Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness

If you and your children are experiencing homelessness, they could be eligible for services including transportation to and from school, clothing, and free meals. Please complete the student residency questionnaire below, or contact Alicia Roberts, homeless liaison and family services coordinator by calling or texting 360-988-1949 or emailing aroberts@meridian.wednet.edu, to find out if you are eligible.

Student residency questionnaire:
English – Punjabi – Spanish – Russian – Ukrainian 

Annual Transportation Notice

As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students during transportation to and from school, I wanted to take a moment to remind you about the essential school bus safety requirements and prohibited items outlined by Washington state regulations. 

We recognize that there are various celebrations, special occasions, and events throughout the year that students, and staff, including our transportation team, participate in. However, to ensure a safe and distraction-free environment to and from school, and remain in compliance with regulations, please see WAC (Washington Administrative Code) below as well as a list of items that are prohibited on buses:  

WAC 392-145-021 

(3) Heavy, sharp, bulky, and or other articles that may be hazardous in the event of an accident or emergency stop shall not be transported unsecured in the passenger area of any school bus. Specific attention is directed to items such as skis, ski poles, vaulting poles, large musical instruments, riser platforms, etc. In no case will items be secured in such a manner as to impede access to any exit. Items that shall not be transported within the passenger area of a school bus include all forms of animal life (except service animals), firearms, weapons, breakable containers, flammables, and all other articles that could adversely affect the safety of the school bus and passengers. 

This is also to include the following: 

  • Any object that can be used as a weapon. 
  • Alcohol, drugs, or any substance prohibited by law. 
  • Hazardous materials, including flammable liquids such as perfume or cologne, explosives, or any other potentially dangerous substances. 
  • Skateboards 
  • Baseball Bats 
  • Footballs and Basketballs are ok if they are in a zipped backpack 
  • Balloons  

At Meridian School District, we are fortunate to have a strong partnership with staff and families. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of every individual on our school buses. 

If you have any questions or concerns about school bus safety regulations, please contact our transportation department. Your feedback and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we strive to provide the safest possible transportation for our students. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter and let us continue to prioritize safety in all aspects of our school community. If you have any questions please contact the transportation office at 360-318-2172.