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Welcome New Staff |
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Please join us in welcoming these additional new staff to Meridian School District. (Staff below were hired during the Oct. 8 and Oct. 22 school board meetings).
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Growing Hands-On Learning at MP3 |
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At MP3, the school garden has blossomed into a dynamic, cross-curricular classroom and its success is a community effort.
A dedicated team of students from grades 1 through 4 spends their recess time as garden caretakers. This fall students cleaned the beds and added beautiful new shrubs and decorative grasses, generously donated by MP3 staff.
Sunflowers and pumpkins planted last year are now being harvested to enrich lessons across multiple subjects, connecting the garden and the classroom. In Math the pumpkins are now a tool for learning. Mrs. Kurashige’s math classes used the pumpkins for an estimating activity. Second graders (who grew the pumpkins initially) had a blast in math class pulling out and counting the seeds from the harvested pumpkins.
The large sunflowers (originally planted by Ms. Hays’ kindergarten students) were the subject of a second grade observation art project in Mrs. Warnock’s class. Students learned about artist Georgia O’Keeffe before studying the sunflowers up close, focusing on color, detail and scale. The mini-pumpkins have also been used for a special drawing activity.
This integrated approach ensures that the garden remains a vibrant part of the MP3 learning experience, appreciated by students and staff across all grades.
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Shine and Thrive Awards |
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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!
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Valentina, first grader at IRE
Valentina received the Thriving Scholar Award (Learning) because she is an incredibly hardworking and positive student who always gives her absolute best. She not only strives for her own learning growth, but she’s also ready to share what she knows, often supporting her classmates the moment she sees they need a helping hand.
Homer, third grader at MP3
Homer received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she is consistently thoughtful, noticing when classmates need support and always offering a kind smile. Whether helping peers get organized or being a reliable academic partner, Homer’s generous heart shines through, ensuring every student feels valued.
Warren, fourth grader at IRE
Warren received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) for consistently going above and beyond to make others feel welcomed, included and respected. He shows kindness in both word and action, listening thoughtfully and ensuring every voice is heard. Warren helps create a space where everyone feels valued.
Crosby, fourth grader at IRE
Crosby received the Thriving Scholar Award (Learning) because he is a driven student who consistently demonstrates hard work to meet his goals. Whether completing challenging assignments or making smart choices outside of the classroom, Crosby always goes the extra mile.
Rowan, fourth grader at IRE
Rowan received the Empowered Learner Award (Support) because she models kindness and integrity, tackling every challenge with a “can-do” spirit. Rowan is a reflective, goal-oriented problem solver who always gives 100% effort. She actively supports her classmates, ensuring that she and everyone around her are constantly growing.
Anthony, fourth grader at IRE
Anthony received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because he models exceptional kindness and respect. He is a great teammate and listener, always offering help with patience. Anthony’s gentle nature and quiet dependability put everyone at ease, making him a true role model in our IRE community.
Isaac, fourth grader at IRE
Isaac received the Thriving Scholar Award (Learning) because he is a resilient student who demonstrates dedication to personal growth and intentional efforts to build positive relationships. Isaac sets ambitious goals and pushes himself to constantly improve, he models being a reflective and evolving learner.
Logan, fifth grader at IRE
Logan was nominated for the Empowered Learner Award (Support) because he showed incredible determination to meet a personal goal. His success is a direct result of his commitment, consistent effort and work ethic. Logan’s success shows what happens when perseverance and commitment come together.
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Paige, sixth grader at MMS
Paige received the Trojan Voice Award (Communication) because she actively and thoughtfully engages with everyone she meets. She asks insightful questions that deepen learning and consistently participates, fostering a supportive classroom environment. Paige treats all staff and peers with kindness and respect.
Ben, sixth grader at MMS
Ben received the Empowered Learner Award (Support) because of his strong drive to grow and challenge himself academically. He takes ownership of his education, consistently goes above and beyond expectations, and actively seeks additional challenges to push his learning.
Aubree, seventh grader at MMS
Aubree received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she has a wonderful gift for making others feel welcomed and seen. She is consistently patient, considerate, and quick to support her peers. Her willingness to step in and help creates a true sense of belonging at Meridian Middle School.
Hunter, sophomore at MHS
Hunter received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because he shows courage in sharing his own ideas, which sets a powerful example that makes the classroom safe for others to contribute. Hunter’s kindness, welcoming attitude, and consistent habit of elevating his peers ensure that he makes every classroom space genuinely better for everyone.
Shacari, sophomore at MHS
Shacari received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she creates a sense of belonging for students at Meridian High School. She consistently works to build bridges and create space for others, ensuring every student feels seen and connected. Her proactive efforts, genuine warmth and kindness make sure every peer feels like a welcomed part of the MHS family.
Lauren, senior at MHS
Lauren received the Trojan Heart Award (Belonging) because she stands out for her incredible kindness and initiative. She can be counted on to support any peer in need, consistently stepping up without being asked. Lauren makes every student feel welcome by listening with humility and respect, setting an inspiring standard for compassion throughout the school.
Mia, senior at MHS
Mia received the Trojan Voice Award (Communication) because she is an amazing communicator and advocate. Her courage to speak up in difficult situations shows not only maturity, but also a deep sense of integrity and empathy. Whether in school with teachers or in sports with coaches. Mia uses her voice to stand up for what’s right. She shows others that using your voice matters.
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Meridian Recognized for Excellence in School Communications |
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Meridian Middle School Principal Robert Kratzig is the recipient of the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) 2025 Crystal Apple Award. This honors someone who doesn’t serve in a formal communications role, but whose actions have powerfully supported public education and school communications. Mr. Kratzig is the first principal to earn this recognition.
Mr. Kratzig was selected because his leadership goes far beyond his role as principal. His warmth, authenticity, and tireless communication efforts helped build understanding and unity across the community. Mr. Kratzig models proactive, transparent communication with families and staff. His weekly family newsletter and staff MMS Memo have become models for clarity and connection.
He’s known for replying to questions within minutes, for listening deeply, and for ensuring everyone feels heard and informed. As one nominator said, “Robert gives tirelessly of his time and talents to make sure our community understands the great work happening in our schools.”
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Kratzig on this recognition!
(Above photo: WSPRA Past President Curtis Campbell, MMS Principal Robert Kratzig, Director of Public Relations Lisa Gilchrist and WSPRA President Jessica McCartney.)
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Meridian School District’s commitment to clear and consistent communication was recognized with five statewide honors at the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) annual conference on Oct. 24.
Awards of Excellence and Best in Category for a School District under 10,000 students:
Additional recognitions:
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Ask Meridian |
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American Education Week |
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District News for our Community |
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Key Dates |
Nov. 5: Regular School Board Meeting 5 p.m.
Nov. 11: Veterans Day (no school)
Nov. 19: Regular School Board Meeting 5 p.m.
Nov. 26: All schools early dismissal, and no campus classes for MP3
Nov. 27-28: Thanksgiving Holiday (no school)
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November is Native American Heritage Month
Nov. 17-21: American Education Week (submit a thank you note!)
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Dec. 23 – Jan. 2: Winter Break (no school)
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