[{"id":23765,"date":"2026-10-16T08:30:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T15:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23765"},"modified":"2026-10-15T09:37:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T16:37:43","slug":"on-the-job-bus-driver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/16\/on-the-job-bus-driver\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Job: Bus Driver"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>On a rainy Friday afternoon, we joined <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span> driver John Crawford for a ride home from Irene Reither Elementary and it didn&#8217;t take long to see the impact he has on students.<\/p>\n<p>John greets students by name, checks in with families at <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span> stops, and keeps the ride running smoothly with a &#8220;magic word&#8221; chosen by students each year. This year&#8217;s word is &#8220;banana.&#8221; It&#8217;s a small tradition that gives students a sense of ownership and helps create a positive culture on the <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span>. When students hear him say \u201cbanana\u201d they know they need to be quiet and listen.<\/p>\n<p>Along the route, we observed the unique challenges of being a <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span> driver. As a teacher, students are in front of you. As a paraeducator, they&#8217;re beside you. As a <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span> driver, they&#8217;re sitting behind you while you navigate traffic and stay focused on the road.<\/p>\n<p>We saw firsthand how intentional John is about building relationships, creating a positive <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span> environment, managing behavior, and keeping students safe. He is constantly alert, balancing the needs of the students on board with the responsibility of getting everyone to and from school safely.<\/p>\n<p>With everything happening inside and outside the <span class=\"il\">bus<\/span>, drivers like John still make sure students arrive safely and on time each day.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for showing us how One Team. One Purpose. comes to life every day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On a rainy Friday afternoon, we joined bus driver John <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/16\/on-the-job-bus-driver\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":11663,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,33,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23765","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-the-job","category-stories","category-superintendent"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23765"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23765\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23773,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23765\/revisions\/23773"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23751,"date":"2026-10-12T11:06:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T18:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/12\/evacuation-and-reunification-drill-at-mhs-on-oct-28\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T11:06:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T18:06:35","slug":"evacuation-and-reunification-drill-at-mhs-on-oct-28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/12\/evacuation-and-reunification-drill-at-mhs-on-oct-28\/","title":{"rendered":"Evacuation and Reunification Drill at MHS on Oct. 28"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, Meridian High School will be practicing an evacuation and partial reunification drill on Oct. 28. This is only a drill and no action is required from families.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meridian School District uses the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iloveuguys.org\/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard Response Protocol (SRP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an incident response program developed by the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iloveuguys.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> I Love You Guys Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. SRP is not based on one scenario but provides common language and consistent procedures for any emergency situation. The safety protocol allows for a predictable series of actions as an unpredictable event unfolds. Learn more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/families-and-students\/school-day-information\/school-safety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">school safety in Meridian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on our website.Meridian Middle School <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/news\/2026\/02\/09\/reunification-drill-at-mms-on-feb-23-2\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">completed this same drill<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in February last school year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of SRP, students practice Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter drills every month. These actions use the same procedures at every building in our district. All Whatcom County school districts and local law enforcement agencies use SRP, creating a coordinated, countywide approach to safety. Watch this brief video \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jH-EY3yGZDs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 Minutes, 5 Actions,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What is a reunification drill?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reunification would be needed if students and staff had to leave school grounds for their safety, for example, due to a fire, gas leak, earthquake, or other safety concern. During a reunification, students and staff would evacuate the building and be transported to a safe location. Families would receive instructions about where and when to pick up their child. (For the Oct. 28 drill, no parent pickup is needed. Students will get on school buses, do a short loop, and then return to school.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More information will be shared with Meridian High School families soon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any questions, please contact your school. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our community safe.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, Meridian High <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/12\/evacuation-and-reunification-drill-at-mhs-on-oct-28\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":21658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-district-update"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23751"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23751\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23749,"date":"2026-10-12T09:09:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:09:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23749"},"modified":"2026-10-12T09:09:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T16:09:41","slug":"weekly-update-oct-11th-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/12\/weekly-update-oct-11th-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly Update &#8211; Oct 11th, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>IRE Families,<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>We are excited to start our process of planning ahead, and welcome input on the school year calendar with an opportunity to share your thoughts below. Thank you for staying connected, sharing your feedback and partnering with us!<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This week\u2019s social emotional learning focus is\u00a0<strong>growing through practice<\/strong>. Our youngest learners are practicing and believing \u201cwe can do it,\u201d grades 2\u20133 are making practice plans to improve, and grades 4\u20135 are celebrating growth and identifying next steps.