IRE Families,

We hope you had a restful break and time to recharge with loved ones.

Thank you for your continued partnership and the support you give your children each day. You have likely received progress updates from teachers with both celebrations and areas where your student might need additional support. If you have questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher anytime.

As we move into Quarter 2, it’s common for students to experience new challenges, such as increasing academic rigor, tough winter routines, or developing new skills. If you’d like to learn more about how we support the whole child through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), please see the information below.

Best,

Tyler Dockins, Principal

Nate Beede, Assistant Principal

Rebecca Kratzig, Dean of Instruction

Academics • Social-Emotional Learning/Behavior • Attendance

At IRE, we are committed to supporting every student academically, socially-emotionally, behaviorally, and through strong attendance. We want families to know exactly how we partner with you to help every child thrive.

We use a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to meet each learner’s needs.

• High-quality instruction in reading, writing, and math

• Small-group learning built into the day

• Progress monitoring (i-Ready, IRLA, classroom work)

• Targeted small groups & intervention cycles

• One-on-one or very small group instruction

• Collaboration with specialists and district teams

Schoolwide supports:

• Meridian Mindset Assemblies & Recognition (Caring, Courageous, Trustworthy & Open-Minded)

• SEL lessons & relationship-building routines

• Clear expectations across all settings

Additional support:

• Check-In/Check-Out

• Small groups for emotion regulation, friendship skills, and coping

• Behavior plans, breaks, and counselor partnership

• When harm occurs, we focus on safety, reflection, reteaching, and appropriate consequences aligned with the district matrix (e.g. restorative/ownership to make it right with individuals, groups or whole classes)

Attendance is directly tied to learning, friendships, and confidence—and we celebrate progress each month.

• “Good Standing” (attend 9 out of 10 days)

• Monthly celebrations and positive messaging

• Phone calls/home communication

• Problem-solving around barriers

• Support plans and connection to resources

• Family meetings

Our approach is always supportive and focused on partnership, not blame.

The Family Center does not have any Thanksgiving meal boxes to give out for this holiday. We are encouraging families to connect with their local food bank to get a Thanksgiving meal.

We are accepting referrals for the highly capable program. Highly capable students are those who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Teachers and parents may refer any student in grades K-11 for assessment. All fifth and second grade students will be screened, regardless of a referral.

To refer a student for assessment, please complete the Highly Capable referral form in English or in Spanish by Dec. 15, 2025 for eligibility in the 2026-27 school year.

If you have questions about the Highly Capable Program visit our website or contact Rebecca Montgomery, highly capable program coordinator, at 360-318-2456 or rmontgomery@meridian.wednet.edu.

Please join us for our next PTA meeting:

Monday, December 8

6:00-7:30pm

IRE Library