MMS families,
As third quarter comes to a close in just a few weeks, transition processes are well underway for next school year. We are busy working on planning our schedule and class offerings, holding transition meetings with other buildings as we prepare to receive the 5th graders and send off the 8th graders, and beginning to outline plans for how we will tweak and adjust systems next year to promote learning at even higher levels.
As part of this transition process, Meridian High School is inviting any current 8th graders and their families to an informational open house next Thursday, March 26 from 6pm to 7:30pm at Meridian High School. More information is below, but don’t miss out on this opportunity!
For those of you who have 6th or 7th graders, you can expect information about class registrations in late April or early May this year. Stay tuned!
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Trojans!
–Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, March 23
  • Black Day
  • Track Practice Begins
Tuesday, March 24
  • Gold Day
  • Babysitters Club, 2:45pm in Room 4
  • School Board Meeting, 5:00pm in MMS Library
Wednesday, March 25
  • Black Day
  • STEM Club, 2:45pm in Room 12
Thursday, March 26
  • Gold Day
  • Art Club, 2:45pm in Room 8
  • Incoming 9th Grade Night, 6:00pm at Meridian High School
Friday, March 27
  • Late Start – 9:05am (Drop Off Begins at 8:45am)
  • Gold Day
  • Alternate Bell Schedule – Afternoon Assembly

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
MAD Hope Logo

6th Grade Suicide Prevention Lessons
As part of our required health curriculum, Meridian Middle School students will participate in youth suicide prevention and mental well-being lessons facilitated by MAD HOPE on March 17, 19, 24, and 26. MAD HOPE (Making a Difference – Helping Other People Everywhere) partners with Whatcom County schools and is nationally recognized for using best practices in youth suicide prevention education.
These lessons help students understand healthy ways to manage stress, recognize warning signs, identify trusted adults and resources, and learn how to seek help for themselves or others. Students will also create a personal Mental Well-Being Plan during the training.
Attached is a detailed letter for families with additional information about the lessons, optional anonymous demographic data collection, and how to request an exemption if desired. You can also learn more about the program at  www.madhope.org.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to your Mrs. Stacy at cstacy@meridian.wednet.edu. We are grateful to partner with families in supporting student wellness.
MHS

Incoming 9th Grade Family Night at MHS
Meridian High School invites incoming 9th grade students and families to join us from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. During this event, you will learn about classes and registration, hear from students and teachers, and explore activities, clubs, and sports. Interpretation will be available. We look forward to welcoming our future Trojans!
MHS Incoming 9th Grade Night
candy

Outdoor Ed Money
Attention 6th grade families:
If you are planning to pay the $100 for Outdoor Ed. that is due to the office by March 27th. We can accept cash or check made out to MMS.
If you need to know what you still owe after selling candy bars please email Ms. Drake to find out your balance of what you owe for camp.  bdrake@meridian.wednet.edu
Black and gold balloons

8th Grade Promotion Parent Committee
It’s hard to believe, but our annual 8th grade promotion ceremony is coming up in under 3 months! We’re looking for parent volunteers who would like to help plan and coordinate the celebration pieces traditionally organized by families.
If you are interested in being part of the planning team, please email me directly at rjkratzig@meridian.wednet.edu. We will facilitate an initial meeting of all interested people and then turn over the reins on decorations and evening celebration planning to those interested.
Poster for Squalicum High School’s Native American Student Union “Children of the Earth Pow Wow” on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Squalicum High School Gymnasium in Bellingham, WA. Grand entries at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Free event with Native American dancing, singing, arts and crafts, vendors, food, and community dinner. Artwork features dancers in regalia surrounding a globe.

Children of the Earth Pow Wow
Families are invited to attend the Children of the Earth Pow Wow hosted by Squalicum High School’s Native American Student Union on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Squalicum High School Gymnasium in Bellingham. This traditional pow wow is planned by Native student youth leaders and celebrates Native American dancing, singing, arts and crafts, vendors, and food. Grand entries will take place at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and the event is free to attend with free parking.
All are welcome at this drug- and alcohol-free community event. A free community dinner will be provided. This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to experience and celebrate Native culture and traditions in our region.
Thrive Awards open through March 27. Nominate someone today!

Thrive Award Nominations Now Open!
Help us celebrate the incredible people who make Meridian such a special place to learn, work and grow. The Thrive Awards honor staff, teams and community partners who go above and beyond to support our students and embody our district’s values. We need your help to spotlight those who make a difference every day!
Award Categories:
  • Community Builder Award (Belonging)
  • Communication Excellence Award (Communication)
  • Together We Thrive Award (Support)
  • Wellness Champion Award (Wellness)
  • Inspiring Educator Award (Learning)
Anyone can nominate a staff member or team for a Thrive Award. Our online nomination form closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27.

Strengthening Families Program
We’re excited to share a free opportunity for families with students ages 10–14 this spring! The Strengthening Families Program brings parents/guardians and youth together to build communication skills, strengthen relationships, and support healthy decision-making—all in a fun, interactive setting.
Sessions are available at multiple nearby locations to fit your schedule:
  • Ferndale (Wednesdays): April 22 – May 27
  • Bellingham & Lynden (Tuesdays): April 14 – May 26
  • Blaine (Thursdays): April 16 – May 28
Each evening includes dinner, separate youth and parent sessions, and a family activity time. Childcare for younger siblings is also provided at no cost.
This is a great way to connect, learn, and grow together as a family. Space is limited, so we encourage interested families to sign up soon using the flyer/QR code linked below.
Flyer for the Strengthening Families Program for parents and youth ages 10–14. Highlights skills like healthy habits, communication, and handling peer pressure. Blaine sessions run April 16 to May 28, 2026, Thursdays from 6:00–8:30 PM at Blaine Boys and Girls Club. Free dinner and childcare provided. Includes QR code for registration.
Flyer promoting the Strengthening Families Program for families with youth ages 10–14. Focuses on reducing conflict, improving communication, and parenting strategies. Bellingham sessions run April 14 to May 26, 2026, Tuesdays from 5:30–8:00 PM at Kulshan Middle School. Free dinner and childcare provided. Includes QR code for registration.
Flyer for a free Strengthening Families Program for ages 10–14. Emphasizes improving communication, building healthy habits, and strengthening family relationships. Ferndale sessions run April 22 to May 27, 2026, Wednesdays at Skyline Elementary School. Dinner at 5:30 PM, program from 6:00–8:00 PM. Free childcare included. QR code provided.
Flyer for the Strengthening Families Program highlighting parenting strategies, communication, and peer pressure skills. Lynden sessions run April 14 to May 26, 2026, Tuesdays from 5:30–8:00 PM at Lynden Middle School. Free dinner and childcare available. Includes QR code for registration.
Support

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

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.
FRC

MSD Family Support Center
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