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Continue the conversation at home:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>PK\u20131:<\/strong>\u00a0What are you getting better at by practicing?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grades 2\u20133:<\/strong>\u00a0How did your practice plan help you improve?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grades 4\u20135:<\/strong>\u00a0What evidence shows your growth, and what is your next step?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>Thank you for helping your child recognize their progress and keep trying!<\/div>\n<div>Tyler Dockins<\/div>\n<div>Principal, Irene Reither Elementary<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Your friendly neighborhood school leadership team,<\/div>\n<div>Tyler Dockins, Principal<\/div>\n<div>Rebecca Kratzig, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<div>Holly Li, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:312\/cvm2Vq1Tp6EIMhduKHHO\" alt=\"Calendar\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Seeking Feedback on our School Year Calendar by Oct. 12<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>We are working to develop our school year calendar for the next three years and we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your feedback by noon on Monday, October 12.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/meridiansd.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8kq6ElMR8S2wIxo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">School Year Calendar Survey<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column_container s_pl-12 s_pr-12\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:728,height:948\/vrz929YRa616fghcZEQj\" alt=\"Meet the illustrator - Raul the Third\nOctober 28, 4-5pm\nLynden Library\" width=\"364\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:726,height:948\/PnUVP4G3QPSXl6y3JShA\" alt=\"Meet the illustrator - Raul the Third\nOctober 28, 4-5pm\nLynden Library\" width=\"363\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"right\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pl-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"right\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:278\/1AgX9gnlRbimXQtydaqR\" alt=\"Car\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Arrival &amp; Dismissal: Thank You, Families!<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Thank you, families, for your patience and flexibility during arrival and dismissal! We are moving\u00a0<strong>800+ students<\/strong>\u00a0to buses and parent pickup each day, and your help makes a big difference in keeping things moving efficiently. We appreciate how well everyone is merging, following directions, and exiting safely.<\/div>\n<div>A few helpful reminders:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>If possible, please use the pickup line rather than arriving early to park.<\/strong>\u00a0We have a limited number of parking spots, especially now that staff are no longer able to park on the grass in the back due to weather conditions. Driving through the pickup line helps us keep things moving and ensures there is room for everyone.<\/li>\n<li>At\u00a0<strong>3:30<\/strong>, you may scan the QR code to have your student begin walking out.<\/li>\n<li>At\u00a0<strong>3:35<\/strong>, teachers begin walking their classes to dismissal spots so that we are all ready to go at\u00a0<strong>3:40<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>We do not release buses until parent pickup is finished, so keeping the parent pickup line moving helps us get\u00a0<strong>everyone home on time<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>As always, please follow the road signs and make\u00a0<strong>right turns only onto Hannegan Road<\/strong>\u00a0during arrival and dismissal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>Thank you for helping us make arrival and dismissal safe, smooth, and efficient for everyone!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:284\/ooZqvrp7SiqKD6d1WqqJ\" alt=\"Roots of Empathy\n\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Roots of Empathy<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>We are excited to host Roots of Empathy in 2nd grade Irene Reither Elementary classrooms again this year. The program involves pairing a community family with a young baby together with a grade school classroom that they will visit throughout the year. Here&#8217;s a quick (1 \u00bd minute)\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zrqt4dPGBXo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video<\/a>\u00a0that gives a little overview of what the program looks like in action.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>If you or anyone you know welcomed a baby between\u00a0<strong>May and September of this year<\/strong>, we would love to welcome Baby and their family to a IRE classroom to participate in a program that uses babies as &#8220;tiny teachers&#8221; of empathy. Volunteering with your baby would involve one or both parents coming into the classroom with your baby once a month for a 30-minute lesson. The Roots of Empathy instructor would engage your baby with toys and lead a discussion with the students on various themes including, crying, sleep, communication, and safety. Classrooms take proper precautions through handwashing and not touching baby or their toys.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>We are also looking for individuals to train to become Volunteer Instructors at IRE<\/strong>. Instructors visit the same classroom about 1x a week for 30 minutes and deliver Roots\u2019 evidence-based curriculum. Instructors come from varied backgrounds and are sometimes a stay at home parent, retired teachers, aspiring mental health professionals, or a grandparent. The new Instructor training is in Bellingham October 19th-21st.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Washington State Youth Essay Program &#8211; 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>The VFW Post 9301 in Lynden is asking for all interested students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade to participate in the Washington State Youth Essay Program. Students explore the people, principles, and history that shaped our nation through patriotic writing. Each grade is judged separately.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This year\u2019s theme is &#8220;What I would say to a founding father or founding mother&#8221;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Students write their own essay of no more than 250 words. It may be handwritten, typed, or computer prepared. The student\u2019s name, city, and school must not appear on the essay, only on the official entry form. No color, artwork, or poem form. A parent must sign the entry form. Homeschool students are eligible, and a student does not have to enter through the school.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Deadlines:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>October 31, 2026 \u2014 Student entries due to a local VFW Post or Auxiliary (Post 9301)<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/7011+Hannegan+Rd+Everson,+WA+%C2%A098247?entry=gmail&amp;source=g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7011 Hannegan Rd Everson, WA 98247<\/a>\u00a0(mailed or dropped in door mail slot)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>For entry pickup at your school call Ashley Butenschoen\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/tel:(360)%20224-4123\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">360-224-4123<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>November 15, 2026 \u2014 Post and Auxiliary winners forwarded to the District (one winner for every 15 entries judged in each grade)<\/li>\n<li>December 15, 2026 \u2014 District winners submitted to the Department<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column_container s_pl-12 s_pr-12\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-display nl-builder_hero-text-title\">PTA News and Updates<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Spirit Week &#8211; October 12 &#8211; 16<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:1298,height:1000\/5a39qNAdRtCds8PEkUbY\" alt=\"Spirit Week - October 12-16\nMonday - Monochrome Day\nTuesday - Favorite shirt day\nWednesday - Wacky Wednesday\nThursday - Future self day\nFriday - Black and Gold Day \" width=\"649\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Trojan Trot &#8211; K thru 5th Grade<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><strong>Friday, October 16 &#8211; Rain or shine<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Send your student to school with a FULL water bottle.