April Meridian Monthly

Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

Our schools are proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month during the month of April. While awareness helps us recognize names and labels, acceptance is about action. It is about embracing the talents and strengths our students who are neurodiverse.

Our goal is to ensure that every student feels seen, heard and valued. To celebrate the month, we took a moment to meet with some of our students and hear from them!

Oliver, Meridian High School

Oliver is a senior at Meridian High School

What is it like being a student in Meridian?

I’m working hard, working really hard. Just keep on track. Keep up the hard work. I think some really nice teachers give you really hard work. Just do it. Just do the work.

What do you enjoy about school?

I enjoy math, PE, English, chemistry and the other things I learned.

What is your favorite subject?

Chemistry. It gets hard, but you get used to it. It’s a lot of big learning to do. It’s like math but it’s a little bit hard math. You need to learn about the world because there’s a lot of things you don’t know about the world.

What is something you’re really good at?

Art. Definitely art. I’m an artist, but I don’t draw that much. I have a lot of work to do, so I don’t have time. If I do have time, I like to draw.

What do you think you need extra help with?

Biology, English, chemistry and some science. Those things I need (help with) because I don’t know what to do. I don’t understand all of the things I learned. Some I do, some I don’t. They are the best teachers I’ve ever met, but If I’m struggling at work, I will ask her (my teacher) a question.

Is there anything you would want people to know about you?

They told me I’m really good at drawing and some people tell me I am really good at working hard and staying focused on what I am doing.

Ozzy and Oliver at Irene Reither Elementary

Ozzy, 3rd Grade

When asked what it’s like to be a student here, Ozzy shared appreciation for his teachers, friends, recess and math class. PE also stood out as a highlight especially during free choice time.

Ozzy is curious and has a love for science and logic. As a visual learner, he shared that he does best when lessons include opportunities to imagine and explore big ideas through thought experiments.

“Thought experiments are a good way, especially when it’s like, what would be the implications of if the speed of light was half as fast one way, but infinite in another way?” he said.

Reading (and running) are strengths. Ozzy shared that he particularly likes books that explore scientific “what if” scenarios and apply real science to imaginative ideas.

Ozzy also shared thoughtful self-awareness, noting that while science comes easily to him, social skills can be more challenging. “Really I’m a lot better at science than social skills,” Ozzy shared.

Despite the social challenges he navigates, Ozzy’s reflections highlight the ways students experience and connect with school in their own unique ways.

Oliver, 5th Grade

When asked what it’s like to be a student here, Oliver shared that school feels “pretty good,” especially because of the strong support for students with IEPs and Special Education services.

Some of Oliver’s strengths include math, reading and being responsible. Oliver shared that for him learning works best when instruction is clear and concise, followed by enough time to apply new skills. Oliver shared that sometimes he needs extra time to complete assignments. “Writing and sometimes things that make sense to other kids don’t make sense to me at first, so I have to reread them. So it just kind of depends. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t,” he shared.

Oliver also shared that being neurodivergent can make social interactions challenging. “I have a lot of trouble with social skills. It’s a little bit difficult being neurodivergent. To understand that sometimes people think differently than them, but that’s fine if they think differently, right? They can think differently, and you can still be respectful,” he shared.

Oliver’s experiences highlight the importance of supportive environments, flexible learning approaches and respectful relationships.

Intentional Teacher Learning Supports Student Growth

Each year, Meridian School District sets aside three school days for teacher learning. On these days, students do not attend school so teachers can focus on improving their instructional practices. These learning days are planned collaboratively by building leaders and designed with intention because strong teaching leads to stronger student learning.

Over the past few years, the professional learning days have focused on helping teachers build skills to help students feel engaged and confident in their classrooms. Teachers have learned ways to encourage student discussion, build a sense of belonging and recognize students’ strengths and backgrounds. More recently, teachers have focused on checking for understanding during lessons and providing clear, helpful feedback so students know what they are doing well and what to work on next. Often, these sessions are led by our own outstanding educators who share strategies that are successful in their classrooms. Teachers across the district are learning together and using shared strategies, which helps create consistent learning experiences for students.

This approach is working.

Student achievement has increased every year in both reading and math. Reading growth has risen steadily since 2021. Math growth has increased even more, with faster gains each year. While we recognize there is still work to be done, we are encouraged by the measurable progress made each year.

Meridian’s professional learning is not about short-term programs. It is a long-term commitment to strong teaching and student success. The results show that when teachers learn with intention, students learn more, and they can feel the difference in their classrooms every day.

Shine and Thrive Awards

This week we celebrated our March 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!

Kayden, 1st grade at Irene Reither Elementary
Kayden earned the Trojan Heart Award (belonging) because he consistently shows his classmates that they belong. Every day, he makes a thoughtful effort to include others and ensure everyone feels valued. Kayden listens attentively when others speak, validates their feelings, and demonstrates genuine care for all of his classmates. He believes that everyone can grow and do better, and he shares this belief openly and often. Kayden understands that all brains and bodies are different, and he gently reminds others of this with kindness and compassion.

Ira, 3rd grade at MP3
Ira earned the Trojan Heart Award (belonging) because he can always be counted on to be a thoughtful and encouraging partner during our class. Ira is able to draw out the best in everyone he works with. He models respect and empathy which in turn makes his classmates feel like they belong and are important. Ira is a friend to all and a shining example of how kindness and respect create a welcoming environment.

