Dear Families,

Next week marks the final week of Quarter 3, followed by a well-deserved Spring Break! As the quarter wraps up, teachers will be finalizing progress report grades.

Looking ahead to the last quarter of the school year, we will begin discussions about registration for next year. Our 8th graders will soon start their transition to high school, with visits from MHS counselors to help guide them through the process. Be sure to check this newsletter for important details about the upcoming Incoming Freshman Night at the high school!

-Todd Torgeson, Principal

-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

If you would like your 8th grade student’s baby photo included in the Yearbook, please send your photo in no later than April 2nd!

The link for Yearbook Snap is: https://snap.yearbookforever.com/snap/index.html#/upload/1-23J-19235

The code is: meridianyearbook

Attention 8th-grade families! Meridian High School will be hosting Incoming Freshman Night on Thursday, April 17, to welcome students and families to the MHS community. This event is a great opportunity for future freshmen to learn about course registration, explore clubs and sports, and get familiar with the campus.

The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00–6:20 PM, followed by an open house in the Commons from 6:20–7:00 PM, where students can connect with coaches, club advisors, and current MHS students. Dr. Everett, our Superintendent, will also be on hand for his monthly “Thriving Futures” series.

Additionally, course registration for 9th grade will begin in 8th grade Health classes on Wednesday, April 16, and conclude on Wednesday, April 23. More information about registration will be sent home on April 16.

We encourage all 8th graders and their families to attend—we look forward to seeing you there!

Students in eighth grade will be taking part in comprehensive sexual health lessons beginning May 9th 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 go to the library to work on a mental health project.

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.

Spring state assessments for students in grades 3–8 and 10 will begin soon. These assessments help us measure student progress.

The results from these assessments will provide valuable information for both the school and families. They help us improve instructional practices, gauge student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed. For grade 10 students, the Smarter Balanced assessments can also serve as a graduation pathway. Results are typically available in Skyward by September each year.

Your school will provide specific details about the testing schedule and any other relevant information.

For additional information about state testing:

If you have any questions about the state assessments, please contact your school.

Kelcey Funk provides ELA support for students at MMS and consistently encourages critical thinking in her classroom. One of her key strategies is putting the thinking back on students.

For example, during a recent lesson, students were reading a text when one student asked, “Is this a real or fake story?” Instead of giving a direct answer, Ms. Funk responded with, “What do you think? Do you believe this is a real story?” This simple shift prompted students to think critically about the text and prompted a dialogue between students to decide if it was fiction or nonfiction.

It’s easy to provide quick answers in the classroom, but when we do, we miss valuable opportunities to help students develop critical thinking skills. By encouraging students to engage with the material and support their reasoning, we empower them to become more independent learners. Let’s continue to create classrooms where curiosity and deep thinking thrive!

Social health is about relationships and the well-being that comes from connection with family, friends, co-workers and community. The focus on social health has increased in recent years to the point that the US Surgeon General has raised loneliness as a public health priority, and the World Health Organization has established a global commission focused on human connection. Social health is linked to a 50% boost in longevity, making it as important to our lifespan as avoiding smoking, tackling obesity and regular exercise. How do you strengthen your social health?

Here are some ideas:

Cascade Aviation is currently offering a STEM-based program for youth ages 12-17, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of aviation through our 4-day Aero Camp. Take a look at the flyer below!

The MHS softball team is hosting a softball camp in April. See the flyer below with additional information and stop by the front office to pick up a sign-up form if you’re interested!

We encourage families to complete the Free and Reduced Meals Application for your children. By submitting this form, you can ensure your child receives nutritious meals at school and you may be eligible for other benefits.

Completing the application is quick, confidential and can make a significant difference in your child’s school experience. Forms are available in English and Spanish on our website.

Please take a moment to fill out the form and return it to your school. Paper applications are also available in school offices.

As your student prepares for high school, you may be wondering about opportunities to get a head start on college and career pathways. At Meridian High School, dual credit programs allow students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time—often at little or no cost. These courses can help students explore interests, build confidence, and prepare for the future. Check out this letter to learn more about dual credit options at MHS and how your student can take advantage of these opportunities!

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