The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 31!

We are excited to welcome you back! This message is designed to help you and your student get ready. (Feel free to scroll to the section you’d like to learn more about.)

What’s included in this message?

  • Back-to-School Fair, Aug. 19 from 1-5 p.m. at Irene Reither Elementary School
  • Quick Back-to-School Checklist
  • Communicating with our Schools (ParentSquare and StudentSquare, Interpretation and Translation, School Websites and Staff Directory)
  • Skyward Family Access (Required Annual Forms, Info and Tips)
  • Athletic Registration and All Sports Nights
  • School Day Information (Attendance, Bus Routes, Calendars, Cell Phone Policy, Health Plans, School Meals and School Supplies)
  • Tech Resources for Families (Skyward, ParentSquare, FinalForms, GoGuardian, MealTime Online, SchoolDismissal Manager)
  • Helpful Links 

Back-to-School Fair, Aug. 19

Meridian is hosting a Back-to-School Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 1–5 p.m. at Irene Reither Elementary School. All Meridian students and families are invited to attend this free community event.

The fair will feature fun activities for children, resources to help families prepare for the new school year, and opportunities to connect with school staff and community organizations. More than 20 community partners will be on hand, including the YMCA, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, Whatcom Literacy Council, MYS Soccer, and Laurel Design, along with Meridian departments such as Food Services, Athletics and Transportation.

Quick Checklist

Before school starts on Aug. 31:

Communicating with our Schools

ParentSquare is Meridian’s official communication platform and your primary source for school and district updates.

With ParentSquare, families can:

  • Receive messages by email, text message or app notification
  • Choose instant notifications or a daily digest
  • Communicate in their preferred language
  • Direct message teachers and staff

New families will receive an invitation before school starts. (You will login using the email address we have in Skyward). The free app is available in the App Store or Google Play. Visit the Getting Started Guide to learn more.

StudentSquare

StudentSquare is available for Meridian High School students. This is the student version of ParentSquare and is used to share important information about activities, events, athletics and school news. Students can access StudentSquare through the free app or a web browser, with all messages also sent to their district email and monitored by school staff to ensure a safe communication environment. Learn more about StudentSquare.

Want to learn more or need help? Visit: www.meridian.wednet.edu/parentsquare/.

Interpretation and Translation Services

All families have the right to receive information about their child’s education in a language they understand. Meridian School District provides interpretation and translation services free of charge. Families can access language services several ways: by calling, emailing or sending a direct message in ParentSquare to the school, teacher, school principal or District Office. Families can also request support through our online form. Learn more about interpretation and translation services in Meridian.

School Websites and Staff Directory

Visit www.meridian.wednet.edu for district news, announcements and important information throughout the year. Visit our school websites or staff directory:

Skyward Family Access

Skyward is your portal for grades, schedules, attendance and required forms. If you need help logging into your Skyward Family Access account, try the Forgot Password/Login link, contact your school or call our Student Information Coordinator Janine Randall at 360-318-2184.

Need help getting started? View Skyward Family Access Tips (English) (Spanish) (Punjabi) (Russian) (Ukrainian).

Required Annual Forms

Please log in to Skyward and complete the 2026–27 Annual Student Information Update before the first day of school. These forms are important for student health, district funding and state reporting.

Forms include:

  • Annual Health Registration Form
  • Attendance Acknowledgement Form
  • Home Language Survey
  • Housing Questionnaire
  • Student Device and Software Consent Form
  • Free/Reduced Meals Application

Find these in Skyward under “2026–27 Required Annual Student Information Update.”

Athletic Registration and All Sports Night

Athletic Registration

Families of students in middle and high school can register their child for athletics through FinalForms. Your student will need a current sports physical on file. The sports physical cannot expire during the sport season and is required for students to participate in athletics. Need help? View the FinalForms Parent Playbook  (Parent Playbook in Spanish).

MMS and MHS All Sports Nights

Families and athletes are invited to attend All Sports Nights hosted at Meridian High and Meridian Middle schools. Rules, expectations and requirements for student athletes will be discussed at this meeting. Spanish interpretation will be available.

  • Meridian High School (MHS): Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
  • Meridian Middle School (MMS): Aug. 20, 7 p.m.

Sports Physicals Night at Ferndale High School

Families are invited to participate in a Sports Physicals Night at Ferndale High School on Aug. 18. Licensed doctors will be on-site to conduct sports physicals for $20 per student (cash or check payable to Ferndale High School).

  • Ferndale High School Gym: 5830 Golden Eagle Dr. Ferndale, WA
  • Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 18
  • For students entering grades 7–12.

Questions? Contact Director of Athletics Bryant Michaelson at 360-318-2160.

School Day Information

Attendance Matters

Consistent attendance helps students build routines, stay engaged, connect with peers and teachers, and participate in enrichment activities. You can support good attendance by talking with your child about the importance of showing up every day and helping your child maintain daily routines. Resources for families from Attendance Works:

Bus Routes and Annual Notice

2026–27 bus routes will be posted to our website by mid-August. Please check back often as route adjustments may be made prior to the start of the school year.To help keep all students safe and ensure compliance with Washington state regulations, please remember that certain items are not allowed on school buses. Prohibited items include weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, alcohol or drugs, hazardous or flammable materials, animals (except service animals), skateboards, baseball bats, balloons, and any large or unsecured items that could create a safety risk. Footballs and basketballs may be transported if they are securely stored in a zipped backpack.
Review our full Annual Transportation Notice. 

Thank you for partnering with us to keep school transportation safe for everyone. If you have questions, please call the Transportation Department at 360-318-2172.

Calendar

The school year calendar is available on our website and was mailed home. Extra copies of the calendar will be available in school offices. Below are key dates for the start of the year:

  • Aug. 19: Back-to-School Fair, 1-5 p.m. at IRE
  • Aug. 31: First day of school (Grades 1-12)
  • Aug. 31-Sept. 3: School conferences and early dismissal for Irene Reither Elementary at 1:15 p.m.
  • Sept. 3: First day of school for kindergarten at IRE
  • Sept. 7: Labor Day (no school)
  • Sept. 8-10: School conferences and early dismissal for MMS (12:20 p.m.) and MHS (12:10 p.m.)
  • Sept. 9: First day of campus classes for MP3
  • Sept. 14: First day of preschool/pre-kindergarten at IRE

Cell Phone Policy

Elementary school students will keep devices silenced and out of sight throughout the school day. This includes phones, earbuds, smartwatches and similar devices.

Middle and high school students will keep devices silenced and out of sight during instructional time. Students may use their devices before school, after school, during passing periods and during lunch.

Families who need to contact a student during the school day should contact the school office.

We have more detailed information available on our website: www.meridian.wednet.edu/cell-phone-use/

Health Plans at School

If your child has a life-threatening health condition such as diabetes, anaphylaxis or seizures an Individual Health Plan (IHP) is required prior to school attendance. Visit our Health Services webpage to learn more.

School Meals

School menus are updated monthly and can be found on our School Menus webpage. Families can pay for meals online using MealTime Online.

Beginning mid-August families will be able to apply for free and reduced-price meals online through Skyward. We will notify families when the application is ready. Paper forms will also be available in school offices.
Questions about school meals? Contact Food and Nutrition Coordinator Erin Groen, egroen@meridian.wednet.edu or 360-318-2267.

School Supplies

Need help with school supplies? Contact the Meridian Family Support Center starting Aug. 20. English: 360-988-1949 or Español: 360-306-2886.

Tech Resources for Families

We have guides and information for families on our Tech Resources webpage. You can find information about the following:

Helpful Links