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.

Welcome to a new school year at Meridian! We are so excited to have all of our returning students and families back, and we are just as excited to welcome all of our new families to our amazing school. We hope that everyone has had a restful and safe summer, and we know that you are looking forward to the start of school as much as we are. For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Mr. Matthew McCrea, and I’m Meridian’s proud Head of School. This will be my fourth year leading Meridian, and I know that this year will be our best yet.

This year, we are going to build on our work with EL Education and continue to implement Crew as a daily practice to support our students socioemotional wellbeing, and you will also start to see more project-based learning at Meridian that we hope will pull students out of the classroom and into the community to learn. We are also beginning our partnership with Kindred to build stronger relationships between home and school so that we can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable school. Please be on the lookout for many opportunities to engage with both Kindred and our work with EL Education as the year goes on.

Lastly, please know that I am always here for you to support you with any questions or concerns that you may have. My job is not only to lead Meridian, but to also address any challenges that may come up or help you in any way that’s needed to be sure that we are living our vision of an excellent education for our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email if there is anything I can do to help. I am excited to see everyone in a few short weeks!

We continue to strive to provide you with timely information consistently throughout the school year. To that end, below are first week of school dates, welcome letters from both Meridian Principals, information on each campus' general daily schedule and the family calendar which gives an overview of important dates in the school year, before and after care program applications, our uniform policy, updated policies, immunization requirements, and other important information.

Educationally,

Mr. Matthew McCrea

Head of School

The first day of school for Kindergarten - 8th grade is MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2022. Scroll down for more details on the general school day schedule for both campuses.

Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students have a different schedule the first week of school so they can gradually adjust to their new environment and routines:

• First week of school for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students:

• Monday, August 29th - Open House with scheduled times for a family member to visit the classroom with the student

• Tuesday, August 30th - Half day only - PK3 and PK4 students will dismiss at 12 noon

• Wednesday, August 31st - Early release day - ALL students dismiss at 1 PM

• Thursday, September 1st and Friday, September 2nd - Full day of class for PK3 and PK4 students, eligible for aftercare on these days

We look forward to seeing no more than 2 parent/guardian(s) per household at Family Orientation on the dates below. Each household must send at least one representative to at least one Family Orientation session on either campus.

• 3rd Grade to 5th Grade - Tuesday, August 23, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, Elementary Campus
• Pre-K to 2nd Grade - Wednesday, August 24, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, Elementary Campus
• 6th and 8th Grade - Thursday, August 25, 4:30 - 6:00 PM, Middle School Campus

During Family Orientation, you will receive information on your child's homeroom teacher and/or schedule for the first term, important details about attendance and updated arrival and dismissal procedures, information about health/safety precautions, student and parent log in information for Schoology, PowerSchool Parent Portal and Remind, have the opportunity to meet providers and sign up for extended learning programs, as well as preview/sign up for this year's clubs/sports and enrichment programs.

Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!

Happy New School Year! We are so excited to build on the great work and achievements of last year. While last year was challenging on many levels, we rallied together as a Meridian family and showed resilience and ended the year strong. Your dedication and feedback has allowed us to be even more intentional with our structures and systems to ensure every student has a plan to exceed their goals and achieve this academic year. It brings me great joy and esteem to announce our Elementary School Leadership Team. This dedicated team of leaders' first priority is to collaborate with you this year. It is this degree of partnership that is needed to model a complete level of support for each of our students. Our 2022-2023 School Leaders are, Nichole Lowery, Director of Lower Elementary, Jewel Taylor, Director of Upper Elementary, and Marcus Brown, Dean of Students and I am returning as my second year as the Principal. While we are excited to meet each of you in person, here is a short bio about each of us and our experiences that have brought us to Meridian.

