Family Newsletter 12/13/24

Dear Families,

Next week, we will be celebrating Spirit Week to close out the calendar year before Winter Break! This week, the MMS Student Advisory gathered to discuss one of our district’s core values—belonging. A key takeaway from our discussion was the importance of creating opportunities for students to connect with both their teachers and peers in fun and meaningful ways. Our Spirit Week, organized by the leadership classes, is a great example of how we can foster a sense of belonging through enjoyable and engaging activities. Be sure to check out the rest of the newsletter for all the details on each day’s events.

As we mentioned last week, while Spirit Week will bring plenty of fun with dress-up days, our teachers will continue to provide structured, consistent learning opportunities. This routine helps students feel supported and ensures that learning progresses smoothly, even as we add a little extra joy to the week!

-Todd Torgeson, Principal

-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

The last week of school before Winter Break is a spirit week!

This winter, MMS and MHS students will have an opportunity to collaborate to put on a play – Alice in Wonderland! See the flyer below for more information.

Heather Kvidahl teaches 8th grade math and Algebra at MMS. Students often report enjoying their time in her class. One of the key ways she builds positive rapport with her students is by elevating their status. For example, when a student shares a strategy for solving a problem, Mrs. Kvidahl reinforces their contribution by referencing it later in the lesson and in future lessons. She might say something like, “To solve this, we could use Ryder’s strategy or Kylee’s strategy.” This simple approach not only helps students recall effective problem-solving methods but also elevates student status and shows acknowledgement for their contributions.

Thank you, Mrs. Kvidahl, for making your students feel valued!

Semester 2 begins on January 28th. Due to scheduling limitations, most student schedules cannot be adjusted. However, if you identify a clerical error or have an extenuating circumstance that requires a schedule change, please contact us. Thank you for your understanding!

We are excited to share a great opportunity for our students. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is offering free tutoring resources through Math Nation Washington for grades 6-12. These resources are available in multiple languages, available 24/7 and includes virtual tutoring and personalized instruction.This program provides valuable support to help our students excel in math. This free tool is a great way to support your child with math at home.

To access Math Nation, have your child sign on with their district Chromebook:

Getting Started:

If you have additional questions about Math Nation please contact your teacher or Instructional Coach Cynthia Richardson, crichardson@meridian.wednet.edu.

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.16, 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.

​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.

See the flyer below for information on an upcoming opportunity on supporting families and kids (ideal for families raising children ages 10-14).

Applications are available now to apply for the 2025-2026 American Indian Endowed Scholarship (AIES) awards.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) will accept signed and completed applications that are postmarked by March 3, 2025. Applications must be accompanied with all required attachments.

To download the application and instruction materials, go to  https://wsac.wa.gov/american-indian-endowed-scholarship, and click “How do I apply?” (download requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, Version 11.0 or newer)

To be eligible, an applicant must:

·         Have close social and cultural ties to an American Indian tribe or community in Washington state

·         Intend to use his or her education to benefit the American Indian community in this state

·         Be enrolled full-time for 2025-26, beginning fall term, at a participating college or university in-state

·         Have demonstrated financial need (as determined by the college financial aid office, per FAFSA)

·         Be a Washington state resident

·         Have not received a total of five years of this scholarship

There is a priority for upper-division and graduate-level students, however, all qualified applicants are considered. IMPORTANT: Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

A selection committee composed of representatives from the American Indian community in-state will review and score the applications. The number of scholarships and amounts awarded are based on an evaluation of the interest earnings available in the endowment. Scholarships generally range between $500 to $2,000 each for the academic year. Finalists are announced in the spring.

Mail the signed application, with required attachments, postmarked by March 3, 2025, to:

American Indian Endowed Scholarship Program

Washington Student Achievement Council

PO Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430