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Newsletters » DP Lions Share (11–12)

DP Lions Share (11–12)

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Week of May 21, 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Stela

Hello DP Families!

 

Graduation is this Friday, May 23! 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 22, 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 fourth year she has done this for us!), and to Sylvia Dyer 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 2025 with the many events and activities that contributed to their collective experience at Meridian over the years. I'd especially like to thank Brindley Vancura for serving as our senior parent rep and I'd also like to thank Debi Castro, Erin Foster, and Pamela Cortinas for all they have done to help this class make memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

Finally, I'd like to say welcome to our new senior class – the Class of 2026! Next year is going to be a great year!

 

Sincerely,

Stela Holcombe

DP Principal

 

 

DPnews

Quick link: DP Calendar 

Thursday Reminders

  • There is no After School 6-12. All students must be picked up in the carline at 4:10.
  • May 22 is a free dress day. Wear school-appropriate clothing and shoes.
  • Don't forget to pick up your student's medications, if you have any in the nurse's office.

Meridian Students compete at the Conrad Challenge

Riya and Sumanth stand in front of the Space Center lobby

The Conrad Challenge is an annual global innovation challenge where 3000+ student teams compete for the opportunity to participate in an expo at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Meridian juniors Riya P. and Sumanth P. were named finalists in the Health and Nutrition category, and were given the amazing opportunity to pitch their personalized microbiome solution business idea to a panel of medical doctors, Ivy league graduate students, pediatric healthcare professionals, and other teams!  Read on about their experience.

Yearbook Delivery

The 2025 yearbooks have been delivered to students who ordered a copy. If you did not purchase a book, you can sign up on a waiting list to purchase a book for $85.

Facebook Live Volunteer Needed

I am still looking for a parent volunteer to do a Facebook Live broadcast on the evening of graduation! We do this every year. It's kinda fun to be on the arena floor in the middle of the action. Graduation is on Friday, May 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. If you are available / willing to help, please let me know. You will also be invited to come to graduation practice on that same day so you have an idea of what the ceremony will look like. This volunteer will need to be a member of the Meridian Community Facebook page and have a good cell phone to use for this purpose.  Please email Stela Holcombe if you can help!

Senior Farewell Program

Thursday, May 22 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Mays Cafe & Senior Lot

 

Class of 2025

Parents/guardians, bring your tissues and join us for the annual Senior Farewell Program!

  • Senior Slideshow
  • Senior Banner by IB Y2 Visual arts students
  • Senior group photo followed by the Senior Wave Out 

 

What is the Senior Wave Out? Parents/guardians/family and teachers 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. You're invited to decorate your seniors' cars and bring posters, noisemakers, etc.


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.
  • If your senior is a driver or riding with another student, parents and guests should park their own cars in the grassy area along Meridian Lane.
 

Graduation is almost here!

Graduates jump in the air with their caps and gowns on

Friday, May 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the RRSC

Doors open for all guests at 6 p.m. 

Graduates must arrive for line up and regalia check at 6 p.m.

 

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!

 

Mandatory Graduation Practice

Friday, May 23 from 9 - 10 a.m.

All seniors are expected to attend graduation practice on Friday, May 23 from 9-10 a.m. at the Round Rock Sports Center. DO NOT WEAR CAP AND GOWNS for this practice. Parents are invited to watch practice if they like. Please sit up top in the stands.

 

Seniors must arrive by 6 p.m. for Graduation Ceremony

Graduation is Friday, May 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Graduates must arrive by 6 p.m. Parents/Guardians/and other guests may begin entering the Round Rock Sports Center at 6 p.m. Again, I urge everyone to read this document – it has all the info you need in regards to graduation, including early entry arrangements that can be made for families who have guests with severe mobility needs (e.g. in wheelchairs, walkers, with oxygen tanks, etc. )

Final Transcripts for the Class of 2025

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, these requests may be submitted on the Meridian website. Complete information for ordering IB exam transcripts is also available on the website.

DP School Supply List for 2025-2026

Our DP teachers have updated the list of required DP school supplies for next school year. I advise you to wait to purchase supplies for elective courses until students receive their actual schedules for 2025-2026.

Attention Class of 2026: 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!
 

2026 Prom Committee

Planning is underway for Prom 2026! If you would like to serve on the Prom Committee, please sign up. We have already secured a beautiful venue – Celebrino of Georgetown. We need parents to execute a plan for decor, food, and prom activities.

Celebrating Meridian's Community

What do you love about Meridian?Last week was National Charter School Week, and we shared on social media notes and videos from our community on what we love about Meridian!

 

If you missed it, you can enjoy the compilation video!

 

Overdue Cafeteria balances

Please don't delay – pay overdue meal balances today! Log into MySchoolBucks today to check; you can pay online or bring a check or cash to the front office in an envelope with your child's name and grade.

Public Service Announcement: safe storage of firearms

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

 

RockSports Spirit Wear Discounts

Examples of spirit wear shirtsSave $6 each on short/long sleeved tees and printed crewneck sweatshirts – now through the end of the school year! Some of these designs are leaving this year, so it's your last chance to pick one up!

 

RockSports is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday and is at 1609 Chisholm Trail Rd #100.

 

 

 

enrichment

2025-2026 After School Band and Orchestra (7-8) - Registration ends at 9 p.m. Thursday!

Perfect for Meridian middle school musicians, registration for 2025-2026 After School Band and After School Orchestra ends at 9 p.m. Thursday, May 22, which is the last day of school. Both programs have new directors for 2025-2026! Find details about these extracurricular activities for rising 7th and 8th grade musicians and register now: After School Band / After School Orchestra

 

Closed for summer

Secondary Enrichment will be closed for summer from June 7 - July 13. Please plan accordingly.

Questions about secondary clubs and extracurriculars? Email Secondary Enrichment

 

Meridian Athletics

 

Late registration for Fall Competitive Sports 

Late registration for Fall Competitive Sport will be open July 23 through 9 p.m. on July 30. Late registration is $104.60. Cross Country / Dance Team /  Flag Football / Volleyball

 

Registration for Newly Enrolled Students

Students who enrolled in Meridian World School after May 8 are welcome to reach out to the registrar  now until July 10 to request access to the Newly Enrolled Student Registration for Fall Competitive Sports. 

 

Summer Sports Camps

Registration ended at 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. Late registration and newly enrolled student registration are not available for Summer Sports Camps.

 

Sports Physical Forms

Physical forms for Summer Sports Camps are due June 2. Physical forms for Fall Competitive Sports are due by August 1.

 

Closed for summer

The Athletics Department will be closed for summer from June 7 - July 13. Please plan accordingly.

 

The Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section offer more information about Meridian sports. For families who  are new to  Meridian Athletics, Introduction to Meridian Sports provides helpful information.

 

Questions? Email Meridian Athletics.

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, Shawn Seaman
Report absences on Skyward
 

SpEd Director, Susan Mais

ARD Coordinator, Anna Brown

504 Coordinator, Dottie Elliott

SpEd Coordinator, April Harris
 
Registrar, Janette Gaudiesus

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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DP Calendar

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