Quick Notes
- School is closed Feb. 3-4 for inclement weather. Again, Monday is a "B" day.
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Saturday Opportunity School is canceled for this Saturday, Feb. 5.
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The High School Principal’s Coffee was held on Monday. See here for the Slideshow.
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Math Tracks at Meridian
There are three different math courses offered in the IB Diploma Program at Meridian (junior and senior years).
Math Applications Standard Level is a course designed to fit most students’ math needs in their careers and college course of study. It is based upon statistics and practical applications of mathematics.
Math Analysis Standard Level is a course designed for students who plan a college course of study that will require a background in more abstract mathematics, such as calculus. Math analysis will prepare students for a college course of study in areas such as chemistry, economics, and psychology.
Students who follow the standard math track at Meridian, taking Algebra 1 in 8th grade, Geometry in 9th grade, and Algebra 2 in 10th grade, are well prepared for either Math Applications or Math Analysis Standard Level. Note that the standard math track at Meridian is already one year more advanced than what the majority of Texas students take in high school.
Math Analysis Higher Level is the most advanced IB Diploma Program math course offered at Meridian, and is intended for students whose college course of study will require a heavy focus upon advanced mathematics. It involves more advanced calculus and is intended to prepare students for a college course of study such as physics, engineering, or mathematics.
In order to take Math Analysis Higher Level, students must be enrolled in Algebra 2 by 9th grade and take Pre-Calculus in 10th grade. For this reason we allow students to test at the end of their 5th grade year to determine if they qualify to take Meridian 7th grade Pre-Algebra (state of Texas 8th grade math) during their 6th grade year. Students who do not enter this most advanced Meridian math track by 6th grade have additional opportunities. If you are interested in these opportunities, please see Math Course Acceleration for 6th through 10th grade students.
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Course Selection 2022-2023
Counselors have now met with 10th and 11th grade students regarding course selection, and will finish meeting with 9th grade students next week. Students are making an initial course selection for 2022-2023 during these meetings, and these choices will be reviewed with parents during spring individual planning conferences. These conferences will continue through March – be sure to sign up! 10th and 11th grade signup links can be found below this section, and 9th grade signup links will be available in the Lions Share in the near future.
Resources
10th grade parent IB Diploma Program & Course Scheduling Information
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10th Grade (Class of 2024) Spring Counselor Meetings Sign Up
If you would like to schedule a 20 minute meeting to discuss the 2022-2023 course selection form or any questions you might have about individual planning, please sign up for a meeting. The meeting can be student only, or parents can join in as well.
*BEFORE signing up, please check with your student to make sure the scheduled day and time doesn't' interfere with anything important.*
These meetings are optional. Students can join me in my office and parents can join via Zoom. I am using Calendly and I am hoping I have it set up correctly, so we will find out :)
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ACT Tutoring for 11th Graders
The official ACT test is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8 at Meridian. This test is paid for by the school and registration will be handled on site with the students (no parent action is needed).
Mr. Manuszak will host free practice test sessions immediately after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the end of February/early March. Read more.
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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!
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Reminder: sign up today for 11th Grade Conferences with college counselor
Take time today to sign up for your Junior Conference with Mrs. Gregg, if you haven't already! The individual meetings discuss high school graduation plans, post-high school planning and the college application process. They are offered in person for students on campus with parents joining via Zoom. Please review the available appointment times and schedule your conference soon!
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Lion Proud Moment
Last weekend, five Meridian juniors and seniors performed in the the ATSSB high school All Region Band. Thanks to Meridian high school band director Clarissa Lopez and congratulations to our five All Region Band members: Sarah Xu, Smriti Narayanan, Matt Jackson, Brooks Dieringer, and Caleb Hammons!
Also last weekend, Meridian students attended the virtual SCVMUN (Santa Clara Valley Model United Nations) Conference. Thanks to Model UN sponsors Kristen Machczynski, Amanda McInerney, and Sophia Ramirez, and congratulations to the following student award winners!
(Students are listed with the countries they represented and the committees they served upon)
Verbal Commendations
- Ryan Wood & Gideon Noonan - Canada (IAEA--International Atomic Energy Agency)
- Sahasra Nunna & Krish Vasenjee - Canada (IAEA)
Honorable Mention
- Aryan Vallabhbhai - Canada (WHO--World Health Organization)
Outstanding Delegations
- Vijaykrishna Bajaj - Canada (General Assembly subcommittee on Disarmament and International Security)
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Adith Chandraiah & Jash Bhalani - Canada (UNHCR - UN Refugee Agency)
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Athletics and Extracurricular News |
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Snow Days: No extracurricular activities, including sports practices and competitions, Feb. 3-4
Basketball
Soccer
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Games start soon! Watch the soccer web section for details!
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A middle school soccer coach is needed! Learn more here.
Baseball
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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.
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Reminder: Adopt a Senior from the Class of 2022
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? Email Stela Holcombe at [email protected]. Thank you!
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2020-2021 Texas Academic Performance Report
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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.
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Upcoming Events and Contact Information |
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Upcoming Holidays and Holy Days
Each week, Principal Ryder shares upcoming special days around the world.
Learn more about World Hijab Day and Setsubun (plus a recap of Black History Month and Lunar New Year).
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Student or Curricular Concerns
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Counselors
Additional Contacts
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