Principal’s Message
IRE Families,
As we continue to focus on our attendance, we are seeing a number of positive benefits over the past two months
  • November: A 12% improvement from last year, which is nearly 100 more students in good standing than last year.
  • December: An additional 6% improvement, representing about 50 more students in good standing.
“Good standing” means that students missed 2 days or fewer in that month. Thank you for supporting the routines and habits that help our students show up and succeed each day. It has a significant impact on students’ life outcomes.
Additionally, we will have i-Ready testing coming up shortly, with more details below. This is an important progress monitor that we use to inform about progress at conferences and determine the best next steps for each individual student at our school. Take some time to chat as a family about it.
Lastly, and importantly, we have some great enrichment opportunities from our PTA. Check it out at the bottom of the newsletter.
Best,
Tyler Dockins, Principal
Nate Beede, Assistant Principal
Rebecca Kratzig, Dean of Instruction

iReady Testing – January 12-16

It’s hard to believe that we’re already preparing for the winter i-Ready diagnostic! Students will be taking the diagnostic this week; January 12-16. The winter diagnostic is an important benchmark for understanding your student’s growth, which is why it’s so important they try their best. These results allow us to better support them in achieving their goals for the year. The most important thing we can do is prepare students and motivate them to put forth their best effort.
Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:
  • Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the diagnostic!
  • Talk to your student about why the winter diagnostic is important. You can say things like:
  • The winter diagnostic helps you find out how much progress you’ve made since the beginning of the year.
  • It allows your teacher and me to celebrate your accomplishments!
  • Try your best, and do not rush—but don’t spend too much time on a question either.
  • Remember, questions on the diagnostic change based on your answers to earlier questions. You will see some questions you don’t know. That is okay! Just try your best.
  • Let them know you’re excited to celebrate their progress.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s learning.

ACCESS for ELLs
Each year, students in English learner programs take an assessment to measure their English knowledge and skills. This assessment is called ACCESS for ELLS. The test measures academic English language proficiency for students learning English in our school and throughout our state.
Teachers in our school use this information to help them make decisions about instruction for your child. Teachers also use these test scores to monitor the progress your child makes toward English proficiency.
Students who are multilingual learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs test between January 26th and March 20th. 

 

Parent Pick Up Reminders
Parent Pick Up Reminders
  • Please arrive after 3:30 p.m., scan in, and proceed as far forward in your color coded section as possible.
  • If arriving before 3:30, park in the gravel lot. There is a scan station located there for those who would like to walk up.
  • Scanning is vital to optimize flow. If you are unable to scan in, please contact our school office for support.
  • Blue Section (last names beginning A-F). Use the right lane and pull up to the first crosswalk in front of building B.
  • Yellow Section (last names beginning G-M). Use the left lane and you will be directed to merge into the yellow lane in front of building A up to the main entrance crosswalk.
  • Green Section (last names beginning N-Z) Use the left lane, go past the main entrance crosswalk and pull up along the curbside in front of the portables.
  • All groups: Please do your best to file forward behind the car in front of you and move as efficiently as possible. If extra buckle ups or rearranging is needed, please pull ahead into the gravel lot in order to preserve traffic flow. If turning on to Hannegan Rd., turning right is required so traffic does not back up on the back end (we have been experiencing this lately).

MMS Career Fair Seeking Industry Experts

We’re seeking industry experts to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation at our MMS Career Fair! The Career Fair is 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 27 at Meridian Middle School. This is a fantastic chance to show kids the many exciting careers they can pursue. If you’re an expert and want to volunteer, please contact Carol Stromberg by Jan. 16 at cstromberg@meridian.wednet.edu.

Just a reminder . . .

There will be no school on the following days:
Monday, January 19 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 26 – Semester Teacher work day

Temperance Day
Each year, Washington state public schools observe Temperance & Good Citizenship Day (RCW 28A.230.150). This learning opportunity focuses on helping students understand what it means to be a responsible, caring, and engaged member of their community.
At the elementary level, classrooms may explore age-appropriate themes such as:
  • Self-control and self-restraint
  • Making positive choices
  • Respect, kindness, and responsibility
  • What it means to be a good citizen at school and in our community
These conversations often connect naturally with lessons around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including peaceful problem-solving, fairness, and standing up for others in thoughtful, non-violent ways.
This observance does not include instruction on alcohol or drugs at the elementary level. Instead, it emphasizes character, civic responsibility, and strong social skills that support students’ growth.
Thank you for partnering with us as we support students in becoming thoughtful, respectful, and responsible community members.

From our PTA

Improv Club is coming to Irene Reither in January!

The IRE PTA is teaming up with Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) to try a new after-school program where kids will learn communication, problem-solving and emotional intelligence. Space is limited so register before it’s too late!