From the Principals

As we near the end of September, we now have enough data to begin supporting students more effectively. Starting next week, we will introduce “WIN” (What I Need) groups, which will take place twice a week during Homeroom. These groups give teachers and support staff the chance to provide targeted support to students. Teacher teams collaborate to determine the best placement for each student during WIN sessions, ensuring their individual needs are met. We are excited about being able to begin providing this level of support!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

Upcoming

Picture Day

A Peek into the Classroom

Frank McGowan teaches 7th grade science here at MMS. Among the many things Mr. McGowan does to cultivate a strong start to the school year, he intentionally builds relationships with students. At the start of class, you’ll find Mr. McGowan standing at the door, greeting students as they enter. Those at-the-door greetings have a tremendous impact on students (there is some compelling research on this impact this has – you can read about it here!) He also uses authentic joy in the classroom to continue building relationships and positive rapport with students. His passion for both content and kids is genuine and contagious.
Mr. McGowan can also be found on the playground during lunch, connecting with students and demonstrating his moves on the Four Square court!
Thanks for all you do, Mr. McGowan!

Info and Reminders

Facilities Bond Vote Nov. 5

Our community will vote on a facilities bond that includes several safety-related projects at our schools. This bond proposal follows an extensive study and survey of district needs, with recommendations from a task force of parents, staff and community members.
Projects include:
  • Building a new Meridian Middle School for grades 5-8 to alleviate overcrowding at Irene Reither Elementary. Originally constructed in 1938, MMS faces significant safety and accessibility challenges, and high earthquake risk due to non-reinforced concrete walls.
  • Safety improvements and repairs at Meridian High School, including a new music room in the old cafeteria to create a closed campus, roof and masonry repairs for the auditorium, stadium beam and roof repairs, new stadium lighting and an emergency power generator.
Join us for a community presentation at Meridian Middle School on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. to learn more about the bond projects and their financial impact. The event will include a Q&A session and a school tour led by students. If you can’t attend, the presentation will be available on YouTube.
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Lessons Begin Oct. 14
Students in seventh grade will be taking part in comprehensive sexual health lessons beginning the week of Oct. 14 in health class.
Parents and guardians may review the Positive Prevention Plus curriculum and may remove their children from these lessons with a written request. (RCW 28A.300.475). Families who wish to opt their children out of these lessons must turn in an opt-out form to the school office before the first day of lessons. Students who opt-out of the lessons will be working on a self guided project learning about the body systems in a separate location.
Curriculum materials are available for families to review at the District Office, 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA , during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If families are unable to review materials during business hours, please call 360-318-2170 to schedule an appointment.
We appreciate your continued partnership in your student’s learning. If you have any questions please contact your teacher.
After School Sporting Events
All students must go home at the end of the school day. If a student would like to attend an after school sporting event, they must return to school with adult supervision for the duration of the game. Thank you for helping support student safety on campus outside of school hours.