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Nichole Lowery, Director of Lower Elementary | Pre K - Kindergarten

My name is Nichole Lowery and I am the Director of Lower School. I am excited to begin this academic journey with you and your students. Meridian has been my home for the last 16 years. I started as a classroom teacher in Pre Kindergarten and served as the Early Childhood Instructional Specialist. I am truly honored to continue making an impact on students' lives. I hold a Bachelor’s from the University of the District of Columbia in Early Childhood and a Master’s of Science in Administration with a Specialization in Early Childhood from Trinity Washington University. I have focused on early childhood in my career due to my strong belief in giving students a solid foundation.

I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So I continue to be a huge hometown supporter and a die-hard Eagles fan. I made the DMV my home when I attended Howard University as a Biology/Pre Med student. I soon found my niche in teaching and have loved every second of it. My goal as the Director of Lower School is to continue Meridian's long history of providing a quality program to its youngest students and educating the whole child. I look forward to continuing to serve our families and support our teachers. If you need anything from me, please feel free to email me at nlowery@meridian-dc.org

Jewel Taylor, Director of Upper Elementary | Grade 1- Grade 5

My name is Jewel Taylor and I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Upper Elementary for Meridian’s Elementary Campus for the 2022-2023 school year. I am a native of Chattanooga, TN, having relocated to the Washington, DC area to obtain my Bachelor’s degree from the illustrious Howard University. I also hold my Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Trinity Washington University. I am formerly a classroom teacher of 6.5 years, and have the honor of serving Meridian as a first year administrator in the 2022-2023 school year.

Throughout this school year, I look forward to forging intentional partnerships with students, families and teachers as a means to drive student achievement and foster a sense of community and belonging here with the Meridian Family. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at jtaylor@meridian-dc.org. I look forward to supporting you!

Marcus Brown, Dean of Students

My name is Marcus Brown and I am excited to be joining the Meridian community as the Elementary School Dean of Students! I am originally from Philadelphia, PA (Go Birds!) and graduated from Franklin and Marshall College and received my Master’s in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania. I am a history nerd who enjoys cooking and playing with my dog Puck in my free time. I believe that meaningful and purposeful relationships are the key to engaging students and families and driving student achievement and joy. I am always accessible through email at mbrown1@meridian-dc.org. I look forward to connecting with the Meridian community and having a great school year!

DuRay Stevens, Principal

My name is DuRay Stevens and it excites me to return to Meridian as the Principal of the Elementary Campus. After graduating from Prince Georges’ Public Schools, I continued my education at Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana. I returned home to complete my graduate studies at American University where I earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I gained acceptance in Leaders where I successfully completed both Emerging Leaders and Aspiring Principals programs. I have eleven years of teaching and leadership experience in Washington, D.C. and San Jose, California.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my very close knit family and enjoy dining experiences within the city. When I am not eating, I am usually exercising on my Peloton Bike+!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need anything from me. My email address is dstevens@meridian-dc.org.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming orientations.

Principal Stevens

Greetings Meridian Charter School Families,

It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction as the newly appointed Principal of Meridian Public Charter Middle School.

I have been committed to education for more than nineteen years and I have worked in both the charter and traditional public-school sectors. In my career, I have served as a teacher, staff developer, dean, assistant principal, and currently, as principal. I have served as a middle school principal for over six years and have worked in New York City, Baltimore, and now, D.C.

I am honored to work alongside an incredible instructional leadership team. It is a pleasure to introduce the members of the Meridian Middle School leadership team: Dean of Students, Justin Williams, Math coach, Stacy Blake Davis, and ELA coach, Dejon Tucker.

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Dean of Students - Justin Williams

Is very excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Middle School Dean of Students at Meridian PCS. As a native Washingtonian, it gives him great joy to serve the students that he once was. His 12 years of experience has prepared him to take on a new leadership role; one that will work to support our scholars accomplishing the goals that they have set for themselves. Having served as a college counseling associate, in-school suspension coordinator, special education teacher, and math teacher; he has gained many skills that he utilizes daily to encourage scholars to be their best selves. He is committed to building trusting relationships with students.

