JULY 29, 2021
FROM THE
PRINCIPAL
The 2021-2022 school year is about to begin. 

Welcome back to campus Aug. 10! 

Though we are still taking precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 (masking, sanitizing, etc.), we are looking forward to all students returning on campus for instruction, and are excited about the start of a new school year!

If you have students in Middle School, you need to be aware that we now have separate parent newsletters for the secondary school: the Middle School Mane, and for high school, this newsletter, the Lions Share.  So for all things high school, read on!


Charles Ryder,
High School Principal
School Supply Lists 2021-2022

School supply lists were put out in the Lions Share at the end of last year.  Please double-check the supply list below and make sure you have everything. As noted on the supply list, teachers may require 1-2 items that are not listed. If so, they will inform students on the first days of class.
9th Grade & New High School Student On-Campus Tour Today from 4 pm – 5 pm

Today (Thursday, July 29) we have an opportunity for 9th grade students and any other high school students who have not yet been on the high school campus (for instance, 10th graders who were remote learning all of last year) to come to campus, take a tour, and ask basic questions about high school at Meridian of the Meridian School administration and counselors.

This event will be taking place from 4 pm to 5 pm. Because of the current COVID-19 situation locally, all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated) are strongly encouraged to wear masks, and we ask that additional individuals (those not attending Meridian high school this year) not attend.
High School Schedule Walkthrough August 9

On Monday, August 9, all high school students are invited to campus to walk through their schedules and meet their teachers. We will not be passing out paper schedules on this day, but you will be able to check your schedule on Ascender, and then walk the building to find your classes. Look for more details on this in next week’s Lions Share.
Installing PikMyKid for Carline

Meridian School uses PikMyKid, a smartphone app that allows parents and guardians to announce their arrival for pick up as well as designate other drivers to pick up their child. Meridian School also sends emergency/weather notifications and traffic news via in-app notifications.

Learn more about the app and download it through your app store.
Uniforms for 2021-2022: Jeans are Allowed Monday through Friday!

Like last year, in addition to wearing khaki or black pants or shorts, students have the option of wearing jeans (blue, black, or grey) every day of the week. 

The approved uniform top Mondays is the red polo with the Meridian logo or or grey oxford (for 11-12). Tuesdays through Thursdays is a red polo (with or without logo), black polo with lion logo (for 9-12) or grey oxford (for 11-12), and on Fridays students may wear a Meridian spirit wear t-shirt. The local shop Rocksports can embroider shirts that you either purchase from them or bring to them.

Please see the Meridian School Uniform Guide for more details.

Other uniform notes:

  • Again this year, we will not require PE uniforms. Students will remain in their school uniform during PE class.

  • Our parent volunteer group (ViP) will host a uniform exchange this Saturday, July 31, from 10 am to noon, at the Primary campus. This is a great opportunity to purchase gently used uniforms at just $2 per piece.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols: Meeting Aug. 2
 
As our staff works to get the campus ready for return to all in-person instruction August 10, we are finalizing our health and safety protocols.
 
We will release our COVID-19 health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year Friday, July 30, on our website. We will host a parent/guardian Zoom webinar Monday, August 2, in the evening, to discuss safety protocols and answer general questions.
 
It is a community effort. Please help us by getting vaccinated if you can, and by continuing to wear masks indoors on campus. Find out where to get a vaccine.
Learning Will Take Place on Campus Fall 2021
 
Parents, please understand that Meridian will not be able to provide distance learning this year for students in general. We do not have the personnel or the means to hire additional teachers to provide remote instruction. 
 
Should distance learning be the best thing for your family at this time, we invite you to consider your traditional home district as Leander, Round Rock, and Austin will all offer some form of distance learning. You will need to withdraw from Meridian and enroll in your district to access this. The school is unable to hold spots open; families wishing to return would re-enter the lottery for future admission.
 
Re-opening questions will be answered at the Parent/Guardian meeting Aug. 2.
After School opportunities

Waiters Registration is open

Waiters is designed for families with at least one student in primary (K-5th) and at least one student in secondary (6th-12th). Meridian staff provide a place for primary students to wait after school until their secondary siblings are released from school at 4:05/1:30 pm. This allows K-12th siblings to be picked up together in the same car line. Register here.

After School 6-12 Registration is open

After School 6-12 provides a safe place for middle school and high school students to hang out and socialize from dismissal until 5:45 pm. It is for students who cannot be picked up at dismissal or who need a place to be before or after their extracurricular activity. Register here.

Triple A is hiring

The Triple A - After School Program is searching for dedicated and passionate individuals to fill several part-time after school positions. Learn more and apply.
Upcoming Events and Contact Information
Upcoming Events

  • 9th grade & new high school student on campus tour and Q & A July 29 at 4 pm
  • Uniform Exchange July 31
  • Last day to order Spirit Wear Aug. 1
  • Parent/Guardian COVID-19 Protocols Webinar Aug. 2
  • High School Schedule Walkthrough Aug 9
  • First Day of School Aug. 10
  • Labor Day (No School) Sep. 6
Changes in Administration

In addition to welcoming Ms. Crystal Lane in her new role as Middle School Interim Principal, please welcome Ms. Michaele Pansza as the Assistant Principal for grades 8 through 10, Mr. Nick Manuszak (formerly 10th grade College Readiness teacher) as counselor for grades 10 through 12, and Ms. Laura Docherty (formerly 6th-8th grade counselor) as counselor for grades 8 and 9!
Student or Curricular Concerns

Assistant Principal grades 8-10: Michaele Pansza
Assistant Principal grades 11-12: Stela Holcombe

MYP Coordinator grades 6-10: Kristen Machczynski
IB Diploma Program Coordinator: Stela Holcombe

Secondary Special Education Coord: April Harris
Secondary Librarian: Tina Van Winkle

Counselors

Grades 8-9: Laura Docherty
Grades 10-12: Nick Manuszak
College Counseling: Kathy Gregg

Additional Contacts

High School Principal: Charles Ryder
High School Attendance: Shawn Seaman
Cafe: Chef Leslie Sterzinger
MERIDIAN SCHOOL | [mwschool.org]