In our most recent Principals' Coffee, we engaged our parents in discussion regarding stress, anxiety and the importance of being intentional with regard to mental health and time for self care. We shared how self care may seem counterproductive in times where we are stressed and feeling overwhelmed with long “to do” lists.
However, research supports taking time for activities of self care that bring us joy. Engaging in enjoyable activities like exercise, meditation, or listening to a favorite song can increase productivity. Walks, phone calls with loved ones, gratitude lists, journaling, taking breaks and spending time with pets are all ways in which some of us unplug from our anxiety and indulge in a preferred activity.
What do you enjoy that makes you smile and forget your worries? Be intentional and schedule a time for yourself. Brighten your day today and treat yourself!
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Asynchronous Day February 1
Monday, February 1, is an asynchronous instructional day. As with the asynchronous day that we had December 11, we will not have Zoom classes. In secondary, this is a day for students to catch up on work that was already assigned, or get ahead on work that is coming up. This is also a day for teachers to work on grading and planning for instruction.
If you can keep your children home on this day, we ask that you do so. However, the building is open for those who need to bring their children to school. If you intend for your children to come to campus on Monday (2/1), please complete this please complete this form.
There are seniors who are missing tasks for the IB Diploma. IB DP Coordinator Stela Holcombe will contact these students and their parents and ask them to come to campus Monday to work on these tasks.
For attendance purposes, we ask all students to complete a Google form for each of their A-day class periods and let us know what they will be working on Monday (it’s fine if they are working on B-day classes, but we are tracking attendance for this asynchronous day through A-day class periods 1-4). This google form will be sent to students through ManageBac by Monday morning.
School Lunch Note: Our Cafe Crew will hand out lunches for distance learners as usual Monday from 11 am to noon.
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Anti-Discrimination Assemblies
Last week, we held grade level assemblies with the theme of Anti-Discrimination for all secondary students. This week we followed up with visits by counselors and administrators to individual advisories, to address any student questions. In case you are interested in viewing one of these assemblies, here is the slideshow (Anti-Discrimination Assembly Slideshow).
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Coffee Feb. 8 at 9 am
Bring your beverage of choice and join Monique Swain, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Coordinator, for a chat Monday, February 8 from 9-10 am to learn more about past, current, and future DEI work at Meridian. Feel free to email questions in advance to m.swain@mwschool.org. As always feel free to visit the DEI webpage for more information.
Meeting ID: 895 4523 7853
Passcode: 042778
Equity Vision Statement Draft -- Feedback Requested
We are working on our Equity Vision Statement to guide our work though the upcoming years. Submit your thoughts regarding our Equity Vision Statement draft on this feedback form by March 22.
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Counselors Corner: Information on our Website
Have you checked out the Secondary Counselors Pages on the school website? You can find information on graduation requirements, cyberbullying resources, a guide for parents on children’s mental health, and college planning resources (including college planning, testing, college fairs, scholarships, and more). Take a look!
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A Message from the Nurse on Face Coverings
Please check the fit, fabric and condition of your face mask. No gaps anywhere around the cheeks, chin or nose.
As we begin the new year full of new beginnings, please remember how important a properly cleaned, snug fitting, minimum of 2-ply non-woven fabric face mask is every day! The CDC tells us stretch fabric and bandanas were not found to be effective in protection.
Thank you so much for all you are doing to keep everyone as safe as possible!
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Distance Learning Students: Supply Pickup Still Available |
If you missed last week's supply pick up for secondary distance learners, you may pick up supplies at the middle school lobby (for middle schoolers) or high school lobby (for high schoolers) from Friday, January 29 to Friday, February 5.
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Secondary Principals Coffee
Thank you to those who joined us at our Secondary Principals Coffee this past Monday. Here are some notes for those who want to see what they might have missed.
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Course Selection for 2021-2022 School Year; Info Night Links |
Students currently in 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grades need to submit online course selection forms for 2021-2022 (6th and 7th grade do not). The final deadline for forms is February 8.
If, after submitting the form, there is a change in the schedule request, please email MS Counselor Laura Docherty (changes 5th grade) or HS Counselor Carrie Proctor (changes for 8th, 9th, and 11th grade).
Current 10th grade will have their selections reviewed during the sophomore conferences later in February and adjustments can be made at that meeting as long as parents are present and in agreement.
Find links to the presentations from the Parent Info nights we have held, as well as to our timeline for classroom visits and links to course selection forms and the Course Selection Guide for 2021-2022 and Academic Program of Studies 2020-2021.
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New Partnership with Round Rock Public Library
The Meridian Libraries are excited to announce a partnership with the Round Rock Public Library, expanding student access to ebooks and audiobooks! Through the Sora app, all students can now read and listen to the public library's digital collections for youth.
This is open to all Meridian Lions - you don't have to be a Round Rock library card holder to participate.
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ACT Practice Sessions begin Feb. 8 for Students in 11th Grade
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Upcoming Events and Useful Links |
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Holidays and Holy Days
February 1 is National Freedom Day, commemorating the day President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the United States constitution. The date also marks the beginning Black History Month, dedicated to the celebration and recognition of achievements of people of African ancestry. Read more about these events.
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Student or Curricular Concerns
Principals
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Counselors
Additional Contacts
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