MMS families,
It was another great week at Meridian Middle School. We have had so many comments this year about how quickly our students have adapted to their new routines. They’ve done a great job following expectations and teachers are handing out cards recognizing students for demonstrating the “Meridian Mindset” more and more each day. If you’re not familiar – the Meridian Mindset is a district-wide vision of a Meridian student and how they show up each day as a learning community. The Meridian Mindset is made up of four traits – caring, courageous, trustworthy, and open-minded. All of our students receive lessons on these traits and how they can demonstrate them at school to ensure a positive school experience and community.
If you haven’t yet signed up for your conference, please make sure you take a few moments to do that now. Our goal is 100% attendance. It is a quick 15-minute investment that allows our staff to get valuable information from you to best serve your student. We love to partner with families – so please give us the chance to chat with you! Instructions are below on how to sign up or just give our office a call at 360-398-2291 and they can assist you.
As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Go Trojans!
-Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, September 8
  • Black Day
Tuesday, September 9
  • Gold Day
  • Early Dismissal, 12:20pm
  • Conferences, 12:50pm-3:20pm & 4:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday, September 10
  • Black Day
  • Early Dismissal, 12:20pm
  • Conferences, 12:50pm-3:20pm
  • Cross Country at Bellewood Acres, 4:15pm
  • School Board Meeting, 5:00pm in MMS Library
Thursday, September 11
  • Gold Day
  • Early Dismissal, 12:20pm
  • Conferences, 12:50pm-3:20pm
Friday, September 12
  • Late Start (doors open at 8:55, school begins at 9:05; no drop-off before 8:45)
  • Gold Day

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Conferences

Conference Sign Ups
Each year, our teachers prepare for conferences with the goal of building strong partnerships between school and home. This year, our Homeroom teams have chosen specific guiding questions to help shape meaningful conversations about each student’s growth, strengths, and needs. These conferences are designed to support learning at high levels while ensuring every student feels known and connected.
Conference Dates & Times
  • Tuesday, September 9 – Thursday, September 11
  • Appointments available daily from 12:50–3:05pm
  • Evening option on Tuesday, September 9 from 4:30–7:10pm
How to Sign Up
Families can schedule conference appointments through Skyward. [Click here to access the sign-up link.]
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance with scheduling, please don’t hesitate to call our main office—we are happy to help!
We look forward to welcoming you and partnering together to support your student.
volunteers

Picture Day – Volunteers Needed
If you’re marking your calendars – our picture day will be September 29. However, we also need several volunteers to assist with getting paperwork organized and students to the correct places on this day. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Ms. Brackinreed at tbrackinreed@meridian.wednet.edu or 360-398-2291.
WCLS

ConnectED Library Partnership
Meridian School District is partnering with the Whatcom County Library System to give every K–12 student free access to books, digital resources, and learning tools through the ConnectED program. Students can use their school ID as a library card to borrow materials, access eBooks and audiobooks, and use online educational resources from home or school. No action is needed to participate—students are automatically enrolled. Families who prefer to opt out can return a signed form to the school office (English / Spanish). Learn more at wcls.org/youth-services/connected.

Drop Off & Pick-Up at MMS
Please review the directions and attached maps for where and how drop-off and pick-up happen at MMS. Since our space is tighter than at other schools, we need everyone’s help to keep the process safe, smooth, and efficient.
Morning Drop-Off
  • Pull into the yellow zone to wait. Do not drop off students here.
  • Use the green zone for quick drop-offs.
  • If your student needs extra time, please park in the lot instead of blocking the zones.
  • Do not drive in the red zone (bus loop) or drop off along the roadside.
  • Students arriving before 7:55 enter through the courtyard gate and wait in the gray “Student Waiting Zone” until doors open at 7:55.
  • Students arriving after 7:55 may walk through the waiting area directly to class.
morning

Afternoon Pick-Up
  • Park in the green zone; do not use the red zones (bus loop or staff parking).
  • School dismisses at 2:45, but parent pick-up students do not leave immediately. At 2:45, they report to the big gym.
  • After buses depart (around 2:50), pick-up students come out and walk through the lot to meet their ride. Please be patient with us – especially on the first few days. We will release parent pick-up students as soon as possible.
  • Once your student arrives, you may leave. Please drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.
afternoon

Transportation Changes
All requests must be made before 2:00 pm. If your student already knows their transportation is different for the day (for example, they usually ride the bus but today you’ll be picking them up), you do not need to contact the office.
Bus Change Requests
If your student is riding a different bus (such as going home with a friend), a written request from a parent/guardian or a phone call to the office is required. Requests must be submitted to the main office before 2:00 pm.
Early Dismissals
The best way to ensure your student is ready for an early pick-up is to send a note in the morning. If you call instead, please contact us at least 10 minutes before pick-up time so we can transition your student to the office.
Pick-Up by Someone Other than Parent/Guardian
If someone other than a parent, guardian, or emergency contact will be picking up your student, the office must hear directly from a parent. Please provide the person’s name and relationship to your student.
edm

Every Day Counts: Start the Year Strong!
Welcome back, families! As we kick off the new school year, we are also celebrating Attendance Awareness Month. Consistent attendance is the first and most important step toward success in school. When students are in class, they are learning, growing and building friendships. Every day in school adds up to a world of opportunity.
Phones

Student Phone Policy
Middle school is often a time when students get their first cell phone, and the pull to use them during school in ways that detract from learning is powerful. Please review this policy with your student so they are ready to
Here are the main details:
  • Classrooms are always phone-free, even when it’s not class time
  • Students should plan to put cell phones in backpacks when they enter a classroom (not in pockets)
  • A student who has their phone out will have the phone held by the teacher for the remainder of the class period
  • Students who have their phone out a second time that week in a class will have their phone held by the office for the remainder of the day and parents will be contacted
You can read the full policy by clicking here.
FRC

Family Support Center Reopens
The Meridian Family Support Center’s Food Pantry and Clothing Closet will be open as follows:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: Open until 5:30 PM
  • Location: Portable 400A on the Irene Reither Elementary campus
Questions?
  • Alicia Roberts (English): 360-988-1949
  • Elvira Trautman (Spanish): 360-306-2886
logo

MMS Booster Club Needs You!
Meridian Middle School Boosters is back again this year! Visit them on Facebook to find out all that is happening this year and contact information. They are looking forward to a great year supporting our middle school students and school!