IRE Families,
This week marks the start of our grade-level assemblies, where we will celebrate students being exemplar models for our month-long focus area: open-minded. Specifically, we coach our students to demonstrating a willingness to try new things even when it is hard.
Continue the conversation at home, aligned with our SEL curriculum, with the question for your child’s grade band:
  • PK–1: What helps you watch, think, and pay attention?
  • Grades 2–3: What would you like to get better at, and how can your brain grow?
  • Grades 4–5: What makes a goal meaningful and worth pursuing?
Lastly, on the topic of trying new things, our PTA tried a new event last year with Trojan Fest, and it was a BIG HIT. We highly recommend taking time to stop by and connect with others in our IRE Community.
With excitement,
Tyler Dockins, Principal
Rebecca Kratzig, Assistant Principal
Holly Li, Assistant Principal

Celebrating Our Students
The summer is a time where students have many activities, such as sports, recitals, competitions, etc. If you have something you would like to share with the IRE community to place in our “trophy case” at the front of the school, reach out to Tyler Dockins, at tdockins@meridian.wednet.edu to share what is important for our students outside of school.

Pre-K Arrival & Dismissal
We are thrilled to welcome our Pre-K classes to IRE on Monday 9/14! To support a strong arrival and dismissal for all students, please note the following details for your PK student and older siblings of PK students.
PK Arrival:
Parents are welcome to walk students to class on Monday, 9/14. After that, we ask that parents say goodbye from the foyer. We will have staff available to walk students from the foyer to the classroom.
Beginning Tuesday, we ask that parents and siblings walk PK students to the foyer and say goodbye there. For students riding the bus, older siblings may walk their PK sibling to the small playground after getting off the bus and then head to class. To help our PK students have a smooth transition into their day and to build independence, we ask that PK siblings do not walk students to their classroom door.
PK Dismissal:
Older siblings can plan to meet their PK sibling on the bus or in the green zone for parent pick-up. PK students will wait in the fenced area behind the green zone. Older siblings should wait in the grassy area to the left of the main entrance to IRE Building A.

Showing Up Matters: Show Up Prepared

A successful school day often starts the night before. Consistent routines help students arrive at school on time and ready to learn. Simple habits such as getting enough sleep, packing backpacks, charging devices, and planning for the morning can make a big difference. When students feel prepared, they are more confident and ready to make the most of their day. If you have questions about regular attendance or need support, we are here to help. Leave a comment or contact us.

National Bullying Prevention Month – October

At Irene Reither Elementary School, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Our Meridian Mindsets guide our expectations for students to be caring, courageous, trustworthy and open-minded.
In coordination with National Bullying Prevention Month in October, our school counselors will lead classroom lessons focused on helping make our school a safe and respectful place where everyone can learn.
These age-appropriate lessons are part of the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit. Through this unit, your child will learn specific skills to recognize, prevent and respond to bullying.
Students will learn how to:
  • Recognize when bullying is happening, report it to a trusted adult, and refuse to participate in or support bullying behavior
  • Be an upstander who helps stop bullying
  • Support someone who is being bullied by standing up for them and practicing kindness and inclusion
  • Recognize, report, and refuse cyberbullying when they see it happening or become aware of it
Our staff receive annual training on how to recognize and respond to bullying, support students who have been bullied, address bullying behavior, and use strategies that promote a positive school climate.
If you have any questions about the Bullying Prevention Unit or the Second Step program, please contact your school counselor, Laura Lupo (3-5) or Shanda Morales (K-2).
For more information on our school’s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures, visit our website or contact the school office.
Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.

The Meridian School District participates in the ConnectEd partnership with the Whatcom County Library System
Students can access books, audiobooks, e-books, digital resource materials, research aids and much more. Better yet, no fines accrue for overdue items! Certain student information is shared with WCLS.  For more information, or if you do not wish to have your student participate in this program, please return the opt-out form (link below) to the library.
WCLS Opt Out Form 2026 – English
WCLS Opt Out Form 2026 – Spanish

Free Fall Fun at CTK Foodshare and Farm (across from IRE)

CTK Foodshare and Farm invites Irene Reither students and families to a free fall event from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18.
IRE second graders planted pumpkins at the farm last spring, and now those pumpkins are ready to be picked! Students can choose a pumpkin to take home while enjoying games, crafts and other fun fall activities. Bring the whole family to this special community event!

PTA News & Updates

Pre K – Tears and Cheers

The Meridian PTA Presents …
Tears and Cheers!
PK Parents and Guardians are invited to join us for snacks, coffee and getting to know your fellow PK families.
After drop off on September 14th, head to the fenced in area outside of Building A to celebrate and share some tears and/or cheers!

Improv by BAAY – Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Program: Improv classes for Grades 3-5

Explore the imaginative world of improv! Students will learn improvisation basics, play games with friends, and create their own unique worlds and situations. The sky’s the limit! Improv is a great way for kids to build confidence and trust in others in a safe and supportive environment.
Session info:
September  17 – November 19, 2026 (10 weeks)
Thursdays (10 days total)
3:30pm – 4:45pm
Irene Reither Elementary: 954 East Hemmi Road Everson WA
$132 Register by September 16, 2026 8am PDT
Tuition assistance available for families in need of financial aid. To learn more, visit baay.org/financial-aid
Trojan Fest, Friday, September 18, 5-7:30pm
Come join us for a free back-to-school block party and celebrate the start of a great year at IRE!
We will have balloon animals, temporary tattoos, face painting, a bouncy house and more! All games and activities are free for the whole family. 
There will be food trucks, an ice cream truck, snacks, drinks and vendors with spirit wear and more available for purchase.
This is a great way to meet other IRE students and families and a fun kick-off for a great school year.
All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Hosted by the Meridian PTA