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Arts and Science Fest visitors make atoms out of gum drops and toothpicks
Students dressed as Dorothy, Toto, and Oz citizens
Students talk about wooden toy cars and write down feedback
Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, Toto, and Dorothy stand in front of trees made from paper on stage
Students perform in "A Thousand Cranes" with yellow and red banners
Art installation for DP Exhibit featuring a branch and rabbit origami pieces hanging down like butterflies
Forensic scientist shows fingerprinting during Arts & Science Fest
JV Soccer team members run up and hug goalie after a win
Roary waves during a parade
Students and families throw colored powder into the air
Students walk in the Homecoming Parade for Cross Country, holding up a red sign with "We Are Lions XC"
A student practices the flute as they set up for a band performance during Founders Day
Students run across a field, the one on the left holding a football (from a recent Flag Football game).
Newsletters » DP Lions Share (11–12)

DP Lions Share (11–12)

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Week of May 20, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Stela

Hello DP Students and Families,

 

Graduation is this Friday, May 22! Everything you need to know (including information about seating for the disabled) is included in this Graduation Guide. Please read this guide and reach out with any questions as we approach the big day!

 

Parents and guardians of seniors are invited to join us for the Senior Farewell Event tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Mays Cafeteria.  I'd like to give a special shout out to Crystal DuRette for producing the Senior Slide Show (this is the fifth year she has done this for us!), and to Michelle Stone for supporting with this big project that has become an annual tradition at Meridian. After the slide show, the seniors will take one last group photo and then we will wave goodbye as they drive out of the senior parking lot one last time. 

 

Thank you to all of our parents/guardians who have supported the Class of 2026 with the many events and activities that contributed to their collective experience at Meridian over the years. I'd especially like to thank Michelle Stone for serving as  our senior parent rep and I'd also like to thank Hannah LeBreton and Lori Murphy for all they have done to help our 11th-12th grade students make memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

Finally, I'd like to say welcome to our new senior class–the Class of 2027! Next year is going to be a great year!

 

Sincerely,

Stela Holcombe

DP Principal

DPnews

Important information: final week of school (May 18-21)

Dress Days

  • Thursday, May 21 is a free dress day for all students.

Dismissal Times

  • Wednesday, May 20 is a full day of school dismissing at 4:10 (secondary).
  • Thursday, May 21 is the last day of school. There will be no After School 6-12. Students should be picked up during carline. Update your pickup mode in Pikmykid and know which carline your students will be in. Waiters will operate as usual.

Medication Pick-up

  • If your student has medications on campus, please pick them up by Thursday, May 21 or they will be discarded. 
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please email the nurse’s office. 

Updates: Graduation 2026

Lion logo with commencement capSeniors and parents/guardians of seniors, we have a document that explains all you need to know about Graduation 2026.  Please review this information, share it with your guests,  and let me know if you have any questions!

 

New! The graduation will be streamed live on YouTube!


Graduation tickets have been distributed to seniors. If you are distributing them to your guests prior to graduation, please remind them that they must bring their tickets to graduation to gain entry into the venue. 

 

Payments are overdue for obligations (overdue library books, outstanding lunch balances, etc.)

 

Final transcripts

 

Every student needs a final high school transcript for the college of their choice. These will be automatically submitted by June 10 to the college your student listed for the printed graduation program. No additional transcript request is needed. If a student decides to enroll at a different college, or if an additional transcript is needed for any reason, submit any requests through the Meridian website. Complete information for ordering IB exam transcripts is also available on the website.

Senior Farewell Event / Senior Wave Out

Thursday, May 21 from 8:30-10 a.m. in the Mays Cafe

 

A maroon SUV has "Congrats Grad" in lettering on the sideParents/guardians, bring your tissues and join us for the annual Senior Farewell Program. This program will begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp with a viewing of the Senior Slideshow. Next, the DPY2 visual arts students will present the Senior Banner. And then, we will proceed outside for a final senior group photo followed by the Senior Wave Out. 

 

What is the Senior Wave Out? This is a tradition that started during Covid with the Class of 2020. Parents/guardians/family members and teachers are invited to line up along Meridian Lane to cheer and  "wave the seniors out" as they exit the senior parking lot towards Mays street one … last … time. Parents/guardians/seniors are invited to decorate the seniors' cars for this event. Family members are welcome to bring posters, noisemakers, etc. if they  like.


Where to Park: Parents/Guardians who are driving their senior out of the parking lot for the Senior Wave Out should park inside the senior lot when they arrive at school for the senior slideshow that morning. If your senior is a driver, parents should park their own cars in the grassy area along Meridian Lane.