His 5 years at Meridian has shown him a great deal and allotted me the opportunity to grow and develop as a teacher. Mr. Williams is committed to pushing scholars toward excellence and nothing less than. Mr. Williams celebrates the heritage, traditions, and customs of our Meridian students and uses those lessons to teach others about the world around them. Mr. Williams teaches students to lead by example and always be a shining light wherever we go. We are Meridian strong and Meridian proud; this school year will be no different. Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Williams with any questions or concerns at jwilliams@meridian-dc.org.

Math Coach - Stacey Blake Davis

This school year, Mrs. Davis will be working at the Middle School as the Math Instructional Coach. Originally, Mrs. Davis worked in the banking industry and earned her Associates degree in Mathematics. She began her career as a Teacher Assistant and continued her pursuit to become an educator, through pursuing a Bachelors Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration.

Mrs. Davis is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Meridian community and look forward to exploring the math curriculum with your child. Mrs. Davis has worked for over 10 years in public schools, and is excited to work with students and families to set and achieve math goals. Mrs. Davis reflects on hearing students say that, “I am not a math person!” Mrs. Davis believes that every child can learn and is committed to help your child and their teachers make connections with their love for math. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Davis with any questions or concerns at sblakedavis@meridian-dc.org.

ELA Coach - Dejon Tucker

Dejon started his career in education as an elementary teacher in Belize. After a few years of teaching abroad full time, Mr. Tucker attended graduate school at St. John's University in New York where he got his masters of science in education. As an educator, Mr. Tucker has been a part of many fellowships and leadership positions, such as The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and he has taught English, the language, and the accompanying literature, with which was intertwined, in elementary schools, high schools, junior college, and university.

Mr. Tuckers' optimistic & outgoing demeanor enhances his ability to build impenetrable relationships with students, staff and parents. At Meridian PCS, Mr. Tucker is focused on contributing to the creation of an English Language Arts teaching and learning environment, where students communicate in a way that illuminates their ability, mastery and or competency of the language of power. Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Tucker with any questions or concerns at dtucker@meridian-dc.org.

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Families, we are all looking forward to working with you as a partner to ensure your child’s educational success.

During the past few weeks, I have been able to connect with staff, parents, and students. From these conversations, I have learned that the members of the Meridian community are dedicated to providing and experiencing the best possible academic outcomes for our students. I am dedicated to engendering a nurturing and rigorous educational experience for each child and student and look forward to fostering positive relationships that will support that ambition.

It is important to me that every member of our community is excited about the work we will do together and that everyone feels connected to our community. I will be having several meet and greet opportunities over the summer with the focus of getting to know you, your children, and the needs of the greater community. We will announce those dates in the upcoming weeks. I, along with members of the leadership team will be on hand to greet you, share our vision for the new school year and begin to form new bonds that will aid us in achieving our school’s mission. I hope you are able to make this first event and look forward to our partnership!

I feel truly blessed to be the instructional leader of such an awesome school community.

Respectfully,
Nicole Blair Barzey, Principal
Meridian Public Charter Middle School
NBlair-barzey@meridian-dc.org

Ms. Melissa Russell, our middle school assistant principal, has taken a position at a school in Los Angeles, California. We are so excited for Ms. Russell and wish her the best in her future endeavors, and thank her for her service to Meridian. We have already begun the search for a new assistant principal for our middle school campus. Until we've hired a new assistant principal, please feel free to reach out to Principal Barzey at nblair-barzey@meridian-dc.org with any concerns that you may have. Thank you for your continued support of the Meridian community.

• SY2022-23 Family Calendar in English - bit.ly/2223MPCScaleng

• SY2022-23 Family Calendar in Spanish / Calendario Escolar Familiar - Ciclo Escolar 2022-2023 - bit.ly/2223MPCScalspa
• SY2022-23 Family Calendar in Amharic / የ 2022-23 የቤተሰብ ትምህርት ቤት የቀን መቁጠሪያ - bit.ly/2223MPCScalamh.

