From the Principals
Dear Families,
The first semester is quickly coming to a close! Students will have their winter round of iReady testing next week which provides us with information to track student progress and make plans for instruction moving forward. Teachers will start working on writing report cards for the first semester soon. This is a great time to do a Skyward missing assignments check with your student to work on any outstanding assignments before grades are due on 1/24.
If you are looking for additional ways to support your student with their math skills, take a look at the information on a free resource called Math Nation in the “Info & Reminders” section of this newsletter.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!
-Todd Torgeson, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal
Upcoming…
Winter iReady Testing
Next week students will do their Winter round of iReady testing. These assessments provide “snapshot” data for us to look at and make plans for how to best support students moving forward.
Please ensure your student comes to school with their device fully charged. Thank you!
​Hearing and Vision Screening
Vision and hearing screening will happen next week. If your student has prescribed glasses, please make sure they bring them to school. Thank you!
MLK Day
  • No school for students on 1/20 in observance of MLK Day.
  • Students will engage in an assembly in honor of MLK Day on Thursday, 1/16.
A Peek Into the Classroom
Mr. Palmer
Science with Mr. Palmer
Steven Palmer teaches 6th grade science at MMS. When you stop by Mr. Palmer’s class you will rarely find him standing in one place for very long, much less sitting! Mr. Palmer exemplifies a practice called Kikan-Shido, a Japanese teaching practice that translates to “teach between the desks.” The idea behind this practice is that a teacher’s active presence around and among students allows for specific and timely feedback. Mr. Palmer is constantly moving among students, listening carefully to conversations to gain an understanding of students’ thinking and to determine his next steps to guide students toward mastery. Not only does Kikan-Shido provide valuable information for instruction, it also goes a long way to positively and proactively manage behavior!
Way to be, Mr. Palmer!
Info & Reminders
​Semester 2 Schedules
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!
​​Support Your Child’s Learning with Free Math Tutoring Resources
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:
  1. Click on the Google waffle menu
  2. Scroll down to StemScope
  3. This will automatically direct to Math Nation
Getting Started:
If you have additional questions about Math Nation please contact your teacher or Instructional Coach Cynthia Richardson, crichardson@meridian.wednet.edu.
American Indian Endowed Scholarship Applications are Available!
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
Strengthening Families Program
See the flyer below for information on an upcoming opportunity on supporting families and kids (ideal for families raising children ages 10-14).
Strengthening Families
Further Out Dates to Keep in Mind
  • 1/20 – No School (MLK Day)
  • 1/24 – End of Semester 1
  • 1/27 – No Students (Grading Day)
  • 2/14, 2/17 – No School (Mid-Winter Break)
  • 2/18-2/20 – MMS Family Conferences