MPCS Oct 2023 Issue 2 Newsletter

Para la traducción, presione el ícono de persona / accesibilidad a la derecha, luego seleccione "Translate Newsletter", y elija 'Spanish' u otro idioma en el que desee leer el boletín virtual. / እባክዎ በቀኝ በኩል ያለውን ሰው የተደራሽነት አዶን ይጫኑ ፣ ከዚያ ‹ Translate Newsletter › ን ይምረጡ ፣ ከዚያ ‹ጽሁፉን/መጽሔት› ን ለማንበብ የሚፈልጉትን ‹Amharic' › ወይም ሌላ ቋንቋ ይምረጡ ፡፡ / Please press the person/accessibility icon on the right, then select "Translate Newsletter", then choose your preferred language.

At our school, we remain fully dedicated to both academic excellence and personal growth, which has enabled our community to continue to flourish. Let us continue to approach each day with renewed hope and enthusiasm for learning and personal development. It's a perfect time to remember the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

• Spirit Week - Week of October 23rd
• ES Fall Festival and MS Homecoming Dance (at the ES campus) - Thursday, November 2nd
• School Closed for Professional Development - Friday, November 3rd
• School Closed for Veteran's Day - Friday, November 10th
• ES & MS Family Fall Feast (at the MS campus) - Thursday, November 16th
• School Closed for Fall Break - Monday, November 20th - Friday, November 24th

We're excited about Spirit Week happening next week, Monday, October 23rd - Thursday, October 27th, across both the Elementary and Middle School campuses! We can't wait to see the outfits you will pull together each day.

This digital ordering system makes purchasing apparel a breeze for students and staff. Check out the store at bit.ly/MPCSstore. Adult and Youth sizes are available! The online store will be open until Sunday, November 5th, and will reopen during peak purchasing times throughout the school year.

All orders will be delivered to the student's campus during the week of 11/27 for distribution no later than the week of 12/4. Any questions can be directed to business@meridian-dc.org.

Elementary School (ES) Fall Festival: We are excited to share that this year’s Fall Festival will be “25 Years in Wonderland: A Fall Adventure through Books”. The festival is planned for Thursday, November 2nd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Elementary School campus. Join us for an enchanting evening filled with games, crafts, music, and delicious food! See you in Wonderland.

Our Middle School students will hit the dance floor at their Homecoming Dance on Thursday, November 2nd! This dance is set for the same date as our ES Festival on Thursday, November 2nd from 5:00-6:30 PM, in the Elementary School gymnasium. Our MS families with elementary-aged children are welcome to join us on the bottom two floors of the ES for games, crafts, and music. Our Middle School families without Elementary-aged children are welcome to join us on the top floor of the ES for a meet and greet with fellow MS families.

You are invited to join us at our annual Fall Feast on Thursday, November 16th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School campus. Families who join us for the Fall Feast will enjoy a delicious meal with Meridian staff and leadership before the Fall break (November 20th - November 24th). In addition to a sit-down meal, we will be sending families home with items to add to their dinner table and will be raffling off gift cards. Registration will be required for this event as there is limited space, so keep an eye out for a link to register.

We have a few days left of our Pulsera Sale in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month! Ms. Gabrielle Barnes, our amazing ES Spanish teacher, has partnered with the Pulsera Project for the 5th year to host yet another amazing sale! Purchases can be made through October 24th.

Sale Times:

Elementary School - 7:30-8:15 AM during drop-off & 3:30-4:00 PM during dismissal on the front courtyard with Ms. Gabrielle Barnes.

Middle School - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the cafeteria with Ms. Pamela Anderson.

Bracelets are $7 each and crossbody bags are $15 each. Venmo and cash are accepted forms of payment. Please tell your friends, family and of course students. Let's work together to make a difference!

