MMS WEEKLY UPDATE

We are excited to celebrate the exceptional contributions of our staff and volunteers through our Annual Awards!

We are now accepting online nominations for the categories below through 5 p.m. Friday, April 29.

Award categories:

• Better Together Award
• Community Builder Award
• Early Childhood Champion
• Innovative and Inspiring Educator Award
• Outstanding Service Award
• Volunteer or Community Partner of the Year Award

You can learn more about each award and the Annual Awards process on our website.

It only takes a few minutes to recognize someone for going above and beyond this school year. Help us highlight the outstanding staff and volunteers who fill the halls of our schools everyday!

The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who enroll in middle school and meet the pledge requirements. The College Bound Scholarship covers average tuition at public college rates, some fees, and a small book allowance at over 65 colleges, universities, and technical schools in Washington.

4/11 - 5/27 Baseball and Girls Soccer seasons begin

4/12 MMS Track Meet at Lynden Christian 4:00 PM

4/13 8th graders to MHS for a tour (bus riders will be dropped off at MHS in the morning. Parent drop off will need to drop off at MHS by 7:45)

4/14 Parent night at MHS 6:30 PM

4/20 MMS Track Meet at Lummi Nation 4:00 PM

4/25 MMS Track Meet at Nooksack 4:00 PM

4/27 MMS Track Meet at Meridian 4:00 PM

5/13 No school for students

5/30 No school Memorial Day

6/9 MHS Graduation (updated)

6/16 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!! (updated)

We are in the process of developing our new strategic plan for the district. Our Strategic Plan Development Committee has met twice already and you can follow their progress on our website. We want to know "What is important to you in Meridian School District?"

Please take a few moments to share your thoughts in ThoughtExchange. This helps us to identify common themes that resonate among our community. Please share your thoughts by Friday, April 1.

Thank you for being part of our strategic planning process!

Dear families,

Spring state assessments will begin soon for students in grades 3 – 8 and 10. English language arts (ELA) and math are measured with Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Science is measured with the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) in grades 5, 8 and 11.

The results from the state assessments will help us improve instructional practices and give families information about how their student is doing and where additional help might be needed. The assessments also give us a more accurate picture of whether students are on track to be ready for college or career by graduation. For students in grade 10, the Smarter Balanced tests can also be used as a graduation pathway.

Results are reported by September of each year. Final reports will be provided to families if their student participated in state testing.

Most students will take the assessments online using their district issued device. Our testing schedule is as follows:

• April 21, ELA SBA
• April 22, ELA CAT
• April 28, SCIENCE WCAS
• April 29, MATH SBA

For additional information about state testing:

• Smarter Balanced and WCAS Test Overview
• Try an online Smarter Balanced practice test or WCAS training test
• State Testing Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about the state assessments, please contact the office at 360-398-2291.