MMS families,
We did it! Week one of SBA testing 2026 is complete! Overall we’ve been really impressed with the focus, effort, and mindset of our students. Classrooms have been calm, purposeful, and students are showing a willingness to stick with challenging questions and do their best thinking. That’s exactly what we’ve been working toward!
The next round of testing will begin Tuesday, May 19. As you continue to talk with your students about this, feel free to reinforce these key points:
  • taking their time
  • using the tools available (highlighting eliminating answer choices, flagging questions)
  • staying focused through the entire session
We truly believe in what our students are capable of!
On another note – our 6th graders are gearing up to head to Outdoor Ed this coming week. They’ll be heading out on Wednesday morning and returning late on Friday. This experience often results in amazing class cohesion and relationship building that lasts for years; we’re excited for them to be the latest Meridian students to experience this magic!
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Trojans!
-Robert Kratzig, Principal
-Jill Hammack, Assistant Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, May 11
  • Black Day
  • Girls Soccer vs. Nooksack Valley MS, 4:00pm at MMS
Tuesday, May 12
  • Gold Day
  • 8th Grade Field Trip to WCC
  • 7th Baseball vs. Mt. Baker JH, 4:00pm at MBJH
  • 8th Baseball vs. Mt. Baker JH, 4:00pm at MMS
Wednesday, May 13
  • Black Day
  • 6th Graders at ODE
  • 8th Graders WCAS Testing in Science
  • Social Justice League, 4:00pm in Room 2
  • 8th Girls Soccer vs. Horizon MS, 4:00pm at MMS
  • School Board Meeting, 5:00pm in MMS Library
Thursday, May 14
  • Gold Day
  • 6th Graders at ODE
  • 8th Grade Field Trip to WCC
  • Multicultural Club, 4:00pm in Room 5
  • Track Meet, 4:00pm at LCHS
Friday, May 15
  • Late Start – 9:05am (Drop Off Begins at 8:45am)
  • Black Day
  • 6th Graders at ODE
  • 8th Graders WCAS Testing in Science
  • 7th Girls Soccer vs. Nooksack Valley MS, 4:00pm at MMS

FAMILY GUIDES

These guides give you a look at the key standards and learning targets your child will be 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/S2
7th Grade Family Guide – Q4/S2
8th Grade Family Guide – Q4/S2

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dr. Kurt Harvill stands in the hallway at Meridian High School

Dr. Kurt Harvill Invites Community Input

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kurt Harvill will assume the role of Interim Superintendent for the 2026–27 school year, beginning July 1.
As Dr. Harvill steps into this role, he is eager to listen and learn from Meridian staff, families, students, and community members. We invite you to share your perspective by completing our community feedback survey by May 22. Your input will help us better understand what Meridian is doing well, where there are opportunities for improvement and how we should shape our path forward.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
MMS Outdoor Ed logo featuring those words in a circle around a tree.

Outdoor Ed Camp Info

As we get close to camp, here are a few important reminders for families:
Wednesday, May 13 – Students should be dropped off between 7:30–7:45 a.m. in the big gym. Upon arrival, they should place their belongings under the appropriate signs (boys/girls). Please remind students not to bring phones, electronic devices, school computers, or money. Students should either pack a big lunch or plan to pick up a sack lunch in the cafeteria if they ordered one. They should keep a small backpack with them at all times, including their lunch and water bottle (do not leave this in the big gym). All students will report to Homeroom for attendance before departure. Buses will leave MMS promptly at 8:20 a.m.
Friday, May 15 – Pick-up will be at 4:00 p.m. (slightly later than originally planned due to the ferry schedule). Student belongings will be available for pick-up in the big gym.
Packing List
It’s important to be prepared for their time away. Here is the Packing List for camp!
WCC Logo including orca

8th Grade Field Trip to WCC

We’re excited to share that our 8th grade students will be visiting Whatcom Community College as part of our ongoing efforts to support college and career exploration.
Students will attend on one of two days:
  • Tuesday, May 12
  • Thursday, May 14
Half of the grade level will attend each day. Your student’s assigned date will be indicated on their permission form.
Permission forms will be distributed on Monday, May 4 and are due back by Friday, May 8. Please be sure to review, sign, and return the form by the deadline so your student can participate.
This trip will include a campus tour and exposure to a variety of programs, helping students begin thinking about future educational and career pathways.
Please reach out if you have any questions. We’re looking forward to a great experience for our students!
TBD

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
Mobile Dental Clinic

Free Mobile Dental Clinic for Students

Unity Care will be offering a free mobile dental clinic for middle and high school students on Tuesday, June 2. Services include a visual dental exam, fluoride treatment, and referrals for additional treatment if needed. Registration forms are available in the school office, or families can call the school to have a form sent home with their student (MMS: 360-398-2291 | MHS: 360-398-8111). Please note that Meridian Middle School students who participate will be transported to the high school in a district vehicle with Family Services staff. This is a great opportunity to access no-cost preventive dental care for your student.
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