Principals' Message
The primary school’s “pivot” to distance learning this week led to some adjustments in the secondary school as well. Several secondary faculty and staff with primary school children needed to stay home, and some secondary families also made the decision to remain home with distance learning this week.
All of this taken into account, we have made the transition fairly smoothly this week. But students and staff are all looking forward to Thanksgiving Break!
Mindful Recharge
Please take time over the Thanksgiving Break to reset and recharge. This mindfulness meditation is a great tool for the unique times we are living in.
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We Wish you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving |
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest next week, as the school closes for Thanksgiving Nov. 23-27.
Let's keep our community safe as we head into winter holidays. It is up to us to protect our friends, families, and neighbors so that we can all pull through this challenging time.
Round Rock and Georgetown offer free COVID-19 testing sites if you suspect you may have the virus that causes COVID-19, or have been directly exposed to someone who has tested positive.
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Free Meal Participation through End of School Year
Response requested by Nov. 25
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The Texas Department of Agriculture recently qualified all schools in our region to offer Free Meals to currently-enrolled students (on-campus and off) and those in our general area, no matter their qualification status, for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. This service begins on Monday, November 30, 2020.
To help our Cafe Crew better understand how many students will participate in the new Free Meal program that will begin on Monday, November 30, please answer these questions to the best of your ability by Wednesday, November 25.
We encourage you to participate and for your children to enjoy the chef-prepared meals handmade by our talented Cafe Crew, led by Chef Leslie Sterzinger! (Tamales are on the menu Dec. 1 -- We can't wait!)
Psst ... To continue the good news, stay tuned for Dinner Done to come back in December!
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Q3 Commitment Forms Due Dec. 7
It's time for Commitment Forms for Q3 and the Second Semester, which starts January 6!
- We will send out forms to the primary parent on your child's enrollment forms Friday morning.
- A specific form will be sent to current distance learners and on-campus learners.
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You will only need to complete the form if you wish to change from your current method of learning to the alternative method.
- Forms will be due at 11:59 pm Monday, December 7 (midnight).
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Where to Find Class Resources: 9th-12th Grades
One item of feedback we have received is that it can be confusing for students and parents to know where assignments are posted for a class, where to turn them in, etc. To help with this we have created spreadsheets like the ones below:
These spreadsheets show where class agendas, resources, assignments, and assignment due dates are posted, as well as where to turn in assignments and tutorial days and times for each teacher on the team. We're publishing the spreadsheets on ManageBac so students can access them.
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Counselors' Corner
Brad Mason, a local counselor who offers outside counseling services for children and families, is generously sharing a link titled Intensive Care for You. It offers a comprehensive online course for anyone struggling with a child or teen. It includes a navigable index, quiz questions, and free forms and templates.
The coupon code "Meridian" is good through January 2, 2021.
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Five Easy Ways to Support Meridian |
Check out Tuesday's Volunteers in Partnership email for five easy ways you may be able to support the school while doing what you normally do!
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Our Spirit Wear Shop closes for the semester Sunday, so get your order in today.
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Buying gift cards for holiday gifts? SCRIP now has an easy way to purchase them, without going through our usual in-person process!
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If you buy gifts through Amazon this year, consider making Meridian (International School of Williamson County) your designated charity and ordering through Smile.Amazon.com!
- Hungry for burgers? On Dec. 2, 10% of proceeds from Hat Creek Burgers goes to Meridian when you mention the school.
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And Box Tops for Education continues to bring in money for Meridian. The program now has a scan and save option!
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Upcoming Events and Useful Links |
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Upcoming Holidays, Holy Days and Observances |
Niiname-sai originated as a festival of the Shinto religion, the traditional religion of Japan. Read on
Though Thanksgiving is often thought of as commemorating the “first” Thanksgiving feast between the Wampanoag Indians and the English “Pilgrim” colonists of Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 CE, it did not become a national holiday until almost 250 years later. Read on
For Eastern Orthodox Christians, the Christmas season begins with the Nativity Fast, or Winter Lent. Read on
Christmas and Easter are two of the most sacred events on the Christian calendar. The Advent season is recognized by most Christians worldwide as a preparation for the coming of Christmas. Read on
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- Class of 2022 -- Senior Trip Meeting is Tonight! (Nov. 19)
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Thanksgiving Break Nov. 23-27
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Winter Spirit Wear Store Online through Nov. 22
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December Cafeteria Calendar: Breakfast and Lunch options.
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Giving Tuesday: Dec. 1 (Think of supporting Meridian in your Giving Tuesday plans).
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Board Meeting: Dec. 1 at 6 pm
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Overview of secondary events; subject to change
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Student or Curricular Concerns
Principals
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Counselors
Additional Contacts
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