MMS families,
We’re going to keep it short this week – with the time you save, go sign up for a mid-year conference! They’re coming up February 17 through 19 and sign ups are now live on Skyward! If you need help, here’s the guide on how to sign up. Our goal is to meet with 100% of families and share how well your student is doing!
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Trojans!
-Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

Upcoming Events

Monday, February 9
  • Black Day
Tuesday, February 10
  • Gold Day
  • Babysitters Club, 2:45pm in Room 4
Wednesday, February 11
  • Black Day
  • 8th Grade Field Trip to WWU
  • STEM Club, 2:45pm in Room 12
Thursday, February 12
  • Gold Day
  • Art Club, 2:45pm in Room 8
  • 7th Volleyball vs. Franklin Academy, 4:00pm at MMS
  • 8th Volleyball vs. Horizon MS, 5:00pm at HMS
Friday, February 13
  • No School – Mid-Winter Break

Family Guides

As we move into Quarter 3, 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 – Q3
7th Grade Family Guide – Q3
8th Grade Family Guide – Q3

We want to hear from you!

Next week you will receive the annual Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) survey. This confidential and anonymous survey provides valuable, formative feedback to help us improve our work at the building and district level, and responses are not linked to emails or reported for groups smaller than 10.
We appreciate you taking the time to complete it by the end of day on March 6; reminders will be sent throughout February. Thank you for your participation.

Conference Sign Ups Are Live

Sign ups for mid-year conferences are now LIVE in Skyward. Our conference dates are February 17 through 19. If you need help, you can access the guide on how to sign up or call our main office at 360-398-2291.
Our goal is 100% attendance, so please help us reach that milestone!

Lost & Found Clean Out

If you haven’t been in the building lately, you may not know it, but our lost and found is overflowing! If your student has lost something – please have them check, or you’re welcome to stop by yourself and look through the items.

All items in the lost and found will be donated to the Family Resource Center on February 19.

 

Reunification Drill at MMS on Feb. 23

At Meridian Middle School, the safety of our students is our highest priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to a safe learning environment, we will be holding a reunification drill on Feb. 23. This drill is part of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) used by all Whatcom County school districts and supported by local law enforcement.
While we practice monthly safety actions like Evacuate and Secure, a reunification drill helps us practice how students would be safely reunited with families during an unexpected event. We will share more details soon about what to expect.

Trip Chaperones Needed

As part of our work to make learning relevant to students, we’ll be taking each grade level on a career-focused field trip this year.

These trips will require the help of some parent chaperones – if you’re interested, check the dates below and reach out to Ashley Hoelzle our secretary to get information on next steps.

8th Grade WWU Field Trip – Wed Feb 11
7th Grade BTC Field Trip – Mon Apr 20 & Wed Apr 22
6th Grade UW Field Trip – Fri Apr 30
8th Grade WCC Field Trip – Tue May 12 & Thu May 14

Upcoming Career Exploration Events

Here are two great upcoming career exploration events at Whatcom Community College designed to spark students’ interest in future pathways:

Guys & Guts – Saturday, March 7 (9:00am–2:00pm) at the Health Professions Education Center introduces boys to careers in healthcare through hands-on learning and interaction with professionals in the field.

Digital Download – Saturday, April 25 (9:00am–3:00pm) at Baker Hall introduces girls to careers in technology with engaging, interactive sessions led by industry experts.

Both events are hosted on the Whatcom campus in Bellingham and are excellent opportunities for students to explore high-demand career fields in a fun, welcoming environment. Families can learn more and register by visiting Whatcom Community College’s event pages for “Guys & Guts” and “Digital Download.”

Assistance League Scholarships

The Assistance League of Bellingham is announcing applications opening for their Enrichment Scholarship Program. Students may apply for summer enrichment camps in a variety of areas such as music, science, art, debate, technology, dance, leadership, and many others.

Applications are now open on the ALB website and are due by March 21, 2026. Please visit them online for more information or stop by the office for a printed application.

 

Incoming Freshman Night

Attention 8th Grade Families! Meridian High School is hosting Incoming Freshman Night on March 26 at 6pm (note the date change) in the MHS Auditorium and Commons. Come hear from MHS Administration, explore club and sports opportunities, and more! Stay tuned for more details!

 

Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness

If you and your children are experiencing homelessness, they could be eligible for services including transportation to and from school, clothing, and free meals. Please complete the student residency questionnaire below, or contact Alicia Roberts, homeless liaison and family services coordinator by calling or texting 360-988-1949, or emailing aroberts@meridian.wednet.edu, to find out if you are eligible.
Student residency questionnaire:
English – Punjabi – Spanish – Russian – Ukrainian

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.