As you have read in our earlier messaging, today was a difficult day at Meridian Middle School. In light of the situation, we want to reshare the resources below in support of our students as we navigate the emotions that may come as people process this loss. Death impacts each of us differently based on our relationship to the individual we lost. You can help your children simply by talking and listening to them. We don’t always know how a student will be affected in a crisis, but you know your child the best of anyone. It is normal for your child to be sad, angry, withdrawn or not show any emotion.
Our mobile response team was on site today and counseling support is available for students. If your family needs assistance coping with this tragedy, please contact our school. School will be on a regular schedule on Monday, and we will continue to have support for students.
Thank you,
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Robert Kratzig, Assistant Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, May 20
Black Day
7th / 8th Grade Baseball vs. LCMS, 4:00pm at MMS
Girls Soccer at LCMS, 4:00pm
Tuesday, May 21
Gold Day
History Day Student Meeting during Homeroom (see below)
8th Grade Field Trip
Wednesday, May 22
Black Day
Video Game Club, 2:45pm in Room 12
Girls Soccer vs Blaine MS, 4:00pm at MMS
School Board Meeting, 6:00pm at MSD Board Room
Thursday, May 23
Gold Day
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 7:30am in Small Gym
Social Justice League, 2:45pm in Room 2
Friday, May 24
Gold Day
Late Start Friday, School Begins at 9:05am
COUNSELING CORNER
Dear MMS Families,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students today. During this difficult time, please know that we are here to support your children. Please encourage them to reach out if they need someone to talk to or assistance in processing this loss. Also, please pay attention to any signs of distress in your children, such as changes in behavior, mood, or sleep patterns, and let us know if you have any concerns.
Sincerely,
Brett Muskavage and Kathy Greshock
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.
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
Setting multiple alarms can be a great way to help yourself wake up. Try setting alarms 5 minutes apart, ending at the time you’d like to be awake. It always helps to make sure you get to sleep on time, but waking up slowly can help you feel more energized in the morning.
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
