MPCS Sept 2023 Issue 2 Newsletter

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Dear Meridian Families,

As the warm summer days gracefully transition into the cool, crisp ambiance of autumn, we joyfully welcome you all to the Fall Season! In this newsletter, we're excited to share an array of engaging school activities, updates, and upcoming events. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at these events. Together, let's make this fall a memorable season of learning, growth, and fun at Meridian School!

• Book Fair - Friday, September 29th - Friday, October 6th
• Family Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, October 4th
• Holiday Closure - Indigenous People’s Day - Monday, October 9th

Family Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 4th at the Elementary and Middle school campuses.

We encourage all parents and guardians to take this opportunity to meet with your student's teacher(s) and learn more about their academic successes and share any concerns you may have. Teachers will reach out to families directly to schedule conferences.

We still have a few more spots open to join a team for our Family Fun Night Soccer Social on Sept 28th! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students who did not get a chance to join an official soccer team to showcase their skills and enjoy a game.

Registration is required for anyone who will be playing soccer. If you are bringing additional family or friends, please provide that number on the registration form. Due to team sizes, each family is limited to 2 student players and 2 adult players (parents, guardians, or adult siblings ages 18 and up). Please note that an adult must accompany all students. We hope to see you there!

Please register by tomorrow, Friday, September 22nd at bit.ly/3PiWAXZ.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be returning to Meridian from September 29th through October 6th. Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers, AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.

Come explore the Fair in the Elementary School Multipurpose Room, at 2120 13th St NW. Each Elementary School class will have scheduled time to preview the Fair during the first few days it is open. Families can stop by the Fair from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. On 10/2 and 10/4 we will have extended hours until 5:30 p.m.

Middle School students will be allowed to visit the Fair after dismissal, no Middle School students will be allowed to visit the Fair during school hours.

Keep an eye out for additional information next week!

Just a gentle reminder that our exciting #MeridianOnTheMetro giveaway is back! It will be running until October 1st. We have been really enjoying all the submissions so far and we appreciate your participation. The first week was fantastic and we want to congratulate our Week 1 winners once again!

How to Enter for the Chance to Win:

1. Take a clear photo or video when you spot Meridian Public Charter advertisements on the DC Metro system or on DC Metrobuses.
2. Tag Meridian on Facebook at @mpcsdcOWLS or on Instagram at @mpcs_dc to ensure your entry is counted.
3. Should you not have social media, please email your photo or video and the location of where you spotted it, to Paige Warner at pwarner@meridian-dc.org.
4. Share your photo or video on Instagram, or Facebook using the hashtag #MeridianOnTheMetro

Every Friday during the campaign, we'll randomly select two families and two staff entries to win prizes. Family winners will get a Meridian prize pack with a $25 gift card and a Meridian prize pack. Staff winners will receive a DoorDash lunch up to $20.

We would like to shine a spotlight on an outstanding act of CREW demonstrated by an 8th grader, Kenyatta. In a remarkable show of thoughtfulness and community spirit, Kenyatta decided to gift two Elementary students new composition books and book bags. She even spoke with Principal Stevens to ask if any additional items were needed for other students, exhibiting a profound sense of responsibility and leadership.

This was a powerful example of CREW, and it is such acts of generosity and community-building that we strive to nurture in our students. Way to go Kenyatta!

Friday afternoons at the Elementary School just got a whole lot more exciting with our Owl Cart Incentive program at the Elementary School. Every Friday, Dean Brown walks around the school with a special cart full of prizes to celebrate students for their exceptional display of our core values: Leadership, Respect, Curiosity, and Resilience. Take a look at some of the highlights from last week's Owl Cart! Let's all strive to embody these values!

As we embark on a month of exciting celebration, we embrace the vibrant cultures and traditions that have shaped our school and communities in countless ways.

For example, over the next few weeks, our Middle School students will be competing in a Door Decorating contest. Each homeroom class will be designing a door recognizing and celebrating the history and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, The Caribbean, and Central & South America.

Follow along with our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations on Instagram at @mpcs_dc or Facebook @mpcsdcOWLS!

Currently, the only OST program available for registration is the YMCA Anthony Bowen. The program made be paid for in two ways (1) by a parent fee or (2) in part, or in full with the OSSE childcare voucher. Meridian is not covering the cost of the YMCA as in years past.

Total cost for YMCA, per month:

One-time registration fee: $50.00

5 days/week: $354.00

3 days/week: $294.00

Wednesdays-only from 1-6 pm (Members & Non-members): $69.00

To join the YMCA, please complete this two-part process:

1. Complete the application (available at bit.ly/YMCA_forms)and submit it to Keishona Ferrell and Diane Taitt via email (Keishona.Ferrell@ymcadc.org / Diane.Taitt@ymcadc.org).
2. To verify if you are eligible for the OSSE childcare voucher, please contact Ms. Hope Brock to schedule a pre-screening meeting via email at Hope.Brock@ymcadc.org or at (202) 438- 2741.

Meridian's Before School Program is at capacity. When space becomes available, parents will be notified via email and text with the authorization link.

Take a look at what is still to come in Athletics over this next week.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time devoted to raising awareness about this critical issue that affects individuals of all ages, including our student body.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the resources available through our partner organization, Hillcrest Children and Family Center. They provide comprehensive mental health services, and they are committed to supporting our students' well-being.

They recently published a newsletter dedicated to Suicide Prevention Month, which offers valuable insights into understanding the signs of distress, and how to provide help to someone in need. We encourage everyone in our school community to read this important resource at bit.ly/45U5C4M.

• Children's National Community Health Event: Children’s National and Howard University providers will be on-site to answer questions and provide, pediatric immunizations, the flu vaccine, adult health screenings, and health education. Learn more at bit.ly/46kXudb.

• Kids Ride Free (KRF) Program: This program allows students (ages 5-21) to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District to get to school and school-related activities. To secure a SmarTrip card, please complete a request form at bit.ly/23-24MPCSKRF.

• Let’s Get It Program: Community of Hope's Jobs and Housing Connections program empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve self-sufficiency. Every Tuesday from 10 am - 12 pm stop by the Bellevue Family Success Center for the two-part program where families and individuals can come to begin their self-paced employment & housing search journey. Learn more here.
  

• Martha's Table Markets: Families are welcome to shop once per month for fresh produce and pantry items at this no-cost weekday market hosted by Martha's Table. Visit marthastable.org/health-wellness-programs/ to see operating hours and locations.

• First Light Saturday Science Program: Calling all 6th-8th grade students, it's your chance to join the First Light Free Saturday Science School! This is a 3-part series where you'll explore the fascinating world of circuits, programming, and robotics. Make sure you register HERE.

• Fiesta DC Festival and Parade: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Fiesta DC, a lively and vibrant festival commemorating the Latino cultural heritage and embracing the spirit of unity and diversity. The festival, on Sept 23rd and Sept 24th, will include a wide range of entertainment and great food from a wide variety of Latino cultures. Learn more at fiestadc.org/.

• Family Fun Day at the Asian Art Museum: Family Fun Day takes place every Sunday of the month, when general admission to the museum is free. Myths and tales from Asia come alive with storytelling in the galleries, followed by hands-on art activities. Learn more at calendar.asianart.org.

Email: information@meridian-dc.org
Website: www.meridian-dc.org
Location: 2120 13th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: 202-387-9830

Email: information@meridian-dc.org
Website: www.meridian-dc.org
Location: 770 Kenyon Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: 202-793-2667