Principal's Message
As we enter the fourth week of school we begin our T3 sessions to provide time and support for students during the school day. We are glad to have time in the day to support our students, to help them learn a concept, or support them on an assignment or project. We know for many of our students T3 will be used as a part of their academic goal for this semester.
Both academic and personal goals were shared in our conferences last week. Whether or not you attended a conference on campus, we would appreciate it, if you would take a few moments to complete our survey to help us improve the experience in February. More information can be found in this week's newsletter.
In addition to changing the format and time for this year's conferences, we are also reaching out in other ways to share what is taking place at school. As mentioned in conferences, with each unit our teachers will be sharing information with you so that you know what your student is learning and possible ways you can support them at home. I anticipate some adjustments as we navigate the tools to bring this information to you and hope you find it useful and a compliment to the information you can access on Skyward and if you are subscribed to the google classroom summaries.
In addition to those tools, this newsletter is produced each week to provide you information. I know there might still be things you have questions about or need more information. Please let me know if there is other information you would like for us to be sharing. You can email me at dforbes@meridian.wednet.edu or call me at 360-398-8111.
Stay healthy. Stay safe. Go Trojans!
Derek O. Forbes
Conference Survey
We were excited to welcome so many of you on campus last week. I heard from several staff how impressed they were with the goals that students shared and look forward to seeing students working towards them over the semester.
We would like to hear from you, whether or not you attended conferences. We want to make sure we are providing a positive experience and finding ways to maximize the impact with as many households as possible. We are looking for feedback from those that participated and those who did not participate on campus. Please open the link and let us know how we did and what we can do better. Thank you
Financial Aid Information
This week we would like to share a video that gives you the information you need to complete an FSA ID. An FSA ID is needed when you complete the FAFSA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_CmoUJyxRw&feature
FSA ID Worksheet https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-2019.12th.year.fsa.id.worksheet.pdf
Other Resources
Who is my parent for financial aid? https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/who-is-my-parent.png
Financial aid dependency assessment https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-dependency.pdf
Whose information will I need for my financial aid application? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Flaf8F6q3o&feature=youtu.be
Otterbot- Otterbot is a free texting service designed to help Washington students navigate financial aid for college and career education. Students can access Otterbot via text message 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text "Hi Otter" to 360-928-7281.
What do I need to have ready to file the FAFSA or the WASFA?
What do I need to have ready to file the FAFSA or the WASFA?
There are several things you need.
- Your Social Security card or Alien registration card (if you are a permanent resident). (FAFSA only)
- Your driver's license.
- Your prior year's tax return (2019).
- Your income information. This includes bank statements and a W-2 or pay stub.
- Your parent, if you are 24 or younger.
- Your parents' financial information. Parents should bring a copy of their previous year's tax return.
- One parent's social security number. If neither of your parents have one, you may still file the FAFSA.
- Additional financial information -- such as child support statements, TANF or welfare information, real estate, stocks or bonds investments, family business or farm info.
Have You Moved? Has Your Phone Number Changed? Do You Have a New Email?
Please login in to your Skyward account and make sure all of your information is up to date. While you are logged in, you can make any necessary changes. If you need assistance, please contact the high school office at 360-398-8111. Thank you for your help.
Class of 2022 Parents and Students
If you are a senior or the parent/guardian of a senior, and you haven't already done so, please send Mrs. Waterman your name, email and a phone number. Her email is swaterman@meridian.wednet.edu. There are many details and deadlines during senior year and we want to keep you in the loop
Fall Equinox , September 22nd
Summer has slipped away. Hope you enjoyed the season. The 2020 fall equinox arrives in the Northern Hemisphere on September 22 at 8:31am EDT.
Astronomically it’s the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. Thus, the fall (and spring) equinoxes provide Earth with roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Oh, and after another blazing hot summer, the first day of fall signals cooler weather.
From the time of the Druids, the fall equinox signaled the end of the harvest. Then, winter preparations began. Families celebrated with parties and other social gatherings. Autumn lasts until the winter solstice.
Attendance Information
Being present in class is vital to be successful in school. We want to encourage all of our students to be at school every day! If you are missing school, you are missing out on learning!
MHS Building Entrance
Class of 2022 Parents:
Hey senior parents, get connected to other parents in this grade by joining the Facebook Group "Meridian High School Class of 2022." Also, for upcoming announcements pertaining to the class of 2022, please email meridianhs2022@gmail.com and include the following information:
Your Name:
Seniors Name:
Email:
Phone Number
MHS Points of Contact
Andy Donahue, Assistant Principal: adonahue@meridian.wednet.edu
Cheryl McBride, Counselor A-J: cmcbride@meridian.wednet.edu
Don McMains, Counselor K-Z: dmcmains@meridian.wednet.edu
Tami McMains, Attendance: tgmcmains@meridian.wednet.edu
Robin Brinkman, Registration: rbrinkman@meridian.wednet.edu
Chromebook Tech Support: chromebook@meridian.wednet.edu
Stay Connected
The homepage has access to recent news.
Meridian School District on Social Media
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/meridianschooldistrict505/
Instagram: @meridianschooldistrict505
Twitter: @meridian505