 

 
Announcements

Verification of Enrollment (VOE) for Driver Permit/Driver License Appointments

To request Verification of Enrollment (VOE) Form for DPS (for driving purposes), please complete this VOE Request Form. It takes up to five school days to process a VOE, so please plan ahead, especially if your DPS appointment is scheduled during a break. Questions about VOE? Email Pamela Marmarinos.

2025-2026 Yearbook Distribution and final sale

Yearbooks went out to students last week. If you did not purchase a yearbook, there are a handful of remaining available copies available first come, first served. Please join the waitlist through Jostens.

RockSports Final 2026 Sales

Red and gray shirts that say Lions and MeridianSave on the last of our 2025-2026 spirit wear designs – now through the end of the school year! RockSports is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday and is at 1609 Chisholm Trail Rd #100. 

  • Short sleeve tees $10
  • Long sleeve tees $12
  • Printed Sweatshirts $14
  • Printed full zip hoodies $24
  • Twill sweatshirts $30
  • Fleece full zip jackets $24
  • Beanies $12

Things to do over the summer

Cafeteria Balances

A reminder: Please clear any meal balances owed to the Cafeteria (check MySchoolBucks) before the end of the school year. Any remaining funds will carry over to the next year.

Public Service Announcement: safe gun storage

Texas law requires school districts annually to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms (guns, etc). This page will help you learn about options for safe storage of firearms, as well as how to talk to your child and others.

 

 Academics

Class of 2027: College applications are ahead!

Here are some tips from our college counselor, Kathy Gregg, about what you can do this summer to be prepared for senior year:

  • Continue to research colleges to find the right fit.
  • Make college campus visits.
  • Many colleges are moving back to requiring test scores for admission, so consider doing some test prep and retaking the ACT or SAT early in the fall. Registration and test prep available for SAT or ACT. 
  • Create a spreadsheet with dates and requirements for potential colleges.
  • Be involved in something this summer! Work, community service, internships, classes … all activities are valuable on college applications.
  • Create or review your existing Common Application account. It will roll over for your actual applications on August 1.
  • Check the essay requirements on Common App or your college websites and begin rough drafts of all required essays. Save these in a google doc for quick reference when you’re ready to apply in the fall.
  • Finalize your resume and begin formatting it into the Activities section on Common App.
  • And be sure to enjoy some quality family time! The senior year is coming and will fly by so quickly!

 

Spotlight

Graduation Walk

Tuesday morning, graduating seniors donned their regalia and toured Meridian’s hallways one last time. Students in grades K-11 lined the pathway, giving cheers and high-fives. Afterward, seniors take photos with their former PYP teachers.

Seniors in caps, gowns, red sashes, and cords high-five kindergartners in the hallways

Students stand in graduation gowns, caps, and red stoles, with teachers and principal

Upcoming Events

Graduation Ceremony Streaming Live on YouTube

We're excited to share that this year, our graduation ceremony airs on Youtube Live! Bookmark the page; if you can't be there in person, you can follow along!

Meridian Day at Typhoon Texas

From ViP: Save the Date! We're looking ahead to next year and jumping in with a SPLASH! 

  • Where: Typhoon Texas
  • When: Saturday, August 15 - ALL DAY!
  • Who: Meridian students and families
  • Why: Let's kick off back-to-school while still holding onto summer!

Purchase your discounted tickets using code MERIDIANDAY26 - and you will also see the offer for a meal and unlimited drink wristband that you can add on per person for $15.99.

Summer Contacts and Dates

Next week, we will share an email with important back-to-school dates, actions, and information. In the meantime, here are dates at-a-glance!

 

June 30 – July 11: Campus offices closed

June 7 – July 13: Athletics Department and Secondary Enrichment closed

 

If you have general questions over the summer, please email [email protected].

 

For secondary extracurricular activities, athletics, or eligibility questions please email [email protected].

 

Aug 1: Uniform Exchange (10 a.m. - noon)

Aug 10: 9th-12th Grade Back to School Night 5-7 p.m.

Aug 12: First day of school, Early Release Wednesday!

Aug 21: ViP Bingo Night

 

 
enrichment

 

A conductor stands in front of students, all in black, playing instruments in band.Spring Concerts ended the school year on a high note.

Meridian Athletics (7-12) 

Meridian Athletics is moving to HCAL for the 2026-2027 academic year!

