Principals' Message
The end of the semester is almost here! Friday is an asynchronous day. Then next week we have semester exams and other final assessments for the semester (remember that next week we follow our regular bell schedule, but Wednesday is a full day of class, ending at 4 pm). Then, we have winter break!
A reminder to our students: keep 6 feet apart when waiting for class, working together on projects or eating lunch; otherwise, you are considered in close contact with one another. Desks are placed 6 feet apart for this reason. If a staff person or student tests positive for COVID-19, the school contacts people who have been in close contact (i.e. closer than 6 feet away) for an extended period of time to quarantine.
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Asynchronous Day Friday, Dec. 11
Friday, December 11, is an asynchronous day. Classes will not meet. Students have been asked to reflect on Timely Work Completion for each of their classes and turn this in by the end of the day (some classes are using this TWC Reflection Form, while others may use a Google Form). Other than the TWC reflection, students have this time to catch up on work that has already been assigned, or to study for assessments next week.
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Holiday Teacher Appreciation Notes |
Dear Parents, the Student Council is organizing an effort for students and parents to send virtual notes of appreciation for the holidays. Parents are encouraged to write a note or two to a teacher or other staff member who has made a difference in your student’s educational experience in this challenging school year of COVID-19. Personal notes make a HUGE difference in teacher morale. We hope you will find a few minutes to participate.
You can submit a note of thanks HERE by Wednesday, December 16. We appreciate your support!
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IOWA Test Results for Middle School
Results from the Iowa Test that middle school students took in October will be sent home next week with students who are on campus. If your child is off campus and you would like a copy of the results, you can pick them up in the middle school office.
When interpreting the results, please note that it is a nationally normed test. A score of 50th percentile in a certain area is not bad. It actually is an average score (higher than 50% of students, lower than the other 50%). And a score of 75th percentile is definitely above average.
If you have any questions about interpretation of the results, please feel free to reach out to a school administrator.
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Alumni Day January 7
Thursday, January 7, we will hold our annual Alumni Recognition Day. It will primarily be held via Zoom this year, but we still plan to provide opportunities for current students and parents to visit with our alumni about college and how a Meridian IB education impacts their college experience. We'll share more details soon.
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New Middle School Counselor
Please join us in welcoming Laura Docherty to Meridian. She is joining us from the admissions office of Southwestern University. She has significant experience in both the public and private school setting as a school counselor. She and her family relocated to central Texas from the greater Chicago area. Ms. Docherty starts full time at Meridian on December 14.
Coco Cole Retiring
Ms. Cole will be leaving us on December 17. She is looking forward to focusing her time being a Volleyball mom and spending time at the country club. Coco has been in education for 20 years and she has long wanted for the day to relax and focus on her own children. Please wish Coco well in her retirement and best of luck in her future adventures.
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Parents of 6th, 8th, and 9th grade PE students
The parent meeting to review the sexual education content taught in PE will be held on Monday, January 11, at 6 pm. This event is hosted by Austin LifeGuard and will be held through zoom. In order to attend you will need to register in advance here: Austin LifeGuard Parent Night Registration.
Please reach out to Assistant Principal Crystal Lane if you have any concerns or questions.
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ACT March 9
Juniors will take the ACT on campus Tuesday, March 9. Off campus students will have the option to come to campus to take it. Like the SAT, the ACT is an important test considered by most colleges in their admissions process.
Webinar: What's the Real Cost of College?
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- Saving for college – it is never too late!
- How to select a college and how much it will cost
- FAFSA - what, why and how
- Understanding a financial aid offer
- How to find and apply for scholarships and grants – FREE $$$
- Education loan options
- Free tools and resources to make the process easier
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Corrected Link: MS Bell Schedule (Goes into Effect 2nd Semester)
Last week’s Lions Share mentioned that Middle School will have a new bell schedule next semester. If you clicked on the link, you were shown the wrong document, but that has been corrected.
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Upcoming Events and Useful Links |
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Upcoming Holidays, Holy Days and Observances |
Today, December 10, is International Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948.
The Jewish religious observance of Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown, and runs through December 18. Read on
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were adopted by the United States government on December 15, 1791. Both a joint resolution of Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized the 150th anniversary of this date by proclaiming December 15, 1941 as “Bill of Rights Day,” and US presidents since then have continued this annual tradition of proclaiming December 15 to be “Bill of Rights Day." Read on
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December Cafeteria Calendar: Breakfast and Lunch options
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Asynchronous Learning Day: Dec. 11
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End of Semester: Dec. 17
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Winter Break: Dec. 18-Jan. 5
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Overview of secondary events; subject to change
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Spelling Bee Online Test: Jan. 6
- Alumni Recognition Day: Jan. 7
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Student or Curricular Concerns
Principals
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Counselors
Additional Contacts
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