We are excited that tomorrow almost forty of our 8th graders will head off on a week-long trip with social studies teachers Kristin Garlatz and Jacob Dennis, along with several other staff and parent chaperones to visit our nation’s capital – Washington D.C. along with Mt. Vernon, Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Â This trip has been a passion project of Mrs. Garlatz’s over the past few years, as she has worked at Meridian teaching U.S. history to our 8th graders. Â Last year was the first year we were able to offer the trip, which is organized through the CloseUp organization and we are excited for another group of our students to get to experience history in person. Â Informational meetings about next year’s trip will be happening later in the year for our 7th grade families who may be interested. Â Though the trip does cost money, we have opportunities for fundraising available so don’t shy away if your student is interested – come check out how we can support your 7th grader in attending next year!
It’s also time for 7th graders to pick up election packets from the office if they’re interested in being one of our ASB officers next year.  We also have packets available for 8th graders who are interested in running for class office at the high school.  Packets are due before school on Wednesday, March 27.  Please let Mrs. Yeager know if you or your student have any questions.
As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
GO TROJANS!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Robert Kratzig, Assistant Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, March 18
Black Day
ASB Election Packets Available in Main Office
Tuesday, March 19
Gold Day
ASB Election Packets Available in Main Office
Wednesday, March 20
Black Day
Board Game Club, 2:45pm in Room 12
ASB Election Packets Available in Main Office
Thursday, March 14
Gold Day
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 7:30am in Small Gym
Acceptance Club, 4:00pm in Room 32
ASB Election Packets Available in Main Office
Friday, March 22
Black Day
Late Arrival, School Begins at 9:05am
ASB Election Packets Available in Main Office
COUNSELING CORNER
MMS Families,
We are excited to share that we recently had the opportunity to attend the Washington School Counseling Conference in Seattle. This experience has given us a wealth of knowledge and insights aimed at enhancing the support we provide to our students.
During the conference, we engaged in informative workshops, sessions, and discussions with fellow school counselors from across the state. Mr. Muskavage represented Meridian Middle School by presenting a session on supporting marginalized students in school environments. The presentation showcased our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all students, regardless of their background or identity.
As we return from the conference, we are eager to apply our newfound knowledge and skills to further enhance our counseling program and better meet the diverse needs of our student body. We look forward to continuing our efforts to provide support and guidance to help every student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Warm regards,
MMS Counselors
GENERAL MMS INFORMATION
Meridian Annual Awards
Each year Meridian School District provides the opportunity for parents, staff, students, and community members to nominate a Meridian staff member for recognition for outstanding service. Â This year, these awards have been rebranded as the “Thrive Awards” and align with our new strategic plan and our five commitments – Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness, and Learning.
If you know a Meridian staff member who has exceeded your expectations in those areas – please take a moment to submit a nomination.  For more information on the awards, please visit our website.
Attendance TipsÂ
As the weather outside gets nicer, it can be tempting to miss school and spend time outside. Â Remember, this is a critical time of year that helps prepare learners for the next year! Attending school as much as possible will help set you up for success!
Yearbook Photos and 8th Grade Baby Pictures
Families and Students, if you have pictures from sporting events or other school related activities that you would like considered for the yearbook, please follow the instructions below to be considered for the yearbook. Make sure pictures consist of ONLY MMS students (no siblings, family members, or students from other schools).
Calling all 8th graders! Keeping up with tradition, we need baby pictures of 8th graders for the yearbook. Please submit them digitally through yearbookforever.com or bring a physical copy with your students name on the back to the office.
To submit digitally, go to yearbookforever.com and enter Meridian Middle School, Lynden WA (make sure you select the correct one, not Idaho). Select Yearbook Snap and enter the code mms to upload your students baby picture!
All pictures are due no later than March 29th
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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? Â 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: Â https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt
