when we talk about our Inclusive Excellence Big Rock and our MCS IE Principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. It chronicles our journey and compiles many of the ideas and tools our staff have explored to better ensure that each Mason City Schools student is safe, seen, stretched, and successful.