Chloe, 4th grade at MP3
Chloe earned the Empowered Learner Award (support) because she is a strong advocate for her learning. She asks questions that not only assist her own learning but also help her peers to dig deeper and examine their understanding of the lesson as well. Chloe is quick to dive into an assignment but also eager to interact with peers or the teacher to clarify if she is unsure of what is being asked. Her strong desire to succeed shines through in the many interactions she has throughout the school day.

Joshua, 7th grade at Meridian Middle School
Joshua earned the Thriving Scholar Award (learning) because of his dedication to learning and personal growth. Joshua arrives in class prepared, focused, and eager to participate in every learning opportunity. Joshua’s work ethic is commendable and his positive attitude creates a ripple effect that elevates the entire classroom environment. Joshua is not just a model student; he is an example of what consistent effort, curiosity, and a growth mindset can achieve.

Angad, 8th grade at Meridian Middle School
Angad earned the Trojan Voice Award (communication) because of the thoughtful and positive way he communicates with others. Both academically and interpersonally, Angad demonstrates strong communication skills by engaging intentionally with his teachers and peers, and listening with care. He often expresses his curiosity and kindness through heartwarming questions that help others feel heard and valued. Through his positivity and eagerness to engage in conversation, Angad builds strong and lasting connections.

Reese, 9th grade at Meridian High School
Reese earned the Empowered Learner Award (support) because she takes ownership of her learning and is an incredibly hardworking student. Reese tackles challenges through perseverance and determination, and shows up every day ready to engage, participate and learn. She asks for help when she needs it, works closely with her teachers, and gives her best effort. Her commitment to growth demonstrates what it means to be an empowered learner.

Victoria, 9th grade at Meridian High School
Victoria earned the Trojan Heart Award (belonging) because she is a student who always contributes to an inclusive classroom atmosphere. You can always count on Victoria to make sure everyone feels seen, heard and appreciated. She has a unique ability to meet peers where they are, whether it is working one-on-one or in a group, she listens with care and ensures all voices are valued. Her kindness isn’t just part of the equation, it’s the solution that helps build a school where everyone feels they belong.

Save the Date: District Art Show

Join us on Monday, April 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for our District Art Show at Meridian High School.

Student artwork from all Meridian schools will be on display in the commons, showcasing the creativity and talent of our young artists. Enjoy an evening of the arts, with live music performances by our students.

This free, all‑ages event is open to the entire community. We hope you will come celebrate our students and experience the amazing art and music happening in our schools!

Meridian Mindset: Trustworthy

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.

What does it mean to be trustworthy?
Trustworthy means being reliable, responsible, and truthful in all interactions with others. Being trustworthy involves following through on commitments, being honest in communication, and respecting the confidentiality of others.

When students practice trustworthiness, they help create classrooms and schools where people feel safe, respected and confident in one another. Trust is the foundation of strong relationships, teamwork and a positive learning environment.

To keep the Meridian Mindset alive at home, here are some questions you can ask your child:

What does it mean to be honest?
How do you show others they can trust you?
Can you share a time when being honest was difficult but important?

Ask Meridian

What is a school board?

In Washington state, local school boards play a vital role in ensuring that public education reflects the values and priorities of the communities they serve. Elected school board members provide citizen oversight of public schools and are entrusted with setting the vision and direction for the district. In Meridian School District, the school board is made up of five citizens who are elected by district voters to serve four-year terms. Any adult resident who meets state legal qualifications may run for the board, and by choice, Meridian board members serve without compensation as a public service to their community.

The Meridian School Board is responsible for guiding the district at a policy and governance level. This includes establishing district goals, adopting operating policies, overseeing the district’s financial affairs, and ensuring that educational programs are regularly reviewed and evaluated. Board members also support program development and advocate on behalf of all students and schools, helping ensure that decisions are made with student success, equity and community needs at the forefront. Through this work, the board maintains a strong commitment to local decision-making and accountability in public education.

School board meetings are an important way for the public to stay informed and engaged. In Meridian, regular board meetings are held at Meridian Middle School in the library and begin at 5 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast live and recorded for later viewing on YouTube. Meeting schedules and agendas are available through BoardDocs.

Community members who want to learn more about the broader role of school boards across Washington can also visit the Washington State School Directors’ Association website for additional information and resources.

Have a question?
We value your partnership and invite you to reach out with questions, ideas or anything you are curious about!

District News for our Community

Know someone who would love school updates?
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 below or QR code right, so more people can join the Meridian Trojans family and stay informed!

Key Dates

April
April is Autism Acceptance Month
April is National Arab American Heritage Month

April 6-10: Spring Break (No School)
April 15: Regular School Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
April 23: Senior Presentations (early dismissal for MHS only)
April 27: District Art Show, 6-7:30 p.m.
April 29: Regular School Board Meeting, 5 p.m.
April 30: District Talent Show (Grades 6-12), 6-8 p.m.
May 1: District Talent Show (K-5), 6-8 p.m.
May 2: District Talent Show Finals, 6 p.m.

Looking Ahead
May 25: Memorial Day (No School)
June 3: Meridian High School Graduation
June 10: Last Day of School