DP Lions Share (11–12)

Week of January 28, 2026
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello DP Students and Families,
Thank you to the volunteers who came out yesterday afternoon to help shovel ice and slush away from our building entry areas and our sidewalks. It's good to be back in school today for a short week!
Please note the following calendar adjustments.
- The "Back to the 80s/90s" high school dance that was canceled this past Saturday, January 24 due to the weather has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 28.
- The DP Principal Coffee that was scheduled for this past Monday has been rescheduled to next Monday, February 2 at the same time--at 9 a.m.
We will have our second (and final) pep rally of the year this Friday! On Saturday, the juniors are hosting the annual Parent/Child "Fairytale Dance" for the PYP students. I'm proud of all the work they have done to organize this event for the littles. I'll share some photos next week!
Sincerely,
Stela Holcombe
DP Principal

Friday: Color Wars Pep Rally
Show your class pride with Color Wars! On Friday, January 30, students may wear their spirit wear, polo shirts, or the following colors:
- 11th Grade - White
- 12th Grade - Black
Tickets for Prom 2026 - Final Round of Ticket Sales
Prom tickets will go on sale again this Sunday, February 1 through February 14. Tickets are not sold at the door, so please be sure to order them in advance. Ms. Holcombe will send a direct email to all 11th and 12th grade families when the ticket sale opens up in My School Bucks.
It's Time to Order Graduation Regalia!
Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3
Representatives from Herff Jones will be on the Meridian campus next week on Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3 to take orders for graduation regalia, graduation announcements, and class rings.
Parents/guardians may come to campus on February 2 or 3 to place these orders themselves, or the student can place their own order. You may come either day, but consider coming on Monday, February 2 when it's less busy. Orders will be taken in the High School Tech Commons from 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Prefer not to come in person? You will also have the option to order online.
Please note that orders will not be collected at Meridian after Tuesday, February 3. After this date, you will need to place your order online or at the Herff Jones store in Round Rock located at 202 Laurel Dr, Round Rock, TX 78664. Phone: (512) 243-7901.
What's next? The seniors will meet with our Herff Jones rep this Thursday, January 29 during advisory. They will receive an order packet at this meeting; ask them for it!
Note: All graduation regalia/announcements orders need to be placed by the end of next week–Friday, February 6 to ensure prompt delivery in early May.
RESCHEDULED: Principals Coffee Feb. 2
Monday, February 2 at 9 a.m.
Our next DP Principal's Coffee is this coming Monday! Chat with our DP administration and learn what’s in store for the spring semester. We hope to see you in person or via Zoom (link).
Important Technology Reminder for Families (Grades 8–12)
We are sharing an important message with students regarding the use of VPNs and similar tools on school devices and networks. These services pose serious safety and security risks and are not permitted; students who use them will face suspension and additional consequences per school policy. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing responsible and appropriate technology use so we can keep our learning environment safe and focused.
Please review the message shared with students (on January 27 via ManageBac) for full details. Reach out to your campus principal with any questions.
$2 Free Dress Day
Thursday, February 5
Next Thursday, students may come to school in regular clothing (not in uniform) when they bring in $2! To participate, they can buy wristbands in the lobbies before school any day between Monday and Thursday of next week. Wristbands must be worn Thursday. No costumes. Clothing choice must be appropriate for school.
Two actions: admissions for Next School Year
January 1 – February 28
Siblings new to Meridian (K-9): apply now for next school year!
If a currently enrolled student's sibling will be new to Meridian in the 2026-2027 school year (in grades K-9), please fill out an application for the sibling before February 28. Siblings receive priority in the lottery but must apply before the deadline.
Currently enrolled students: One-question Commitment Form
Please fill out a one-question Commitment Form on Skyward. The form is available to the primary parent (the one listed first) on Skyward. There are three options: returning, not returning, or not sure. This is not a final answer, but to help us plan for admissions next year.
If you have questions please email [email protected].
Is your Student Interested in the Military?
RSVP for the ASVAB by Friday, January 30
Meridian will offer the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to interested 10th -12th graders on Thursday, February 26. If your student is interested in exploring a military career and would like to take the ASVAB, please fill out this form. There is no cost for the exam. The deadline to RSVP is Friday, January 30.
What is the ASVAB Test? The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test used by the United States Armed Forces to assess the qualifications of applicants seeking to enlist. It measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success within the military.
Orders close Sunday, February 1: Senior Yard Signs
Parents and guardians of seniors it's time to order senior yard signs. Orders are due by Sunday February 1. No late orders will be accepted. Order yours today!
Junior one-on-one conferences with Kathy Gregg
Each year at this time, Mrs. Gregg offers an individual conference with each junior to discuss pl
ans for after high school and the college application process. Parents/guardians are invited to attend this meeting with their student, in person or via Zoom. Please schedule the meeting during study hall or during a class when the student can most afford to miss about 30 minutes of instructional time. Conferences are available January 27-March 11. Reserve your meeting time today!
Rising 12th Grade Course Selection
Mr. Manuszak will visit with 11th graders in their US History class on Monday, January 26 (B) and Thursday, January 29 (A) to guide them in the completion of their 12th grade course selection form.

