MMS families,
One of our priorities at Meridian Middle School is to connect the work our students are doing to their goals for the future. As such, our students have gotten the opportunity to go on a variety of career-focused field trips this year. The latest of these happened this week, with our 7th graders visiting Bellingham Technical College to learn about the variety of programs and opportunities available there. Next Thursday our 6th graders will attend a trip to the University of Washington for Engineering Discovery Days – a chance to try hands-on activities that showcase the exciting work of engineers. A special “thank you” for our counselors, Mrs. Greshock and Mr. Muskavage, for their work organizing and chaperoning these experiences!
We are also down to just a few more week until our 6th graders embark for Outdoor Ed! This 3-day, 2-night experience has been a Meridian tradition for over 50 years (I still have my own Outdoor Education cabin photo on my office wall!) and is going strong! Look for more information on this later in the newsletter.
Progress reports for 3rd quarter have been posted to Skyward under the “Portfolio” tab. Take a look there to see how your student is progressing on our last check-in before the end of the year.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Trojans!
-Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, April 27
Black Day
7th Grade Baseball vs. Lynden MS, 4:00pm at LMS
8th Grade Baseball vs. Lynden MS, 4:00pm at MMS
Girls Soccer vs. Lynden Christian MS, 4:00pm at Bender Field – Lynden
District Art Show, 6:00pm-7:30pm at MHS Commons
Outdoor Ed Parent & Family Meeting, 6:30pm in Big Gym

Tuesday, April 28
Gold Day

Wednesday, April 29
Black Day
Social Justice League, 2:45pm in Room 2
Girls Soccer vs. Blaine MS, 4:00pm at BHS
School Board Meeting, 5:00pm in MMS Library

Thursday, April 30
Gold Day
6th Grade Field Trip to UW Seattle
Multicultural Club, 2:45pm in Room 5

Friday, May 1
Late Start – 9:05am (Drop Off Begins at 8:45am)
Gold Day

FAMILY GUIDES

As we begin Quarter 4, these guides give you a look at the key standards and learning targets your child has been working on. 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 – Q4

7th Grade Family Guide – Q4

8th Grade Family Guide – Q4

Outdoor Ed Camp Info

As we get close to camp, here are a few important reminders for families:
Parent Meeting — Monday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Students should attend with their families. At the meeting, students will meet their high school counselors and receive their camp information packet.
Medication Orders — Due April 27
If your child will need to take any medication at camp that we do not already have on file, we must have doctor’s orders submitted by April 27. You can bring these forms to the parent meeting and give them to our school nurse, Amber Erdmann. Orders must include the exact dosage and time the medication should be administered.
Questions? Contact Amber at aerdmann@meridian.wednet.edu
or 360-318-2289.
Medications Due — May 8
All medications must be turned in to the school by May 8 in their original containers.
Camp Payment — Past Due
If you still have a balance, please bring payment to the parent meeting and give it to Bailey Drake. If you’re unsure of your remaining balance, email her at bdrake@meridian.wednet.edu
Camp Dates — May 13–15
We will depart around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday and return around 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Seeking Applicants for Board Vacancy (District 4)

Meridian School District encourages qualified community members to apply to fill a vacancy on the Meridian School Board of Directors representing Director District 4. The selected individual will be appointed to serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
To be eligible, applicants must be a registered voter, a United States citizen, and a resident of Director District 4 at the time of appointment.
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an applicationby 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1. More information about the role and responsibilities of school board members is available on our website.

Class of 2030 Booster Rep Needed

The Meridian Booster Club is looking for a parent from the Class of 2030 (8th Graders) to be the official class booster representative. This would require attending monthly meetings starting in either June or August, and representing the interests of the class as they move through high school.

Questions? Reach out to Caroline Foster at meridianmiddlebooster@gmail.com

Join us! District Art Show April 27

Join us from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27 for our District Art Show at Meridian High School.

Student artwork from all Meridian schools will be on display in the commons, showcasing the creativity and talent of our young artists. Enjoy an evening of the arts, including musical performances by our students.

This free event is open to the entire community. We kindly ask that children remain supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the evening.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Lessons

Students in eighth grade will be taking part in comprehensive sexual health lessons beginning April 27 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 before the first day of lessons. Students who opt-out of the lessons will participate in an alternative research project in an alternate location during these lessons.

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 your teacher.

College & Job Fair

Families are invited to a College & Job Fair hosted by the Goodwill Job Training & Education Center on May 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in Bellingham (1115 E Sunset Dr). This is a great opportunity for students to explore postsecondary pathways and connect with local organizations, including Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Barber Academy, North Cascade Health and Rehabilitation, the YMCA, Express Employment, Manpower, WorkSource, and more. Free haircuts will also be available during the event. No registration required—just show up and explore!

MHS GBB Youth Camp

Meridian High School Girls Basketball is hosting a Youth Camp May 26–28 at Meridian High School, offering a fun and active opportunity for students to build skills, compete, and connect with MHS players and coaches. The cost is $60 for grades K–4 and $75 for grades 5–8, which includes a camp t-shirt for registrations by May 11! Camp times are 5:00–6:30 PM for K–4 and 6:30–8:00 PM for grades 5–8. This is a great way for young athletes to grow their game in a positive, energetic environment. Families can register using the QR code on the flyer or by clicking here, and questions can be directed to Coach Kayla Bernsen at kbernsen@meridian.wednet.edu