Please plan any long domestic or international trips, vacations, and other extended absences to take place during school breaks (winter break in December, mid-winter break in February, spring break in April, summer break beginning in June). This year, more than any other, we need families to reduce time away from school as much as possible!

You can also stay up-to-date with all school events by joining our public google calendar by clicking the "+Google Calendar" button at the bottom of the calendar on our website or by clicking one of the links below:

• Link for google calendar
• Link for iCal version

The daily schedule for each campus is below. Please note, this year our Early Release day will be on WEDNESDAYS--ALL STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 1:00 PM. Afternoon Extended Learning will be available for Wednesday afternoons (see information below).

Meridian PCS is excited to offer an internal shuttle service for students' arrival and departure between schools. This shuttle is designed to help support families that have students attending both campuses. Each route will be supervised by a Meridian PCS employee to ensure students remain supervised during each commute. Below you will find the estimated times for the shuttle service for the AM and PM services.

Schedule - AM

7:55am - Departure Elementary School

8:00am - Pick-up at Columbia Heights Metro (Corner of 14th Street, NW and Irving Street NW-Pick-up will be at the shuttle pick-up on Irving Street NW)

8:05am - Drop off at Middle School

8:15am - Departure from Elementary School

8:20am - Pick-up at Columbia Heights Metro (Corner of 14th Street, NW and Irving Street NW- Pick-up will be at the shuttle pick-up on Irving Street NW)

8:25am - Drop off at Middle School

Schedule - PM

4:05pm - Departure Middle School

4:10pm - Drop Off at Columbia Heights Metro (Corner of 14th Street, NW and Irving Street NW - Drop-off will be at the shuttle pick-up on Irving Street, NW)

4:15pm - Drop off at Elementary School

4:25pm - Pick-up at Middle School

4:30pm - Drop off at Columbia Heights Metro (Corner of 14th Street, NW and Irving Street NW - Drop off will be at the shuttle pick-up on Irving Street NW)

4:35pm - Drop off at Elementary School

*Please note that students should arrive at least 5 minutes early for the AM shuttle pick-up times listed above.

Any family interested in participating will need to complete a permission slip that will be available during parent-student orientation or at the front desk of each school. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michael Russell, Director of Operations at 202-387-8930 ext. 235 or mrussell@meridian-dc.org.

Meridian has a strict policy, which prohibits student use of cell phones and other electronic devices (radios, iPods and MP3 players, CD players, video game players, cell phones, iPads, tablets, e-readers, smart watches, and similar devices) during school hours. Cell phones in classrooms have a negative impact on academic performance because they distract students from being fully engaged participants in the learning process. Cell phone use during school hours can also increase instances of cyber bullying and inappropriate posts to social media web sites. Student cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off prior to entering the school building and placed inside their locker or turned in at Reception. Visible cell phones and other electronic devices will be confiscated and only returned to a parent or guardian. Repeated violations will result in additional consequences. In case of emergency, parent/guardian(s) are asked to contact the Elementary School at 202-387-9830 or the Middle School at 202-796-2667.

Meridian Public Charter School does not exclude children based on toilet learning ability. Teachers should be sensitive to parent concerns and offer open communication with parents concerning Toilet Learning, as it is developmentally appropriate for 3 year olds to be engaged in toilet learning activities.

In order to support children, families, and teachers with toilet learning, Meridian implements procedures to support all parties and help children achieve age and developmentally appropriate self-help skills. In order to achieve success in this process, it is crucial that all parties maintain open, honest, and supportive communication so that children feel comfortable and can be successful. Please remember that toilet learning has to be reinforced at home as well as at school. No child will be forced to sit on the toilet.

To read our Toileting Policy in full, please click this link. We ask ALL Pre-K3 AND Pre-K4 families to complete this Toileting Questionnaire to get a current snapshot of our youngest student's toileting abilities. This information will be shared with your student's homeroom Lead Teacher and Apprentice Teacher.