Career Day
Last Friday, our secondary students attended our annual Career Exploration and Volunteer Fair. Professionals from the local community came to share about their careers and also about local volunteer opportunities. Pictured below is parent Meenal McNary, sharing about her work in the medical field as an endodontist, and Lee Holcombe (Ms Holcombe's husband), sharing about his time in Morocco as a Peace Corps volunteer.


New Date: High School Dance
Saturday, March 28
Saturday Night was Ice, Ice, Baby, so it’s Back to the Future for the 80s/90s High School Dance! Circle those wall calendars for March 28. Ticket sales and details to come in March.
ESL Parent/Guardian Night
Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 7 - 8 p.m.
Parents and guardians of students in the Emerging Bilingual program received an email from Mr. Reyes, PYP Assistant Principal, with a Zoom link to next Wednesday’s ESL Parent/Guardian Night.
The purpose of the School's ESL program is to support Emergent Bilingual students in their linguistic and academic performance. During this event, we'll share how the school accomplishes these purposes and how families can partner with us. If you have questions, please reach out to Mr. Reyes (K-5) or Mr. Verleye (6-12).
Fairy Tale Dance Help Needed Saturday
The Class of 2027 hosts the annual Parent/Child Fairy Tale Dance for primary families on Saturday, January 31. This event will be our one BIG fundraiser, resulting in funds that will benefit the class during your senior year at Meridian.
For this event to be successful, we need your help! Find details here. Students and parents can sign up to volunteer and/or donate materials. Let’s make this dance magical, together!
Extended Essay (EE) Research Trip to UT Austin
Tuesday, February 17
We are taking our EE juniors on a field trip to do research for the Extended Essays at the UT libraries on Tuesday, February 17. Each student/family is asked to pay $10 to help cover half the cost of transportation. More info to come in next week's newsletter.
Black History Month Jamboree & Dress Day

Thursday, Feb. 12, The Meridian Black Student Union presents their second annual Black History Month Jamboree: Celebrating Black Culture! Open to all Meridian families (grades 8-12 can attend without a guardian, but we highly encourage parent/guardian attendance). Enjoy talent acts, visual arts, a fashion show, Black history speeches, and snacks.
During the school day on Thursday, February 12, all students and staff are invited to dress in celebration of Black History Month and the Jamboree! Options include:
- 'Celebrate Black Culture' spirit wear
- Black history/culture themed T shirt
- Colors (red, black, yellow, green)
- Do you have roots in African culture? Wear your traditional African attire!

