MPCS Oct 2023 Issue 1 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.

Dear Meridian Families,

As we move into October, I'm so pleased with how smoothly our school year is progressing. Even with the crisp fall air, our students and teachers remain hard at work in their academics and extracurriculars.

This month we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Our diversity is one of Meridian's strengths, and we're proud to highlight the cultures, traditions, and histories of our Hispanic and Latinx students and families. Our classes and Crew will focus their lessons on the rich contributions of Hispanic Americans.

The cooler fall weather also reminds us that winter is just around the corner. Our facilities team is preparing to keep our buildings warm and safe when the cold arrives. We ask that families send children with warm coats, hats, and gloves so they can enjoy recess outdoors. If your family requires assistance providing winter gear, please contact our main office. Wishing everyone a wonderful October!

Educationally,

Mr. McCrea

School Closed - Monday, October 9th for Indigenous Peoples' Day

Pulsera Sales - Tuesday, October 10th - Monday, October 24th

Rescheduled Family Fun Night - Thursday, October 12th

Families for Education Café - Tuesday, October 17th (ES) and Thursday, October 19th (MS)

Unity Day (Wear Orange) - Wednesday, October 18th

Spirit Week - Week of October 23rd

There is only 1 more day left to visit the Book Fair in person. However, you can shop online for a whole week after it closes. Visit Meridian's Scholastic homepage to make online purchases until Sunday, October 12th.

Our Family Center Resource Survey will be open through the end of tomorrow, Friday, October 6th. We greatly value your feedback and would appreciate hearing from you. We kindly request you to spare a few minutes to complete the survey linked below. Your input will be instrumental in enhancing the resources and support we offer through our Family Centers at both the ES and MS campuses.

Family Center Resource Survey: English and Spanish

We are excited to share our rescheduled date for the Family Fun Night: Soccer Social is Thursday, October 12th from 5:00 - 6:00 pm at Harrison Field.

If you had yet to register for the original date, you could still register at bit.ly/3PiWAXZ.

Please note the following:

• Registration is required for anyone who will be playing soccer.
• If you are bringing additional family or friends, provide that number on the registration form.
• Please note that an adult must accompany all students.
• This is NOT associated with the Meridian soccer team practices or games

Any questions may be directed to your campus Family Engagement Coordinator: Ms. Cortney Mayfield (ES) at (202) 387-9830 ext. 203 or Pamela Anderson (MS) at (202) 793-2667 ext. 501.

The Family Engagement Team is excited to invite you to our next Families for Education Café event. We will be hosting our Elementary School Café on Tuesday, October 17th during drop-off. Our Middle School Café will be held on Thursday, October 19th. We will be sharing more information in the coming days.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact, ES Family Engagement Coordinator, Mrs. Cortney Mayfield at cmayfield@meridian-dc.org. We look forward to seeing you at the Café!

It's that time of year again for Meridian's school-wide 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! Our sale will be from October 10th - 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!

The Pulsera Project is a nonprofit organization that educates, empowers, and connects Central American artists with students in more than 3,000 U.S. schools, including Meridian, through the sale of colorful handwoven bracelets, or "pulseras" in Spanish. It provides sustainable fair trade employment and has dramatically expanded economic opportunities for hundreds of artists since 2009. Link to Spanish video: vimeo.com/239020501.

We are thrilled to share photos of our dedicated Middle School students who have been recognized for their outstanding early attendance! Swipe to see their smiles when they receive special prizes ranging from books to bikes. We are so proud of our early birds and can't wait to see who will be recognized next!

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.

After school clubs will begin soon, please stay tuned for more information via email this week.

Our Meridian Owls started off strong during their first week of the 2023-2024 Soccer Season!

Here are some of the highlights:

• Middle School Soccer team's win during their first game of the season against Paul Public Charter School! They won 2-1 with goals from Joseph Umanzor and Jefferson Fuentes! Major shoutout to our defensive line for working their hard work the entire game. Go Owls!!

• Our JR Scores and ES Scores student-athletes demonstrated leadership and resilience on and off the field. The JR team had their first game of the season against Bancroft E.S., and they played their little hearts out. Coach Tia and Coach Lea have done an amazing job instilling perseverance and sportsmanship into their players.

• Our ES Scores teams also showed up and showed out for their first game! Eryanna Denmark held the girls down and kept the score 0 - 0. The boys did an amazing job and brought a victory home! Shout out to Harry Sanchez and Luke Masam for each scoring and leading the team to their first WIN.

If you see any coaches or student-athletes this week, please show them some love!

National Bullying Prevention Month is an opportunity to reflect on classroom and school culture and examine best practices when it comes to creating respectful school environments that foster inclusion and respect. We want you and your children to join us in the reflection of classroom and school culture and examine best practices when it comes to creating respectful school environments that foster inclusion and respect.

On Wednesday, October 18th we will all wear Orange on Unity Day! Why Orange you ask? Orange provides a powerful, visually compelling expression of solidarity. We wear orange to send a unified message that we stand together against bullying and unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Ad Council’s Bullying Prevention Kahoot Collection:

We all love Kahoot!, but did you know they partnered with Ad Council to launch three ready-to-play original Kahoot experiences encouraging teens to reflect on the power of their words and actions? Developed as part of an anti-bullying campaign, these Kahoots are aimed at helping teens learn about how they can foster inclusivity and empathy among their peers.

Click on the Kahoot! games below, create an account, and play!

• 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.

• Job Seekers Drop-In Clinic: If you are a job seeker in need of help with your job search process, the Clinic hosted by the DC Public Library provides individuals with support in:

  • Creating an email account
  • Establishing a job board account
  • Building and typing your résumé
  • Completing an online job application
  • View their schedule at Events - DC Public Library

• BackPack Program: Feeding America's Backpack food program offers families free groceries for weekends and school breaks. Food backpacks include healthy, easy-to-prepare food for kid-friendly meals. Find the program closest to you at BackPack. Program | Feeding America

• Georgia Ave Open Streets: On Saturday, October 7th, 3 miles of Georgia Avenue will be closed to vehicles to allow people to walk, run, bike, and play. The route will include hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, dancing, and more! The event is free and suitable for all ages. DDOT will even be running a Bike Giveaway where District residents can apply to receive a FREE BIKE (170 bikes - 130 adult, 40 children's)!

• Kingman Island Friends & Family Day: Explore Kingman + Heritage Islands on Saturday, October 14th with your family and friends! Experience all the amazing activities the islands offer including paddling, nature walks, fishing, scavenger hunts, and so much more! Event details can be found at KingmanIsland.com/friends-family-day.

• Family Mystery Day at the Library of Congress: On Saturday, October 21st join the Library of Congress in celebrating mystery stories in all their spine-tingling, curious forms. Enjoy two author events, a mystery writing workshop, a day full of activities, and a scavenger hunt. This event is free, but timed-entry passes are required to enter the Library of Congress. Get your pass at loc.usedirect.com/LOC/.

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