The 2026-2027 FAFSA officially opens on October 1, 2025. Completing the FAFSA early is critical because some aid (including state grants or institutional funds) is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Despite some speculation of reductions, the Pell Grant program remains fully funded. This program supports low-income students. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid and can cover tuition, fees, and other college costs.

Students do not need to wait until October 1st to get ready. Students can :

Create an FSA ID/StudentAid.gov account with this link and

Gather the relevant information needed to complete the form.

Futures NW has had their state funding drastically cut and will no longer be offering in person Financial Aid Nights for schools. They will be offering Virtual Financial Aid Events starting October 29th. These will include a presentation on financial aid basics, followed by a step-by-step guide to creating your FAFSA or WASFA account. These events are for all Whatcom and Skagit County students and families at 6-7:30 PM via Zoom.

There are 7 different sessions, all require registration to participate. Here is the link for registration https://www.futuresnw.org/how-we-can-help-2

December 17th is the night dedicated to Meridian High School students. However, the website says to pick which session works best for you and your family.

Please register soon for online support for your college financial aid needs.

The Meridian School District partners with the Whatcom County Library System to bring public library access to every student.

ConnectEd, allows students to obtain a library account automatically. Students will be able to check out physical books, eBooks, and audio books with no overdue fines! WCLS also offers online learning tools, virtual book clubs and so much more! Please go to the link below to read more about the program, see what information MSD shares with WCLS, and to opt-out if desired.

If you have any questions, please call or email your school librarian. For MHS, that is Shannon Waterman (swaterman@meridian.wednet.edu or 360-318-2279).

Picture Retake Day is October 1st. Students that did not have their picture taken in August, will need to have their picture taken on retake day. These pictures are used for ASB cards and the yearbook, so it is important to make sure that everyone gets their picture taken.

For the safety of all students on campus, students will not be able to go to their cars during the school day. All items needed throughout the day should be brought with you when you come in to the school. Thank you for helping us keep MHS safe!

Attending school is about more than just academics, it is also about connection! Being in the classroom allows students to build strong friendships, collaborate with classmates and connect with their teachers. These relationships create supportive school environments where every student feels a sense of belonging. Let’s make sure our students don’t miss out on these valuable moments.

If you need to pick up your student early from school, please contact the office at 360-398-8111. We would be happy to get your student for you. If possible, please try to call at least 30 minutes in advance. We understand that emergencies happen and a last minute pick up may be needed, but it is great to have the extra time to make sure your student is ready when you arrive.

Please remember to sign in, in the office, when you arrive at school. Make sure to write your first and last name on the sign in sheet. Remember we need to be able to read your writing.

The Meridian School District Family Resource Center is open daily from 8:30am to 3:00pm daily and until 5:30pm on Wednesdays on the Irene Reither campus.

Students who qualify for free or reduced meals can stop by to get school supplies or sign up for Operation School Bell which provides new school clothes for students enrolled in Meridian School District. We also have the clothing closet available for any Meridian family looking for gently used adult and kid clothing.

Questions? Contact Alicia Roberts (English) at 360-988-1949 or Elvira Trautman (Spanish) at 360-306-2886.