<\/li>\n<li>Students should wear weather appropriate clothes for the day.<\/li>\n<li>Students may bring extra clothes to change into after the &#8220;trot&#8221;.<\/li>\n<li>Unfortunately, students will not be able to call home or go to the office for clothes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>10:15-10:50 &#8211; 4th Grade<\/div>\n<div>10:55-11:30 &#8211; 5th Grade<\/div>\n<div>12:00-12:35 &#8211; 3rd Grade<\/div>\n<div>12:40-1:15 &#8211; Kinder<\/div>\n<div>1:20-1:55 &#8211; 2nd Grade<\/div>\n<div>2:10-2:45 &#8211; 1st Grade<\/div>\n<div>2:50-3:20 &#8211; Life Skills and SLE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Tot Trot &#8211; Preschool, PK3 &amp; PK4<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><strong>Thursday, October 15 &#8211; Rain or shine<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>2:15-2:45<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IRE Families, We are excited to start our process of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/12\/weekly-update-oct-11th-2026\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":18708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-principal","category-school-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23749"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23750,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23749\/revisions\/23750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23760,"date":"2026-10-09T09:31:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T16:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23760"},"modified":"2026-10-15T09:32:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T16:32:36","slug":"on-the-job-kindergarten-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/09\/on-the-job-kindergarten-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Job: Kindergarten Teacher"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Harvill recently had the opportunity to spend time with kindergarten students in Angel Lammie\u2019s class at Irene Reither Elementary School.<\/p>\n<p>The visit started with students asking the tough questions: Do you have a wife? (Yes, for 27 years.) What&#8217;s your favorite color? (Blue.) Do you have any puppies? (Yes, and one has only three legs.) They also wanted to know what he does for fun. Dr. Harvill shared a photo of one of his daughters with a fish she had caught, which was a big hit with the class!<\/p>\n<p>Then it was story time. Dr. Harvill shared that he hadn&#8217;t read a book to young children since his daughters were little, but he dove right in with funny voices, expressive reading, and plenty of enthusiasm.<\/p>\n<p>This visit was part of Dr. Harvill&#8217;s ongoing effort to learn more about the many roles that contribute to student success throughout our schools. As he spends time alongside staff and students, he continues to see firsthand how every member of our team plays an important role in creating positive learning experiences.<\/p>\n<p>He was especially impressed by how well the kindergarten students listened to instructions, stayed engaged in their learning, and supported one another throughout the day.<\/p>\n<p>We also asked Mrs. Lammie what she loves most about teaching kindergarten:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There\u2019s so much I love about this job, especially teaching kindergarten! Kindergarten has so many big moments of immense growth. But, what I really love are the little moments between those big ones: the random hugs, the hilarious things they say, the skipping down the hallway, the proud little smiles when they think no one is looking, and learning each of their unique personalities. Teaching kindergarten is truly a front row seat to the best kind of chaos and joy!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Thank you, Mrs. Lammie and your kindergarten students, for welcoming us into your classroom. Experiences like these remind us that we are One Team, One Purpose, working together every day to support students!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Harvill recently had the opportunity to spend time with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/09\/on-the-job-kindergarten-teacher\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":23762,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,33,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23760","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-the-job","category-stories","category-superintendent"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23760","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23760"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23760\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23761,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23760\/revisions\/23761"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23762"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23760"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23760"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23760"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23726,"date":"2026-10-05T09:56:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23726"},"modified":"2026-10-05T09:56:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:56:24","slug":"weekly-update-oct-4th-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/05\/weekly-update-oct-4th-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly Update &#8211; Oct 4th, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>RE Families,<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This week, students are building skills to keep learning when things feel hard. Our monthly Meridian Mindset focus is being\u00a0<strong>courageous.\u00a0<\/strong>Continue the conversation at home with a question for your child\u2019s grade band:<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>PK\u20131: Practicing helpful thoughts. What helpful thought can you use when learning feels hard?<\/li>\n<li>Grades 2\u20133: Changing thoughts and planning practice. How can you change an unhelpful thought or improve your practice plan?<\/li>\n<li>Grades 4\u20135: Reflecting on progress and overcoming obstacles. What obstacle could get in your way, and how can you plan around it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Also, Picture Days are October 7 and 8! Check the schedules in this newsletter below for your child\u2019s assigned day.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Lastly, we\u2019re also looking forward to our Trojan Trot on Friday, October 16, for K\u20135, and our Tot Trot on Thursday, October 15, from 2:15\u20132:45 p.m. for Preschool, PK3, and PK4. Both events will take place rain or shine! For the Trojan Trot, send your student with a full water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and an optional change of clothes. Students will not be able to call home or visit the office for clothing. Grade-level Trot times are listed below in the newsletter.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Thank you for helping our students come ready to learn, practice, and participate!