Make sure you give your students a big pat on the back today after making it through two weeks of SBA testing. We are proud of their hard work and excited to see the data that shows how they’ve grown this year. Our 8th graders have two more days of testing this week as they dive into showing their Science knowledge.
Our 6th graders are heading off to the annual Outdoor Education camp on Monday, May 13. This is an exciting opportunity for them to learn more about our local environment, as well as about each other, building bonds that will last the rest of their academic careers! This has been a Meridian tradition for generations, and we are so excited for them to be a part of it!
As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
GO TROJANS!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Robert Kratzig, Assistant Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, May 13
Black Day
6th Graders Leave for Outdoor Ed
7th / 8th Grade Baseball at Nooksack Valley MS, 4:00pm
Girls Soccer at Nooksack Valley MS, 4:00pm
Tuesday, May 14
Gold Day
8th Grade WCAS Testing
Art Club, 2:45pm in Room 51
Washington DC 2025 Meeting, 6:00pm in MMS Library (see below!)
Wednesday, May 15
Black Day
6th Graders Return from Outdoor Ed
8th Grade WCAS Testing
Board Game Club, 2:45pm in Room 12
Girls Soccer at Lynden MS, 4:00pm
Thursday, May 16
Gold Day
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 7:30am in Small Gym
Acceptance Club, 2:45pm in Room 32
Friday, May 17
Black Day
Late Start Friday, School Begins at 9:05am
COUNSELING CORNER
Dear MMS Parents, and Guardians,
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, it’s natural for students to feel a mix of excitement and stress. In this week’s newsletter, we’re focusing on building resilience to help students navigate the challenges ahead and finish the year strong.
Tips for Building Resilience:
Set Realistic Goals: Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each accomplishment along the way to keep motivation high.
Practice Self-Care: Encourage students to prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and taking breaks to recharge.
Stay Positive: Remind students that setbacks are a normal part of any journey. Encourage them to focus on their strengths and past successes to maintain a positive outlook.
Seek Support: Let students know that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s from teachers, counselors, or friends, support is available to help them through tough times.
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, let’s continue to support each other and celebrate the resilience that helps us overcome challenges and reach our goals.
Warm Regards,
MMS Counselors
GENERAL MMS INFORMATION
National History Day Competition 2025
For the 2024-2025 school year we will be offering an enrichment opportunity for next year’s 7th and 8th grade students interested in creating an in-depth history project. This opportunity is perfect for students who want to learn how to really do academic research, evaluate sources, and use this research to answer their own research question. This project will take months to complete and the finished project will compete at the regional level of the National History Day competition in March of 2025. Applications will be available during WIN time on Tuesday, May 21st.
We are excited to provide the opportunity for next year’s 8th grade students to join Mr. Dennis and their US History teacher Ms. Garlatz on an optional but amazing trip to Washington DC from March 30 to April 3, 2025. There will be lots of learning and fun as we sight see our way through our nation’s capital including the National Mall, our nation’s most important government buildings and Mt. Vernon. We’ll also have a chance to go to Philadelphia to check out Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written.
This trip is all inclusive including airfare, hotel, food, as well as a whole program including local guides. If a deposit is put down before the start of summer the cost will be $2,305, there will be an opportunity to sign up in the fall as well but the price will increase to $2,423 for fall sign up. If this is a financial stretch please contact us and we will do what we can to provide fundraising opportunities and possibly scholarships.
Pre-order your yearbook for $35. Please bring cash or check to the MMS office between May 6th and May 17th. There are limited quantities available so secure yours soon! Yearbooks should be delivered in early June.
8th Grade Promotion
This year’s 8th grade promotion ceremony and celebration will be held here at Meridian Middle School on Monday, June 17 at 9:30am. Families are invited to come and celebrate the achievement of their students as they promote on to high school. After the celebration we’ll have a social time for families, including refreshments.
There is a committee of 8th grade families who are working to plan the evening celebration for students at MHS after the promotion ceremony. Their next meeting will be held on Monday, May 20 at 7:00pm in the MMS Library. If you would like more information, just plan to attend the meeting or email Melissa Noste at melissa_noste@hotmail.com to get on the mailing list.
Attendance Tips
With the end of the year coming up, it’s a great time to set some goals! Write down a goal you have for yourself before the end of this year. It could be about grades, attendance, friends, sports, anything! Consider the things that will get in your way and how you will overcome them. Check back in each week to keep your goal moving. You’ve got this!
TDaP Vaccine for Incoming 7th Graders
The TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and polio) vaccine or a medical exemption signed by a Washington state healthcare provider are required by state law for all 7th graders. Proof will need to be provided to the health office before the beginning of 7th grade. If the school does not have proof of the vaccination or exemption your student will be excluded from school until one or the other is provided.
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
