Greetings Meridian Students and Families,

I have just a couple of things to share with you about our strong post-season performances, Meridian High School’s 5-year Graduation Rate, a survey for the 2020-21 academic calendar and information about the next Drinks with the Doc gathering in March. And, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, to the Meridian Community once more for the enormous support in passing our two levy measures!

Woo Hoo!
It has been a whirlwind making it to games and matches this month! I have enjoyed watching our wrestling team and basketball teams perform well into the post-season. Congratulations to all of our programs. They are representing Meridian and Laurel superbly! I will travel to Tacoma later today to watch the opening matches for Mirage Deneal, Tenley Swope and Peyton Elenbaas as they compete at the State Wrestling Tournament in the Tacoma Dome. It was a great night for Trojan basketball last night! Our girls basketball team defeated Kings in their gym last evening to qualify for the Regional Tournament next weekend. Our boys experienced similar success in Redmond when they defeated the Bear Creek Grizzlies in their gym. They, too, will enter the Regional Tournament next weekend. I know Mr. Michaelson will be sending out his breakdown of who competes when so we have a clear image of what is to unfold. Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches, and families. None of this success happens without the unending dedication and working together. We’re proud of all of you!

Outstanding Grad Rate
Just as exciting is the news from Mr. Forbes yesterday about the tremendous 5-year graduation rate. Meridian High School posted a 5-year graduation rate of over 97%. This is exceptional – and also can not be achieved without the work of many people contributing and working together. Meridian School District has invested in building positive relationships and support. Mr. Forbes stated it well in his announcement, “There are many people who have made this possible. Our students continue to work hard. MHS staff match their high expectations with great teaching and support. MSD K-12 district and building staff also prepared our students for the work in high school. All of that work began with the ongoing support of parents, families, and the Laurel community. This is something we all had a part in and our community should be very proud of this accomplishment. The bar is set high, let’s continue to help our students clear that bar.” Proud – yes, indeed.

2020-21 Academic Calendar Input Requested

We have had a committee of teachers, staff, administrators and parents planning next year’s academic calendar over the past month. The committee would like to receive input on one question which will help complete the process and recommend a calendar to the School Board next week. The one piece that is left to be determined pertains to the question about including a 3rd potential snow day in the calendar, keeping the Mid-Winter Break as it has been, and where our last day of school will fall in June. All of these are related and so we thought it best to reach out for staff and community input. There are really two options – and implications for each one. Each of them is in the survey. Please take a moment to answer three questions on this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6X5Z2F6. It will remain open until 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25th. Thank you so much!

Drinks with the Doc – March 12
Join me for Drinks with the Doc on March 12 at 9:30 am. I will be joined by Joe Rutan, Whatcom County Engineer and Assistant Director Public Works. We are meeting at Irene Reither Elementary School. This is typically informal and follows whatever questions come with our guests. This time, Mr. Rutan will be prepared to share information about the Hannegan corridor and how we can partner to help mitigate traffic concerns. Please join us!