<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Your friendly neighborhood school leadership team,<\/div>\n<div>Tyler Dockins, Principal<\/div>\n<div>Rebecca Kratzig, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<div>Holly Li, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"right\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pl-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"right\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:416\/L98HPWQLTzmkU16E1P5N\" alt=\"Showing up matters\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">An attendance milestone worth celebrating!<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>So far this school year,\u00a0<strong>91.48% of our students have attended at least 90% of school days<\/strong>, compared with\u00a0<strong>84% at this same point last year!<\/strong><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Thank you, families, for partnering with us to help students be here, ready to learn and connect. Every day together builds learning, friendships, and belonging.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">When to Stay Home<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Families, we want students at school whenever they are well enough to participate. A child who feels a little under the weather can attend if they can take part in normal activities.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Please keep your child home if they have a fever of\u00a0<strong>100.4\u00b0F or higher<\/strong>, tested positive for flu or COVID-19, have vomited in the past 24 hours, have diarrhea with increased stool frequency, or cannot participate in normal activities. Keep them home for an unexplained rash until a healthcare provider says it is okay to return.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>If your child has a fever for more than two days, vomiting or diarrhea for more than two days, or symptoms that are not improving, please contact a healthcare provider. Thank you for helping us keep students healthy and learning! Below is our statewide guidance from OSPI.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:774,height:1000\/1bfVZnsaRIa8OQ8CZxf0\" alt=\"ospi guidance\" width=\"387\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-display nl-builder_hero-text-title\">IRE Picture Days<\/h2>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pt-4\" width=\"100%\">\n<h3 class=\"s_typography-header2 nl-builder_hero-text-subtitle\">October 7 and 8<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column_container s_pl-12 s_pr-12\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-20\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:540,height:1000\/6VLsA5jVST6us5T8btLA\" alt=\"October 7 - Picture day schedule\" width=\"270\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-20\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:542,height:1000\/OEmdfSlS4K8bFWVKSvXy\" alt=\"October 8 - Picture day schedule\" width=\"271\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:772,height:1000\/sfskqIZvRZuzQxhckEbq\" alt=\"Picture Day - October 7th &amp; 8th\" width=\"386\" \/><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Picture Day is Coming.<\/div>\n<div>Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 8.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>No pre-ordering<\/li>\n<li>Every student is photographed<\/li>\n<li>A unique code to view and order your student&#8217;s photos will be emailed in 2-3 days. Parents if you don&#8217;t receive an email please check &#8220;junk&#8221; folder. Contact us if you don&#8217;t receive within 3 days after photo day.<\/li>\n<li>You can order online 24\/7<\/li>\n<li>All orders will be mailed home. Free shipping for 10 days, after it is $8.95.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column_container s_pl-12 s_pr-12\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:666,height:1000\/GlmGPY2XQlylXLNzp3Um\" alt=\"Winter Coat Distribution.  Multiple dates and locations\" width=\"333\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:666,height:1000\/mFGKKd0RRTegy7AKISy0\" alt=\"Spanish - Winter Coat Distribution.  Multiple dates and locations\" width=\"333\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:242\/ZJEudU2TBG24JDmBvSFC\" alt=\"Stop Bullying\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">National Bullying Prevention Month &#8211; October<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Students will learn how to:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize when bullying is happening, report it to a trusted adult, and refuse to participate in or support bullying behavior<\/li>\n<li>Be an upstander who helps stop bullying<\/li>\n<li>Support someone who is being bullied by standing up for them and practicing kindness and inclusion<\/li>\n<li>Recognize, report, and refuse cyberbullying when they see it happening or become aware of it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For more information on our\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/families-and-students\/school-day-information\/school-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">school\u2019s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures<\/a><\/u>, visit our website or contact the school office.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-display nl-builder_hero-text-title\">PTA News and Updates<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Spirit Week &#8211; October 12 &#8211; 16<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:1298,height:1000\/5a39qNAdRtCds8PEkUbY\" alt=\"Spirit Week\" width=\"649\" \/><\/div>\n<div>Monday: Monochrome Day (wear all one color)<\/div>\n<div>Tuesday: Favorite Shirt Day (or outfit)<\/div>\n<div>Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday (crazy hair, backwards clothes&#8230;)<\/div>\n<div>Thursdays: Future Self Day (dress like your future self)<\/div>\n<div>Friday: Black and Gold Trojan Trot Day<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Trojan Trot &#8211; K thru 5th Grade<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><strong>Friday, October 16 &#8211; Rain or shine<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Send your student to school with a FULL water bottle.<\/li>\n<li>Students should wear weather appropriate clothes for the day.<\/li>\n<li>Students may bring extra clothes to change into after the &#8220;trot&#8221;.<\/li>\n<li>Unfortunately, students will not be able to call home or go to the office for clothes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>10:15-10:50 &#8211; 4th Grade<\/div>\n<div>10:55-11:30 &#8211; 5th Grade<\/div>\n<div>12:00-12:35 &#8211; 3rd Grade<\/div>\n<div>12:40-1:15 &#8211; Kinder<\/div>\n<div>1:20-1:55 &#8211; 2nd Grade<\/div>\n<div>2:10-2:45 &#8211; 1st Grade<\/div>\n<div>2:50-3:20 &#8211; Life Skills and SLE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Tot Trot &#8211; Preschool, PK3 &amp; PK4<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div><strong>Thursday, October 15 &#8211; Rain or shine<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>2:15-2:45<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>RE Families, This week, students are building skills to keep <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/05\/weekly-update-oct-4th-2026\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":18708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-principal","category-school-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23726"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23726\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23727,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23726\/revisions\/23727"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23726"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23726"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23759,"date":"2026-10-02T09:32:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T16:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23759"},"modified":"2026-10-15T09:33:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T16:33:14","slug":"on-the-job-custodian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/02\/on-the-job-custodian\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Job: Custodian"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Recently, Dr. Harvill donned a pair of gloves and grabbed a broom to help clean up after lunch at Irene Reither Elementary School. He spent time alongside custodian Jerry Hanson, who has served our district for more than 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>Jerry shared that he takes pride in making sure the school is safe, clean and ready for students and staff each day. In a building with more than 800 students and 100 staff members, there is never a shortage of work. His day is filled with constant movement and unexpected tasks, from small spills to major cleanups, all handled with calm kindness and attention to detail.