Meridian Public Charter School’s uniform policy is designed to give students a sense of professionalism and community, and therefore is strictly enforced throughout the school year, including half days and birthdays. We feel that this simple show of unity eliminates the distractions that can come with students trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends. It is our hope that when students put on their uniform in the morning, they take on a professional mindset in their approach to education. By abiding by our uniform policy, students show a willingness to be a part of our school community and accept the responsibility of taking ownership of their education, actively promoting a school culture of pride, unity, discipline, and safety. Uniforms also create security through identification, enabling school officials to recognize intruders. Students out of compliance with the uniform policy will be subject to disciplinary consequences as per the Student Handbook.

Dress Code Requirements:

All students must wear:

• Solid navy blue, light blue, or white collared shirt

• Solid navy blue pants or shorts no shorter than the student’s longest finger when standing upright and hands down at their side

• Closed-toed shoes

Students may elect to wear:

• Navy blue or light blue skirt or polo-style dress, no shorter than the student’s longest finger when standing upright and hands down at their side

• Meridian spiritwear t-shirts (purchased from or given by the school)

Additionally, students may choose to wear the following items during cold weather:

• Meridian sweatshirts (purchased/ordered through Meridian Family Orientation and/or Back to School Night)

• Solid navy blue, black, grey or white sweater

If electing to wear a fleece or sweater, students must wear a uniform collared shirt (solid navy blue, solid light blue, solid gray, or solid white).

Students are not permitted to wear the following items:

• Coats, jackets, and hooded sweatshirts (hoodies) are all considered outerwear and cannot be worn in class or around the building

• Open-toed shoes and sandals are prohibited; they are not safe and may cause injury to the student.

• Hats are prohibited. However, Meridian respects and protects students’ religious, ethnic and cultural expression. Students may wear any religiously, ethnically, or culturally specific head coverings or hairstyles, including but not limited to hijabs, yarmulkes, head/hair wraps, braids, dreadlocks, and cornrows.

• Leggings (any skin-tight or form-fitting garment that covers the legs and sometimes waist) may only be worn underneath skirts/shorts of the appropriate length. Leggings CANNOT be worn in the place of pants.

• Any article of clothing, accessory, or markings on clothes or skin that

• exhibits curse words or slurs,

• exhibits graphic or violent images, or

• displays emblems, symbols, signs, or other things which are clear evidence of affiliation with illegal drugs, alcohol, violence, or criminally motivated organizations.

Dress Down Days:

Dress Down Days may be granted for campus-wide special events (e.g. spirit or theme weeks) or earned by individual students to celebrate their success. For all Dress Down Days, the following guidelines must be followed:

• No backs or midriffs may be exposed

• No tank tops

• Shorts and skirts must reach the student’s longest finger when standing upright and hands down at their side

• No holes, rips or tears on tops or bottoms

Students not in uniform, school apparel or suitable Dress Down Day attire will receive negative points on Dean’s List. Parent/guardian(s) will be notified, and the student will be provided with appropriate apparel, consistent with the school's dress code, if available. After three incidents of failing to comply with the Uniform Policy and Dress Code, the student will not be permitted to attend class until he/she is appropriately dressed. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and asked to immediately provide appropriate clothing as well as schedule a meeting with the student’s Dean or designee.

Mask Policy:

For the duration of the COVID pandemic and in accordance with CDC and DC Health guidance, all students, staff, and visitors at Meridian are expected to wear masks correctly (creating a seal around and covering both the nose and mouth) at all times while at Meridian except when eating or when outdoors. Neck gaiters and masks with ventilation valves are not allowed.

Meridian staff will work with students in a developmentally-appropriate way to teach proper mask wearing protocol and will make accommodations for students when necessary. Students with IEPs are eligible for further accommodations to mask wearing when deemed necessary by the IEP team. However, students that refuse to wear a mask are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with our student code of conduct.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy and safe return to school is to consider getting yourself and your student vaccinated. We are excited to have all our students and families back for the start of a strong school year, but we need your help to make it happen. Students and families are always encouraged to secure appointments now with their primary care physician, who will know their health history best and can support them with a full well-child visit.

