MMS families,
October 30 marked the final day of 1st quarter, and with it comes the posting of Progress Reports. These mid-semester grade postings are intended to be a quick snapshot of how kids are doing so far in their classes. Keep in mind though that these are not “official” grades. Grades post to transcripts only twice each year – at the end of each semester. To review your student’s progress report, you can log in to Skyward and look under the Portfolio tab on the left-hand menu. Questions? Call our office!
Tonight is our first dance of the school year from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. We hope to see everyone there! Tickets were either pre-purchased or available for $5 flat at the door tonight. Remember that students must abide by all normal school rules or they will be asked to call a ride and head home. Additionally, all students must be picked up no later than 7:45pm or they will not be eligible to attend the next dance.
Next week is a short one – just two full days and an early release. We hope that you are able to enjoy the long weekend with those you bring you joy!
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Trojans!
-Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, November 24
  • Black Day
Tuesday, November 25
  • Gold Day
  • Girls Basketball vs. NVMS, 4:00pm at MMS
Wednesday, November 26
  • Black Day
  • Early Dismissal at 12:20pm
Thursday, November 27
  • No School – Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 28
  • No School – Thanksgiving Break
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
WWU

Meridian Night at WWU
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. when the Western Washington University men’s basketball team takes on Central Washington.
WWU is hosting a Meridian night during the men’s basketball game. All Meridian students and staff get free admission. When arriving, you can notify the ticket booth that you either attend or work for Meridian (staff please bring your ID badge for verification). Children under 6 are also free. (Parents pay regular admission.) Free parking is available in lots 9G, 19G and C.
This is a great chance to explore Western’s campus and enjoy an exciting basketball game.
We hope to see you there!
hc

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.
Screening

Vision & Hearing Screening – Volunteers Needed
Our school will be conducting our annual vision and hearing screenings on Tuesday, January 6, with make-up screenings on Thursday, January 8. These routine checks help us ensure students can see and hear well for learning; if your child wears glasses or hearing aids, please make sure they bring them to school on those days.
We are also looking for a few parent volunteers to help with screening—if you’re interested, please contact our Health Assistant, Brenda Aamot, at baamot@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.