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond keeping the building running smoothly, Jerry is a familiar and caring presence for students. He patiently helps young learners who are still figuring out lunchroom routines, including what belongs in the garbage and what belongs in the compost. With only a few short minutes between lunch periods, Jerry works quickly to prepare the space for the next group of students.<\/p>\n<p>When given the opportunity to move to another school, Jerry chose to stay at Irene Reither Elementary because of the relationships he has built with students and staff.<\/p>\n<p>Jerry is a great example of One Team. One Purpose. Whether in the classroom, the lunchroom, the office, or behind the scenes, we all work together toward the same goal of supporting student success. Thank you, Jerry, for your big heart and dedication to our students, staff and community!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recently, Dr. Harvill donned a pair of gloves and grabbed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/10\/02\/on-the-job-custodian\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":23764,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,33,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-the-job","category-stories","category-superintendent"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23759"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23763,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23759\/revisions\/23763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23707,"date":"2026-09-28T08:17:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T15:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23707"},"modified":"2026-09-28T08:17:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T15:17:10","slug":"ire-weekly-update-sept-27th-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/28\/ire-weekly-update-sept-27th-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"IRE Weekly Update &#8211; Sept. 27th, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>IRE Families,<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This last week of September, brings us to a close with our emphasis on being Open-Minded by trying new things. Next month, we move into our Meridian Mindset of being Courageous, by solving problems. A key emphasis will be showing our courageousness when overcoming mistakes, changing our thoughts in how we approach challenges.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Continue the conversation at home with the question for your child\u2019s grade band:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>PK\u20131st: What can you do after a mistake?<\/li>\n<li>Grades 2nd\u20133rd: Which helpful thought or practice strategy can keep you going?<\/li>\n<li>Grades 4th\u20135th: Which habit will help you make progress toward your goal?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Lastly, our kids did an excellent job in practicing our evacuation drill. Feel free to ask:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>What happened during the evacuation drill, and where did your class go?<\/li>\n<li>What did you do to help your class stay safe?<\/li>\n<li>How did you feel during the drill, and is there anything you\u2019d like to ask your teacher about it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Your friendly neighborhood school leadership team,<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Tyler Dockins, Principal<\/div>\n<div>Rebecca Kratzig, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<div>Holly Li, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">When to Stay Home<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Families, we want students at school whenever they are well enough to participate. A child who feels a little under the weather can attend if they can take part in normal activities.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Please keep your child home if they have a fever of\u00a0<strong>100.4\u00b0F or higher<\/strong>, tested positive for flu or COVID-19, have vomited in the past 24 hours, have diarrhea with increased stool frequency, or cannot participate in normal activities. Keep them home for an unexplained rash until a healthcare provider says it is okay to return.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>If your child has a fever for more than two days, vomiting or diarrhea for more than two days, or symptoms that are not improving, please contact a healthcare provider. Thank you for helping us keep students healthy and learning! Below is our statewide guidance from OSPI.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:774,height:1000\/1bfVZnsaRIa8OQ8CZxf0\" alt=\"ospi guidance\" width=\"387\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">IRE Individual Picture Days<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Wednesday, October 7<\/div>\n<div>Thursday, October 8<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Watch upcoming newsletters for the schedules.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:772,height:1000\/sfskqIZvRZuzQxhckEbq\" alt=\"Picture Day - October 7th &amp; 8th\" width=\"386\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Calling all Parents of Tweens!<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>The internet is part of everyday life for kids \u2014 and so are the risks that come with it. Online predators, exploitation, and harmful content are realities that families in our community aren\u2019t immune to. That\u2019s why we\u2019re bringing this conversation directly to parents.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Brigid Collins Family Support Center presents \u201cScreens &amp; Tweens\u201d \u2014 a free prevention training on October 1, featuring Agent Miller from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. You\u2019ll gain real insight into the digital world your child is growing up in and leave with tools to help keep them safer. Join us at our Garden St. Office from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is free and refreshments will be provided!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:800,height:1000\/ZJwpzyv5R3CGj9QhlnNR\" alt=\"Screens &amp; Teens, October 1, 10am-12pm\nBrigid Collins Family Support Center\" width=\"400\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">New K-2 School Counselor<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Hi IRE families! My name is Shanda Morales and I am the new K-2 School Counselor! As a School Counselor, one of my roles is to advocate for and support all students. Part of that is recognizing important awareness dates and creating opportunities for our students to learn and celebrate. Each month, our school will have a bulletin board highlighting a different awareness date or month.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Our first board celebrates\u00a0<strong>Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15\u2013October 15!<\/strong>\u00a0This is a time to learn about and celebrate the people, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>On this board, students can explore different\u00a0<strong>people, books, foods, dances, and more<\/strong>\u00a0as we celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:766,height:1000\/D7tMNAWVSzeRnYaCWN0H\" alt=\"All about bats, WCLS - multiple dates and locations\" width=\"383\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column_container s_pl-12 s_pr-12\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:666,height:1000\/GlmGPY2XQlylXLNzp3Um\" alt=\"Winter Coat Distribution.  