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Middle School held a Door Decorating contest. Students explored the diverse traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, showcasing their understanding and appreciation by adorning their classroom doors with colorful and educational decor. The creativity and thought put into each door were truly remarkable, highlighting the vast cultural tapestry that is Hispanic heritage.

Earlier this week our school was a sea of orange as students and staff came together to celebrate Unity Day, a key event during Anti-Bullying Month. The sight was a powerful reminder of our collective commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone. Let's continue to unite against bullying and stand up for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

The Out-Of-School Time Program is excited to share the list of upcoming Fall clubs! Take a look at the descriptions and schedules for our Elementary and Middle School clubs below. If you are interested, please complete a registration form linked below.

Elementary School students: bit.ly/3rUTqBT

Middle School students: bit.ly/3QibbEx

Currently, the only OST program available for registration is the YMCA Anthony Bowen. The program may 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 and membership fees may apply.

• 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.

• Demonstrating a commendable performance, our Middle School Flag Football team now stands at 3-2 following a triumphant 22-6 victory over Kipp DC. Adien and Jaden have been standout players, leading in touchdowns and demonstrating remarkable leadership. Zion also had his first touchdown of the year with a long 60 yard receiving touchdown and a big interception to help turn the game in our favor.

• The JR Scores Soccer Team had a great two weeks! They showcased great leadership and sportsmanship on the field. They go above and beyond on the field, offering their opponents seats and checking in on them when they fall. Although the JR Scores Team does not focus on winning or losing, we know who really won! Keep up the fantastic work, team!

If you see a student-athlete in your class or in the hall, just give them your encouragement to keep working hard in class and on the field and congratulate them on their success so far.

Navigating the current world can be a challenging task for our children. It is important now, more than ever, to support their social-emotional learning at home. This not only helps them understand and manage their emotions but also teaches them to empathize with others, handle stress, and make responsible decisions. Here are a few resources to support you in this area:

1. CASEL’s Parent Resource: The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has a comprehensive guide that provides parents with tools and strategies to support children's social and emotional skills at home. Visit their website at casel.org/parent-resources/

2. Understood: This organization offers expert resources, free educational webinars, and a community of parents who share their experiences, on understanding and supporting children with learning and attention issues. Visit their website at www.understood.org/.

3. Parent Toolkit: Developed by NBC News Educational Nation, this toolkit is a one-stop resource developed with parents in mind. It’s produced by NBC News Learn and supported by Pearson and includes information about almost every aspect of your child’s development because they're all connected. Visit at parenttoolkit.com/.

Providing our children with a strong foundation in social-emotional learning is one of the best ways we can ensure their future success.

• COVID Tests: Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four FREE COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home. Visit COVID.gov to place your order. If you need help placing an order for your at-home tests, please call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

• PowerUp! Mentor Program: Kid Power offers unique enrichment opportunities through PowerUp!, a freeform, youth-led, enrichment program for youth in middle and high school. Youth participate in career site visits, field trips, and bi-monthly workshops that teach and empower. Learn more here.
  

• DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Veggie Program: DC DPR is hosting weekly veggie giveaways for residents across the city through Nov 30th. Kale, tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs, and more will be available for pick up during designated windows each week. You can learn more about the program and stay up to date on giveaways at dprveggies.splashthat.com.

• Help Me Grow DC | Books & Blocks Event - October 21st: An interactive event for parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5. Participants receive information about child development, developmental screenings, and community resources. Books & Blocks includes activity stations around literacy, fine motor skills, and problem-solving skills. Register at Help Me Grow DC.

• Kids Euro Fest - October 21st: Kids Euro Fest is back! A day packed with numerous activities, performances, crafts, and workshops from European artists — each dedicated to teaching and entertaining children ages 6-12. Learn more at kidseurofest.org.

• Festival Season in DC: Pick some pumpkins, whiz down giant slides, get lost in corn mazes, go on hayrides, bounce around on jumping pillows, and so much more. Take a look at the Kid Friendly DC guide to fall festivals has details on all of them.

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