Meridian Middle School Receives State Recognition
Meridian Middle School has been selected as a 2025 Association of Washington Student Leaders / Association of Washington School Principals “Culture Kick-Off Award” winner!This statewide recognition celebrates schools that launch the year with intention, inclusion, and heart, and who place connection, collaboration, and belonging front and center. The selection committee highlighted how Meridian Middle School’s student-centered kickoff and sustained culture-building efforts have created a place where students and adults lead together.
Principal Robert Kratzig said this award recognizes the intentional efforts made by school staff to build a strong culture of belonging.
“As Ms. Hammack and I reflected on last year and began setting goals for this year, we recognized an opportunity to really focus intentionally on making our school a place where kids feel welcome and safe – physically, emotionally, and academically,” he shared.
Principal Kratzig said as they prepared for the school year, they worked with staff on how to build a classroom culture that values all learners and fosters strong connections. He explained when students feel they belong, they do better in school. MMS is already seeing real results due to this intentional effort.
“One way we are seeing the benefits of this work is in our attendance numbers where we have over 5% more students in good standing with attendance this year versus the same time last year!” Principal Kratzig said.
Please join us in celebrating Meridian Middle School on this honor!
Our Commitments: Belonging and Learning
School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month. During the Jan. 7 meeting, our board was celebrated and honored with gifts from each school. Our school board members are Jasmine Fast, Marty Gray, Jana Haugen, Jarrod Karuza and Michelle Simmons. Our student school board representatives are Logan Ignacio and Eden Bernardy.Our school board is made up of five community members who live in Meridian School District, and are elected to serve four-year terms. Our school board ensures that our schools stay strong and focused on students. They help set big-picture goals for the district. support new initiatives, approve policies, review school programs and oversee the district budget.
Please join us in expressing gratitude to our school board for their dedication to our schools and community!
Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness and Learning
Welcome board director Jasmine Fast
Jasmine Fast was elected to the school board in December 2025 as the representative for District 3. We connected with Ms. Fast to learn more about her and what inspired her to serve on the board.What are you most looking forward to, or excited about serving on the school board?
“I am looking forward to strengthening communication pathways for authentic community engagement and supporting the diverse needs of our students, faculty, staff, and other external partnerships.”
What makes Meridian School District special?
“The biggest draw to Meridian is our Career & Technical Education opportunities and community partnerships. We are incredibly fortunate to have our future skills center, and the fully funded early learning center coming to Meridian.”
What is one thing you’d like people to know about you?
“I am proud to share that I am the fastest Lego builder in the family (the secret is to first separate your kit by color in a tray or cookie sheet). I am also an aspiring tropical plant mom. The two are unrelated.”
Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness and Learning
Building Strong Foundations at Irene Reither Elementary
At Irene Reither Elementary (IRE), the first floor is buzzing with energy and curiosity. It’s home to some of our youngest learners, students ages three to five, who are taking their first steps into education through programs designed to set them up for lifelong success.Research shows that high-quality early learning programs increase graduation rates, significantly reduce disparities in early literacy and language development, and support lifelong emotional well-being. Students who start strong in kindergarten are more likely to stay on track academically.
“Our teachers are creating a school experience where children feel safe, known, loved and valued. At this age, children can take risks, share their thinking, and start building friendships,” said early childhood specialist Natalie Eining. “It’s this collective effort that’s happening across each classroom.”
For our four-year-olds, the day includes morning meetings to build social skills, two recesses, structured play blocks, and enrichment classes. They use Creative Curriculum, a research-based program that integrates literacy and math into units of study driven by student interests. Kindergarten adds more academic rigor, including direct phonics and math instruction, while maintaining a focus on community and connection.
“All of our staff, our teachers and paraeducators, are here for the kids and what’s best for kids,” Mrs. Eining said. “This year, especially with adding so many students, everyone’s just excited to have them here. They love building relationships and creating intentional experiences to support a lifelong love of learning.”
Classrooms are filled with engagement and joy, where students are eager to share ideas.
“Kids are excited to come to school. They love one another, and they love the staff,” Mrs. Eining said. “Even in a few months, the growth we’ve seen is tremendous. It’s such a special foundation for their learning journey.”
Early childhood education at IRE isn’t just about academics, it’s about belonging, confidence and joy. By investing in these programs, we are giving our youngest learners the tools they need to thrive, now and in the future.
Kindergarten registration, and applications for TK open on Feb. 17. Visit our website to learn more.
Our Commitments: Support and Learning
Free Developmental Screenings at IRE
Meridian School District is offering free developmental screenings for children ages 3–5 through our Child Find program. These screenings help identify children who may benefit from early learning support or Special Education services.
A developmental screening is a free check for children to see how they’re growing and learning. It helps families understand if their child is developing skills at the expected pace and whether extra support might be helpful.
Each month, Meridian School District is hosting free screenings at Irene Reither Elementary School. If you have concerns about your child’s development in areas like speech, motor skills, or learning, this is a great opportunity to connect with professionals and learn more.
To sign up for a screening, complete our referral form.
If you have any questions, contact our Special Services Department at 360-318-2154.