Good luck, Fierce Dance Team! The team’s first competition is Saturday, January 31 at Cedar Park High School.
Meridian Athletics (7-12)
Basketball
Wednesday, January 28 - Area Semifinals at home! Winners will advance to the Area Championship on Monday, February 2!
6 p.m. - Girls Middle School vs. Kipp Austin Beacon
7 p.m. - Boys Varsity vs. Austin Peace Academy
Students can attend these games for free if wearing Meridian School uniform or spirit wear.
IMPORTANT! Students who do not behave in a principled and respectful way, resulting in a referral, will lose the privilege to attend Meridian sporting events without their parent/guardian present.
Please watch the Basketball Game Schedule and the Athletics Calendar for continued advancement in the playoffs. Let’s Go, Lion Hoops!
Tennis
First matches of the season!
Wednesday, January 28 at 4:30 p.m. - Middle School Tennis plays at Liberty Hill High School
Thursday, January 29 at 4 p.m. - Varsity Tennis plays Savio at home (Cimarron Hills).
Roar, Lions, Roar!
Dance Team
First competition of the season! Saturday, January 31 - Cedar Park High School Dance Competition
Let’s go, Fierce Dance Team!
Get ready for 2026-2027 Sports! (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)
New! Flag Football and Volleyball tryouts will be held in May! Dance Team tryouts will be in April!
Registration for Competitive Cross Country, Competitive Dance Team, Competitive Flag Football, and Competitive Volleyball opens Wednesday, April 15 and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. The only competitive sport with a late registration will be Cross Country because Cross Country’s tryouts will be shortly after school resumes in August. The following is a snapshot of each Fall Competitive Sport. Dates remain subject to change.
Competitive Dance Team (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)
Registration: April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. No late registration available.
Physical Forms: Due April 23.
Mandatory Pre-Tryout Clinics: April 27, 28, 29.
Mandatory Tryouts: Thursday, April 30.
Competitive Flag Football (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)
Registration: April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. No late registration available.
Physical Forms: Due April 23.
Mandatory Tryouts: Friday, May 15 after school and Saturday, May 16
Competitive Volleyball (Girls Volleyball = current 6-11 / rising 7-12; Boys Volleyball = current 7-11 / rising 8-12)
Registration: April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. No late registration available.
Physical Forms: Due April 23.
Mandatory Tryouts: Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14 after school.
Competitive Cross Country (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)
Regular Registration ($52.30): April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23.
Late Registration ($104.60): July 22 through 9 p.m. on July 30. This is the only sport with a late registration.
Physical Forms: Due August 1.
Mandatory Tryouts: Saturday, August 15.
2026-2027 Sports Registration (Subject to change) / Athletics Newsletter / Athletics Calendar
Questions about Athletics? Email Meridian Athletics.
Clubs & Extracurricular Activities (6-12)
Club Photos for Yearbook
Club photos for the yearbook were Thursday, January 22. Students who missed their club photo but are on the official roster for their club will be noted under the club photo in the yearbook as “Not pictured.” No retakes are available.
2025-2026 Clubs List / Clubs & Extracurriculars / Enrichment & Extracurricular Calendar
Questions about Secondary Clubs? Email Secondary Enrichment

DP Resources
Important DP Program Contacts
Counselor for Grades 10-12, Nick Manuszak
College and Career Counselor, Kathy Gregg
Director of Special Education, Susan Mais
LSSP/Assistant Director of Special Education, Jennifer Kuester
ARD Coordinator, Anna Brown
504 Coordinator, Dottie Elliott
Dean of School Culture, Monique Swain
Help us reach you
- Please check your email and cell on Skyward for errors. If they are correct, please check to make sure you didn't accidentally un-enroll in updates by opting back in here.
- If you have a landline as your primary contact you will not receive Catapult text messages. You may change this in Skyward or fill out the google form with the cell phone number. Please only complete the form if your cell phone is not in Skyward.
DP Calendar
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Jan 31, 2026
- Parent/Child Fairy Tale Dance Grades K-5 (Mays Cafe)
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Feb 2, 2026
- Senior Year - Graduation Products information meeting - 2 pm - 2:30 pm (High School Café)
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Feb 4, 2026
- ESL Parent/Guardian Night - 7 pm - 8 pm
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Feb 5, 2026
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Feb 6, 2026
- Thespian Society hosts: Lip Sync Battle! - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
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Feb 7, 2026
- MUN Conference - SICMUN (6-12) (Southwestern University Georgetown)
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Feb 9, 2026
- Senior Year - Graduation Products Ordering Event - 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm (High School Tech Commons)
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Feb 10, 2026
- Senior Year - Graduation Products Ordering Event - 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm (High School Tech Commons)
- Senior Trip Pre-Departure Meeting (in person) - 6 pm - 7 pm
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Feb 12, 2026
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Feb 13, 2026
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Feb 14, 2026
- Art Competition - VASE - 8 am - 5 pm (Georgetown High School 2211 N Austin Ave Georgetown, TX 78626)
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Feb 16, 2026
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Feb 17, 2026
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Feb 19, 2026
- Tennis Senior Night! - 6 pm - 6:15 pm (Home - Cimarron Hills Tennis Courts)
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Feb 24, 2026
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Feb 25, 2026
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Feb 26, 2026


