Welcome Families and Students
Welcome back to school students and families, my name is Laura Lupo and I am the mental health coordinator for Meridian School District. I’m entering my third year here in Meridian and I look forward to another fantastic year.
In my role as mental health coordinator, I ensure students and staff have access to essential mental health supports by coordinating with administrators, school counselors, family services teams and community partners to provide comprehensive care. Working together, we address students’ mental and behavioral health needs. Additionally, I meet with students and families to offer support and connect them to behavioral health services.
In my role, I also provide annual suicide prevention and awareness training to all staff. I align counseling practices across all school levels and participate in intervention and data team meetings focused on mental and behavioral health, discipline, attendance and social-emotional learning.
This year I will also be working as a co-counselor at Irene Reither Elementary with 3rd and 4th graders on Mondays and Tuesdays.
As we dive into this new academic year, remember that it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. We’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re adjusting to new routines, setting goals, or navigating challenges.
I am happy to answer any questions you have, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me at llupo@meridian.wednet.edu or 360-318-2470.
Introducing our Staff
We have staff members at each school to support you and your child this school year.
Irene Reither Elementary
Olivia Klein, school counselor
Brett Muskavage, school counselor
Laura Lupo, mental health coordinator and counselor
Meridian Middle School
Kathy Greshock, school counselor
Brett Muskavage, school counselor
Jessica Norman-Wells, mental health professional
Meridian High School
Cheryl McBride, school counselor
Don McMains, school counselor
Roberta Martinelli, mental health professional
Meridian Parent Partnership Program (MP3)
Laura Lupo, mental health coordinator
Suicide Prevention Week
Suicide Prevention Week is September 8-14 and is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. It aims to educate the public, reduce the stigma around mental health issues, and provide resources and support for individuals at risk. The week often involves various activities such as community events, educational workshops, and social media campaigns to foster conversations about mental health, promote resilience, and encourage people to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling.
What Gives You Hope?
Did you know that hope can be learned? Hope is an important psychological strength that can buffer the effects of adversity and become an important coping resource. “Hope is the single best predictor of well-being.” Those who have high hope do better in navigating pain, score higher on self-esteem, optimism, meaning of life, and happiness. Hopeful people experience reduced depression and are better at regulating their emotions. In terms of mental health, hope is a protective factor – studies have shown that mental health patients can learn the science of hope and apply it successfully to their lives, leading to improved outcomes. Take the ADULT HOPE SCALE and see where you score.
-HOPE Rising, How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life, Casey Gwinn, J.D. & Chan Helleman, PhD
Attendance Awareness Month
What’s the big deal? Why does it matter?
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Eventually good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college.
Children who were chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade were far less likely to be read proficiently at the end of 3rd grade.
Many of our youngest students miss 10% of the school year (about 18 days or 2 days a month).
Chronic absenteeism can predict lower test scores, poor attendance, and retention in later grades.
Students can fall behind if they miss just one or two day every few weeks.
Absences and tardies can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up
What You Can Do
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
- Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up (call on a family member, neighbor, or other parent)
- If your child seems anxious about going to school – reach out to the teacher, school counselor, and other adults in the building to come up with a plan. We are here to partner with you and brainstorm solutions.
September Dates
9/2: Labor Day (No School)
9/8: Grandparents Day
9/8-9/14: National Suicide Prevention Week
9/15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
9/17: Constitution Day
9/21: World Gratitude Day
9/21: International Day of Peace
9/22: Autumnal Equinox (Start of Fall)
9/23: National Family Day
9/24: National Voter Registration Day
9/25: National Daughters Day
9/28: National Sons Day