Meridian High School
October 12th - 16th, 2020
Our Mission:
Principal's Message
As we begin our first full week of our 2nd, 4th, and 6th period classes, I have heard many teachers talk about their excitement to meet their new students and to engage in some new content. Teachers also have shared how the experience from the first weeks of school has helped them better prepare for their new classes. While there are fresh things to be learned, there is also more confidence in what to expect in classes.
Yes, we have switched classes. Our 1st, 3rd, and 5th period classes are on hiatus while we engage in our 2nd, 4th and 6th period classes for the next four weeks. That means we have also sent out our first progress report last week. These grades are not final. Students will continue to work on these classes later in the semester.
In looking at students' grades, I gathered some advice from teachers and students of things that have worked well in our remote setting:
* Students need to set time to do work everyday for each class. This is not last spring and students can't do the work on one day and not think about the class again. The work in live virtual sessions and at home go hand in hand and make it easier for students to better understand the material and do better on their work.
* If a teacher asks students to do a particular task before class it is a huge benefit to do the task before class. The student will better understand the material as it is presented in class. The class discussion and questions are richer and support one another's understanding of the work.
* Students need to take advantage of the resources provided to them. Using T3 or Office Hours to get help on an assignment, get questions answered, or get caught up will only help the student to be more confident in their learning and reduce stress.
* Students need to contact their teachers with questions. While teachers may not be as available as they are in T3 or Office Hours, they still are answering emails and offering support through other means. When you have a question, communicate. You may not always remember by the next day when you have class.
* Students need to set a schedule and stick to it. Routine and structure keep tasks from getting too overwhelming and help students focus on what is needed to do now.
* Students need to check their Google Classrooms more than just when in class and check their student email accounts at least twice a day. Running Start students should be checking their email accounts as well.
I hope you find the contents of this newsletter helpful in learning more about the staff, the work we are doing and how you can support your student at home. If you have other questions, please contact me by phone at 360-398-8111 or by email at dforbes@meridian.wednet.edu.
Stay safe. Stay strong. Go Trojans!
Derek O. Forbes
T3 is designed for students to receive the support they may need in a particular class. This could be making up an assessment or working with someone in a small group to help ensure that concepts are being understood. Teachers can assign students to attend a T3 in which case attendance is mandatory.
Weekly Tech Tip
Skyward is our grade management system. Download the phone app so you can check it frequently! Here is how you can access your student’s grades:
If you don’t know your Skyward login and password, please call the MHS office at 360-398-8111.
Trojan Wellness and Resources
Financial Aid Information
This week we would like to share a video that gives you the information you need to complete an FSA ID. An FSA ID is needed when you complete the FAFSA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_CmoUJyxRw&feature
FSA ID Worksheet https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-2019.12th.year.fsa.id.worksheet.pdf
Other Resources
Who is my parent for financial aid? https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/who-is-my-parent.png
Financial aid dependency assessment https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-dependency.pdf
Whose information will I need for my financial aid application? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Flaf8F6q3o&feature=youtu.be
Otterbot- Otterbot is a free texting service designed to help Washington students navigate financial aid for college and career education. Students can access Otterbot via text message 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text "Hi Otter" to 360-928-7281.
What should I bring to file the FAFSA or the WASFA?
There are several things you need to bring.
- Your Social Security card or Alien registration card (if you are a permanent resident). (FAFSA only)
- Your driver's license.
- Your prior year's tax return (2019).
- Your income information. This includes bank statements and a W-2 or pay stub.
- Your parent, if you are 24 or younger.
- Your parents' financial information. Parents should bring a copy of their previous year's tax return.
- One parent's social security number. If neither of your parents have one, you may still file the FAFSA.
- Additional financial information -- such as child support statements, TANF or welfare information, real estate, stocks or bonds investments, family business or farm info.
SAT/ACT Information
Traditionally when applying to a 4 year university, students have been required to take either the SAT or the ACT as an entrance requirement. However, in our current COVID-19 state of affairs, many colleges in the state have gone to what they call a “Test Optional” registration process. This simply means score for one of the tests is not a prerequisite for acceptance. It is vital to check the website of any college to which you may be interested in applying to discover their specific requirements. Each college has different deadline, and expectations. To give yourself the best chance of being accepted, be certain to meet every deadline and turn in each required piece of the registration process.
Athletics Update!
The Meridian School District is happy to announce with Guidance from the Risk Management, WIAA, DOH, and Governor's office that we will be able to start Sports Specific Training starting Monday October 12th!
