Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Mason City Schools will launch Journey Days, replacing what has previously been known as Personal Learning Days. These dedicated daysâSeptember 26, November 21, February 13, and March 13âare designed to spark student curiosity, e......More
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Mason City Schools will launch Journey Days, replacing what has previously been known as Personal Learning Days. These dedicated daysâSeptember 26, November 21, February 13, and March 13âare designed to spark student curiosity, enhance personal growth, and provide meaningful, purposeful learning experiences beyond the classroom. Why the Change? Listening to Our Families This change is grounded in the candid and constructive feedback we received from families during our community conversations. Many expressed that the current Personal Learning Days often felt undefined, and that the burden of planning meaningful activities typically fell to them without enough guidance or support. We also heard that for many working families, it can be difficult to coordinate learning activities on the specific dates designated in the calendar. We heard youâand weâre responding with a reimagined experience that brings clarity, flexibility, equity, and purpose to these important days. We aim to make the experience both meaningful and manageable for all families.  What Families Can Expect Journey Days will offer a wide variety of activities tailored to different grade levels, interests, and learning styles. Hereâs a preview of whatâs coming: Career Exploration and Job Shadowing: Weâll invite families and community partners to help us offer career-based learning opportunities. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, weâll share more details in May. Service Projects: Students may choose to give back through community service initiatives with student clubs, local nonprofits, or service organizations, or faith-based groups - supporting neighbors, enhancing public spaces, or volunteering with programs like the Comet Cupboard. Enrichment Activities On-Site or Off-Site: Students can participate in hands-on learning, art, STEM, wellness activities, or college/career readiness workshops or visits either in our schools or through approved community organizations. Flexible Scheduling: Weâre designing Journey Days with flexibility so families can tailor experiences around their schedules. Students will have access to a menu of opportunities and resources they can engage with either on the designated day or within a broader timeframe. Whatâs Next? We Need You! To make Journey Days a success, we need the entire Comet CommUNITY. In May, weâll reach out to ask if you or your employer would be interested in helping with job shadowing, mentorship, sharing a service opportunity, or leading an activity.  Learn More
