MHS Weekly Update – December 6

On Thursday, December 19th, our entire school community will come together for an incredible event, “Give Before You Get,” a meaningful community service day designed to embody the spirit of generosity and selflessness that defines this season.

A sign-up form will go live on Student Square during homeroom on Monday, December 9th, where students can rank their project choices. While we may not be able to honor every top choice, having solid backup options ensures everyone finds a project that fits.

Families can contribute by donating items like card-making supplies, stickers, leftover crafts, old board games, friendship bracelet kits, or grocery gift cards. To donate or learn more, contact Kayla Turner at kbernsen@meridian.wednet.edu.

Let’s come together and GIVE before we GET, celebrating the joy of generosity and supporting our Winter Wishes program, which concludes on Friday, December 20th. Together, we can make an incredible impact!

We are accepting referrals for the highly capable program. Highly capable students are those who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Teachers and parents may refer any student in grades K-11 for assessment.

To refer a student for assessment, please complete the Highly Capable referral form by December 13, 2024 for eligibility in the 2025-26 school year.

If you have questions about the Highly Capable Program visit our website or contact Rebecca Montgomery, highly capable program coordinator, at 360-318-2456 or rmontgomery@meridian.wednet.edu.

MHS Music is hosting their final craft fair fundraiser of the year on Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM right here at MHS. This is a great opportunity to support our music program while exploring unique crafts and gifts. We hope to see you there!

Comprehensive sexual health education (CSHE) lessons for 10th grade MHS students in Fall semester Health classes begin Monday, December 16, 2024.

Parents and guardians may review the Positive Prevention Plus curriculum and may remove their children from these lessons with a written request. (RCW 28A.300.475). Families who wish to opt their children out of these lessons must turn in an opt-out form to the school office before the first day of lessons. Positive Prevention Plus curriculum materials are available for families to review at the District Office, 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA , during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If families are unable to review materials during business hours, please call 360-318-2170 to schedule an appointment.

Students who opt-out of the lessons will complete alternative assignments from Success for Teens. The Success for Teens book is available to view in its entirety online.

We appreciate your continued partnership in your student’s learning. If you have any questions please contact your teacher.

Our Unified Basketball team ‘Laurel Valley’ is about to start its next season! Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. This makes practices more fun and games more challenging and exciting for all. Everyone is invited to join our team regardless of abilities and experience! Our first practice will be Monday, December 16th at 3:30 pm in the gym. You can sign up on Final Forms under “Co-Ed Basketball”. To join, you will need a completed physical form from your doctor. The form can be found on the MHS website under athletics. For more information reach out to Mr. Holz, Ms. Meadows, or the athletic office.

Our second yearbook purchasing window of the school year is now open! Stop by the main office to purchase a yearbook for $70 cash, check, or card. Don’t wait – the window closes Friday, December 20 and those who wait to purchase until spring cannot be guaranteed a book. Purchases can also be made online.

Additionally – yearbook grad ads are sold out! Apologies!

If you plan to pick up your child from school, please call or email at least 30 minutes in advance. This gives us time to contact the classroom and have your student ready for you. Without prior notice, we may not be able to expedite the process. Thank you for helping us serve you more smoothly!

As the seasons change and the weather turns colder, it is a good time to take a moment to review our winter weather procedures. Depending on conditions (which could include snow, flooding, power outages, etc.), the school day could be impacted. Meridian School District uses a variety of ways to communicate about school closures or delays:

Visit our Weather Notifications webpage for more information about inclement weather and delays.

The 2025-26 FAFSA form is now available as of Monday, November 18th, almost two weeks earlier than originally anticipated. Students and families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to access important financial aid opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to plan for the future—spread the word!

The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) released a statement on Thursday, November 21, regarding mixed-status families filling out the FAFSA. NCAN encourages families to gather as much information as possible before deciding whether to submit the form, as the risks may outweigh the benefits for some.

For students in Washington, options include:

We will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.