[{"id":22317,"date":"2026-03-31T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T16:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/?p=22317"},"modified":"2026-03-30T08:34:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T15:34:51","slug":"spring-break-april-6-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/news\/2026\/03\/31\/spring-break-april-6-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring break, April 6-10"},"content":{"rendered":"
Spring break is April 6-10. All schools and the District Office are closed during spring break. The Meridian Family Support Center food pantry will be open on Wednesday, April 8 from 2-5 p.m.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
The school year calendars<\/a> are available on our website.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Looking ahead:<\/strong> The last day of school is Wednesday, June 10. The first day of school for the 2026-27 school year is Monday, Aug. 31.<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Spring break is April 6-10. All schools and the District […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":18396,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-district-update"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22317"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22317\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":22320,"date":"2026-03-31T08:45:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T15:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/news\/2026\/03\/31\/celebrating-20-years-of-mp3\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T08:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T15:45:19","slug":"celebrating-20-years-of-mp3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/news\/2026\/03\/31\/celebrating-20-years-of-mp3\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating 20 Years of MP3"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

To celebrate the anniversary, MP3 hosted a celebration on Jan. 20 featuring student work and a slideshow of community memories.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor two decades, MP3 has shown what\u2019s possible when families and educators work together. This program is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping every child thrive,\u201d said Principal Michelle Siadal.<\/p>\n

MP3 is a public K\u20138 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).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first went to the school, I was super duper nervous, but the teachers were all so nice that I quickly felt comfortable,\u201d MP3 student Joey shared.<\/p>\n

Classes are taught by certified teachers and designed to be collaborative and hands-on. Students in grades 1\u20138 attend a rotation of classes, while kindergarten students attend a half-day program with a cohort of peers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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,\u201d said MP3 parent Kym Franklin.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we celebrate MP3\u2019s 20th anniversary, one of my greatest joys as principal has been greeting our students each morning,\u201d Principal Siadal said. \u201cWatching 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

That sense of community is echoed by alumni as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no way to pick just one memory,\u201d shared Victoria, a former student. \u201cThe 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\u2019s moments like that that make me miss MP3 and the environment our teachers created.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am grateful for the meaningful connections built with families across the county. Partnering with parents in their children\u2019s learning is at the heart of who we are,\u201d Principal Siadal said. \u201cI 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\u2019s to 20 years of learning, connection, and growth\u2014and to many more ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This year marks a special milestone for the Meridian Parent […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":22321,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,34,37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22320","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learning","category-stories","category-support"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22320","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22320"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22320\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22320"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":22299,"date":"2026-03-25T15:00:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T22:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/?p=22299"},"modified":"2026-03-24T15:53:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T22:53:35","slug":"summer-nutrition-benefits-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/news\/2026\/03\/25\/summer-nutrition-benefits-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Reminders: Summer Nutrition Benefits for Kids and Apply for Thriving Schools Planning Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer Nutrition Benefits for Kids<\/h3>\n
We want to share information with you about a state program called SUN\u00a0Bucks, also known as Summer EBT. This program provides families with assistance to buy groceries for their school-aged children during the summer; each eligible child receives $120 on an EBT card.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks automatically if you already\u00a0participate in SNAP, TANF or other programs directly certified by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), such as McKinney-Vento, or if your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
If your family does not automatically qualify through the previously mentioned criteria, you may complete the\u00a0free and reduced-price meals application<\/a>\u00a0available on our website or in school offices.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Applications must be\u00a0submitted before the end of the school year and can be turned in to your child\u2019s school.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
If you are unsure if you have already completed these forms this year, please contact Food and Nutrition Coordinator Erin Groen at 360-318-2267 or\u00a0egroen@meridian.wednet.edu<\/a>.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
For\u00a0more information about SUN Bucks<\/a>,\u00a0you can call 1-833-543-3230 during business hours Monday-Friday or visit the program\u2019s webpage.<\/div>\n
\n

Apply for Thriving Schools Planning Team<\/h3>\n

Families, staff, students and community members are encouraged to apply for consideration to serve on the Thriving Schools Planning Team. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by 8 a.m. March 30.<\/p>\n

Directed by\u00a0Board Policy 3112<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Procedure 3112<\/a>\u00a0this team will review data and recommend areas of improvement that would ensure learning thrives for every student. The team serves to bridge the district\u2019s five commitments of Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness, and Learning by creating safe, equitable, and restorative environments where students and staff feel honored, valued and empowered to succeed.<\/p>\n

Visit the\u00a0planning team webpage<\/a>\u00a0to learn more about this group, open positions and timeline.<\/p>\n

To apply for consideration to serve on this team, please\u00a0complete and submit an online form<\/a> by 8 a.m. on March 30 or\u00a0download to print this form<\/a>\u00a0and submit it to the District Office at 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA 98226 or email it to communications@meridian.wednet.edu.<\/p>\n

Questions? Please contact (360) 398-7111.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summer Nutrition Benefits for Kids We want to share information […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":21627,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-district-update"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22299","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22299"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22299\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":22270,"date":"2026-03-16T09:00:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/?p=22270"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:12:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T22:12:04","slug":"incoming-9th-grade-students-and-families-night-at-meridian-high-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meridian.wednet.edu\/mp3\/news\/2026\/03\/16\/incoming-9th-grade-students-and-families-night-at-meridian-high-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Incoming 9th Grade Students and Families Night at Meridian High School"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meridian High School invites incoming 9th grade students and their families to join us from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 for an evening designed to help you feel confident and excited about the transition to high school.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the evening, families and students will:<\/span><\/p>\n