To attend school, families are required to submit their student’s up-to-date immunization record by the first day of school. You can find a list of required immunizations for your child according to their age by viewing this helpful flyer from DC Health (Spanish version)

If your student does not have up to date childhood immunizations, they may not be allowed to attend school. You can access the Universal Health Certificate (exam date not older than 1 year ago) to be completed by your child's medical provider here, and submit the completed form to enrollment@meridian-dc.org, or your family's enrollment team member by email or text; or drop it off in person AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe, life-threatening illness from a COVID-19 infection, and can protect your child against the more contagious variants.

On July 8, 2022, the FDA fully approved the COVID-19 vaccine commonly known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals ages 12-15. Beginning on Sept. 16, 2022 any student who is ages 12+ must have received the primary COVID-19 vaccine series or be proceeding in accordance with their vaccine series. Booster doses are strongly recommended, but not required to be considered compliant.

Families with students age 3 and older are now able to schedule immunization appointments through vaccinate.dc.gov or the Vaccination Call Center at 1-855-363-0333.

Learn more at dchealth.dc.gov/immunizations

Pre-register at bit.ly/DCHealthMobileUnit

Meridian Public Charter School offers before and after school programs to keep children engaged and safe outside of normal school hours. Assistance is available at the Elementary School Family Center and Middle School Front Desk to complete online or paper applications below.

This year, Meridian will offer a variety of academic and enrichment opportunities involving sports, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), tutoring, and much more. Among the programs to be offered are two different on-site after school programs, implemented by the YMCA Anthony Bowen and by Mentors of Minorities in Education (M.O.M.I.E’s TLC). Families are free to choose to enroll in any program (limited enrollment) and all on-site programs are completely free of cost to families.

If families are eligible for financial assistance, they are required to apply. Meridian’s partnership with the YMCA and MOMIEs allows us to bring this program free of cost to families through available financial assistance programs and 21st CCLC funding. Priority will be given to families with students in grades PK-5, on a first come, first serve basis. Both organizations have begun the process to accept vouchers (OSSE subsidy) for their programs and are awaiting OSSE to communicate when they can begin submitting voucher applications from families.

If you have any questions about before or after school programs, please contact Ms. Ana Dudamel, our Out of School Time Programs Manager, at adudamel@meridian-dc.org, or 202-468-4104.

• Meridian will offer Morning Extended learning at the Elementary and Middle School students from 7:00 AM - 7:50 AM, at NO COST to families. Only students who are registered for Morning Extended learning will be allowed to enter the Elementary School building before 7:50 AM.

• Program begins on your child’s SECOND day of school. Students MAY NOT attend Morning Extended learning on their first day of school.

• To register for Morning Extended learning at the Elementary School, please complete this digital form bit.ly/morninglearn. There is no paper application.

Open to PK3 - 5th grade students.

• Drop-in options available

• Full-Time (5 days/wk - dismissal until 6 PM)

• Part-Time (3 days/wk - dismissal until 6 PM)

• Early Release Only (Wednesday, 1-3:30p.m. OR 1-6:00p.m.)

• Both Part Time (if scheduled for Wednesday) and Full Time programs include programming from 1:00pm- 3:30pm on Wednesdays

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS - 4 Cornerstones of Genius:

1. Academic Achievement (tutoring and homework assistance);

2. Cultural Empowerment (teaching about minority luminaries across the world to encourage cultural pride, confidence, self-worth, and character boosting);

3. Family Strengthening (families are brought in to build skills and bonding);

4. Life Academy (learning entry level skills in various fields such as dance, photography, arts & crafts, gymnastics, etc.)

COST: Program is free of cost to a limited number of families.

Those eligible for financial assistance:

• There is no cost to register for this program. However, if eligible for financial assistance, families will be required to apply.

