Weekly Update – February 21

We are committed to continuously improving our school district and providing the best education for all our students. To do that, we need your feedback!

Please take a few minutes to complete our annual survey. Your insights will help us identify key areas to focus on, ensuring we deliver the highest quality education. This survey is also crucial for tracking our progress towards the goals outlined in Our Commitments, our strategic plan.

We want to hear your thoughts on various topics, including school communication, learning expectations, and your interactions with teachers and administrators. The survey is available in multiple languages.

Please complete the survey by March 7.

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.

Are you a current 11th grader who isn’t taking U.S. History at Meridian High School? If so, plan to attend a two-part registration presentation on Thursday, February 27, at 1:15 PM, and Thursday, March 6, at 1:15 PM, both in the Commons. Counselors will guide you through your four-year course plan and help you complete your registration for the 2025-2026 school year.

Questions or can’t make it? Reach out to your counselor.

All other current 11th graders will complete this process during their US History courses.

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is looking for volunteers (ages 15-21) to join their Cadet Program! This program offers hands-on experience in policing, including training in law enforcement tactics, procedures, and discipline.

Cadets get a behind-the-scenes look at daily sheriff operations, participate in ride-alongs with deputies, and take part in training activities and competitions. Uniforms and basic equipment are provided, and cadets must volunteer at least 16 hours per month, including two training meetings.

To apply, students must complete an interview and background check.

For more details or to get an application, contact Deputy Thomas Craig at (360) 319-4145 or tcraig@co.whatcom.wa.us.

The Bellingham Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) invites you to an Open House on Tuesday, February 25, at 6:30 PM. CAP is a congressionally chartered, federally funded nonprofit where teens and adults develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and explore aerospace education.

Join them to learn more about CAP’s history, programs, and opportunities.

Thanks to those of you who attended our Dual Credit Night on Monday. We appreciated the chance to hear from representatives from Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, and Northwest Career and Technical Academy. While we know many families and students are still making their decisions, for those sophomores or juniors planning to attend NCTA for next year, their application is now open!

Visit  https://www.nwtech.k12.wa.us/ for more information and to apply!

If you missed Financial Aid Night and have not yet turned in your Opt-Out form, please submit it to your school counselor as soon as possible—we need this on file.

Futures NW will return during a lunch period to review your FAFSA/WASFA applications, ensuring they are processed correctly without errors. If you haven’t completed your FAFSA/WASFA yet, you can book an appointment for support with a Futures NW representative at https://www.futuresnw.org/book-a-meeting.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is excited to announce that applications for the 2025–2026 Sea Mar Scholarships are now open! These scholarships provide financial support to students pursuing a college degree.

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025. Visit www.seamar.org/scholarships for details and to apply. Flyers with QR codes linking to the scholarship website are also available in both English and Spanish.

For questions, contact Kenia Diaz at scholarship@seamarchc.org or call (206) 763-5277. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your future!

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!

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!