Middle School Mane October 6, 2021

FROM THE

PRINCIPAL

Hello,

Many are excited to wrap up the first quarter and enjoy some much needed time off during Fall Break.

As we bring this first nine weeks to an end, encourage your students to check their grades and submit any missing assignments. The grading period ends Friday.

Grades will be available after we return from break. All campuses will be closed from October 11-15. We hope everyone has a restful and safe fall break.

Crystal Lane,

Middle School Principal

Learning in Action (photo above)

8th graders in Ms. Rothenberger's geometry class used their math skills to create mandalas! They painted the finished designs on ceramic coasters.

Stopping Bullying on Campus

We have experienced an increase in bullying on campus. Students are participating in name calling, gossiping, and posting hurtful comments on social media.

We are actively addressing these issues during the school day through social emotional learning lessons, campus-wide kindness initiatives, and counseling support for aggressors and victims, in addition to disciplinary action.

Please help us eliminate bullying from our campus:

Encourage your child to take proactive measures in addressing this behavior.
Discuss with your child what to do if they witness a friend bullying or being bullied.
Encourage them to stand up for the victim and tell an adult immediately.
Monitor your child’s social media accounts to ensure your child’s safety.

Bullying is a vicious cycle. It impacts more than just the parties involved. This link provides advice for parents in discussing bullying behavior with their children.

Acts of Kindness

As we wrap up this week, let’s continue our Acts of Kindness. Our positivity Wall in the Flag hallway has been a wonderful way to see students write kind and encouraging words to share with others who need it.

We ask that our students continue to think about others and consider what it’s like to “walk a mile in others shoes.” Be mindful of not always knowing what others are going through.

Counselors' Corner

If you missed the NAMI Mental Health webinar, "Let's Talk," you can find the recording here. Remember, our counselors are always here for you and your students during the school day. Primary students enjoy a social emotional learning class with counselors during specials classes. Learn more about Primary Counseling, and see a list of helpful mental health resources.

If you're interested in joining a Parent/Guardian Book Group on Zoom, email Nancy Spence at [email protected].

Exploring Banned Books

In conjunction with Banned Books Week, the secondary library has set up a display of books that have been banned in various places around the world. Banned Books Week highlights the important role that books serve in building community and understanding.

Ms. Van Winkle's planned activities for Banned Books Week include a photo opportunity for students and a "guess the shredded book" jar.

Meridian Annual Fund

Donate today!

More than 200 Board members, staff, and families have already donated to this year's Annual Fund – thank you!

Consider donating today – it's your chance to make a positive impact on your child's education!

(Photo: our rain garden hardscaping was finished in August, thanks to last year's Annual Fund. The garden will be planted Oct. 30!)

Virtual HBCU College Fair

Saturday, October 16

A reminder: the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair is Saturday, October 16, from 10 am – 2 pm. Interested families can register online. This free online event is for students of all ages and is put on by the Round Rock Black Parents Association and RRISD.

Meridian Math Pentathlon

Information Session/Group Practice October 23

Meridian Math Pentathlon is open to all Meridian families in K-7th Grade. New and returning families can sign up here. First group practice / information session to be held on Oct 23. More info is available on the Math Pentathlon website and Facebook.

Rain Garden Workday and Fundraiser

October 30

Want to dig in the dirt? Families are invited to plant two gardens and clean up the Primary Playground Oct. 30 at 9 am. See details.

Shoppers at Round Rock Garden Center between today and Oct. 30 can mention Meridian World School at the checkout, and 10% (pretax) of their purchase will go to Meridian! We'll use proceeds to plant and mulch the Monarch Waystation Garden.

Athletics & Extracurricular Activities for Grades 7-12

Please open Athletics and Extracurricular Activities for Secondary Students for more information on:

Protect Your Academic Eligibility!
Sports Photos - Tuesday, 10/19!
Basketball - Registration NOW OPEN!
Cross Country - TCSAAL Regional Meet Next Saturday, 10/16! Come support our Running Lions!
Volleyball - Home Games This Wednesday, 10/6! Congratulations to Girls MS Beast, who is still undefeated in the league!
Model UN - No meeting this Friday, 10/8. MSMUN participation fees due 10/7.

Girls MS Beast defeated NYOS on 10/04 and are currently undefeated in the league. Photo by Marc Kruse.