Principal’s Message
IRE Families,
It hard to believe that we are approaching the halfway point of the school year. In the coming days, teachers will be sending out sign-ups via ParentSquare for upcoming conferences. These meetings are an important opportunity to connect, celebrate progress, and partner together to support your child’s continued growth. As we get closer, we will typically send out an agenda of what you will go over during that time.
We are also looking forward to welcoming everyone back after a three-day weekend with the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. At school, we take time to read stories and engage students in lessons that highlight Dr. King’s life, leadership and the important story of the Civil Rights Movement. As a school community, we believe it is important to build understanding, empathy and respect for others in all of our students.
Lastly, there is a note below for families about Valentine’s Day. Please pay attention closely to messaging from teacher’s about how they approach this day – it is handled differently in a Kindergarten classroom versus a fifth grade classroom.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Best,
Tyler
Best,
Tyler Dockins, Principal
Nate Beede, Assistant Principal
Rebecca Kratzig, Dean of Instruction

Valentine’s Day
Please remember, Valentine cards are welcome at school. We ask that candy NOT be sent to school. Please refer to teacher communication regarding celebrations.
If the classroom teacher approves Valentine snacks in the classroom, we ask that all snacks are brought to the office in building A on or before February 10.  Snacks brought after that are not guaranteed to make it to the classroom by Valentine’s Day.
All snacks must be on our “Safe Foods” list.

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:
Monday, January 26 – Semester Break – Teacher work day

From our PTA

Get Involved with your IRE PTA!

Join us for our monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 22nd from 6PM-7:30PM in the IRE Library. We will be planning events, approving classroom grants, and working towards a new playground. All we need is YOU!
Childcare is provided and you can also participate remotely via Zoom

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!