Bluestone Elementary showcases "leveling up" after-school programs and family-engagement systems to the school board

Sheree Mason, principal of Bluestone Elementary School, presented the school's "leveling up" theme to the school board and outlined after-school programs, student leadership roles and family-engagement systems designed to boost student ownership and academic growth.

Mason told the board Bluestone's mission is "to empower scholars to be respectful, responsible and ready to learn" and said empowerment activities are intentionally aligned with the school's PBIS framework to improve behavior and engagement. "When students feel empowered, they take ownership of their learning and they build confidence," she said.

Mason described a portfolio of after-school offerings and student-run enterprises that provide leadership and practical skills: a Blue Stone Spirit Team for grades 3'5 led by Theres Dembridge, Erica Deran and Miracle Von; a Bluestone Business Club that teaches entrepreneurship and uses tools such as heat presses and 3D printers; a cooking club that produced a recipe book; a drama club and music instruction; a STEM club focused on light, sound and motion; and a media club that produces student videos. She said the business club provided board members with items created by students.

She also detailed student-run service enterprises that give hands-on workplace experience: a soda shop serving students in the autism learning centers and a student-run coffee shop that serves members of the school community. "These student-run programs build professionalism, teamwork, financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills," Mason said. The school hired 26 fourth- and fifth-grade students through a formal application and interview process for roles such as office assistant and library assistant.

Mason reported participation numbers to the board: 213 participants across 12 after-school clubs, 26 fourth- and fifth-grade student employees and 75 hair-braiding workshop participants. She said many after-school offerings intentionally align with Euclid High School's CTE program to give students earlier exposure to career pathways.

On staff development, Mason said teacher empowerment supports retention and stronger instruction. She noted intervention specialist Jessica Truma and fourth-grade teacher Alli Police represented Euclid City Schools in the First Ring Leadership Academy, a year-long leadership program, and said 100% of teachers serve on at least one committee; 21 staff members lead the school's 12 student groups.

Mason emphasized family engagement systems used to keep parents informed and involved: weekly homeroom newsletters, monthly encore-teacher newsletters distributed via ParentSquare, and a weekly homeroom attendance percentage message. She said the school set a weekly attendance goal of 92% and reported more than 90% family participation during parent-teacher conference night.

The presentation included a short video of this school year's activities and concluded with Mason inviting questions from the board. "We are ready to receive any questions," she said, thanking the board and district leaders for the opportunity to present.