Strategic Plan Development Committee Update

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback for our Strategic Plan Development Committee to review. Between online submissions, letters, feedback forms and more we had over 1,000 individual pieces of feedback shared.

During our last Strategic Plan Development Committee meeting, members looked at the data collected from all these different sources and were able to surface themes. The committee will continue to refine these themes in order to create value statements and a vision moving forward.

The themes that surfaced included:

  • Learning/support/equitable learning opportunities
  • Health and wellness, social emotional learning
  • Communication
  • Community/support
  • Safety
  • Inclusion and belonging

Below are some of the thoughts we received from our fourth and fifth grade students about what is important in Meridian School District and how they can feel supported and successful:

“People that support you. People that support you are important because then you have someone to talk to if you feel sad, mad, and other feelings.”

“A calm, helpful and safe environment is important because when thinking about independent work, recess, and any other subject, I would like people and places that are calm, helpful, safe.”

“I feel successful when I am with others that elevate my learning and instruction. It is important because I want to elevate my learning to grow and get smarter.”

“A new playground accessible by people with disabilities because people in wheelchairs can’t play on the monkey bars.”

Our strategic planning process is ongoing, and you can follow the progress on our website. If you didn’t already share your thoughts, you still can by using this online form. We will be sharing an update with our families and broader community in our next community newsletter arriving in mailboxes toward the end of June.

Reminder: Grade 4 and 5 Review of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Curriculum

Irene Reither Elementary School families are invited to learn more the proposed comprehensive sexual health education curriculum being considered for fourth and fifth grade classes during the 2022-23 school year. After a process which began in October 2021, a committee including staff, parents and community members reviewed curriculum that would meet the requirements of Senate Bill 5395 and proposed Puberty: The Wonder Years. You can learn more about the committee process on our website.

This proposed curriculum is recommended for instruction beginning next school year (2022-23). You can review what is being taught to fifth graders this spring by viewing this message from April 29. Puberty: The Wonder Years meets the requirements of the law and includes additional desired topics requested from families. The curriculum is specifically designed for elementary aged students and includes opportunities for family engagement.

Families may review materials on the Puberty: The Wonder Years website, which includes the following information for grades 4 and 5. Parents/guardians can also sign up for a 60-day free preview of the full curriculum on the Puberty: The Wonder Years website.

Elementary families may review and provide feedback on the materials at Irene Reither Elementary School from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. Families may also submit feedback using this online form by noon Monday, May 23. If you have questions, please contact Director of Teaching and Learning Adrienne Somera.

Invitation to Online Safety Presentation

Meridian families and children over 14 are invited to attend a presentation on online safety at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 at Judson Hall (516 Main Street, Lynden, WA). The presentation is free and provided by the Lynden Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The presentation provides families with information about the potential risks of online environments including cyberbullying and internet addiction, and how to keep children safe. The presentation is geared for families with children of all ages. Families with questions may contact Det. Torok at Lynden Police Department, 360-354-2828.