MMS WEEKLY UPDATE

We want to provide families, staff and students an opportunity to weigh in on our district budget before we submit our budget proposal to the school board for approval in June. Your input will be helpful in identifying priorities. Please take a few minutes to answer the question, "As we plan for the next school year, what are the most important things we should consider in order to support all of our students?"

We will share what common themes we heard from your feedback as we continue through the budget process. Thank you, in advance, for providing your thoughts by Tuesday, April 19.

Thank you!

ASB Elections are coming up! Eligible 7th and 8th graders can run for ASB office for the 2022-2023 school year. Applications are due no later than April 18th. If your student is interested in running for ASB office, they may fill out the google form application at this link: https://forms.gle/C8MkVUT9zDLdearH6. Students are eligible if they are currently in 7th or 8th grade and are of good academic standing. In order to be allowed to run, students must fill out the google form and have 2 teacher recommendations sent to Mrs. Yeager no later than Monday April 18th.

For more information, please email Mrs. Yeager at ayeager@meridian.wednet.edu.

Sexual health education lessons will be delivered to seventh and eighth grade students in May & June. Eighth grade lessons will take place in CCR and PE classes May 20-May 27. Seventh grade lessons will take place May 31-June 3 in Spanish and PE classes. Seventh and Eighth grade families will be given information early next week about how they can view the teaching materials and opt out form.

Bellingham Parks & Recreation has summer youth programs for kids ages 6-16. Registration is open now. Scholarships up to $200 are available for families with Bellingham addresses. For more information visit cob.org/parks-scholarships or register for programs at www.cob.org/ezreg

See attachment below in Spanish and English!

REMINDERS:

Parent / student meeting: Monday April 25th at 6:30 in the MMS gym

• Students will meet their high school counselors and cabin groups.
• Packing lists and itinerary for the 3 days will be discussed and given to parents in a presentation while students use the small gym to meet in their groups.

Dates of camp: May 16th-18th (leave approx. 9:00a.m. Monday, return approx. 3:00 Wednesday)

Payments and Permission Slips are past due!

• If you have not turned these items in please contact Mr. Kriz for a permission slip and check with the office on what you still owe for camp.

We are excited to announce the opening of the Meridian Family Support Center! The Family Center is located at Irene Reither Elementary (954 E. Hemmi Rd) and will be open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. The Family Center staff can assist with basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene supplies, referrals to community resources and more. Families who would like to visit the Clothing Closet, which includes clothing for kids and adults, should make an appointment by contacting Alicia Roberts at 360-318-2486. Community donations of new and gently used clothing (kids and adult size), kitchenwares, linens, and small appliances that are still in excellent condition can be brought to the Family Center on Monday through Friday during school hours. We look forward to welcoming you at the Family Center!

¡Nos complace anunciar la apertura del Centro de apoyo familiar de Meridian! El Centro Familiar está ubicado en Irene Reither (954 E. Hemmi Rd) y estará abierto de 8:30 am a 3:30 pm de lunes a viernes. El personal del Family Center puede ayudar con las necesidades básicas, como alimentos, ropa, suministros de higiene, referencias a recursos comunitarios y más. Las familias que deseen visitar el armario de ropa, que incluye ropa para niños y adultos, deben hacer una cita comunicándose con Elvira Rozen al 360-306-2886.
Las donaciones de la comunidad de ropa nueva y usada en buen estado (tallas para niños y adultos), utensilios de cocina, ropa de cama y electrodomésticos pequeños que todavía están en excelentes condiciones se pueden llevar al Centro Familiar los lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar. Esperamos darle la bienvenida en el Centro Familiar!

Did you know that kids 17 and under ride FREE on WTA?

Middle school students don’t need a pass, just walk on and ride. Here’s where to learn more information, ridewta.com/fares-passes/fares/single-ride.

With your permission, this is an easy, safe, and affordable option for your student to travel to and from school, to after school activities, a friend or relative’s home and more. Use http://www.ridewta.com/ to plan trips.

Why is the bus a good option for 7th graders?

Independence - kids of this age are developmentally ready to start to travel on their own and when appropriate, be trusted to show the responsibility needed to plan and make trips. Traveling to and from school or another activity on their own or with friends is a good example of this, whether traveling by school bus, WTA bus, biking or walking.

Equity - during middle school, many children start to participate in extra curricular activities. For some families, driving is a financial burden or they may be unable to drive their children to practice, appointments, a friend’s house, or even school. The bus is a free option.

Future cost of driving - right now, the average cost to insure a 16 year old to drive a car is $2400 per year, even more if the 16 year old owns the car. That expense plus drivers education, licensing, gas, maintenance, and the cost of a used car can make it cost prohibitive for a new driver. The longer a teenager can go without driving is a huge monetary savings. Knowing how to use the bus can make it possible to delay driving and save money for college or other needs.

Knowledge - Knowing how to ride the bus is a life skill. Even if they don’t ride regularly now, they will have a better understanding that will be helpful in the future when they go to college, need to get to a job, or while traveling. The bus will feel more accessible.

Safety - worst case scenario, in the event a child is stranded, if they know how to use the bus, this is a safe way to get home or to a public place. This can prevent the need to ask a stranger for a ride or walk down a dark road. Buses are driven by helpful, professional drivers and have several cameras on board so it’s a very safe space for a young person to travel.

Incoming 9th Grade and Parents

Registration is here!

The choirs and bands are alive and well at Meridian High School and a WONDERFUL place to be. There is a place for you in the high school bands and choirs.

Being a part of this department provides a support system to help make your transition to high school much easier. In band and choir, there are performances, travel, a lot of social events - you become a part of our musical family.

If you are a part of concert choir or symphonic band, you have the option of auditioning for our chamber choir and jazz band. (it's not a scary audition, don't worry!)

For more info, take a look at this document about each of our programs

Music Department Info – Google Doc

Please consider adding symphonic band or concert choir as your FIRST CHOICE of electives. Please feel free to email me with any questions about the bands and choirs, or if you have any questions regarding conflicts. I can help you - we can make almost anything work!

Visit the music department website in the coming weeks for more information about our programs.

Email: mdegrace@meridian.wednet.edu

Thank you!!

-Mr. DeGrace