Middle School Mane February 2, 2022

FROM THE

PRINCIPAL

Happy Groundhog day!

Looks like Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we have six more weeks of winter coming (or at least two days).

If you missed the school email that went out earlier, Meridian School is closed for Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 4 due to icy weather.

Thank you to all who joined us for the principal’s coffee. We love to share with families the exciting things that students are doing in the school.

Crystal Lane,

Middle School Principal

Middle School Campus News

Quick Notes

School is closed Thursday and Friday for inclement weather.
Saturday Opportunity School is also canceled for this Saturday, Feb. 5.
This year, February 1 marked several special events and observances around the world, including the beginning of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year, and World Hijab Day. Read on for details on all three.
See this news article for quick access to course selection resources.

STAAR Interim Assessments

Students have been taking STAAR interim assessments over the last week and a half. Printed results will be sent home between Feb. 7-19. 6th and 7th grade families will receive letters for Math and ELA. 8th grade will receive letters for Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies.

Interim assessments are important to Meridian School for several reasons. They allow us to learn how well we are teaching and communicating state standards, known as TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). They allow us to catch students up who may not yet be meeting those standards. This is the first data collected since STAAR testing in 2019 for which all of our students have been on campus for a full semester prior to being tested.

Please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions with the printed results.

Math Acceleration Option: Credit by Exam

Meridian follows an advanced math schedule compared to the majority of students in traditional public schools. This path is appropriate for the majority of students.

However, to provide additional options for skilled math students (who may wish to pursue a major in math, engineering, or physics), the school also offers the opportunity to take a math course one year more advanced than what Meridian students at their grade level normally take.

Students may progress to a more advanced math class by demonstrating readiness in one of two ways:

Taking a course or online correspondence course, or
Taking a Credit by Examination (CBE) test at Meridian.

Students who demonstrate mastery will be placed in the more advanced Meridian math course the following year. Please read this letter if you are interested in advancing your student’s math track.

Library Olympiad Reading Challenge

Secondary students and staff are invited to participate in the first Library Olympiad, a secondary school-wide reading challenge interwoven with other activities that support our IB subject groups, learner profile traits, and the Olympic spirit!

The competition runs from February 1 through February 28. Visit the library website for more information on how students can participate, or download this flyer to log in and go for the gold!

Sexual Education Preference Forms – Action Required

Complete form by Feb. 11

6th grade sexual education classes occur between Feb. 14 and 18. 7th-8th grade sexual education classes occur between Feb. 17 and 25. Meridian School is required to obtain a response from parents/guardians indicating their preference for their child’s human sexuality instruction.

To ensure your child attends the correct group, you must submit a form indicating your choice:

Athletics and Extracurricular News

Basketball

Playoffs: Boys MS Beast, Boys MS Brave, and Girls MS advance to Sub-Regional Semi-Finals and Championships! See the Basketball Game Schedule and the Athletics Calendar for details!
Updated Spectator Restrictions
Please watch the Basketball Game Schedule for last minute cancellations and updates. See the Notes column regarding COVID protocols.
Photo: Middle School girls team

Soccer

Middle School games start next week! Watch the Athletics Calendar for details!
A middle school soccer coach is needed! Learn more here.

Baseball

Baseball is open to 8th-12th grade students, all genders. Learn more.
Baseball Registration ENDS at 10 pm tomorrow, Feb. 3! No late registration!
Physical forms due Thurs., Feb. 3.
Baseball Coaches needed! Learn more.

District News

Enrollment Reminders (Please Read)

Current Students for Next Year:

Forms due Feb. 13

An email (subject line: 2022-2023 Student Commitment Form – Action Required) for current Meridian students was sent out Jan. 24. The form takes one minute to complete; please do so today if you haven't already! The form asks you if your student will return to Meridian next year (with an option of undecided). Don't forget to fill out the appropriate grade's form for each child in your family!

If you've already completed the form, thank you!

NEW Students for Next Year:

Applications due Feb. 28

If you have a currently enrolled child AND a new sibling not yet at Meridian, the new sibling needs to have an application to enter into the general lottery. That deadline is Feb. 28. Find details for NEW Meridian students on our applications page on the website.

2020-2021 Texas Academic Performance Report

Last week, school administration reviewed the 2020-2021 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for Meridian World School. The report can be found here. The results are explained in this TAPR Presentation.

Adopt a Senior from the Class of 2022

In the past, our seniors were able to enjoy school dances and overnight lock-ins, but these events are on hold until COVID cases subside. In the meantime, will your family consider "adopting" a senior to show them some love and lift their spirits?

Get your younger students involved! Make a card or a poster, mail or deliver their favorite snack, etc. You have until May to do something for them so there is plenty of time! Pick a senior (or two) and find the details on this Sign Up Genius. Questions about this? Email Stela Holcombe at s.holcombe@mwschool.org. Thank you in advance!

COVID-19 Health and Safety

A school decision tree may help you find out next steps to take if your child is isolating or quarantining for COVID-19. You can find the decision tree on the school's COVID-19 page, or directly here.