Hello Trojans!
I’m really proud of the effort our students have shown on the Smarter Balanced Assessments this week. I was able to visit many classrooms, and it was clear that students were focused, working hard, and taking the opportunity seriously, something that speaks to both their commitment and the culture we’ve built together.
I’m also incredibly grateful for our staff and the flexibility they continue to show while navigating a complex testing system. Your support behind the scenes makes a real difference for students each day.
We have one more week of testing ahead, with our juniors completing their assessments on Wednesday, May 6, their one and only testing day. Freshmen and sophomores will again test Tuesday through Thursday. Thank you in advance for helping them feel prepared and confident.
Looking forward to another great week ahead!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.
Go Trojans!
-Shaun Doffing, Principal
-Rob Zabel, Assistant Principal
Bell Schedule for May 4th - 8th, 2026

Cap and Gown Pick Up – May 4th

Seniors – Cap and Gown pick up will be Monday, May 4th during both lunches. If you are not able to pick up yours during this time, they will be be available to pick up from Mrs. Gookstetter in the office, beginning May 5th.

Senior Class Meeting

There will be a senior class meeting on May 12th, 2026 during T3 in the auditorium. We will be discussing graduation and graduation practice.

Updated Testing Schedule

Testing continues next week! MHS will be on a modified schedule for one more week. Please see below for dates and details. If you have questions, please let us know.
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

FFA Plant Sale

The FFA Plant Sale will be happening Friday, May 1st from 3:00pm – 6:00pm and Saturday, May 2nd from 9:00am – 1:00pm in the MHS Greenhouse.
They will be selling:
  • A variety of vegetables (Cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins and peppers)
  • Herb bowls
  • Varieties of zonal geraniums
  • Marigold brocade mix
  • Mixed petunia hanging baskets

Celebrate our MHS Seniors!

We are now accepting submissions for our Meridian High School senior spotlight! Please fill out the form with answers from your student and include a photo. We will begin sharing these senior celebration spotlights on social media leading up to graduation. Below is an example of what the spotlight will look like. Thank you for helping us to celebrate our amazing students!

Spring State Assessments Continue Tuesday

Spring state assessments for students continue on Tuesday, May 5th. 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.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Lessons Begin May 11th

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 alternative Health assignments from the Success for Teens book (https://www.steeredstraight.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/eS4T.pdf) 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.

Seeking Applicants for Board Vacancy (District 4)

Meridian School District encourages qualified community members to apply to fill a vacancy on the Meridian School Board of Directors representing Director District 4. The selected individual will be appointed to serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
To be eligible, applicants must be a registered voter, a United States citizen, and a resident of Director District 4 at the time of appointment.
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1. More information about the role and responsibilities of school board members is available on our website.
Class of 2026 Graduation HUB
Leaving Early Picture

Picking Up Your Student Early From School?

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.

Arriving Late To School?

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.
Don't Be Late Picture

Booster Information

Class of 2026 Graduation Celebration, Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 from 9:00pm-11:00pm at Mach 1 Adventure Park.  Private event for graduates only!  RSVP by May 1st.  Contact Michelle Simmons at 360-303-8832 for more information
Meridian Booster Craft Sale, May 2, 2026 at MHS from 9:00am-4:00pm.

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!