IRE Families,
What a week! We had a lot going on at IRE. With Math Family Night (see the photos below) and our Trojan Trot, there was a lot to be involved with. Thank you to all of the families that volunteered, turned out and connected with our school community. It makes a big difference in so many kids’ lives.
As we close out one opportunity, we have another coming up. Our transportation team has challenged Lynden Transportation to see who can bring the most food in to donate. Check out the details below! We’re gonna win this one!
Best,
Tyler Dockins, Principal

Food Drive – November 4th – 8th
Meridian School District will be hosting a food drive from November 4th through 8th. Food will be collected from each building on November 12th and delivered to Ferndale Food Bank and Project Hope.
We will have IRE students stuff the bus. There will also be a drop-off box in front of the building for students who are parent transport. Each route will keep track of their donations separately and the route that brings in the most food items will receive a prize for each student and their driver. New to this year, Meridian Transportation has challenged Lynden Transportation to see who can bring in the most food on the buses. Good luck Lynden Transportation, Meridian is going to bring it!
Food donations brought in from Meridian will be donated to the Ferndale Food Bank. Food donations brought in from Lynden will be donated to Project Hope.
Thank you all for your support!

Dismissal Fine Tuning
Thank you for parking in the gravel lot prior to 3:30 each day. As a result, we are experiencing steady and smooth traffic flow and dismissal is consistently clear by 3:45 and we are also avoiding congestion that backs up to Hemmi & Hannegan.
Thank you for keeping the front entrance and walkways clear as well. With rainy days ahead, umbrellas are recommended.
Thank you for your continued commitment to making arrival and dismissal at IRE safe and smooth.

Hannegan & Hemmi Road
Please use extra caution at the corner of Hannegan and Hemmi Road.
Make sure to follow the signs and only turn left or go straight during the designated times.
We care deeply about your safety.

Multilingual Family Night, Oct. 15
Families and students in our multilingual program are invited to join us from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Irene Reither Elementary School. The multilingual teachers from our schools will share some important information with you including:
  • What we are doing to support your child in school.
  • Ways to communicate with your child’s school or teacher.
  • How to encourage good study habits at home.
You will also have an opportunity to share with us ways we can better support you and your child at school. We will have Spanish, Russian and Punjabi interpreters at the event. Dinner and childcare will be provided.

Lost and Found
Lost and found items are now on a rolling cart in front of Building A during arrival and dismissal, and in the cafeteria at lunch. We encourage you to take a moment to check for your belongings! If your child rides the bus, please remind them to look during lunch. Any unclaimed items will be donated on the first of each month. Thank you for your help!

Bond Priorities: Safety and Accessibility
On Nov. 5, our community will vote on a facilities bond that includes much-needed facilities projects related to safety and accessibility.
This short video featuring Meridian Middle School Principal Todd Torgeson, explains in greater detail the bond projects.
The bond includes constructing a new Meridian Middle School to address rising maintenance costs, safety concerns and lack of accessibility of the current school, originally built in 1938. Meridian Middle School has non-reinforced concrete walls that don’t meet seismic codes, unconnected buildings with outdoor entries making security difficult. The school also lacks accessible restrooms and entries.
For Meridian High School, relocating the music room to the old cafeteria will improve student safety. Auditorium repairs, including a new roof, will prevent leaks and maintain it as a community resource. A new generator will ensure emergency power and heat during outages. Replacing lighting and repairing the stadium will enhance the safety and usability of athletic facilities.

Unity Care’s Mobile Dentist
Unity Care’s Mobile Dentist is coming to the Meridian Family Support Center on Tuesday, October 22nd. If your child has not seen a dentist in the past 6 months please consider signing them up for this FREE event.
Students will receive a visual screening by a dentist, fluoride application, goody bag, and a referral for a follow-up visit if there are any concerns.
Registration forms will be going home with students on Monday.  Please return to school by October 15th.
Forms are also available in the school office or they can be downloaded, filled out, and emailed back to Alicia Roberts aroberts@meridian.wednet.edu