Dear MMS Families,

We’re going to keep the message brief this week.  We hope that you are able to have a chance to spend time together with loved ones during Spring Break next week.  We look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday, April 8 for our final quarter of the school year!

As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

GO TROJANS!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Robert Kratzig, Assistant Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Monday, April 8

  • Black Day

Tuesday, April 9

  • Gold Day
  • Art Club, 2:45pm in Room 51

Wednesday, April 10

  • Black Day
  • Video Game Club, 2:45pm in Room 12
  • ASB Election Packets Due by 8:05am

Thursday, April 11

  • Gold Day
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 7:30am in Small Gym
  • Social Justice League, 4:00pm in Room 32
  • 8th Grade Parent & Student Night at MHS, 6:30pm in MHS Auditorium

Friday, April 12

  • Gold Day
  • Late Arrival, School Begins at 9:05am
  • ASB Elections Speeches & Voting
COUNSELING CORNER
Hello MMS Families,

Spring break offers a valuable opportunity for our students to take a well-deserved pause from their academic responsibilities, recharge their batteries, and engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s spending quality time with family, exploring new hobbies, or simply relaxing and rejuvenating, spring break provides a chance for our students to step back from the hustle and bustle of school life and focus on self-care.

Research shows that taking breaks from academic routines can actually enhance overall learning and productivity. By allowing our minds to rest and reset, we are better able to absorb information, think creatively, and maintain a positive attitude towards learning.

Moreover, spring break offers families the opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories together. Whether it’s through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the time spent together during spring break can strengthen family relationships and foster a sense of connection.

We look forward to seeing you in April!

Warmly,

MMS Counselors

 

GENERAL MMS INFORMATION
Attendance Tips 
Does the morning time feel stressful or chaotic? With so much to do, it can feel impossible to get out the door on time. Getting prepared the night before helps make the morning stress-free!  You can pre-pack a lunch, set out your clothes, pack your bag, and even take a shower ahead of time to make the morning run more smoothly.
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8th Grade Parent and Student Night at MHS

Please join us for our 8th Grade Parent and Student night at Meridian High School. The event will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in the auditorium and commons at Meridian High School.

We will share information about Meridian High School and how to register for classes. You will have an opportunity to learn more about classes, clubs and more! There will also be time to ask questions.

We look forward to seeing you!

 
Spring State Assessments Begin Soon

Spring state assessments will begin soon for students in grades 3 – 8 and 10. English language arts (ELA) and math are measured with Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Science is measured with the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) in grades 5, 8 and 11.  At MMS, we’ll be testing for SBA on April 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and WCAS for 8th graders on May 14 and 15.

The results from the state assessments will help us improve instructional practices and give families information about how their student is doing and where additional help might be needed. The assessments also give us a more accurate picture of whether students are on track to be ready for college or career by graduation. For students in grade 10, the Smarter Balanced tests can also be used as a graduation pathway.  Results are reported by September of each year. Final reports will be provided to families if their student participated in state testing.

You can help support your child in doing their best during state assessments by having them come to school on time each day, encouraging a good night of sleep and eating breakfast.  Most students will take the assessments online using their Chromebook. Please remind your child to have their Chromebook device fully charged for school.

For additional information about state testing:
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Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Begins April 18th

Students in eighth grade will be taking part in comprehensive sexual health lessons beginning April 18th in health class.

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. Students who opt-out of the lessons will be working on a body systems project in an alternative location.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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Family Services Center
The Meridian School District Family Resource 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.

Students who can’t make it in to the family center to get school supplies can pop into the middle school office to get the supplies they need.

Questions?  Contact Alicia Roberts (English) at 360-988-1949 or Elvira Trautman (Spanish) at 360-306-2886
Summer Grocery Benefits to Eligible Families

Beginning this summer, Washington will provide grocery benefits through a program called Sun Bucks to help families with eligible school-age children buy groceries during the summer. Families will receive $120 per eligible child. Families that qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits for the 2023-24 school year will be eligible to receive Sun Bucks. For more information visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt
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