Weekly Update – November 1 – Meridian High School

Trojan family,

Though today was a day off for students, our staff dedicated the day to professional learning. We began with departmental time (as we do every Friday during late start), focusing on our PLC work: identifying what students need to know, how we’ll assess their understanding, support those who need more help, and extend learning for those ready to advance. Later, we joined our colleagues from IRE, MMS, and MP3 for teacher-led sessions centered on creating engaging academic experiences for students. In the afternoon, grade-level Homeroom teams collaborated to design upcoming Homeroom lessons based on student needs data. Whew!

In sports news, it’s exciting to see our fall sports teams moving on to post-season competition in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing many of you at those events! Please note that while the current schedule of these events is located on the calendar below, games are subject to change throughout the week.

Next Friday, we’ll gather to honor the courageous individuals who have served our country in our armed forces. Led by our FFA students, this special assembly will give us a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans in service to our nation. We look forward to joining together as a school community in gratitude and remembrance.

As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Go Trojans!

Mr. Doffing, Principal

Mr. Kratzig, Assistant Principal

What’s In This Edition?

Upcoming Events
Bell Schedule

General MHS Information

Thank You Notes for American Education Week
Food Drive
Senior Parent Meeting
Remember to Vote
November 5 Bond
Yearbook Grad Ads

Counseling Corner

FuturesNW Presentation for Seniors
Credit Retrieval
Financial Aid Update
College in the High School
High School & Beyond Plan
Otterbot

Community Resources & Events

Family Resource Center

Upcoming Events

Monday, November 4

Normal Monday Bell Schedule (Periods 1, 2, HR, 3, 4, 5, 6)
FuturesNW Presentation for Seniors, 9:45am in Auditorium
Lunch – Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Girls Bowling Team – First Day of Practice
Chess Club, 2:45pm in Mr. Shick’s Room
Chess Pre-Season Match, 6:00pm in MHS Commons
Varsity Football KC Tiebreaker, 6:00pm at Blaine HS

Tuesday, November 5

Normal Tuesday Bell Schedule (Periods 1, 2, T3, 4, 5)
Lunch – Cheeseburger & Fries
Election Day – Remember to Vote!
Varsity Volleyball vs. TBD, 7:00pm at MHS
Varsity Soccer vs. TBD, 7:30pm at Blaine HS

Wednesday, November 6

Normal Wednesday Bell Schedule (Periods 1, 3, T3, 4, 6)
Lunch – Pasta & Cheese Toast
D&D Club, 2:35pm in Mr. Armerding’s Room
Video Club, 2:35pm in Mr. McGrew’s Room
C-Team Football vs. Bellingham HS, 6:00pm at BHS

Thursday, November 7

Normal Thursday Bell Schedule (Periods 2, 3, T3, 5, 6)
Lunch – Chicken Burger
Global Connections Club, 2:45pm in Mrs. Shuvalova’s Room

Friday, November 8

Late Start, School Begins at 8:55am
Assembly Schedule (see below)
Lunch – Max Cheese Sticks w/ Marinara
Veterans Day Assembly

Saturday, November 9

Varsity Cross Country State Championship, 10:00am (Girls) and 12:00pm (Boys) at Sun Willows Golf Course – Pasco
Varsity Volleyball vs. TBD, 2:00pm or 4:00pm at Cedar Park Christian HS
Varsity Girls Soccer vs. TBD, 4:00pm at Sammamish HS

Open T3 Sessions for Next Week

General MHS Information

Submit a Thank You Note

We’re excited to celebrate all the amazing staff at Meridian School District! Join us in expressing our gratitude for everything they do. Submit as many thank you notes as you’d like—these will be delivered via email during American Education Week, Nov. 18-22. Let’s make this a memorable week of appreciation!

Submit a Thank You Note

Meridian Food Drive, Nov. 4-8 “Stuff the Bus!”

From Nov. 4-8, Meridian School District is hosting a food drive to support families in our community. Donations will go to the Meridian Family Support Center and Ferndale Food Bank. We’re collecting nonperishable and unexpired items like canned soup, vegetables, fruit, pastas, beans, cereals, rice, flour, cooking oils, peanut butter, and canned chicken and tuna. You can bring donations on the bus or drop them off at the school office. Let’s come together to help our community!

Senior Parent Meeting – Class of 2025

Attention Senior Parents! Join us on Monday, November 4th, at 6:30 PM in the MHS Library for a Class of 2025 Booster Club meeting. We’ll be discussing plans for Grad Night, the Senior Trip, and Baccalaureate decor, as well as any other ideas you might have. We’ll also review our fundraising efforts and accomplishments so far. Your support makes a difference, and we appreciate our amazing parent community. Let’s make this a memorable year for our seniors!

Election Day – Remember to Vote!

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Please remember to vote. Ballots were mailed in October and need to be postmarked or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Visit the Whatcom County Auditor’s website for more information.