Those not eligible for financial assistance:

*Annual, one-time $50 registration fee per child (sibling discounts available) +

• Full Time (M-F) $350/month OR $180 if paid bi-weekly, $90 if paid weekly, Part Time (3 days/wk) $255/month OR $130 if paid bi-weekly, $70 if paid weekly

• Early Release Wed (1-3:30p) ONLY - $75/month

• Early Release Wed (1-6p) ONLY $150/month

• $30 for drop in

Mentors of Minorities in Education’s Total Learning Cis-tem (M.O.M.I.E’s TLC) and Meridian will provide financial assistance on a sliding scale for qualified families in need. The financial assistance application form is available here in English and aquí en español.

• Registrations received by 4:00pm on August 25, 2022 and all registration + first installment paid (if applicable) will be guaranteed a seat during the first week of school.

• To register in English, click HERE. To register in Spanish, click HERE.

• For further assistance please reach out to Clifton King, Jr. (240) 350-6397, clifton.momiestlc@gmail.com - or - Cali gloria@momiestlc.org.

Open to PK3 – 5th grade students, with Part Time (Monday/Wednesday/Friday - dismissal until 6 PM), Part Time (Tuesday/Thursday - dismissal until 6 PM), and Early Release Wednesday only (Wednesday - 1 PM until 6 PM) options. Both Part Time (if Monday/Wednesday/Friday) and Full Time programs include enrichment from 1-3:30p on Wednesdays.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: Wellness initiatives, tutoring assistance, and support in an environment that promotes learning and academic excellence. Homework help, and character development activities, YMCA after school students will rotate through various activities like STEM club, Chess Club, Green Thumb (gardening), Savor the Flavor (cooking), and Get Fit. (At this time, due to COVID-19 safety precautions, after school students will NOT be able to visit the Anthony Bowen branch for recreational swimming, cooking studio classes, and rock climbing).

COST: These programs are offered FREE of charge to Meridian students. However, all families must apply for financial assistance in order to participate. If eligible, families will be required to apply for financial assistance through a voucher program.

• PK3-5th grade students at the ES - options for enrollment:

• Full Time M-F $354

• Part-Time - Monday/Wednesday/Friday = $249

• Part Time - Tuesday/Thursday = $190

• Early Release - Wednesday ONLY= $69

• The YMCA and Meridian will provide financial assistance for a limited number of qualified families in need. Please complete the YMCA financial assistance form here and submit it with all requested supporting documentation to the ES Family Center, MS Front Desk, or the YMCA Anthony Bowen, or by email to cherice.smith@ymcadc.org

REGISTRATION FORM: Please download/print the registration forms below or pick up a hard copy from the Elementary School Family Center or the Middle School Front Desk. There is no digital registration form at this time.

• You can download/print the 2022-23 YMCA registration form here.

• Please submit the completed registration form to the ES Family Center, MS Front Desk, or the YMCA Anthony Bowen, or by email to cherice.smith@ymcadc.org

Kingsman Boys and Girls Club - 1529 Kingman Place NW (near Logan Circle between P & Q St and 13th and 14th Streets NW)

• Will pick up students ages 5 and up from the Elementary School daily.

• Programming is from 3 PM - 6:00 PM, including early release Wednesdays.

• PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: A year round program that provides educational, cultural, athletic, recreational, and employment opportunities to young people to ensure they are successful and socially responsible adults. Provides transportation from school to center and center to home, depending on location.

• COST: Fees are on a sliding scale, and also accepts DC Child Care Voucher (subsidy).

• For more information, click here or visit their website: kingmanbgc.org

• With questions, please contact Ms. Bibbs (Intake) at 202-483-1210

Rita Bright #10/LAYC - It is open year-round offering educational and recreational programming to DC youth ages 6-24. Safe, fun, enriching programs are available to young people representing the diversity of the neighborhood it serves and is open to all DC youth and families. For information about registration, please contact John Holmes at 202.888.8379/ jamiet@layc-dc.org or visit their website. This flyer describes the upcoming fall programs.