Multiple dates and locations\" width=\"333\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:666,height:1000\/mFGKKd0RRTegy7AKISy0\" alt=\"Spanish - Winter Coat Distribution.  Multiple dates and locations\" width=\"333\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"right\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pl-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"right\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:416\/L98HPWQLTzmkU16E1P5N\" alt=\"Showing up matters\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Showing Up Matters: Show Up for Success<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>As Attendance Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to thank families for partnering with us to support student success. Regular attendance helps students stay engaged in learning and reach their goals. We know that illnesses and unexpected events happen, and we appreciate your efforts to prioritize attendance whenever possible. Together, we can help every student build habits that lead to success in school and beyond. Thank you for helping us show that every day matters. If there is anything we can do to support your child\u2019s regular attendance,\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/schools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a><\/u>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:242\/ZJEudU2TBG24JDmBvSFC\" alt=\"Stop Bullying\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">National Bullying Prevention Month &#8211; October<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Students will learn how to:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize when bullying is happening, report it to a trusted adult, and refuse to participate in or support bullying behavior<\/li>\n<li>Be an upstander who helps stop bullying<\/li>\n<li>Support someone who is being bullied by standing up for them and practicing kindness and inclusion<\/li>\n<li>Recognize, report, and refuse cyberbullying when they see it happening or become aware of it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For more information on our\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/families-and-students\/school-day-information\/school-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">school\u2019s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures<\/a><\/u>, visit our website or contact the school office.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IRE Families, This last week of September, brings us to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/28\/ire-weekly-update-sept-27th-2026\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":18708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-principal","category-school-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23707","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23707"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23707\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23708,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23707\/revisions\/23708"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23707"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23707"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23694,"date":"2026-09-24T09:00:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T16:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/23\/reminder-submit-your-free-and-reduced-price-meal-application\/"},"modified":"2026-09-23T11:35:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T18:35:26","slug":"reminder-submit-your-free-and-reduced-price-meal-application","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/24\/reminder-submit-your-free-and-reduced-price-meal-application\/","title":{"rendered":"Reminder: Submit Your Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Reminder: Submit Your Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application<\/h3>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>We encourage all families to complete an application for free and reduced-price meals for the 2026\u201327 school year. Healthy, nutritious meals play a vital role in supporting your child\u2019s success at school. Submitting your application ensures your child continues to receive free or reduced-price meals and may also qualify your family for additional benefits.<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/news\/2026\/08\/21\/important-food-service-and-transportation-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You can now submit your application through Skyward.<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Irene Reither Elementary<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>At Irene Reither Elementary, all students will continue to receive free meals. However, this depends on continued district eligibility so it is important for families to submit a new application each year. Free\/reduced meal status also provides access to other valuable benefits.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>MP3, Meridian Middle School (MMS) and Meridian High School (MHS)<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>If your student was eligible last year, that eligibility will carry over until\u00a0<strong>Oct. 13<\/strong>. After that date, students will be charged for meals unless a new application is received.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Reminders:<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Families only need to fill out one application for all children in a household.<\/li>\n<li>New applications for free and reduced meals are accepted all year long.<\/li>\n<li>Printed applications in English and Spanish are available in your school office<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>Links to online application:<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.nwrdc.wa-k12.net\/meridis\/web\/seplog01.w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply Online through Skyward<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/news\/2026\/08\/21\/important-food-service-and-transportation-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instructions for Online Application<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>Download and print, or pick up in a school office:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/MSD-Letter-to-Households-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026-27 Letter To Households<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MSD-Free-and-Reduced-Price-Meal-Form-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026-27 Free &amp; Reduced Application<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Letter-to-Households-Spanish-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026-27 Carta a los Grupos Familiares<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MSD-Free-and-Reduced-Meal-Application-Spanish-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026-27 Solicitud de Group Familiar Para Recibir Comidas Gratuitas Y De Precio Reducido<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>If you have already submitted an application for the 2026\u201327 school year, you do not need to reapply unless your household income has changed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Paid School Lunch Price Increased to $3.70<\/h3>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>This year, the cost of a school lunch increased by 10 cents, from $3.60 to $3.70. This required increase was necessary for us to meet OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) guidelines and ensure our meal program continues to meet the required standards. We appreciate your understanding and support as we make this adjustment.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>We accept meal payments through\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mymealtime.com\/signin.