"A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure."
...H. Kissinger
Before Spring Break, I had the joy of watching two of our incredibly focused 3rd graders in Mr. Kugler's class as they explored the many systems in place that make a squirt bottle function effectively. Our two thinkers in this picture were considerate of each other's ideas, and worked collaboratively to construct meaning....way to go 3rd Grade!
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Please click on these
Newsletter Topics for more information:
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Due to Williamson County's stay-at-home order, Meridian has extended its closure through April 12. While regional health authorities have recommended that all public and private schools remain closed through the rest of the semester, this has yet to be determined. We will continue to update you as the situation unfolds and as we receive more information from our daily calls with local government, health officials, and the Texas Commissioner of Education.
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Many of you have asked if our teachers and staff will continue to receive pay during the school's closure. We certainly understand and appreciate your concern as we believe our staff is Meridian's first and foremost asset. Please know that while we will be "closed" and delivering instruction remotely, TEA has stated that our funding will continue. This is great news as the vast majority of our staff salaries are covered with these funds. There is a small percentage of staff however, that is paid through self-funding income streams. These staff are no less important to Meridian's success and we are committed to paying all employees through our budget contingency or reserves if necessary.
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This regularly scheduled board meeting will take place via Zoom. The public can attend via the call-in number 877 853 5247 US Toll-free OR 888 788 0099 US Toll-free Meeting ID: 257 810 658 . Please read the agenda to learn how public comment will be managed. A link to the agenda can be found
HERE
.
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Medication pickup has been completed. Should there be a need to contact the nursing staff, please do so at
nurse@mwschool.org.
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Device Checkout (Deadline: 3/27)
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For students without access to a device (computer or tablet), please contact Meridian at
tech-assist@mwschool.org
to arrange a time to check out a device from school. Because of the need for our staff to also follow the stay-at-home order, this Friday, March 27 will be the last day to do so. Checkout times fall between 10am-2pm. Again, these arrangements must be made in advance by emailing
tech-assist@mwschool.org
.
NOTE: As advised by our attorney, parents are permitted to travel in order to pick up education materials. This includes traveling to school for a device.
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Distance Learning & Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology
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Beginning on Monday, March 30 we will begin to deliver distance learning to student. All staff are busy working this week to establish appropriate distance learning experiences for your child. All of our K-5 classrooms will be utilizing See Saw and Zoom to deliver content, and you will learn more about these platforms from your child's teacher.
Teachers will send emails this Thursday, March 26 (by the end of day) containing information regarding both the grade-level and individual classroom plans. Primary grades will provide some live video but this will primarily be for check-in purposes only. Other activities will be pre-recorded video and links to online material.
Please be attentive to the emails that you get from your child's teacher, and take the action needed to have your child set up and ready to learn on Monday.
We have intentionally planned for our first week of distance learning to focus on establishing classroom systems, create learning norms, build on what is familiar to your child, and provide reassurance. We thank you in advance for your support as we work to do all we can to support your child during this unprecedented time.
IMPORTANT:
Parents, as you may, at times, be 'present' in the classroom, viewing the teacher in live or recorded lessons, we ask that you respect the privacy of the classroom, students, and teacher. If you wish to share concerns or thoughts, please do so with the teacher directly. Do not post on any social media. The materials produced are proprietary and may not be reproduced for any purpose other than providing instructional material to Meridian students.
Please review the Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology HERE.
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If you receive an invoice or alert from MySchoolBucks.com to pay your monthly Triple A fees, please disregard as the system is set up to be automated. Triple A fees are suspended until school resumes. More information will be sent out at that time.
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Calling All Singers Grades 3-5
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Hello 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Families,
I hope that this email finds you in good spirits as we navigate this new norm!
Calling all singers!
Over the last week I've been thinking of ways that I can engage the students through music and help bring something fun! So what I'd like to try and create is a virtual performance of the song 'You've Got A Friend' by Randy Newman from Toy Story. If we can pull this off I'm hoping we can share it so that students remember they're still connected and can see each other doing this. At the same time bring some joy to others in our Meridian Community.
I have split the song into three sections, one per grade. There are folders that I have set up online for you to access the section for the grade your child(ren) are in. You will find a document with the instructions, a document with the lyrics and ASL hand signs, and the recording of the section. Below are the links to the folders.
4th Grade
5th Grade
The
deadline
to complete and submit the video is
Friday, March 27 at 6pm.
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Today while listening to our kindergarten team plan their next steps, I was inspired by the heart that went into their planning, the intentionality in selecting experiences that would be meaningful, attainable and enjoyable for our students, and the amazing connections that they were making to their current central idea which reads: communication builds knowledge and skills. In addition, they discussed the ways in which they could revisit learning from the previous planner, which addressed disruptions of systems.
While I certainly wish that we were not in a situation whereby so many people were being adversely affected by COVID-19, we do have the opportunity to honor the learning that can be had from this event. The events that are happening around our world are scary, they invoke an unknown, and can leave us questioning what control we have. Our objective for these next weeks is to provide an opportunity for our students to experience success, bring consistency to their day, and allow for them to take agency in their learning.
We will continue to navigate these unchartered waters together. We are committed to making decisions that we feel will best support and enrich your child in both their academic and social-emotional wellbeing.
The journey continues...
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Sincerely,
Shannon Haulotte
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Shannon Haulotte
Primary Principal
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Who's Who and Helpful Contact Information
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