Meridian School Board Recognized as Board of Distinction
Our school board was recognized as a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). This is the second time that our School Board has received this recognition.
Meridian board members receiving this recognition are Steve Corwin (not pictured), Marty Gray, Jana Haugen, Jarrod Karuza and Michelle Simmons. Our student school board representatives are Logan Ignacio and Eden Bernardy.
This prestigious recognition celebrates school boards that demonstrate exemplary leadership and governance practices aligned with the Washington School Board Standards, resulting in improved student outcomes. WSSDA recognized our school board for its strong leadership in equity work grounded in data. The effective collaboration between the board and superintendent, combined with community input and a commitment to ongoing improvement, reflects a thoughtful and well-rounded approach that is helping our district move forward.
Please join us in congratulating our school board on this prestigious honor!
Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness and Learning
Student Voice Matters: Dr. Everett’s Classroom Tour
Did you know Superintendent Dr. James Everett regularly visits classrooms? He began this classroom tour last year starting with high school seniors and ending the year with preschool.
Dr. Everett’s classroom tour isn’t just about handing out Meridian M stickers, it’s about listening. When Dr. Everett toured every grade level last year, students shared ideas that led to real progress: developing clearer cell phone guidelines, better communication tools, more diverse representation and new opportunities for student voice.
This year’s tour builds on that momentum, giving students another chance to share their perspectives and help guide the work ahead. So far he has visited sophomores, juniors and seniors at Meridian High School. These visits are more than a quick hello, they are a reminder that every student voice matters and can lead to meaningful action across our district.
Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication
Teaching Tech Responsibility: Digital Citizenship at MMS
At Meridian Middle School students are receiving regular digital citizenship instruction to prepare them for an ever evolving digital world. Digital citizenship teaches students how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Students are taught how to protect personal information, communicate kindly online, think critically about what they see and how to make good choices in the digital world.
This instruction uses Common Sense Media‘s research-based curriculum and is aligned with Washington State Educational Technology Standards and ISTE Standards to ensure students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Lessons at MMS are taught by education technology instructional coach Cynthia Richardson, (this position and student devices are funded by the capital technology levy).
Throughout the year, students learn about topics such as digital footprints, online safety, healthy technology habits, media literacy, and responsible online communication. These lessons are designed to support our Meridian Digital Citizens Mindsets, helping students practice being caring, courageous, trustworthy, and open-minded in their digital interactions.
“The goal is to help students understand how to use their growing technology knowledge and digital influence for positive purposes while developing the critical thinking skills they’ll need as they encounter more complex digital situations in high school and beyond,” Richardson shared.
Last week, sixth graders explored “What Are Online Harms,” learning to identify different types of risks they might encounter online, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, privacy violations and scams. Students practiced strategies for recognizing these harms and developed action plans for staying safe, including when and how to seek help from trusted adults.
Seventh graders focused on “Friendships & Boundaries,” examining how to maintain healthy relationships in digital spaces. They learned to set appropriate boundaries with friends online, recognize when digital interactions might be crossing into unhealthy territory, and practice communicating their limits respectfully.
Eighth graders studied “App Traps & Addictive Design”, analyzing how apps and games are specifically designed to capture and hold their attention through features like notifications, streaks and variable rewards. Students learned to recognize these persuasive design techniques and develop strategies for more mindful technology use.
By building these skills, students are prepared to navigate digital spaces thoughtfully and responsibly.
Our Commitments: Learning, Wellness
Winter Wishes at Meridian High School
The holiday spirit shines bright at Meridian High School! For over a decade, our high school leadership students have organized Winter Wishes, a tradition that invites students and staff to make a wish for a MHS student. Thanks to generous donations, hundreds of wishes are granted each year. Wishes can range from warm winter coats to driver’s ed lessons. Last year, our community raised over $20,000, granting 342 wishes.
Want to help make this year magical? Donate today and be part of the tradition that reminds us all of the power of kindness.
Our Commitments: Belonging
Shine and Thrive Awards
Last week we awarded students throughout the district with our Shine and Thrive Awards! These monthly awards recognize student achievements connected to Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness and Learning. Congratulations to these students!
Hayes, 4th grade, IRE
Hayes earned the Thriving Scholar Award for his independence and dedication to learning. He approaches every challenge with determination and his record-breaking success on i-Ready shows just how much effort he puts into learning.