Here is a list of what each sport is planning on doing:
Football- 3:30-5:30 pm T, Th, alternating F (Practice Football Field) Starting 10/15
Girls Soccer- 3:15-5 pm T,W (soccer field)
Volleyball- 5- 7 pm T, Th (North Gym) M,W,F weight room 3- 4pm
XC- 3:15-4:45 pm M,T,W,F (campus)
Cheer- 6-8 pm M, Th (Auditorium)
Boys Basketball- 7- 8:30 pm M, W, alternating F (North Gym)
Girls Basketball- 5- 7 pm M, W (North Gym)
Wrestling- (Starting 11/2) 6- 7 pm M, W, F (Wrestling Room)
Baseball- 3- 5 M, W, F (baseball field)- weather permitting
Softball- 7- 8 pm M, Th (Weight room and upstairs batting cage)
Boys Soccer- 3:30- 5 pm M, Th (Soccer field)
Please note that these trainings are NOT mandatory and that students should not feel obligated to attend if they do not feel safe or that it is not in their best interest.
All Covid Procedures will be followed by each sport including but not limited to:
Daily Health screenings
Daily Temperatures checks
Masks will be worn by all coaches, staff, and athletes
Social Distancing
Sanitizing high touch areas and equipment
In order to participate students will need the following:
Up to date physical
Covid-19 pre screening form
Covid- 19 Disclosure and Release
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
Concussion Form
Sports Specific Inherent risk form
These forms will be available on Skyward no later than Monday.
Mr. Michaelson and Mrs. Heslep will be clearing athletes at each practice.
What happens if a teacher loses their internet connection during a Zoom meeting?
If that happens, we have asked students to
* leave the zoom class immediately
* wait five minutes and then try to rejoin.
- If the teacher was able to reconnect class will be able to resume.
- if the teacher was not able to reconnect the student needs to go to their Google Classroom page for instruction regarding work to be completed either for the time missed in class or in preparation for class tomorrow.
ConnectEd Program
Is Your Email Up to Date in Skyward?
MHS History Moment
- 8th graders attended MHS
- The Future Homemakers of American organization was started
- The boys basketball team competed in the district tournament for the 2nd time in school history. Students and Community members would pack the gymnasium for home or away games. They would arrive for games at 5:00pm to be guaranteed a seat.
- The chemistry lab was improved.
- The following items were also added to the school: a film strip projector, a tape recorder, black boards, a bulletin board, new tables in the Ag hall, new typewriters, a mimeoscope, the girl's locker room got baskets to use as lockers, the library got a new card catalog and new books, a new school bus and a girl's sick room.
- The district also began to clear land to prepare for the growth of the school.
Meet Our Staff
Mary Wilson
Some Fun Facts About Mary:
- She was born in Texas ~ Bilingual
- She moved to Bellingham from California where she met her Marine
- Mary and her husband Ric each have 8 siblings
- Mary has 4 Kids & 5 grandkids 3 dogs. This year I found out I am allergic to cats.
- This year is her 60th bday! WhooHoo!
Kris Ann Lewis
Ms. Lewis is one of our Para Educators.
Some fun facts about Kris Ann:
Eastern Washington was a culture shock of dry heat, fast food, and peer pressure after spending two years of elementary school in Norway. She loves living in Bellingham with all the green forest, beautiful waters, and Mt. Baker.
She has two brothers. And then she has a sister and another brother. And then she got two more brothers and another sister. Her youngest sibling is about 13 years old.
She has visited Kenya, Africa several times because her mother lives there. Last year she visited her brother in Macedonia, and traveled with her mother and niece to Turkey. Other places she would love to visit include Austria, Hawaii, and Alaska.
She enjoys Sci Fi movies and shows, reading memoirs and historical fiction, origami, hip hop, jazz and heavy metal music, board and card games, and hanging out with my husband on a covid Pokemon date.
She loves learning. She is a graduate of Western Washington University in Secondary Mathematics. But she also loves learning about science, social justice, and personal growth.
National M&M Day, October 13th
Request Transcripts Through Parchment
Please find the “Order transcripts through Parchment” link under Families & Students/Resources on the MHS website. Current students may call Mrs. Brinkman or Mrs. Waterman to receive their Parchment access code at the MHS office 360-398-8111.
Senior Pictures and Senior Ads
Senior Pictures & Senior Ads
Due: January 5, 2021
Stay tuned for further details
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Being present in class is vital to be successful in school. We want to encourage all of our students to be at school every day! If you are missing school, you are missing out on learning!
MHS Points of Contact
Andy Donahue, Assistant Principal: adonahue@meridian.wednet.edu
Cheryl McBride, Counselor A-J: cmcbride@meridian.wednet.edu
Don McMains, Counselor K-Z: dmcmains@meridian.wednet.edu
Tami McMains, Attendance: tgmcmains@meridian.wednet.edu
Robin Brinkman, Registration: rbrinkman@meridian.wednet.edu
Chromebook Tech Support: chromebook@meridian.wednet.edu
High School Office
Stay Connected
The homepage has access to recent news.
Meridian School District on Social Media
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/meridianschooldistrict505/
Instagram: @meridianschooldistrict505
Twitter: @meridian505