Celebrating Education Support Professionals Week
Next week, we proudly recognize Education Support Professionals Week, a time to honor the incredible individuals who keep our schools running smoothly and ensure every student feels welcomed, supported and safe.
Our education support professionals include our secretaries, bus drivers, technology staff, health services teams, paraeducators, student monitors, food service workers, custodians, and so many others who contribute to our schools. Their work is essential, often behind the scenes, yet felt in every classroom, every hallway and every student’s experience.
They greet students with a smile each morning, ensure our buildings and buses are safe, support learning in countless ways, grow a love for reading, keep our technology functioning, prepare nutritious meals, and provide the care and stability that help students thrive.
To all of our education support professionals: thank you. You make a meaningful difference every day, and our schools couldn’t succeed without you!
We invite our families, students and community members to join us in expressing appreciation!
Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness and Learning
How IRE Helps Multilingual Learners Thrive
At Irene Reither Elementary (IRE), multilingual learners are thriving thanks to strong classroom instruction, purposeful small‑group support, and a welcoming school culture that celebrates every language. Last year, about 64% of IRE’s multilingual students met their WIDA growth targets, the state’s annual measure of progress in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing, a strong indicator of steady language development.
Teachers use strategies that make learning accessible and interactive for all students, while the multilingual team provides targeted support when needed.
“Students learn English both in and out of the classroom, but being in class with their teachers and classmates is where their skills really grow,” said multilingual learner specialist Holly Li. “Our teachers use many strategies to help students build their language as they learn.”
With about 150 multilingual learners, IRE carefully tracks growth and celebrates big wins. One student who moved from eastern Europe has more than doubled their expected annual growth two years in a row.
“Seeing that kind of growth reminds us we’re doing meaningful work,” said multilingual learner specialist Twan Mathijssen.
WIDA testing is underway now, with results expected in late May. In the meantime, staff are strengthening how they monitor growth throughout the year by reviewing classroom work through a language lens and expanding collaboration between classroom teachers and the multilingual team.
If your family speaks a language in addition to English at home, please let your school know during registration or by contacting the office. Your child may be eligible for language development support.
Our Commitments: Learning and Support
Meridian Middle School Career Fair
On Friday, Feb. 27, Meridian Middle School students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers and connect with professionals from fire services, healthcare, education, farming, law enforcement, the arts, health and wellness, and many more! These community partnerships make a meaningful difference for our students and help them discover new interests, ask questions and imagine exciting possibilities for their future careers. Thank you for investing in our students and their futures!
Our Commitments: Learning and Support
Under the Sea: Meridian’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
In mid-February, the Meridian High School stage was transformed into an underwater kingdom for a combined middle and high school production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. The magic was truly a team effort and supported by a talented cast and crew who worked together to bring the story to life.
Meridian Drama Advisor Nicole Pridachuk expressed her pride in the entire team:
“I am so proud of our cast and crew of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Their joy, humor, and hard work brought this show to life. It is a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of students.”
Our Commitments: Belonging and Learning
Reunification Drill at MMS
On Feb. 23, Meridian Middle School successfully completed a reunification drill. We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for doing a fantastic job from start to finish.
What is a reunification?
A reunification would be needed if students and staff had to leave school grounds for their safety, for example, due to a fire, gas leak, earthquake, or other safety concern. During a reunification, students and staff would evacuate the building and be transported to a safe location. Families would receive instructions about where and when to pick up their child.
Meridian Middle School Drill
During the February drill, students practiced a hold, followed by an evacuation, and then boarded school buses. The entire school took a bus ride around the district and then returned to campus. Once back, students entered the gyms with their classes, were accounted for, and then released back to class. The entire process took about an hour and our students and staff did a fantastic job.
Standard Response Protocol
Meridian School District uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), an incident response program developed by the I Love You Guys Foundation. SRP is not based on one scenario but provides common language and consistent procedures for any emergency situation.
As part of SRP, students practice Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter drills every month. These actions use the same procedures at every building in our district. All Whatcom County school districts and local law enforcement agencies use SRP, creating a coordinated, countywide approach to safety. Learn more about school safety in Meridian on our website.
