Trojan family,
One week from tonight you’ll be chatting with about how the first day of school went! Around MHS, the excitement is building! Earlier this week we met with some of our teacher leaders to discuss and make plans for the year. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to host students in the building for both Freshman Orientation and upper class student photos. It was great to see you all! Tomorrow, our Freshman Success Team is meeting to get prepared to welcome and support the class of 2028. Things are rocking!
A special note for our student drivers – please make sure you read the section below about registering your car and receiving a parking pass and get that completed ASAP.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Go Trojans!
Mr. Doffing, Principal
Mr. Kratzig, Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
Monday, August 26
First day of Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls Soccer, and Cheer Practice
Wednesday, August 28
NCTA Students Begin at NCTA in Mt. Vernon
Thursday, August 29
First Day of School
Friday, August 30
Late Arrival, School Begins at 8:55am
Saturday, August 31
Football Jamboree, 1:00pm at Bellingham HS
General MHS Information
Student Parking Passes
For this school year, all students who drive to school will be required to have a window hanger parking pass as well as register their vehicle. The first step in the process is to complete this Google Form and then Mrs. Gookstetter will provide you the appropriate pass. If you have time before school starts, you can swing in and pick up your pass. Passes will be required starting September 9.
One more note – students who attend Meridian High School (for any portion of their day) will only be allowed to park in the west lot in front of the academic building – not the lot by the gyms.
StudentSquare
Last year we launched StudentSquare at Meridian High School.
StudentSquare helps us improve communication with our students. Important information about school activities, events and athletics is shared through StudentSquare. All posts sent through StudentSquare will be supervised by an advisor and can be monitored at any time by an administrator.
Students will receive an invite to join StudentSquare in their school email before school starts. Students can choose to download the StudentSquare app onto their phone or they can access StudentSquare through a web browser.
Schedule Changes
Due to increased enrollment and changes in teacher assignments, it may be challenging to accommodate schedule changes as we have in the past, as there are fewer available slots in elective classes. Schedule changes will only be considered if there is an error or if it affects a student’s graduation pathway. For students in Running Start with scheduling conflicts, we recommend adjusting your college courses.
While some students may not receive their preferred classes, please remember that our dedicated teachers are committed to providing an excellent high school experience.
If you have questions, please contact your school counselor, keeping in mind that schedule changes may not be possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Students who are 18 years old are eligible to complete a process to be able to sign themselves out and excuse their own absences. Please see Mrs. McMains in the office for the form once school begins if you’d like to set up this process. Please note – parent approval is required.
Athletic Registration for Sports
Families of students in middle and high school can register their child for athletics through FinalForms. In addition to registering online, your student will need a current sports physical on file. The sports physical cannot expire during the sport season and is required for students to participate in athletics. You can get a sports physical from your regular health care provider.
If you need support registering through FinalForms, use this Parent Playbook, visit our website or contact Director of Athletics Bryant Michaelson at 360-318-2160.
Yearbook Sales
Yearbooks are officially on sale! The price is $75. Yearbooks can be purchased online or in the high school office. The sales window will close September 6 – so get yours today!
School Supplies
Meridian High School does not have a standardized school supply list. Please plan on providing your student with the basic (pens, paper, pencils, etc.) and individual teachers will communicate specific supply needs on the first days of school. Please remember to have district issued devices charged and ready to bring with you on the first day of school.
Health & Nursing Update
Students with life threatening conditions (such as type 1 diabetes, anaphylaxis, seizure disorder, etc.) need to bring new doctor’s orders for emergency care and medication on or before the first day of school. Students who require these plans must have them turned into the nurse before they are permitted to be on campus.
Please email the school nurse at sking@meridian.wednet.edu with questions.
Community Information & Resources
Family Resource Center
The Meridian School District Family Resource Center will reopen on August 19. The center is open daily from 8:30 to 3:30 in portable 400A on the Irene Reither campus.
Students who qualify for free or reduced meals can stop by to get school supplies or sign up for Operation School Bell which provides new school clothes for students enrolled in Meridian School District. We also have the clothing closet available for any Meridian family looking for gently used adult and kid clothing.
Questions? Contact Alicia Roberts (English) at 360-988-1949 or Elvira Trautman (Spanish) at 360-306-2886.