This year marks a special milestone for the Meridian Parent Partnership Program (MP3): 20 years of supporting families through personalized learning. Founded in 2006, MP3 partners with parents and certified teachers to create flexible, high-quality learning experiences that meet the needs of every child.

To celebrate the anniversary, MP3 hosted a celebration on Jan. 20 featuring student work and a slideshow of community memories.

“For two decades, MP3 has shown what’s possible when families and educators work together. This program is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping every child thrive,” said Principal Michelle Siadal.

MP3 is a public K–8 Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) program within Meridian School District. As a parent partnership program, MP3 combines home-based learning with on-campus instruction and support from certified teachers. Parents provide primary instruction at home, while each family is paired with a certificated teacher known as a Student Learning Plan Consultant (SLPC).

SLPCs support learning, monitor progress, and help develop a personalized student learning plan aligned to five core academic areas: math; reading/writing; social studies; science; and physical education.

At the start of each school year, SLPCs meet with families to create a student-centered learning plan using district-approved curriculum options. Parents select the curriculum that best fits their child’s learning style with guidance from their SLPC. Throughout the year, teachers stay connected through weekly check-ins by phone, email, or Zoom, along with monthly reports aligned with state standards and learning goals.

In addition to home-based instruction, MP3 offers on-campus courses two days a week. Students participate in enrichment and core academic experiences designed to complement home learning.

“When I first went to the school, I was super duper nervous, but the teachers were all so nice that I quickly felt comfortable,” MP3 student Joey shared.

Classes are taught by certified teachers and designed to be collaborative and hands-on. Students in grades 1–8 attend a rotation of classes, while kindergarten students attend a half-day program with a cohort of peers.

“The many times I picked up my kids from school and they were talking over each other to share something fabulous they did that day at MP3 remains one of my favorite parts of the school,” said MP3 parent Kym Franklin.

Over the past 20 years, MP3 has grown from its early days at Laurel Church to Ten Mile Creek Elementary and now to its permanent campus near Meridian High School. Throughout each chapter, one thing has remained constant: a strong sense of community.

“As we celebrate MP3’s 20th anniversary, one of my greatest joys as principal has been greeting our students each morning,” Principal Siadal said. “Watching students grow from curious kindergartners into confident eighth graders is a privilege I never take for granted. MP3 truly feels like a village where every child and family is known, welcomed, and supported.”

That sense of community is echoed by alumni as well.

“There’s no way to pick just one memory,” shared Victoria, a former student. “The teachers and students left such an incredible impression. If I had to choose, it would be the laughter during something as simple as taking our eighth-grade class photo. It’s moments like that that make me miss MP3 and the environment our teachers created.”

Today, MP3 serves families across Whatcom County and students throughout Washington state, continuing its mission of flexibility, partnership, and personalized learning as it looks ahead to the next chapter.

“I am grateful for the meaningful connections built with families across the county. Partnering with parents in their children’s learning is at the heart of who we are,” Principal Siadal said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside so many dedicated, passionate staff members over the years. Their commitment has made MP3 not just a school, but a community. Here’s to 20 years of learning, connection, and growth—and to many more ahead.”