Mason Elementary School at a glance

Stevens T. Mason Elementary School opened in 1929 with 99 students and six teachers. The building expanded in 1942 and hit its peak enrollment of 970 students in 1951. Today the school has 280 students in grades K-5. The school is named for Stevens T. Mason, elected the state’s first governor at age 26 in 1837.

Dr. Elaine Middlekauff has been principal at Mason for 13 years. She describes the school as “a small, but collaborative community of learners.” Middlekauff describes staff members as her “phenomenal partners in teaching.” She cites their dedication and talent, but saves her highest praise for the welcoming environment that has resulted from staff and students working together.

Partnering sets the tone for staff and provides a model for the students. All of Mason’s students, Middlekauff says, participate fully, working together in the classroom on projects and programs regardless of abilities or special needs.

“Inclusion is woven into the very nature of what we do,“ Middlekauff says. “It is embedded in the work we do within the school and out in the community. It is what makes our school special.”
 

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