Kora, 5th grade, IRE
Kora earned the Trojan Heart Award. As a student leader during kindergarten PE classes, Kora guides activities with enthusiasm. The younger students light up when she arrives. Kora ensures everyone feels included, shows kindness and fosters a sense of community.
Zoey, 5th grade, IRE
Zoey earned the Shining Strong Award because she goes above and beyond to support others, even giving up her recess to help younger students during PE. She shows students how to give their best effort, and how to play games with integrity, and have fun.
Clara, 8th grade, MP3
Clara earned the Empowered Learner Award for her impressive growth as both a learner and leader. She holds herself to high standards, consistently producing excellent work and seeking opportunities to extend her learning even beyond the classroom. Her dedication and leadership truly stands out.
Lucas, 8th grade, MMS
Lucas earned the Trojan Heart Award because he makes everyone feel like they belong. He looks out for others, creates comfort, and shows that belonging isn’t about language, it’s about kindness, patience and inclusion. Lucas helps make MMS a place where everyone feels valued.
Jair, freshman, MHS
Jair earned the Thriving Scholar Award because his work goes above and beyond expectations. His proactive approach to learning and commitment to understanding concepts set him apart, and he supports and encourages his peers in every group setting.
Karina, senior, MHS
Karina earned the Thriving Scholar Award for her creativity and attention to detail. Her proposal for a youth center addressed an urgent need and stood out for its thoughtfulness. She also shined in a class skit, where her unique ideas and performance showcased her imaginative thinking. She brings imagination and excellence to everything she does.
Our Commitments: Belonging, Support, Wellness and Learning
Fall Sports State Recognitions
Congratulations to our student athletes and coaches on an amazing season and a well-deserved accomplishments! These placements are a testament to their hard work and determination.
Cross Country Results: Our girls cross country team brought home the State Championship, and the boys team earned an impressive 2nd place finish.
Volleyball Results: Our girls cross country team brought home the State Championship, and the boys team earned an impressive 2nd place finish.
Our Commitments: Belonging, Wellness
Welcome New Staff
Please join us in welcoming these new staff to Meridian School District. (Staff below were hired during the Nov. 5 and Nov. 19 school board meetings).
- Erin Hollen, paraeducator at Meridian High School
- Olivia Jones, paraeducator at Meridian Middle School
- Maria Monterrozo, bus monitor for transportation
- Summer Speer, paraeducator at Irene Reither Elementary
- Teira Taki, student monitor at Irene Reither Elementary
- Olha Zhyshko, custodian at Irene Reither Elementary
Ask Meridian: What’s the deal with levies and bonds?
Levies
Levies provide local funding for staff, programs, and services not fully covered by the state and require a simple majority to pass (50%). Levies fund staffing (teachers, counselors, nurses); student programs (preschool, sports, activities); services (transportation, food service, maintenance and technology). You will often hear “levies are for learning.”
Meridian voters approved two renewal levies in February 2024, these were an Educational Programs and Operations levy and a Technology Capital Levy. These two levies account for nearly 20% of our annual budget.
Bonds
Bonds fund major construction and renovation projects and require a 60% supermajority to pass. You will often hear “bonds are for building.”
Meridian has one existing bond that voters approved in 2010 to rebuild Meridian High School and Irene Reither Elementary. This bond expires in 2030.
In November 2024 and April 2025, voters rejected bond proposals to rebuild Meridian Middle School.
Information about Levies and Bonds is available on our district website.
Have a question?
We value your partnership and invite you to reach out with questions, ideas or anything you are curious about!
Our Commitments
Meridian School District completed a year-long strategic planning process in December 2022. A committee met monthly to form a new strategic plan, known as Our Commitments. During the planning process, input from staff, families, students and the greater community was gathered. The committee was thoughtful and responsive to incorporating feedback into the strategic plan. The strategic plan has a new vision, five value statements and outcomes for each value. The district is held accountable to these outcomes by using metrics to measure their success. The strategic plan, Our Commitments, was fully implemented in fall 2023.
District News for Our Community
Our District News ParentSquare group is a great way to stay connected with what’s happening across the district. We share announcements, updates, stories, and even weather notifications. Whether it’s grandparents, neighbors, or local supporters, we invite you to share the sign-up link, so more people can join the Meridian Trojans family and stay informed!
Key Dates
Dec. 10: Regular School Board Meeting 5 p.m.
Dec. 22 – Jan. 2: Winter Break (no school)
January is School Board Recognition Month
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
Jan. 26: Semester Break (No School)