Dear Families,

Today marks the end of the third quarter! When we return from Spring Break, we’ll begin the final stretch of the school year.

Teachers are submitting progress report grades today, and you’ll receive information about Quarter 3 grades, along with links to Family Guides explaining what the grades represent, in the week following Spring Break.

We hope you have a wonderful, restful week with family, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on April 14th!

-Todd Torgeson, Principal

-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

By 2028, Irene Reither Elementary (IRE) is projected to have over 1,000 students, exceeding its capacity of 726. The Facilities Task Force, recognizing the need for a new Meridian Middle School due to its condition and future overcrowding, recommended rebuilding it as a 5-8 school. This will alleviate overcrowding at IRE by moving about 160 students to a new middle school, which will be designed with input from parents, staff, students, and the community.

Adding capacity at Meridian Middle School is more cost-effective than building a new elementary school, which would cost about $50 million. The task force’s recommendation addresses both the need for a new middle school and the overcrowding at IRE. These videos provide more details on these topics.

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 reach out!

Starting conversations with adolescents can be challenging, especially surrounding sensitive topics such as substance use. For kids, this topic can tend to lead to defensiveness, dishonesty due to fear of reactions, and/or avoidance. For adults, this can often bring up feelings of frustration, worry, and a desire to help. When having conversations, reflect on your intentions beforehand: Are you seeking to… understand? Discipline your child? Express your feelings of worry or frustration?

Understanding your goal before the conversation can help ensure your message is clear, reducing misunderstandings and negative reactions. Creating a safe space for these conversations is all about trust, patience, and ensuring they feel truly heard. Some helpful ideas of ways to approach conversations include:

Disciplinary conversations are also sometimes necessary, and having a foundation of trust can make them more effective. When kids believe that consequences come from love and support rather than judgment or criticism, they are more likely to accept and respond to them, even if they feel upset or frustrated. It’s important to reinforce that love includes accountability, honesty, and, at times, consequences that help guide their growth and learning.

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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