MHS October 1st, 2023 Newsletter

Hello Meridian Community!

As we move through the academic year, it is important to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Disability History and Awareness Month. This observance is an opportunity for us to learn, appreciate, and honor the countless contributions of individuals with disabilities to our society and to foster a more inclusive and understanding community.

Throughout history, people with disabilities have made significant achievements in various fields, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more equitable world. From artists and scientists to athletes and activists, their stories inspire us all. By acknowledging these accomplishments, we not only pay tribute to their resilience but also work towards creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.

Our school is committed to promoting inclusivity and supporting all students, regardless of their unique needs and abilities. We have dedicated staff members and resources in place to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically and personally. We strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and empathy, where differences are not only respected but celebrated.

During this month, we encourage everyone to have discussions on disability history and awareness. These conversations can help raise awareness, increase understanding, and combat stereotypes. It’s a chance for our students to grow as compassionate individuals who appreciate diversity.

Disability History and Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and embracing diversity in all its forms. Let’s use this time to educate ourselves, inspire others, and foster a more inclusive and accepting environment within our school and beyond.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school community a place where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Important Changes to the FAFSA Over the past decades, the FAFSA has received critical feedback for being too complicated for many families to complete. Last year, 3.6 billion in Pell Grant funding went unclaimed because students did not complete the FAFSA! Changes for this year 1. This year the window to complete the FAFSA will not open until  later. The date is still to be determined but is expected to be in late December. 2. The FAFSA will be much shorter. The application has gone from 108 questions to 46 questions. 3. Students can request that the information is received by more colleges. 4. The new application is now in 11 languages 5. The system has streamlined the ability to populate information from the IRS, rather than families having to manually enter the data or use an external data retrieval tool. 6. There is a new funding formula that will enable lower-income families to receive an increased aid amount 7. There is now an automatic Pell Grant. Students of families making less than 175% of the federal poverty level and single parents making less than 225% of the federal poverty level will automatically receive the maximum Pell Grant. I want to also take this time to remind students that if you qualify as a College Bound Scholar you must complete the FAFSA to receive the funding. The school will provide some help sessions to support families and students to complete the FAFSA.

Picture Retakes Picture Retake Day is Monday, October 2nd beginning at 8:00am until 10:00am. Teachers will be given a schedule and will be dismissing students accordingly.  If you are a running start student, you may come anytime between 8:00am and 10:00am.  If you would like to order pictures, scan the QR  code or go to www.oconnorphotographystudio.com

Donate to the Food Drive Oct. 2-13! Meridian School District is hosting a districtwide food drive from Monday, Oct. 2 through Friday, Oct. 13 to support families in our community. Donation boxes will be available on all school buses, in school offices and at the District Office. Food will be donated to the Meridian Family Support Center, Ferndale Food Bank and Project Hope in Lynden. We are collecting nonperishable and unexpired foods such as canned soup, canned vegetables or fruit, pastas, canned beans, cereals, rice, flour, cooking oils, peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna. Thank you for helping to support families in our community!

School Hot Lunches This Week Monday – Dutch Waffle w/Sausage Tuesday – Max Cheese Sticks, Caesar Salad Wednesday – Chicken and Cheese Burrito Thursday – Rice Bowl Friday – Pasta and Garlic Toast Other Daily Offerings May Include: Pizza Variety of Fresh Made Salads Variety of Fresh Made Wraps Deli Sandwiches Yogurt Parfait National Custodian Day Monday, October 2nd is National Custodian Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank our custodians for all they do to make MHS great! They work hard when students are on campus and when the students go home for the night. Our custodians are always there to lend a hand when they are needed and we sure appreciate them!  A BIG Thank you to Roberto, Johnny and Alex! Thank you for all your hard work and for all of your kindness. You make Meridian a great place to be! Class Booster Information Class of 2024 Parents Parents – To stay up to date on all the happenings of the Class of 2024 Boosters, please join the class Facebook page “Meridian Class of 2024” Also join the class email list!  Email Anna Johnson –  hellothisisanna@gmail.com and she will get you added to the list.