From the Principals…
Trojan family,
It’s hard to believe that we are already in mid-August, fast approaching the start of the 2024-2025 school year. It’s always a great day to be a Trojan, but this coming year is shaping up to be one of our best ever!
This newsletter will be your weekly resource to what is happening at our school this year. It will come out every week with information on what happened this week as well as what to look forward to the next week. If there is ever information that you wish was in the newsletter, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
We value your partnership and believe that together, we can create a positive and supportive learning experience for your child. Let’s make this school year one of growth, discovery, and accomplishment. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Go Trojans!
Mr. Doffing, Principal
Mr. Kratzig, Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, August 20
MHS Office Reopens
Wednesday, August 21
First Day of Football Practice
Freshman Orientation: 9:30am – 12:00pm (see below)
10th-12th Grade Student Photos (see below)
School Board Meeting: 6:00pm in MSD Boardroom
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
Annual All-Sports Meeting
Athletic Director Bryant Michaelson will be hosting our annual all sports meeting on Monday, August 19 at 7pm at Meridian High School.
The event will include a quick presentation on how to sign up for sports, expectations, what sports are offered, and facilities information. After this, there will be breakout sessions for each fall sport with the coaches. Winter and spring season sports coaches will also be on-hand to meet students, talk about their programs, and hand out information.
Freshman Orientation
Meridian High School invites all incoming Freshman to join us at 9:30am on Wednesday, August 21 for Freshman Orientation. This three-hour event will be led by Mr. Patrick Ames and our ASB Leadership students and is a great welcome opportunity for these incoming students.
Students will find out more information about MHS, pick up schedules, and get photos taken.
If you would like to request transportation for your student because you won’t be able to give them a ride, please complete this form. Transportation is available for in-district students only.
Picture Day
Our 9th graders will have their photos taken at Freshman Orientation (see above).
Other grades should also plan to stop by on August 21 for their photos as follows:
10th Graders: 12:30-1:30
11th Graders: 1:30-2:00
12th Graders: 2:00-2:30
Photos are available to order online from our photographer. Please note that hats, sunglasses, masks, or other dress-up items that obscure the face are not permitted in school photos.
Mrs. Gookstetter is also looking for several parent volunteers to help on this day from 11:00 to 2:30. Contact her at 360-318-2282 or by email.
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.
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 will be on sale beginning August 21 at Freshman Orientation. The price is $75. Yearbooks can be purchased online or in the high school office.
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.