Video Tour of Meridian Middle School

Eighth graders Jaydelyn, Cruz and Tucker recently starred in a video tour of Meridian Middle School, highlighting its current condition. Rebuilding Meridian Middle School will be on the Nov. 5 ballot for voters in Meridian School District to consider. Despite being well-maintained, the school was originally constructed in 1938 and is showing its age, with growing upkeep costs.

Key concerns include non-reinforced concrete walls that don’t meet current seismic codes, unconnected buildings with outdoor entries and walkways posing security challenges, lack of accessible entries and restrooms, and an inadequate layout with specialists working in converted spaces.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to watch the video and remember to vote on Nov. 5.

Watch the Tour Video

Yearbook Senior Grad Ads

Grad ads are due on December 16, 2024 (the same deadline as senior photos). A half-page ad costs $110 and can include up to 7 photos, while a quarter-page ad costs $60 with a maximum of 5 photos.

To submit, please send your receipt, photos, and dedication wording to Mr. McGrew by the deadline. If you’re submitting hard copies of photos, we will scan them and return them by the end of the school year.

Remember, the more content in the dedication, the smaller the font will be, so keep it simple for easier reading!

Counseling Corner – Careers, Scholarships, Registration, & More

FuturesNW Presentation for Seniors

On Monday, November 4, seniors will gather in the auditorium at 9:45 am to set up their WASFA/FAFSA accounts in preparation for the application opening on December 1. Students will need their full name, DACA or Social Security number (if available), birthdate, and access to their personal email and phone number. Creating these accounts will be part of a Homeroom lesson for all students enrolled in a Homeroom class, but all seniors are welcome to attend.

Reminder: Futures NW will be on campus January 14 from 6–8 pm to help families and students complete their applications.

Credit Retrieval Begins

If you’ve failed a course and are no longer on track to graduate, now is the time to sign up for credit retrieval. Sessions will be held on Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. in Room 209. Attendance is required, and students can catch the activity bus home afterward. Once the course is completed, the credit will be added to your transcript.

Contact your school counselor to sign up!

Financial Aid Update for Seniors

The FAFSA/WASFA application for financial aid has been delayed. It was hoped that the application would be available in October as it was before the new application. The release has been delayed until December 1, 2024. MHS will offer three support sessions for seniors. A lesson will be taught in Homeroom explaining types of financial aid and what documents are needed to develop a FSA ID.

An assembly will be held for seniors on November 4th during Homeroom with our partner Futures NW to help students make their FSA ID. January 14th we will hold our annual Financial Aid Night. We will have professionals here to help with any questions you or your parents may have on completing the applications. Dinner will be provided and time to complete the applications. Finally, February 27th during both lunches Futures NW will join us to check the application status and help with any error messages.

Last year this was a new offering and was found very beneficial as they found errors that were associated with the new application and were able to report their findings so the errors could be corrected in the application itself. Pizza will be provided. This is just a quick application check so that any financial aid you may be receiving will not be delayed. Mark your calendars. We look forward to working with you.

College in the High School Program

Meridian High School students can earn free college credit through Everett Community College (EvCC) by taking select courses like Honors Chemistry, AP Biology, Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, and AP Calculus. The process is simple: apply to become an EvCC student and register for courses—all while completing your coursework at MHS!

Key Deadlines:

Apply to EvCC by December 16, 2024
Register for your EvCC courses by January 17, 2025

MHS is offering application support during T3 on November 21, and registration support on December 12. Make sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to earn college credits at no cost!

For more details, check out the EvCC CHS Application and Registration Page. For additional help, visit the EvCC CHS Support Page or email collegeinhs@everettcc.edu.

Pro Tip: These are real college courses, and grades will affect your academic record, so stay on top of your work!

Class of 2025 – High School & Beyond Plan

The High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) is a required component for graduation. All students must complete their HSBP by December 16, 2024 to meet this important graduation requirement.

To help you understand what is necessary to satisfy this requirement, we have provided a detailed document outlining all the components of the HSBP. You can access it here: HSBP Requirements.

If your student needs assistance or has any questions about completing their HSBP, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their school counselor. Our counselors are here to guide students through the process and provide any support needed.

Don’t wait until the deadline – start early to ensure your student is on track for graduation!

Introducing OtterBot

OtterBot is a free text messaging service from WSAC (Washington Student Achievement Council) that helps Washington State students and parents navigate the college search, admissions process, and financial aid options. This year, OtterBot has expanded to support all 9th–12th grade College Bound students and their parents/guardians! Whether you’re just beginning your college journey or finalizing financial aid, OtterBot is here to assist. Students can text “Hi OtterBot” to 360-928-7281, and parents/guardians can text “Hi OtterBot” to 360-634-0354 for real-time help with college and financial aid information.

Community 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.

Weekly Update – November 1

Staff Quick Links