Our Commitments: Support and Wellness
Shine and Thrive Awards
Last week we celebrated our February Shine and Thrive Award recipients! These monthly awards recognize student achievements connected to our commitments: belonging, communication, support, wellness and learning. Please join us in congratulating these students!Jacqui, 3rd grade, Irene Reither Elementary
Jacqui earned the Empowered Learner Award (support) because she works hard, always tries her best and comes ready to learn. When something feels challenging, Jacqui does not give up, she keeps trying. She listens carefully, practices and uses feedback to get better. Her growth has come from her effort and her belief that she can improve. Jacqui reminds us that empowered learners are not the ones who find everything easy, but the ones who keep going.
Tyce, 5th grade, Irene Reither Elementary
Tyce earned the Trojan Heart Award (belonging) because he consistently demonstrates courage and integrity by stepping up when it matters most. He takes the initiative to foster a positive and respectful environment among his peers. Rather than standing by, he chooses to act in ways that promote safety, accountability, and good decision-making. Tyce helps reinforce the kind of culture where everyone feels supported and encouraged to make responsible choices.
Presley, 5th grade, MP3
Presley earned the Trojan Heart Award (belonging) because she is consistently kind and thoughtful, ensuring that everyone around her feels seen and cared for. For example, when a new student arrived at MP3 Presley went out of her way to make her feel welcome. She sets a wonderful example of acceptance and genuine compassion for those around her.
Daniella, 8th grade, Meridian Middle School
Daniella earned the Trojan Voice Award (communication) because her voice and ideas make every space she’s in better. Beyond demonstrating the confidence it takes to share your thoughts amongst your peers, what Daniella shares is always reflective of a deep understanding of the content. The impact of her insight stretches beyond simply sharing with others, it provides her peers with a contagious confidence to speak their minds.
Benny, 8th grade, Meridian Middle School
Benny earned the Thriving Scholar Award (learning) because he demonstrates genuine curiosity in every lesson and a growth mindset. He asks good questions and helps support the learning we are doing by sharing his ideas for the class to consider and build upon. This creates valuable opportunities for peer learning and classroom discussion. Benny is an excellent learner who embraces challenges and consistently shows growth towards his learning goals.
Kasia, sophomore, Meridian High School
Kasia earned the Thriving Scholar Award (learning) because she is an exceptional student, and she has actively sought opportunities with teachers for ways that she can support the success of others. Her humble and selfless approach to supporting her peers’ learning is both extraordinary and inspiring.
Oakley, sophomore, Meridian High School
Oakley earned the Trojan Heart Award because he consistently demonstrates integrity and courage. Oakley stands up for others with compassion and confidence. His actions reinforce our school’s values of belonging and help ensure that every student feels safe and respected. His leadership reminds us of the powerful impact one individual can have on an entire community.
Register for Kindergarten
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is open now. Children must be 5-years-old before Sept. 1, 2026 to be eligible.
All children who are currently enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) will automatically be enrolled in kindergarten for the fall and do not need to re-register.
Questions about registration? Contact Irene Reither Elementary School at 360-398-2111 or Meridian Parent Partnership Program (MP3) at 360-398-9324.
Meridian Mindset: Courageous
In Meridian, we focus on four traits that guide how we learn, interact and grow together. We call these traits the Meridian Mindset, and they describe the behavior expectations we hold for both students and adults in our schools. Our four traits are: caring, courageous, trustworthy and open‑minded.
Courageous: Refers to being brave and willing to take risks, even in the face of adversity or uncertainty. Being courageous involves speaking up for oneself or others, and taking on new challenges with determination and perseverance.
Being courageous doesn’t mean being fearless; it means choosing to act with determination and resilience despite feeling unsure. When students practice courage, they build confidence, strengthen their voice, and learn that growth often happens outside their comfort zone.
To keep the Meridian Mindset alive at home, here are some questions you can ask your child:
- What is something new you tried this week? How did it go?
- Was there a moment when you stood up for yourself or for someone else?
- What’s a challenge you want to keep working on?
Ask Meridian
What is happening with Meridian Middle School?
Bond measures to build a new Meridian Middle School failed in November 2024 and April 2025. While the bond was unsuccessful, the needs at Meridian Middle School have not gone away. Continued maintenance and improvements will be required to keep the school safe and operational for the foreseeable future.
Since spring 2025, district staff have been meeting with other school districts and professional consultants who have offered their time and expertise to help explore potential solutions. This work is ongoing, and we are still gathering information and determining possible next steps.
If and when we are ready to move forward, we will communicate with our community and invite participation in the process. We appreciate your continued partnership.