Meridian High School
October 25th - 31st, 2020
Our Mission:
Principal's Message
The rain and wind remind me of similar days (although a little warmer) we have in March. Our current learning model is different from what we left last spring. As a result, learning looks different. Beyond virtual classrooms, students need to complete tasks/activities assigned to them. This includes activities that need to be completed both after class and prior to their class so that they can look at new material ahead of time. When students come to class they are then able to connect new material to what they learned about previously, connect with their teacher, and connect with other students in the class. This would happen if we were on campus as well but is more important given our current learning setting.
The focus on relationship-building in class is because we know remote learning impacts our students who are not able to interact as much as they would if we were on campus. Parents/guardians have shared concerns about their student's mental well-being in our current setting. I want to remind you that our school counselors are available by phone or email. They can provide support and problem-solve to help students and families. Their contact information is available in this newsletter. Recently, students have been able to come back on campus to participate in our athletics programs. Several students have commented on how being on campus and with other students has changed their outlook on things. More information about athletics can be found in last week's newsletter.
We know you want your students to be successful. We do, too, and I want to take a moment this week to share some things you might consider doing to support your student academically. Schedule a time to check in with your student and have them show you their Google Classroom. In Google Classroom you will be able to see what the teacher has communicated, what has been assigned when assignments are due, and what assignments are missing. While on the computer, ask your student to open their student email account. Teachers are using student email to communicate to individual students about various topics, like assigning students to our T3 sessions. T3 sessions are a tool teachers use to provide additional support to students. Ask your student how they are using T3 sessions and Office Hours and then make a plan for how your student can use T3 or Office Hours for extra help. Follow up the next day or evening to see how the T3 session went. More information on T3 can be found in previous newsletters.
While communication tools, like this newsletter, the MHS website, Google Guardian, and Skyward provide some details, they can't provide the same detail as looking at current progress and avenues of support with your student. If you have other strategies that work or you have any other questions, please contact me by phone at 360-398-8111 or by email at dforbes@meridian.wednet.edu.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. 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.
It's All District Spirit Week!!
Weekly Tech Tip
Did you know that your phone likely functions as a scanner that can easily email documents?
Check it out!
iPhone https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210336
Android https://www.computerworld.com/article/3208846/scan-documents-android-phon
Trojan Wellness and Resources
Passport to Careers
The Passport to Careers program helps foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. The link provided offers further information regarding this program https://wsac.wa.gov/passport/guide
Senior Meetings with Counselors
All seniors should have received an email about making an appointment to meet with your counselor. This meeting is important for seniors, as you and your counselor will be looking over your transcript and making sure you are on track to graduate. There are still quite a few seniors who have not scheduled appointments with their school counselor. The appointment window set aside is open until November 5th. Please make an appointment as soon as possible. Students can access the appointment calendar via Skyward using parent access or contact Mrs. McMains at 360-318-2260 or tgmcmains@meridian.wednet.edu to schedule an appointment. For some students this could be the difference in graduating this June or not.
Student Desks
Is your child doing their remote learning from their bed, the living room floor, the couch or kitchen table?
Would you like them to have their own student desk?
A local carpenter is building desks for students free of charge! They can be delivered too!
Please contact Meridian's Family Services Coordinator, Alicia Roberts at 360-988-1949 or aroberts@meridian.wednet.edu if you are interested.
Senior Grad Ads
This is an opportunity to give your senior student a shout out! One they will remember for years to come. Hurry these pages go fast and they are available on a first-come first-serve basis. You can pay Mrs. Heslep in the office now to reserve your space. Then turn in the pictures and text your would like to include by January 5, 2021. The Senior Ad form, with your pictures and text need to be turned in no later than January 5, 2021 to Mrs. Heslep. If you have any questions, please email Mr. McGrew at jmcgrew@meridian.wednet.edu
MHS Students of the Week
MHS History Moment
National Cat Day
Meet Our Staff
Andy Donahue
Some fun facts about Andy:
- He lived and worked in Singapore for 8 years and Tunisia for 2 years
- He was born in Baltimore
- He has been to soccer matches around the world including Barcelona, Rome, Munich, Frankfurt, and Liverpool
- He can catch flies with his hand
David Brannon
Mr. Brannon is one of our Math Teachers. He teaches algebra, precalculus and computer science.
Some fun facts about David:
- This is his 9th year teaching at Meridian High School.
- He is the advisor for the MHS Chapter of the National Honor Society.
- He thrives off the energy students bring to school and looks to provide valuable learning experiences for his students, sometimes beyond the standard curriculum.
- In his free time, he likes to do active things outside with his wife.
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.
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.
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
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Twitter: @meridian505