Dear MMS Families,

We appreciate all the kind comments we’ve received this week as we have processed the loss of one of our students.  As we roll into the long weekend, we would encourage you to check in with your child about their emotions and feelings regarding this loss.  Many students have been exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors and strong emotions which may be a sign that they are facing challenges in processing what has happened.  Our counselors stand ready to support – so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Next week our 7th graders are heading off to Outdoor School.  This experience has occurred for the last few years for our 7th graders and is a great way to get them out of the classroom and learning about the outdoors, as well as providing an opportunity for them to give back to the local community.  We are excited for them to have this opportunity!

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

GO TROJANS!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Robert Kratzig, Assistant Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, May 27

  • No School – Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 28

  • Gold Day
  • Art Club, 2:45pm in Room 51

Wednesday, May 29

  • Black Day
  • 7th Grade Outdoor School Trip (Day 1)
  • Board Game Club, 2:45pm in Room 12

Thursday, May 30

  • Gold Day
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 7:30am in Small Gym
  • 7th Grade Outdoor School Trip (Day 2)
  • Acceptance Club, 2:45pm in Room 32
  • Thriving Futures, 5:00pm in MMS Library
  • Choir Concert, 6:00pm in MMS Big Gym

Friday, May 31

  • Black Day
  • Late Start Friday, School Begins at 9:05am
  • 7th Grade Outdoor School Trip (Day 3)
COUNSELING CORNER
Dear MMS Families,

As the weather continues to warm up, it’s the perfect time to encourage your student(s) to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors. This is especially important during Mental Health Awareness Month, as outdoor activities boost both physical and mental well-being.

Benefits of Outdoor Time:

  • Physical Health: Activities like biking, hiking, and playing sports keep students active and fit.
  • Mental Well-Being: Fresh air and sunlight elevate mood, reduce stress, and increase happiness.
  • Social Interaction: Playing outside improves social skills and strengthens friendships.
  • Improved Focus: Nature breaks enhance concentration and brain functioning.

Tips for Outdoor Activities:

  • Family Outings: Plan picnics, hikes, or park visits to enjoy nature together.
  • Outdoor Hobbies: Encourage hobbies like gardening, bird watching, or photography.
  • Explore the Neighborhood: Suggest walking or biking around the neighborhood.
  • Limit Screen Time: Set daily limits on screens and promote outdoor play as an alternative.

For more tips, contact our counseling office. We’re here to support you and your student(s)!

Sincerely,
Brett Muskavage and Kathy Greshock
MMS Counselors
GENERAL MMS INFORMATION
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Meridian Middle School Football June 6 and 7. Camp at MMS. Camp is 3-5 p.m. contact Coach Hollan at mhollan@meridian.wednet.edu.
 
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Washington D.C. Trip 2025

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.

Please email jdennis@meridian.wednet.edu or kgarlatz@meridian.wednet.edu with any questions.
Library Books Due

All library books are due next Friday, May 31.  Please help your students look through their backpacks, rooms, and back corners of their closets to locate any stray books that need to be returned.  Questions?  Contact our Librarian Melissa Haugen.
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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.  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.
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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.

Please contact our district nurse, Stacy King, with any questions.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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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
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