Dear Families,
As we enter the weeks between major holidays, we recognize these can be times of excitement and anticipation for students and families. While the season brings many joys, it’s also important to maintain consistent routines to support academic progress and foster a sense of reliability that students depend on.
At Meridian, we are committed to providing steady learning opportunities and engaging routines during these transitional weeks. This consistency helps ensure that students stay on track academically while feeling grounded in the structure they need to succeed.
Families play a vital role in this effort! Here are some ways you can support at home:
  • Check Skyward Together: Sit down with your student to review grades and missing assignments, helping them stay organized and accountable.
  • Use Weekly Planners: Encourage your student to keep up with their weekly planner, tracking assignments and due dates.
  • Complete iReady Lessons: Promote the completion of iReady lessons, which are tailored to your student’s learning needs and reinforce critical skills.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting our Trojans!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal
Upcoming…
Join Dr. Everett for Thriving Futures Dec. 11 at MMS
Please join us from 5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Meridian Middle School for Thriving Futures with Superintendent Dr. James Everett. We will be meeting in room 3. These monthly meetings are open to the public, and light refreshments are provided.
These open form meetings are an opportunity to meet with Superintendent Dr. James Everett and building leaders, Principal Todd Torgeson and Assistant Principal Jill Hammack. Dr. Everett will share exciting district updates. During the meeting, you are invited to ask questions about anything happening in the district, as well as questions or feedback about the recent bond measure.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Semester 2 is Coming Soon!
As we approach the start of Semester 2 at the end of January, please note that schedule changes will not be available in most cases due to tight scheduling this year.
If you notice an obvious error in your schedule or have an urgent concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prepare for a successful semester!
A Peek Into the Classroom
Mr. Stumpf
Mr. Stumpf 1
8th Grade Science with Mr. Stumpf
Students in Spenser Stumpf’s 8th-grade science class actively track their own progress toward unit learning goals using a clearly defined learning progression. This progression, explicitly taught and modeled by Mr. Stumpf, helps students evaluate their progress based on specific success criteria, fostering ownership of their learning.
During a recent classroom visit, students confidently explained how they use the learning progression. They described how it helps them understand their current position in the progression and identify what they’ve mastered so far in class.
Simply handing out the learning progression would not be enough to support student learning. Mr. Stumpf has created the conditions for success by modeling its use and providing specific, actionable feedback tied to the progression’s language.
Way to empower students to take charge of their learning, Mr. Stumpf!
Info & Reminders
Cookies Brand
Ensuring a Positive Learning Environment: Dress Code Reminder
As we continue to foster a safe and supportive learning environment, we want to remind you of our school’s dress code policy. We appreciate your support in guiding your children to make appropriate dress choices.
Our dress code aims to ensure that student attire does not:
  • Create health or safety hazards;
  • Indicate membership in gangs or hate groups;
  • Damage school property;
  • Contradict the mission of our school district;
  • Include lewd, sexual, drug, tobacco, or alcohol-related messages.
Please note that clothing from the Cookies brand, which often features drug-related themes, would violate our dress code policy. If a student’s dress is found to be inappropriate, we will work with the student and, if necessary, reach out to parents. Our goal is to handle these situations with care and respect, ensuring all students have the opportunity to learn in a positive environment. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us maintain a respectful and focused school community.
lost and found
Lost and Found Check!
We have a lot of items in our lost and found! Please stop by and check for items belonging to your family or encourage your student to take a look for missing items. At Winter Break, all remaining items will be donated.
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.
Further Out Dates to Keep in Mind
  • 12/7 (Saturday) – Select Choir & Jazz Band concerts at Ferry Terminal
  • 12/9 – MMS Band Concerts (*not including beginning 7th/8th grade band)
  • 12/23-1/5 – No School (Winter Break)
  • 1/20 – No School (MLK Day)
  • 1/24 – End of Semester 1
  • 1/27 – No Students (Grading Day)