From the Principals
Dear Families,
This week was full of energy and excitement with Spirit Week, the student vs. staff assembly, field trips, and tonight’s school dance. These activities do more than create great memories—they help foster a strong sense of belonging. When students feel connected and valued, they’re better able to thrive and succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Looking ahead: Next week, we’ll have an early release on Wednesday and no school Thursday or Friday for Thanksgiving Break. We hope you enjoy a restful holiday with family and friends!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal
Upcoming…
Tonight – ​School Dance!
We are having our first dance of the year on today (November 22nd) from 6-8 pm. The theme is Country vs. Country Club, so come dressed up in your best country or golfing attire! Tickets will be $5 at the door.
Thanksgiving Week Schedule
  • 11/27 – Early Release (12:20)
  • 11/28-11/29 – No School
Thank you
Last Call – Submit a Thank You Note for American Education Week!
We’re excited to celebrate all the amazing staff at Meridian School District! Join us in expressing our gratitude for everything they do. Submit as many thank you notes as you’d like—these will be delivered via email during American Education Week, Nov. 18-22.
Submit Thank You Note Here
A Peek Into the Classroom
Mrs. Zink
​Language Development with Judith Zink
Judith Zink supports students who are learning multiple languages. Sometimes this looks like working with a small group of students in her own classroom and sometimes it looks like pushing into other classrooms to support students in their other classes. Mrs. Zink uses winning strategies to build positive rapport and motivate students. It is common to see Mrs. Zink using humor to connect with students or get them back on track. She also makes it clear to students that she has high expectations for them to do their work but she provides active support to get them there. She offers genuine praise and encouragement to students as they reach the high bar she sets for them. Students seek out Mrs. Zink for connection and support on a regular basis – even offering up lunch to connect and students and provide them a space to hang out where the feel a strong sense of belonging.
You are so loved, Mrs. Zink!
Info & Reminders
Seeking Feedback by Dec. 2: Bond Next Steps
We need your input! We appreciate your ongoing support for our students and schools. Recently, our school construction bond fell short of the 60% approval needed to pass. To better understand the community’s needs and concerns, we invite you to complete a brief, anonymous survey. Your feedback is vital as we work to address the essential needs of our schools. Please complete this brief survey by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2.
Accepting Referrals for the Highly Capable Program by Dec. 13
We are accepting referrals for the highly capable program. Highly capable students are those who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Teachers and parents may refer any student in grades K-11 for assessment.
To refer a student for assessment, please complete the Highly Capable referral form by Dec.13, 2024 for eligibility in the 2025-26 school year.
If you have questions about the Highly Capable Program visit our website or contact Rebecca Montgomery, highly capable program coordinator, at 360-318-2456 or rmontgomery@meridian.wednet.edu.
Meridian Bus
​​Be Prepared: Weather Notifications
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:
  • An email, text, app notification and/or phone call will automatically be sent to you via ParentSquare.
  • Tune to local media: 790 AM, 96.5 FM, 104.1 FM or Seattle media.
  • Check  www.meridian.wednet.edu
  • Check @meridianschooldistrict505 on Facebook or Instagram
  • Sign up for notifications through FlashAlert
Visit our Weather Notifications webpage for more information about inclement weather and delays.
Planner
​Student Weekly Planners
You will notice a yellow folder with a weekly planner in your student’s backpack. Students will use these planners to record their work from each class. Students will then use the checkbox to “check off” the work if it’s been completed in class or leave it unchecked if it needs to be completed at home.
Although the main goal of this tool is to help students develop critical executive functioning skills around planning and prioritization, these planners can also act as a communication tool for families to have a greater awareness of what is happening at school.
Click here to watch a video of Mr. Muskavage talking about how students will use their weekly planners.
Further Out Dates to Keep in Mind
  • 11/27 – Early Dismissal (Thanksgiving Break)
  • 11/28-11/29 – No School (Thanksgiving Break)
  • 12/5 – MMS Choir Concerts
  • 12/7 (Saturday) – Select Choir & Jazz Band concerts at Ferry Terminal
  • 12/9 – MMS Band Concerts