
Meridian Newsletter
April 2023 Issue 1
Message from Head of School, Matt McCrea
Dear Families,
As we approach spring break, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the hard work of our students and staff this school year. Despite the challenges we have faced, our school community has continued to persevere and demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
As we look ahead to the end of the school year, I would like to remind you that re-enrollment for next year is now open. We hope that you will choose to continue your child's education with us and join us for another year of academic achievement, personal growth, and community building. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.
Matt McCrea
Mark Your Calendars - Click on the images below to print your own!
Elementary School Calendar
Access the Spanish version HERE.
Middle School Calendar
Access the Spanish version HERE
Dates to Remember (scroll for more details)
Easter Monday - Meridian will be open and run a normal schedule on Monday, April 10th.
Emancipation Day and Spring Break - School will be closed to students from Monday, April 17th - Friday, April 21st. Classes will resume on Monday, April 24th.
Family-Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, April 26th
Rescheduled Community Block Party Date - Saturday, April 29th from 10 am - 2 pm
Upcoming Events
RESCHEDULED Community Block Party - Saturday, April 29th
Although the rain forced the cancellation of Saturday's Block Party, we are pleased to share our rescheduled Community Block Party will be held on Saturday, April 29th from 10 am - 2 pm at our Elementary School campus at 2120 13th St NW. The event will still be a time for fun and games for families and our surrounding community but will also be Enrollment Saturday!
Middle School Town Halls in April
Between April 10th - 13th, the Middle School team will be hosting a series of virtual town halls for each grade level. This event will give parents and guardians the opportunity to address challenges specific to each grade level and ask questions in a safe space. Stay tuned for additional details and the links to join which will be shared closer to the event.
PARCC for 3rd-8th grade is Coming Up!
- Help your student to get a good night's sleep each day of testing.
- Help your student to arrive at school on time. All students should be seated before 8:55 am, testing begins promptly at 9 am.
- Remind your student that PARCC practice dates will take place on Thursday, May 4th and Friday, May 5th.
- Talk with your students about testing and see how we can work together to support their success.
- Keep an eye out for more info about testing schedules and special accommodations from our Data Manager, Josh Bergstein.
Students in Action
Library Pop-Ups
The Elementary School library was on the move last week! Ms. Beisso created library pop-ups in Ms. Leclercq and Telleira's class, Mr. Ortiz' class, Ms. Edwards' class, and Ms. Matthews' class by bringing some Library Corner-favorites directly to the classroom. Not only were students able to sign out a book, but they also enjoyed a special read-a-long with Ms. Beisso!
First Track Meet
Our Middle School Track team represented us well at their first track last week! Here are some highlights from the meet.
The girls team placed 2nd in the 4x200 meter relay
The boys team came in 1st place in 4x200 meter relay
Jaden Hussain came in 1st in the 400m and in the 100m
Kloe Johnson came in 1st in the 100m
Amber Rivers came in 1st in the 100m
Jamari Hampleton came in 1st place in the 100m
Let’s Go Owls! Coaches Jackson, Steve, and Walker are doing an amazing job coaching our track superstars and we can't wait to see how the rest of their season goes! Keep up the great work.
Family Engagement
Thank you for joining us at our Families for Education Café event!
Last week, the Family Engagement team welcomed close to 30 parents and guardians to Meridian's first-ever Families for Education Café event. This event provided an opportunity for families to discuss their Meridian experience and learn how they can partner with the Family Engagement team to ensure their child has the best educational experience. We are so grateful to both Starbucks and D Light Cafe for supporting this event with generous contributions shared with our Meridian families and staff.
Enrollment Support Office Hours
Now that Enrollment season is here, the Family Engagement team has expanded Enrollment Support office hours for the month of April. Please visit bit.ly/415MPRh to view our expanded hours for the month of April.
Newsletter from Hillcrest Children and Family Center
Take a look at the newest issue of Hillcrest's newsletter, check it out here.
Free Tax Assistance at the Library
Beginning Feb. 1, 2023, the DC Public Library system will host income tax return preparation for qualified residents. The library partners with the AARP Foundation to provide service to eight of our neighborhood locations. Please note that services will be by appointment only. Please reach out to the number or email listed below for each location to schedule an appointment. Visit www.dclibrary.org/incometax to see what documents you will need to bring to your appointment.
Mental Health Event - Teen Night Presents Wellness U
Food Assistance Programs at Walker Memorial Baptist Church (WMBC)
Every 1st Wednesday and 3rd Thursday from 11 am - 1 pm, WMBC is partnering with Capital Area Food Bank to help community members in need. Please register yourself and your family to receive the groceries at wmbcdc.org/grocery-giveaway.
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 1 pm - 3 pm, WMBC serves free soup and sandwiches through their Gospel Soup Ministry program. This program takes place in front of their church located at 2020 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. No registration is required for this program.
Out of School Time and Athletics Announcements
Out of School Time Showcase
Last week's Out of School Time (OST) Showcase was a huge success! Our Meridian students represented us well. We learned what our PreK students have been making in Cooking Club, saw a special preview of Sitch Squad's creations, and heard a progress update from Zearn Club just to name a few. We also got to see special performances from the Hey Sis Club (linked below) and the Cheer Team (linked below). Stay tuned for our final showcase in June!
Cooking Class with Ms. Edwards
Stich Squad with Mr. Arellano
ZEARN Club with Ms. Pessagno
Engage with your Community
Our Planet, Our Future - An OPC Youth Climate Summit
Featuring speakers, panels, breakouts, and networking, this OPC Youth Climate Summit will educate and empower Gen Z and Millennials to bring climate action and advocacy into all areas of their life, from the brands they shop to the jobs they get. Environmental stakeholders and DC residents of all ages are invited to attend. Be a climate ambassador for change! We want to empower the youth to take action and use their voice to advocate. Register your spot at Our Planet, Our Future - An OPC Youth Climate Summit
Enter DC Public Library's Haiku Contest
Celebrate National Poetry Month with DC Public Library! Residents ages 6 and up are invited to submit a haiku to the 2023 Haiku Contest from Apr. 1 - 30 at dclibrary.org. Prizes will be awarded to the best children, teens, and adult haikus. The contest is available in both English and Spanish. Paper entry forms (English and Spanish) can be brought to the branch and turned in between April 1-30, and entries may also be submitted using the following links, English and Spanish. Teachers could collect the paper submissions and bring them to the branch or send them through the mail to us. If a teacher would like their entire class to participate, we ask that kids enter one haiku each.
Tudor Tots: How Do You Celebrate Freedom?
Join Tudor Place as they prepare to celebrate the 160th anniversary of D.C. Emancipation Day. Enslavement in the District ended on April 16th, 1862. This Tots program will empower young learners, aged 18 months to 4 years, and their caregivers to recognize and appreciate freedom. Enjoy songs about liberty and complete a craft that honors the ability to choose and read a book about the history of African American independence. Visit tudorplace.org/event/tudor-tots for more information.
CONTACT US
Meridian Public Charter School - Elementary School Campus
Email: information@meridian-dc.org
Website: www.meridian-dc.org
Location: 2120 13th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: 202-387-9830
Meridian Public Charter School - Middle School Campus
Email: information@meridian-dc.org
Website: www.meridian-dc.org
Location: 770 Kenyon Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: 202-793-2667