Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! With the strategic plan in place focusing on Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness, and Learning, I am excited to share the positive growth and changes that benefit the students, staff, and families of the Meridian School District. Please read through this newsletter to learn about upcoming events, added resources for the school year, and helpful articles. Please reach out if you would like more information on a certain topic, have ideas for a community event, or need help finding resources. I am looking forward to working with all of you and would love your input!
Laura Lupo
Mental Health Coordinator
llupo@meridian.wednet.edu
360-318-2470
Every child faces challenges when heading back to school. But back-to-school time can be exceptionally difficult for the 20 percent of children who suffer from a mental health or learning disorder. Helping kids back into the school routine (link)
As the summer comes to a close and school is getting back into session, here are a couple quick reminders to help make the transition from the beach to the classroom easier for you and your child.
ADDED RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH!
I am proud to be a part of a district that recognizes and supports the mental health needs of our students The additional support we have for mental health services is amazing and benefits each building level.
Meridian High School
Welcome to Roberta Martinelli who will be at Meridian High School five days a week! Roberta is a Mental Health Counselor from NWESD and will be providing therapy services to our high school students.
Coming soon to Meridian Middle School
There are plans to have a full time mental health counselor at the middle school later this fall. More details to come!
Irene Reither Elementary School
We have a new Compass Health clinician that will be serving our elementary students for the 2023-24 school year. Kayla White is replacing Emily Hamilton and will be meeting with students on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Kayla starts the week of Sept. 4 and will remain with IRE until June. We feel so fortunate that Compass Health has added an additional day to meet the needs of supporting students! Welcome Kayla!
KEY DATES AND EVENTS
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
September is a time to raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention and to provide support for those who may be struggling with their mental health. Suicidal ideation is an increasing national crisis among our youth. The U.S Teen Suicide Rate is On The Rise with suicide being the second-leading cause of death for people ages 15-19 in the U.S. Please check out the resources on the Meridian School Districts webpage, under Behavioral Health and Wellness for more information and resources.
September is Attendance Awareness Month
In the 2020-21 school year, at least 10.1 million students nationwide were chronically absent. We estimate chronic absence has more than doubled form the more than 8 million students, pre-Covid-19, who were missing so many days of schools that they were academically at risk. Chronic absence – missing 10% or more of schools days due to absences for any reason – excused, unexcused absences and suspensions, can translate into students having difficulty learning to read by the 3rd grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school. Attendance matters! -Attendance Works: Advancing Student Success By Reducing Chronic Absence
Community Outreach Event: Brigid Collins and the Family Support Center
Meridian School District will be hosting a community outreach event on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 6-7 p.m. in the MHS library. The evening will focus on “Showing Up” for our kids. Brigid Collins will also discuss the amazing services they offer to our community. Our very own Family Support Center and myself (Mental Health Coordinator) will be there to discuss resources and how we can help support the families and students of Meridian.