Boys Varsity Volleyball and both Varsity Soccer teams participated in the Honor Charter Athletic League (HCAL) this year, and we are pleased with the level and amount of competition they enjoyed. Therefore, we will be moving all of our league seasons from TCSAAL to HCAL for the coming year. In addition to better competition, some sports will benefit from slightly longer seasons! And our teams will enjoy having all league games on the same days of the week! HCAL believes that middle school student athletes should focus on growth. For that reason, Middle School teams will have the opportunity to advance to Regionals but not State. Advancing to State will be an opportunity reserved for Varsity teams, much like lettering. Please see updates to the Cross Country, Flag Football, and Volleyball important  dates below. (Subject to change.)

 

Cross Country

  • Late registration is July 20 through 9 p.m. on July 30.
  • Physical forms are due August 7.
  • Tryouts are Saturday, August 15.
  • Practices will start Monday, August 24.
  • The Regional Meet is expected to be Saturday, October 24 in the Austin area.
  • The State Meet will be Saturday, November 7 at Southwestern University.

 

Flag Football

  • Regionals are expected to be Saturday, October 24 in the Austin area.
  • The State Championship is Saturday, October 31. (Location TBD, but anticipated to be hosted between Austin and Houston.)

 

Volleyball

  • Regionals are expected to be Saturday, November 7 in the Austin area.
  • The State Championship will be Saturday, November 14. (Location TBD, but anticipated to be hosted between Austin and Houston.)

 

2026-2027 Sports Registration (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)

Find 2026-2027 sports registration windows and anticipated tryout dates on 2026-2027 Sports Registration. Cross Country has a late registration from July 22 through 9 p.m. on July 30. Basketball registration is coming in September!

 

Meridian Labor Day Classic Volleyball Tournament

Meridian’s tenth annual volleyball tournament is coming on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 6 at the Round Rock Sports Center! Please save the date and come ready to ROAR for our Lions! Meridian Labor Day Classic Volleyball Tournament

 

Closed for Summer Break

Meridian Athletics will be closed June 6 - July 19. No physical forms will be processed during this time. Emails will be answered the week of July 20. Please plan accordingly.

 

Questions about Athletics? Email Meridian Athletics.

 

Secondary Clubs & Extracurriculars (6-12)

 

Competitive and Performance Club Registrations

Get ready to register for 2026-2027 competitive and performance clubs! The tentative registration windows are as follows:

  • After School Music (7-12) - Registering Wednesday, August 12 (first day of school) through 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 20. 
  • Speech & Debate Club (9-12) - Registration for this competitive club is scheduled to open Wednesday, August 19 and end at  9 p.m. on Thursday, August 27. Spots limited to the first 49 registrants! 
  • HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) (9-12) - Registering Wednesday, August 26 through 9 p.m. on  Thursday, September 3. 
  • Model United Nations (6-12) - Model UN is Meridian’s largest club and is open to all secondary students! Registration opens Wednesday, September 2 and will end at  9 p.m. on Thursday, September 10.
  • DECA (9-12) - DECA is a student organization that prepares high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Registration is scheduled to open on Wednesday, September 16 and end at 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 24.

Please watch for updates about these competitive and performance clubs in the MYP Mane and DP Lions Share campus newsletters when school resumes in August. Please encourage students to watch the daily announcements at school to avoid missing out on these opportunities. No late registrations will be available.

 

2026-2027 Clubs and Student Groups

Clubs at Meridian are student-driven. Shortly after school resumes in August, students may apply to activate a club. All clubs must complete the activation process and receive approval before they can begin meeting. Clubs will continue to form during the first few weeks of school. Students are encouraged to watch the daily announcement slides for club opportunities and updates throughout the start of the school year.

 

Closed for Summer Break

Secondary Enrichment will be closed June 6 - July 19. Emails will be answered the week of July 20. Please plan accordingly.


Questions about Secondary Clubs or Lettering? Email Secondary Enrichment

Important DP Program Contacts

DP Principal, Stela Holcombe
DP Assistant Principal, Wendy Riley
DP Coordinator, Charles Ryder
 
Secondary Librarian and EE Coordinator, Renée Ramirez
Counselor for Grades 10-12, Nick Manuszak
College and Career Counselor, Kathy Gregg
HS Campus Coordinator, Jessica Kress
Receptionist / Attendance Clerk, Tiffany Burnham
Report absences on Skyward
 

Director of Special Education, Susan Mais

LSSP/Assistant Director of Special Education, Jennifer Kuester

ARD Coordinator, Anna Brown

504 Coordinator, Dottie Elliott

 
Registrar, Pamela Marmarinos

Dean of School Culture, Monique Swain

Child Nutrition Director, Kaylee Torres
Meal Program Application/Café Questions
Skyward Questions
Athletics
Secondary Enrichment
 

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