Hello Trojans!
I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break and found some time to relax and recharge. I’m always surprised how quickly the school year seems to fly by once we return!
As we head into this final stretch, it’s an important time to stay focused, work hard, and support one another. Together, we can ensure a strong finish to the year for all of our students!
Let’s continue to lean into our core commitments of Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness, and Learning as we move forward. We’re excited for all that’s ahead and grateful to be doing this work alongside such an incredible community.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.
Go Trojans!
-Shaun Doffing, Principal
-Rob Zabel, Assistant Principal

Running Start

The RSVFs are now available for both summer and fall registration. Students please make an appointment with your school counselor to get your forms ready for registration. April 28th, Summer/Fall 2026 students can begin constructing class schedules. Links in preparation for Summer/Fall enrollment.

Learning With Leaders

This event focuses on Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Paralegal Studies and Physical Therapy Assisting. If you are in 10th, 11th or 12th grade and interested in one of those fields, pick up permission forms and registration codes in the library.
You can also register for sessions but you still need the forms. Join us!

Comprehensive Sexual Health Lessons Begin May 11

Parents and guardians may review the Positive Prevention Plus curriculum and may remove their children from these lessons with a written request. (RCW 28A.300.475). Families who wish to opt their children out of these lessons must turn in an opt-out form to the school office before the first day of lessons. Students who opt-out of the lessons will work on homework in the library.
Curriculum materials are available for families to review at the District Office, 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA , during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If families are unable to review materials during business hours, please call 360-318-2170 to schedule an appointment.
We appreciate your continued partnership in your student’s learning. If you have any questions please contact your teacher.

Spring State Assessments Begin Soon

Spring state assessments for students will begin soon. These assessments help us measure student progress.
  • Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) will be used for English Language Arts (ELA) and math in grades 9 and 10. Grade 9 is an “interim” assessment and will not generate a report for families. Grade 10 is the official assessment and will generate a report for families.
  • Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) will be used for science in grade 11.
The results from these assessments will provide valuable information for both the school and families. They help us improve instructional practices, gauge student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed. For grade 10 students, the Smarter Balanced assessments can also serve as a graduation pathway. Results are typically available in Skyward by September each year.
How you can help:
  • Ensure your child arrives at school on time each day during testing.
  • Encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before testing.
  • Most students will take the assessments online using their Chromebooks. Please remind your child to come to school with their Chromebook fully charged.
For additional information about state testing:
If you have any questions about the state assessments, please contact your school.

Upcoming Schedule Adjustments

As we head toward the end of the school year, there are several days where Meridian High School will be on a modified schedule, and not all students will need to attend. Please see below for dates and details. If you have questions, please let us know.
Thursday, April 23
  • Early Dismissal for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students at 12:10pm
  • 12th grade students will stay to participate in Senior Presentations
Tuesday, April 28
  • Late Arrival for 11th and 12th grade students, with classes beginning at 9:55am
  • 9th and 10th grade students arrive on-time for SBA testing
Wednesday, April 29
  • Late Arrival for 11th and 12th grade students, with classes beginning at 9:55am
  • 9th and 10th grade students arrive on-time for SBA testing
Thursday, April 30
  • Late Arrival for 11th and 12th grade students, with classes beginning at 9:55am
  • 9th and 10th grade students arrive on-time for SBA testing
Tuesday, May 5
  • Late Arrival for 11th and 12th grade students, with classes beginning at 9:55am
  • 9th and 10th grade students arrive on-time for SBA testing
Wednesday, May 6
  • Late Arrival for  12th grade students, with classes beginning at 9:55am
  • 9th and 10th grade students arrive on-time for SBA testing
  • 11th grade students arrive on-time for WCAS testing
Thursday, May 7
  • Late Arrival for 11th and 12th grade students, with classes beginning at 9:55am
  • 9th and 10th grade students arrive on-time for SBA testing

Smarter Balanced (SBA) Retake Option

Students in 11th or 12th grades who did not pass the English or Math Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in 10th grade have the option to retake it in 11th or 12th grade. While retaking the SBA is not required, it can be retaken by those who wish to use it as a graduation pathway who have not yet passed.
If your student would like to retake the SBA this year, please call our main office at 360-398-8111 to make that request. Questions? Contact your student’s counselor.

Booster Information

Calling All Class of 2026 Parents – Help Us Celebrate Our Graduates!

We are putting together a special K–12 Graduation Slideshow to highlight the incredible journey of our kids—and we need your help!
Our goal is to have every student represented, capturing the memories, milestones, and moments from the past 13 years.
What to Submit:
• A baby photo of your student
• A graduation photo
• Optional: Group photos from memorable school events like:
– Jog-a-thon
– Snuggle Up & Read
– Outdoor Education
– Sports
– Clubs
– Dances
– And any other special moments!
Submission Details:
• Include your student’s name with each submission
• For group photos, please include all student names (if possible)
• Image size: 1920 x 1080 pixels preferred
Send all photos to:
Andrea Ashmore
Deadline: May 1, 2026

Baccalaureate Information

The Meridian Boosters Class of 2026 will be hosting the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:00 PM at Laurel Community Church.
Baccalaureate is a long-standing graduation tradition that brings the community together to honor graduating seniors through reflection, encouragement, and celebration. The evening will include a few inspiring speakers from both the student body and community, worship, a special class video, and time for fellowship as we recognize this important milestone.
Families, friends, and community members are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate the Meridian Class of 2026 during this meaningful graduation season.
If you would like more information, please email Michelle Simmons at mysimmons3@gmail.com.
Congratulations, graduates!