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My MealTime Online<\/a><\/u>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong>Questions?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Please<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>contact Erin Groen, Food and Nutrition Coordinator at\u00a0<u><a href=\"mailto:egroen@meridian.wednet.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">egroen@meridian.wednet.edu<\/a><\/u>\u00a0or (360) 318-2267.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reminder: Submit Your Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application We encourage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/24\/reminder-submit-your-free-and-reduced-price-meal-application\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":22282,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-district-update"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23694"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23695,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23694\/revisions\/23695"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23680,"date":"2026-09-21T08:14:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T15:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/?p=23680"},"modified":"2026-09-21T08:14:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T15:14:28","slug":"weekly-update-september-20th-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/21\/weekly-update-september-20th-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly Update &#8211; September 20th, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>RE Families,<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>This past week, we had most of our grade level assemblies (3rd grade is this week). Where we honor a select group of students for demonstrating a strong ability to be open-minded by trying new things, even when it is hard.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Next month, we will focus on the Meridian Mindset of being Courageous, particularly addressing the importance of mistakes and how they give us information for the next step of growth.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Lastly, with Hispanic Heritage month starting this week.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/video\/reaching-for-the-stars-jose-hernandez-story-zlldnt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">We highly recommend watching this documentary<\/a>\u00a0about Jos\u00e9 M. Hern\u00e1ndez, who became a NASA astronaut. His story is one of perseverence where he was denied entrance into the program 11 times before finally making it in on the 12th attempt. The story is also featured in a movie titled\u00a0<em>A Million Miles Away.<\/em><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>In the meantime, we have some questions for conversations around the house, at the dinner table, in the car on the way to events or wherever you spend time as a family.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Questons for Families:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>PK-1st: What are you getting better at by practicing?<\/li>\n<li>2nd-3rd: What can you do now that was harder than before?<\/li>\n<li>4th-5th: What evidence shows that your practice is helping you grow?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Your friendly neighborhood school leadership team,<\/div>\n<div>Tyler Dockins, Principal<\/div>\n<div>Rebecca Kratzig, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<div>Holly Li, Assistant Principal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"right\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pl-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"right\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:538\/eJXbyKypRQCoGlmgDlje\" alt=\"standard response protocol\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Evacuation Drill Practice<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>In the coming weeks, students and staff will practice our evacuation drill. We use the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol, which provides clear, consistent actions for responding to emergencies. During an evacuation, students calmly follow staff directions and move to a designated location.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Take some time to ask your child:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>What do you do when you hear the evacuation announcement or fire alarm?<\/li>\n<li>How does your class move safely together?<\/li>\n<li>What helps you feel calm and prepared?<\/li>\n<li>Why is it important to practice safety drills?<\/li>\n<li>What would we do at home in the case of an emergency evacuation?<\/li>\n<li>What is similar and what is different at home when it comes to emergencies?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:766,height:1000\/D7tMNAWVSzeRnYaCWN0H\" alt=\"All about bats, WCLS - multiple dates and locations\" width=\"383\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:278\/FNECZjuyQZivJeCVAAUj\" alt=\"Car\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Morning Arrival Reminder<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>A quick reminder that\u00a0<strong>student supervision begins at 8:40am (9:40am on Fridays)<\/strong>, when breakfast begins. Please plan to drop off your student no earlier than 8:40am, as we do not have supervision available before then.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>You may see students on campus before 8:40am, these students are attending the YMCA program and are supervised through that program.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Thank you for helping us keep mornings safe and organized for everyone!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">New K-2 School Counselor<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Hi IRE families! My name is Shanda Morales and I am the new K-2 School Counselor! As a School Counselor, one of my roles is to advocate for and support all students. Part of that is recognizing important awareness dates and creating opportunities for our students to learn and celebrate. Each month, our school will have a bulletin board highlighting a different awareness date or month.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Our first board celebrates\u00a0<strong>Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15\u2013October 15!<\/strong>\u00a0This is a time to learn about and celebrate the people, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>On this board, students can explore different\u00a0<strong>people, books, foods, dances, and more<\/strong>\u00a0as we celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column_container s_pl-12 s_pr-12\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:666,height:1000\/GlmGPY2XQlylXLNzp3Um\" alt=\"Winter Coat Distribution.  Multiple dates and locations\" width=\"333\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-column s_pl-12 s_pr-12 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:666,height:1000\/mFGKKd0RRTegy7AKISy0\" alt=\"Spanish - Winter Coat Distribution.  