George Ferris Chapter 6 Boys and Girls Club - 801 Shepherd Street NW, (202) 576-7285

Boys & Girls club chapter 6 offers after care through its Project BE GREAT for students ages 5 to 13 from 3:00 to 7:30pm. Members participate in an array of Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs, special events, activity clubs and unique opportunities from community and corporate partners.

• Providers will attend Meridian’s Family Orientation Night with updated information on programs.

BETA Martial Arts Academy - 1353 Florida Ave NW, (202) 538-0422. 3:30 - 6:15 PM.

Offered Monday - Friday, the After-school Martial Arts Program offers students instruction in Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, supervised homework time, and healthy snacks. Martial arts instruction has been demonstrated to help students build self-esteem, improve their grades, and learn self-discipline.

• Programming starts at $129 per week. For more information click here and here.

• To view an early registrant offer available to Meridian families, click here. While supplies last, students may be eligible for a discounted $0 registration fee, and 2 free uniforms.

After school clubs and sports will be offered at both the Elementary and Middle School. More information will be shared at the start of the school year. Stay posted!

Is your 6th-8th grader interested in potentially playing on one of Meridian's Fall competitive athletic teams (soccer, flag football, cross-country, tennis, lacrosse & cheerleading )? In addition, we will offer soccer, lacrosse, and tennis to our K-5 population.

Any student who wants to know more about playing sports at Meridian should complete the athletics interest form. This does not formally commit a student to playing but will make sure that the Athletic Director and coaches are aware of your interest. Should you have any questions, contact the Athletic Director, Tanasha Allen, at tallen@meridian-dc.org.

This year, Meridian Public Charter School will provide EACH student with all the traditional supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, flash drives, etc.) needed for the school year, so there are no school supply lists this year! Please know this does not include backpacks. Families are welcome to purchase any additional supplies they would like to have for their students, should learning from home be necessary due to a prolonged physical absence from school for any reason. Student devices (tablets, Chromebooks) will be distributed; more details will be provided as soon as they become available.

Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students should come to school each day with 2 full changes of clothes (including underwear and socks; changes of clothes do NOT need to be uniform compliant) and a blanket for naps each day.

Kids Ride Free program allows students between ages 5 - 21 to ride for free on Metrobus, DC Circulator, and Metrorail within the District of Columbia to get to school and school-related activities.

School Year 2021-2022 Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards will remain valid until September 30, 2022. If your child still has their 2021-2022 card, they can use it for the first month of school.

Limited numbers of 2022-2023 Kids Ride Free Cards are now available at each campus. Please complete the online request form at bit.ly/KRF2223.

Once requested, KRF cards will be available for pick up from the Elementary School Family Center, and Middle School Front Office, some will be available for pick up during Family Orientation, or given to students during the first weeks of school. The cards will be active from the moment they are issued. For more information, please review the Kids Ride Free Frequently Asked Questions.

District agencies and community organizations are hosting back-to-school events throughout August and September, and Mayor Bowser is inviting students, families, and educators to join in on the fun! Visit DC Back-to-School Events for the full list of events which include supply giveaways, homework & language resources, and activities to get kids in the school spirit.

During Back to School night, families will have time to hear more from teachers to continue to build relationships with child's grade level team. Families will also become familiar with the curriculum and what their children will be learning this school year.

Please save the date for the grade-level specific nights below, more details (including start and end times, and links for virtual connections) will be provided during Family Orientation.

Current Meridian families will receive one $75 gift card for referring any new family to Meridian. To receive this gift card, the family being referred must (1) Complete and submit all new student enrollment documentation (2) Remain enrolled at Meridian until October 7, 2022. On the date of the new families' enrollment, both families (the referring family and the new family) will receive a Meridian tote bag + Meridian T-shirt. The referring family will receive a $75 Gift Card on October 7th!

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