Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
This week we are proud to celebrate the incredible teachers who make our schools places where learning thrives. Through their dedication and commitment to students, they create environments where curiosity is encouraged, relationships matter and every learner is supported.
Their work reaches far beyond lesson plans and classrooms. They inspire confidence and help students discover their strengths academically, socially and emotionally. Even on the most challenging days, they show up with care, ensuring that each student feels honored, valued and heard.
Thank you for the heart you bring to your work every day!
National School Nurse Day May 6
On National School Nurse Day, we take a moment to celebrate the vital role our school nurses play in the lives of our students. Our school nurses support the health and well-being of the whole child, helping students stay healthy, safe and ready to learn. They respond with compassion in moments of need and work closely with families and staff to ensure every student receives the support they need.
Their dedication makes a meaningful difference in our schools and in the lives of our students. Join us in expressing appreciation!
Our Commitments: Belonging, Communication, Support, Wellness and Learning
Irene Reither Elementary and Meridian High School Receive State Recognition
We are proud to announce that two of our schools have been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for Closing Gaps during the 2024–25 school year.
- Irene Reither Elementary School | Closing Gaps: Targeted
- Meridian High School | Closing Gaps: English Learner Progress
The program highlights schools that demonstrate exceptional progress in key areas of student success and only 16% of schools in Washington were recognized this year. Through focused support and teamwork, these schools helped more students thrive and made meaningful progress in learning for all.
These achievements reflect a true whole-school effort involving staff, families, students and our community. Thank you for your continued dedication to helping learning thrive in Meridian.
Our Commitments: Support and Learning
Our Commitments
Our Commitments developed in partnership with staff, families, students, and our community guide our work every day. These short videos highlight how we are actively advancing our commitments of Belonging and Communication. Learn more about Our Commitments.
Dr. Kurt Harvill Invites Community Input
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kurt Harvill will assume the role of Interim Superintendent for the 2026–27 school year, beginning July 1.
As Dr. Harvill steps into this role, he is eager to listen and learn from Meridian staff, families, students, and community members. We invite you to share your perspective by completing our community feedback survey by May 22. Your input will help us better understand what Meridian is doing well, where there are opportunities for improvement and how we should shape our path forward.
Throughout the summer and fall, Dr. Harvill will continue meeting with and engaging staff, families, students, and community members. Feedback gathered during this time will help inform Meridian’s next steps and support the future superintendent search.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Our Commitments: Communication
CEE Survey Highlights Growth and Areas of Focus
Thank you to our staff, families and students who participated in the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) Survey in February. We have received the results and will continue to take a deeper look at the data as we develop goals and priorities for the 2026-27 school year.
One early example comes from Meridian Middle School, where staff have focused this year on strengthening Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to better meet student needs. On the survey item asking whether students receive early intervention and help, positive family responses increased by 27 percent compared to last year, while staff responses increased by 21 percent.
Meridian Middle School also saw double‑digit gains in areas such as “The school is doing a good job of preparing students for a successful future” and “We reflect on instructional practice to inform conversations about improvement.”
MMS is using the survey results to identify areas of focus for next year. While students’ sense of safety improved slightly (65%), this remains an important priority. Equity practices (63%) will also be a key focus as the school works to ensure all students feel included and have access to the support they need to succeed in alignment with Our Commitment of Belonging.
Principal Robert Kratzig and Assistant Principal Jill Hammack shared some of these highlights during the April 15 school board meeting.
These results show how focused efforts can make a meaningful difference, and we look forward to continuing this work across our schools.
Our Commitments: Support and Learning
Shine and Thrive Awards
Last week we celebrated our April 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!
Anthony, 3th grade at MP3
Anthony earned the Empowered Learner Award (support) because he holds high expectations for himself and approaches his learning with determination and purpose. Just as importantly, he is willing and eager to support his peers when they need assistance. His growth from a more passive participant to a confident classroom leader speaks volumes about his commitment and perseverance.
Sofia, 8th grade at MMS
Sofia earned the Empowered Learner Award (support) because she is a dedicated learner. Sofia is constantly growing as a learner and taking charge of her learning through doing her best. Sofia asks questions to further her own and the class’s understanding of our subject and takes care to produce quality products. Sofia not only does her best but through her example encourages those around her to do the same.
Claire, 8th grade at MMS
Claire is a shining example of the Empowered Learner Award (support). She consistently goes above and beyond on her assignments and engages in class with curiosity. Her love of learning is evident in the way she listens and participates thoughtfully. Claire takes ownership of her growth, and when she is unsure, she seeks input from both teachers and peers, demonstrating self-advocacy and collaboration.
Paloma, 10th grade at MHS
Paloma exemplifies the spirit of Trojan Voice Award (communication) through her powerful communication and advocacy. She demonstrates remarkable self-awareness and also consistently checks in on others with care and intention. Paloma uses her voice to advocate not only for learning, but for the well-being and dignity of her peers. Through her courage and leadership, Paloma ensures that voices in Meridian are honored, heard and valued.
Max, 10th grade at MHS
Max earned the Thriving Scholar Award (learning) because she takes ownership of her learning, demonstrating persistence, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the content. Beyond her own success, she consistently looks out for others. Without being asked, Max notices when classmates are struggling, offers support, and creates a safe space for peers to ask questions and learn. Her peers benefit from her mentorship, showing that Max isn’t just excelling in her own learning, she’s lifting others along the way.
Meridian Mindset: Open-Minded
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 open-minded?
Open-Minded means being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, and willing to consider different viewpoints. Being open-minded involves actively listening to others and being willing to learn from them, even if their ideas differ from one’s own.
In our schools, being open‑minded shows up when students actively listen to others, respectfully share their own ideas, and remain willing to learn even when someone else’s thinking or experiences are different from their own.
When students practice being open‑minded, they build understanding, strengthen relationships, and learn how to collaborate in a diverse community. Open‑mindedness helps prepare students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
To keep the Meridian Mindset alive at home, here are some questions you can ask your child:
- How can you show respect when someone has a different idea than you?
- How does being open‑minded contribute to a welcoming school community?
Whatcom Early Learning Center Update
The Whatcom Early Learning Center (WELC) construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027. However, at this time, the project is on hold while we await the release of federal grant funding and final contract approval. The Whatcom Early Learning Center and District Office relocation is funded by federal and state dollars, grants, and donations, and not the school district budget or local levies.
Because the early learning center will be constructed on the current District Office site, district staff will need to relocate. A prefabricated modular building will be placed on the northwest side of the Meridian High School parking lot, west of the greenhouse. We anticipate this to happen this summer, but again, some of the federal grant funding is on pause, so a start date is unclear. This building will include 11 office spaces and four classrooms, which will house skills center programs. The early learning center will meet a critical need in our area by providing child care for 80 to 120 children ages birth to five years old, and will also offer early childhood education courses for high school juniors and seniors in our area.
You may notice field markers indicating the future location of this building. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
You can learn more about the future Whatcom Early Learning Center and Whatcom County Skills Center on our website.<