Principal’s Message
IRE Families,
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! This year, Irene Reither Elementary is teaming up with Meridian High School for a special Multicultural Night, combining the MHS Culture Fair and our own Multilingual Family Night into one unforgettable event! See the detail below.
This will also be one of the many spaces at the end of the year where families can provide input on our annual school improvement plan.
Lastly, progress report grades are live. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Best,
Tyler Dockins, Principal

Meridian Culture Fair, May 2 at Meridian High School
We’re excited to announce that the MHS Culture Fair is merging with IRE Multilingual Family Night for one incredible evening of food, fun, and cultural celebration!
📅Friday, May 2
⌚6–8PM
📍Meridian High School Gymnasium
Come experience student-led booths filled with art, music, games, stories, and traditions from around the world. Whether you’re showcasing your culture or just curious to explore,
everyone is welcome.
Just want to check it out?
Come as a viewer and enjoy the creativity and pride on display from students and families across the district.
Want to get involved?
We’re highly encouraging participation! You don’t need to be an expert—just excited to share something meaningful about your culture or heritage.
Some ideas for booths:
  • Traditional clothing or flags
  • Art, crafts, or recipes
  • Name writing in another language
  • Music, photos, candy, or games
  • Family traditions or cultural facts
🎁 Bonus: There will be prizes available for participating students and families!
Questions?
Contact Kayla Turner, MCC Advisor
kbernsen@meridian.wednet.edu
Let’s build bridges—one dish, one dance, and one story at a time.

Meridian Middle School Bond Election April 22
On April 22, voters in our community will vote on a bond measure to build a New Meridian Middle School. This new bond focuses only on the middle school project, based on feedback from our community. Information about the bond is available on our website as well as frequently asked questions and videos.
Videos:
Helpful links:
Still have questions? Contact us:
  • Dr. James Everett, Superintendent, (360-318-2151)
  • Lisa Gilchrist, Director of Public Relations, (360- 318-2159)
  • Robert Kratzig, MHS Assistant Principal, (360-318-2281)
  • Jay Yeager, Director of Maintenance and Project Management, (360-318-2156)

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA)
IRE’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will soon be taking the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in math and English language arts. This test helps show what students have learned this year and helps us better support their learning in the future.
📅Testing starts Tuesday, April 22nd
Let’s help students feel calm, confident, and ready! Here’s how you can support your child:
  • Make sure they get a good night’s sleep 😴
  • Eat a healthy breakfast 🍳
  • Get to school on time and with a positive attitude 🌟
  • Bring devices fully charged each day 💻
  • Always give the best answer. Never leave a question blank 💡
Additionally, sample questions can be found on the Smarter Balanced website. We encourage you to take some time to go over sample questions with your child at home as well as https://startingsmarter.org/
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Nate Beede
Assistant Principal (3-5)
360-966-1950
GoGuaridan

Monitor Your Child’s Online Activity with the GoGuardian Parent App
Did you know you can help manage your child’s screen time and internet access at home? The GoGuardian Parent App gives families insight into their child’s online activity on school-managed devices.
With this app, you can:
  • ✅View your child’s browsing history
  • ✅Set internet filtering and restrictions during out-of-school hours
  • ✅Monitor screen time to support healthy digital habits
We encourage all families to download and explore the GoGuardian Parent App to help create a safe and balanced online experience for students. For more information or to get started, visit the GoGuardian page on our website!
blue skies

Blue Skies for Children One-Time Little Wish Applications
GREAT NEWS! One-Time Little Wish applications are now OPEN!
Students who qualify for free or reduced meals at school and are currently in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade can now apply for a One-Time Little Wish. Applications are being accepted NOW through 05/12/2025.
Examples of a One-Time Little Wish include but are not limited to • School trip fees • Summer camp enrollment fees • Bicycle, lock, and helmet (for youth under 12 years old) • Tutoring • Computers • Sports fees and/or gear • Financial Support for driver’s education.
A One-Time Little Wish is a single, one-time award designed to support a specific wish or enrichment opportunity for a child (up to 3 children in one household). Awards are decided by lottery after May 12th and might not cover the entire wish. This year WISHES are only available to youth who are not already receiving ongoing enrichment support from Blue Skies.
How to Apply:
  • Applications are available HERE to print out. If you need a copy sent home with your student call or text Alicia at 360-988-1949.
  • Complete the Little Wish Application
  • Bring identification for both guardian and child to the Blue Skies Office at 1310 Broadway Ste. 2A Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Verify eligibility by bringing proof of ONE of the following: Employment Income (3 Pay Stubs), Unemployment Income, SSI / SSD Letter, TANF Assistance Letter, Food Stamps Letter, Free/Reduced Meal Acceptance Letter from School, Foster Placement Paperwork or Proof of Guardianship, or a referral letter from the school district’s Family Services Coordinator, Alicia Roberts.
  • Then wait for Blue Skies for Children to contact you
  • If you have any questions or would like more information call Blue Skies at 360.756.6710 or email enrichment@blueskiesforchildren.org