Our Commitments: Support, Wellness and Learning
Update: Digital Literacy Advisory Group
Recognizing the advancements in technology and the expansion of AI in education and the workforce, a Digital Literacy Advisory Group convened in October 2025. Composed of staff and parents, its purpose is to review, discuss and recommend board policy for responsible technology use which includes AI.
The advisory group has reviewed and will recommend updates to Board Policy 2022: Electronic Resources and introduce a new policy related to digital citizenship and media literacy at an upcoming board meeting.
During the December meeting, the advisory group reviewed feedback from the districtwide student advisory group. Students requested greater clarity on approved AI tools and expectations. Teachers and staff also provided input on AI use through a survey. The advisory group will review all this input and take it into consideration when updating the board policies.
We want to hear from our families too, please share your thoughts by using the link below.
Our Commitments: Communication and Learning
Shine and Thrive Awards
Before winter break we celebrated our December Shine and Thrive Award recipients! These monthly awards recognize student achievements connected to our commitments: belonging, communication, support, wellness and learning. Please join us in congratulating these students!Jack, 2nd grader at IRE: Jack earned the Thriving Scholar Award (Learning) because he never stops striving to learn. He stands out for his independence, motivation and growth mindset. His impressive progress on i-Ready reflects his hard work.
Wyatt, 3rd grader at MP3: Wyatt earned the Thriving Scholar Award (Learning) for his determination and growth as a learner. He consistently gives his best effort, advocates for himself when needed, and approaches challenges with persistence and independence.
Alexa, 7th grader at MMS: Alexa earned the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she consistently shows exceptional empathy by considering the diverse needs and interests of all students, making sure no one feels left out or overlooked. Alexa’s thoughtful suggestions help make school events into meaningful experiences that create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
Kris, 10th grader at MHS: Kris earned the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because they show a strong commitment to inclusion by working thoughtfully to ensure that Winter Wishes represents all students in our school community. Their dedication reflects empathy, fairness, and a genuine desire to make sure all students feel seen, valued and included.
Claire, 12th grader at MHS: Claire earned the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she is patient, kind and always has a smile on her face. She gives others time and space to speak and is a good listener. She is friendly to everyone and leads quietly with gentleness and sincerity. Claire is humble and never seeks the spotlight, yet she consistently helps others feel like they belong at MHS.
Harnoor, 12th grader at MHS: Harnoor earned the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she consistently helps everyone in the MHS community feel seen, valued and included. She gives her time to support multilingual families, celebrate cultural diversity, and help students feel welcomed. Her kindness, leadership, and dedication truly embody the spirit of belonging at MHS.
Carson, 12th grader at MHS: Carson earned the Thriving Scholar Award (Learning) because he consistently shows dedication and a genuine passion for learning. He goes above and beyond to ensure his academic performance remains strong and always strives for excellence. He also uplifts those around him which reflects his strong character and compassionate heart.
Welcome New Staff
Please join us in welcoming these new staff to Meridian School District. (Staff below were hired during the Dec. 10 and Jan. 7 school board meeting).
- Brenda Elenbaas-Hickey, bus driver for transportation
- Melanie Faehnrich, paraeducator at Irene Reither Elementary
- Jaclyn Sturgeon, paraeducator at Irene Reither Elementary
- Dawn Visser, bus driver for transportation
- Zavier Zarit, Technology Support: Technician II
Ask Meridian
What’s the deal with the school calendar?
Instructional Days and Waivers
State law requires school districts to provide 180 school days and an average of 1,027 instructional hours each year. In Meridian, we request a waiver from OSPI for three school days, which we use for staff professional development. This year, those dates were Oct. 3, Oct. 31, and March 6. Building these days into the calendar allows staff to receive important professional learning without extending the school year.
Labor Day
The calendar committee last met in 2024 to develop calendars for the next three years. At that time, families were surveyed, and 78% reported that the current calendar structure works well for them. The survey also showed strong support for both starting school before Labor Day and starting after Labor Day. The committee worked to balance these differing preferences while keeping consistency for families in mind.
Snow Days
One item that stood out in the survey data was the question about built‑in snow days. The committee looked closely at the past eight school years and how many inclement‑weather days impacted the school schedule. Only two of the past eight years had no inclement‑weather closures. Based on this, the committee chose to add an inclement‑weather day (snow day) in March. March was selected for two reasons: snow is most likely to occur before March, and the graduation date is finalized by the school board during the first meeting in March.
This school year, our snow day is March 20. This means we will have no school that day unless we experience snow closures earlier in the year. If that happens, March 20 becomes a regular school day, and we will notify staff, families and students of this change.
Our school calendar for 2026–27 is already finalized, and the calendar committee will not reconvene until next school year. At that time, we will again reach out for input and volunteers to join the calendar committee. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Have a question?
Key Dates
January is School Board Recognition Month
Jan. 7: Regular School Board Meeting 5 p.m.
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
Jan. 21: Regular School Board Meeting 5 p.m.
Jan. 26: Semester Break (No School)
February is Black History Month and Career and Technical Education Month
Feb. 9-12: IRE Conferences and Early Dismissal
Feb. 13: Mid-Winter Break (No School)
Feb. 16: Presidents Day (No School)
Feb. 17-19: MMS/MHS Conferences and Early Dismissal
Feb. 17: Kindergarten Registration Opens