Family Newsletter 10/18/24

You have likely heard about the Meridian School District Collective Commitments. One of our core beliefs is that when students have a strong sense of belonging, they are more likely to be successful academically, socially, and emotionally. Here at MMS, we have been working hard to find ways for students to grow their sense of belonging – from students providing the daily announcements, to spirit week, to Leadership classes, to clubs (see below for information on how to join!). Several staff members have mentioned the difference they’ve noticed this year in student joy and engagement.

Along with the efforts mentioned above to increase student belonging and voice, we are putting together a Meridian Middle School Student Advisory. The purpose of the advisory team is to provide student voice around decisions made at a building and district level. Students on the advisory would meet with building administrators to share a student perspective on various issues or ideas. There will also be opportunities to meet with the student advisory teams from the other buildings in the district. If your student is interested in applying for the MMS Student Advisory, have them email Ms. Hammack (jhammack@meridian.wednet.edu) to get an application form.

-Todd Torgeson, Principal

-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

On Nov. 5, Meridian School District voters will consider a bond proposal to rebuild Meridian Middle School for grades 5-8. This recommendation from the Facilities Task Force aims to ease overcrowding at Irene Reither Elementary, which is projected to exceed 1,000 students by 2028. With student enrollment at Meridian Middle School expected to reach 500 by 2030, the rebuild will help accommodate growth, better serve our students’ needs and honor our community’s investment in our schools. For more details, watch the video.

The Meridian Middle School Booster Club invites you and your family to the Harvest Festival on Oct. 26, 2024, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Meridian Middle School. Enjoy a haunted maze, ring toss, Tic Tac Toe, face painting, and many more fun events!

Family Pass: $20 | Individual: $5 | Children 5 & under: Free! Bring your friends and family for a day full of fun and community spirit!

Sydney Gospodinovich teaches PE and Health at MMS. Although Sydney is often known for her athleticism and keen ability to connect with students, she is also a master at attending to what kids say and do. As students engage in activities in PE, Ms. G actively monitors what students are doing and provides in-the-moment feedback. Ms. G gives feedback in the form of encouragement, giving specific praise, restating the expectation, or re-modeling a skill. Ms. G is modeling a teaching practice that is powerful in all contexts, both in the gym and in the classroom. When we attend to what kids say and do, we can give them immediate feedback that helps point them toward the intended target of the instructional time.

YOU ROCK, Ms. G!