MMS families,
As you may have seen, we are thrilled to announce that we were selected as one of a few dozen schools across Washington to be recognized for our positive school culture – especially around the way we intentionally started the year with a focus on belonging for all students. In the coming weeks we’ll be visited by leaders from Association of Washington Student Leaders and the Association of Washington School Principals to officially present our award banner. We are so proud of the work our staff does each and every day to make Meridian Middle School a place where all students feel a deep sense of belonging.
Next week is our Fall Sprit Week and Fall Dance (more details on both below). These types of activities are great ways for students to connect with the broader school community and build their school spirit and sense of belonging. We hope to see every student participating in the dress up opportunities as best they can and joining us for the dance!
Next week is American Education Week. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible people who make Meridian School District special! Each of our staff members work hard every day to make a positive impact in the lives of our students. You may submit a recognition here.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Trojans!
-Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, November 17
  • Black Day
  • Spirit Day – Pajama Day
  • Girls Basketball vs. Mt. Baker JH, 4:00pm at MMS
Tuesday, November 18
  • Gold Day
  • Spirit Day – Trojan Day
Wednesday, November 19
  • Black Day
  • Spirit Day – Jersey Day
  • Little Mermaid Tryouts, 3:15pm at MHS
  • Girls Basketball vs. Blaine MS, 4:00pm at BMS
  • C-Team Girls Basketball vs. Franklin Academy, 4:00pm at FA
  • School Board Meeting, 5:00pm at MMS Library
Thursday, November 20
  • Gold Day
  • Spirit Day – Color Wars (6th – Green, 7th – Pink, 8th – Blue)
  • Girls Basketball vs. Lynden MS, 4:00pm at LMS
  • C-Team Girls Basketball vs. Lummi Nation School, 4:15pm at LNS
Friday, November 21
  • Gold Day
  • Spirit Day – Tropical Day
  • Late Start – School Begins at 9:05am (No Drop Off before 8:45am)
  • Fall Dance, 6:00pm-7:30pm at MMS
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Little Mermaid Tryouts
Would you like to be involved in this year’s winter musical? Come audition for Little Mermaid next week. A no-stress/no-prep audition is scheduled for grades 6-8 and will take place next Wednesday 11/19 at 3:15 p.m. at Meridian High School. Transportation from the middle school to the high school is available, as well as transportation home. If you’re interested, you can find information cards outside the office!
tropical

Fall Dance
Our Leadership class is thrilled to invite students to attend our Fall Dance – Friday, November 21 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm right here at MMS! We’ll be playing all the latest hits and allowing students to get their dance on, while also featuring open gym for basketball, space for board games, and other activities as well.
Tickets are $3 if purchased ahead of time in the main office next week or $5 at the door.
Please note – it is critical that any student attending have a ride home promptly at 7:30pm. Any students still on campus after 7:45pm will not be able to purchase a spring dance ticket.
Questions? Contact our ASB Advisor Mr. Stumpf at sstumpf@meridian.wednet.edu.
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Meridian Boosters “Turkey Trot”
The Meridian Booster Cross Country Club is holding their annual Turkey Trot Fun Run. Come run a mile! Come run a 5k! Come walk or jog in the beautiful orchard! Come win prizes! Bring your whole family! Bring your friends and neighbors! Just don’t let the Meridian Cross Country team turkeys beat you!
All proceeds support the MHS Cross Country team.
hands up

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Lessons Begin
Students in seventh grade will be taking part in comprehensive sexual health lessons beginning December 5 in health class.
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 or complete this online form before the first day of lessons. Students who opt-out of the lessons will (explain alternate activity).
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 Ms. Gospodinovich at sgospodinovich@meridian.wednet.edu.

FAMILY GUIDES

This year, we’ve shifted to sharing Family Guides during the quarter instead of at the end. As we move into Quarter 2, these updated guides give you a look ahead at the key standards and learning targets your child will be working on right now. Our hope is that this helps you ask more specific questions, celebrate progress along the way, and feel more connected to what’s happening in the classroom.
We know that when families and schools work together, students thrive. The Family Guides are one way we’re continuing to strengthen that partnership and make learning more transparent for everyone.
6th Grade Family Guide – Q2
7th Grade Family Guide – Q2
8th Grade Family Guide – Q2

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
thank you

Celebrate our Staff: American Education Week
American Education Week is Nov. 17-21, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible people who make Meridian School District special! Each of our staff members work hard every day to make a positive impact in the lives of our students.
Do you know a Meridian staff member who has made a difference for your student or family? Submit your personalized thank you note by Nov. 21 to be delivered during American Education Week!
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Accepting Highly Capable Program Referrals
We are accepting referrals for the highly capable program. Highly capable students are those who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Teachers and parents may refer any student in grades K-11 for assessment. All fifth and second grade students will be screened, regardless of a referral.
To refer a student for assessment, please complete the Highly Capable referral form in English or in Spanish by Dec. 15, 2025 for eligibility in the 2026-27 school year.
If you have questions about the Highly Capable Program visit our website or contact Rebecca Montgomery, highly capable program coordinator, at 360-318-2456 or rmontgomery@meridian.wednet.edu.

Holiday Food Resources
As we head into the holiday season, we want to make sure every family has access to the support they need. Linked below are the Holiday Food and Meal Guides for November and December, along with a countywide list of Whatcom County food banks. Please note that the Family Center does not have Thanksgiving meal boxes available this year, so we are encouraging families to connect with their local food bank if they are seeking support for a holiday meal.
You can find all resources here: https://www.whatcomabc.org/food-guide/
Holiday Food Guide
Holiday Food Guide
attendance

Attendance Office Notes
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.
Tissue Box

Reminders: When to Keep Your Child Home
A Message from Health Services
Fall is quickly approaching and so is cold and flu season! Please help us keep our school community healthy by keeping your child at home when they are not feeling well. Keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the symptoms: fever or chills, shortness of breath, wet or productive cough, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea.
We encourage regular attendance and students may return to school as soon as they are feeling better, and are fever-free for more than 24 hours without fever reducing medication. While in school, your student can help slow the spread of germs by covering their nose or mouth when coughing and sneezing, and washing hands frequently with soap and water.
Please contact your child’s school if they are going to be absent due to illness. If you have additional questions, please visit our Health Services webpage or contact our school nurses.