Multiple dates and locations\" width=\"333\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">Celebrating Our Students<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>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 &#8220;trophy case&#8221; 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:768,height:1000\/56iBVHgYSlK5gAWjQ9H3\" alt=\"Child Behavior classes, every Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Nov 17, 6-7pm, via Zoom\" width=\"384\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"right\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pl-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"right\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:416\/L98HPWQLTzmkU16E1P5N\" alt=\"Showing up matters\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Showing Up Matters: Show Up for Connection<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>School is about more than academics. When students attend regularly, they have opportunities to build friendships, strengthen relationships with teachers, and engage in activities. These connections help students feel a sense of belonging, one of\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/strategic-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Our Commitments<\/a><\/u>. Showing up helps students stay connected to the people and experiences that make school meaningful. If you have questions about regular attendance or need support, we are here to help. Leave a comment or\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/schools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a><\/u>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:242\/ZJEudU2TBG24JDmBvSFC\" alt=\"Stop Bullying\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">National Bullying Prevention Month &#8211; October<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Students will learn how to:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize when bullying is happening, report it to a trusted adult, and refuse to participate in or support bullying behavior<\/li>\n<li>Be an upstander who helps stop bullying<\/li>\n<li>Support someone who is being bullied by standing up for them and practicing kindness and inclusion<\/li>\n<li>Recognize, report, and refuse cyberbullying when they see it happening or become aware of it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>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).<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>For more information on our\u00a0<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/families-and-students\/school-day-information\/school-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">school\u2019s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures<\/a><\/u>, visit our website or contact the school office.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header1 nl-builder_hero-text-title\">PTA News &amp; Updates<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pb-8\" width=\"100%\">\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2\">PTA Meeting<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>Monday, September 21<\/div>\n<div>4:00-5:30pm<\/div>\n<div>IRE Library<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_padding-container s_pl-24 s_pr-24 s_pt-24 s_pb-24\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"two-col\">\n<table class=\"column s_text-wrapped-image-container\" role=\"presentation\" border=\"0\" width=\"30%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"left\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"s_pr-12 s_pb-20\" align=\"left\" width=\"100%\">\n<div class=\"nl-builder_email-image_container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.filestackcontent.com\/auto_image\/quality=v:70\/resize=width:416,height:222\/d7hQY3cRji9SZAHbFvbk\" alt=\"BAAY\" width=\"208\" \/><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"s_typography-header2 s_pb-8\">Improv by BAAY &#8211; Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Program: Improv classes for Grades 3-5<\/h2>\n<div class=\"s_typography-body\">\n<div>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\u2019s the limit! Improv is a great way for kids to build confidence and trust in others in a safe and supportive environment.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Session info:<\/strong><\/div>\n<div>September\u00a0\u00a017 \u2013 November 19, 2026 (10 weeks)<\/div>\n<div>Thursdays (10 days total)<\/div>\n<div>3:30pm &#8211; 4:45pm<\/div>\n<div>Irene Reither Elementary:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/search\/954+East+Hemmi+Road+Everson+WA?entry=gmail&amp;source=g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">954 East Hemmi Road Everson WA<\/a><\/div>\n<div>$132 Register by September 16, 2026 8am PDT<\/div>\n<div>Tuition assistance available for families in need of financial aid. To learn more, visit\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/baay.org\/financial-aid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">baay.org\/financial-aid<\/a><\/div>\n<div><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.6crickets.com\/providerDirectory\/US\/WA\/Bellingham\/BAAY---Bellingham-Arts-Academy-for-Youth-729c68884bd359ad\/sessions\/72365005d57b0fad\/eh3m-uvrg-chkj?refer&amp;school=10304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign Up Here<\/a><\/u><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>RE Families, This past week, we had most of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/21\/weekly-update-september-20th-2026\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":18708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter","category-principal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23680"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23680\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23681,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23680\/revisions\/23681"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":23766,"date":"2026-09-18T09:37:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T16:37:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/18\/on-the-job-student-monitor\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T09:39:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T16:39:12","slug":"on-the-job-student-monitor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/18\/on-the-job-student-monitor\/","title":{"rendered":"On the Job: Student Monitor"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>What does it take to keep lunch and recess running smoothly for hundreds of students each day at Irene Reither Elementary School?<\/p>\n<p>Last week Dr. Kurt Harvill stepped into the role of student monitor to find out firsthand. From learning about playground supervision zones with recess monitor Alexa Kirner-Tew, to helping keep the swing line moving, walking a student to the health room after a tumble, and tossing a ball with a student looking for a friend to play with, Dr. Harvill experienced just how important this work is.<\/p>\n<p>When recess ended, it was time for lunch. With more than 100 students per grade moving through the cafeteria, efficiency is key. Dr. Harvill observed students doing a fantastic job following routines while monitors kept things running smoothly by helping students open milk cartons and snacks, checking in with students, and keeping everyone on task. Angie Brooks shared the lunchroom routines, while Lacy Johnston explained the expectations that encourage students to try things independently before asking for help.<\/p>\n<p>The experience was eye-opening and exhausting, but most of all, it highlighted the incredible care and dedication our student monitors bring to school every day. When Dr. Harvill asked staff why they enjoy this work, a familiar theme emerged, they are here for the kids. Each person spoke about the joy of working with students and how that makes their work meaningful.<\/p>\n<p>This behind-the-scenes work is vital to helping students feel supported and ready to learn. It is also another example of how One Team. One Purpose. comes to life in Meridian every day. Thank you to our amazing recess and lunch monitor team for everything you do for our students!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What does it take to keep lunch and recess running <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/news\/2026\/09\/18\/on-the-job-student-monitor\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":23767,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,33,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-the-job","category-stories","category-superintendent"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23766","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23766"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23766\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/ire\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]