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Students preview the 2025 performance of Willy Wonka Jr
Primary students paint on white paper
2025 Dance team performs in blue
Students play guitars in music class
Band performance
Willy Wonka Jr
Two high school art students draw forms using 3D models
Newsletters » DP Lions Share (11–12)

DP Lions Share (11–12)

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Week of April 23, 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Stela

Hello DP Families!

 

It's almost May! This means that IB exam season is upon us and graduation is fast approaching. There is a lot of new info in this week's newsletter so please read and reply with any questions!

 

Cast of Willy Wonka on stage

I had the pleasure of seeing Willy Wonka, Jr. last weekend! It was an incredible show starring a number of our DP students. I highly recommend you go! It runs again for a second weekend this Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26. (Photo: Senior Aidan J. stars as Willy Wonka)

 

Thank you to the brave parents who served as chaperones for the  senior lock out last weekend: David Edrich, Pamela Cortinas, Debra Taijeron, Brandi Morgan, and Robert Keirstead! The seniors had a great time making s'mores and camping out overnight.

Campout

Q4 Progress Report grades are updated in Skyward. If you have concerns about your student's grades talk to your student first, and then reach out to the teacher and/or to DP admin if your student needs our support. 

 

Sincerely,

Stela Holcombe

DP Principal

 

 

 

 

DPnews

 

Quick link: DP Calendar 

Class of 2026 Extended Essay update

EE Checkpoint 3 is due and Supervisor/Student Meetings are scheduled for today, Wednesday, April 23. Here is the message regarding EE Checkpoint 3 that went out to students last week, and here is the schedule for today's April 23 meetings. EE Checkpoint 4 is due May 14. See the EE Timeline Class of 2026 for Checkpoint 4.

 

Senior Play: tonight!

Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Tonight is the last night the DPY2 seniors will perform on stage at Meridian. They are excited to present the identity project by Brent Holland. Admission is free! We hope to see you there!

The Identity Project: tonight at 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. Free.

DP Study Break

yummy ice cream sundaes with candy and chocolate drizzleFriday, April 25 during advisory

It's time for our quarterly study break for grades 11-12. This time the treat is ice cream sundaes! Please sign up to donate items and/or volunteer your time to make this event happen!

 

Senior Prank Night

Wednesday, April 30 from 7-9 p.m.Seniors class of 2025

This is a school-sanctioned activity supervised by Meridian staff (Riley and Manuszak). All seniors are invited to participate. Pranks are planned and executed by the seniors. Pranks should be creative in nature, not destructive and/or messy.

 

Say Goodbye to Your Polos!

Seniors, if you do not have a younger sibling who can use your red and black polos, please bring them and donate them to the Senior Prank Night. We will scatter them all over the high school upstairs common area as a celebration of this milestone.  They will ultimately become a wonderful contribution to Meridian’s uniform exchange program for future lions to wear.

 

 

Seniors: planning for end of Quarter 4

  • The last day of DP-level senior classes is next Thursday, May 1. All seniors are expected to attend school daily through May 22.
  • The last day of all other classes for seniors (e.g. all electives and classes, including Alg 2, English 4, Math Models) is Tuesday, May 13.
  • Final senior grades will be in Skyward by Friday, May 16.

 

IB Exam Schedule and Review Sessions

IB exams begin next week! Here is the IB Exam calendar, and here is a live document that shows when teachers are scheduling IB Exam Review Sessions.

 

DP Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, May 6 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Mays Gym

Juniors and seniors (and their parents/guardians) who will be receiving an award will receive an email notification by Tuesday, April 29. Attendance for all juniors and seniors and their families is optional, but we encourage participation if you are available. Students who are not receiving an award this year are invited to come cheer on their friends and be present for the announcement of this year's DP Teacher of the Year!

 

Senior Class Trip to Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

IB exams run all the way through May 21 this year. So, we are inserting a senior fun day trip on May 7 to Barton Springs. Senior class funds will pay for the bus and pool passes, but students need to bring their own money for lunch at a food truck park.

 

Students who do not attend are required to come to school for attendance purposes from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.  Action Required by Parents/Guardians:  Please fill out this permission form by Monday, April 21.

 

Junior Class Social

Juniors 2026Friday, May 9 from 6-8 p.m. (note new time)

Juniors, the Class of 2026, will enjoy an on-campus social. More info to come soon!

 

Senior Farewell Program

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

 

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

  • It begins right at 8:30 a.m. with a viewing of the Senior Slideshow.
  • Next, DPY2 visual arts students present the Senior Banner.
  • Then, we proceed outside for a senior group photo, followed by the Senior Wave Out. 

 

What is the Senior Wave Out? This tradition started during Covid with the Class of 2020. Parents/guardians/family 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 St one … last … time. You're invited to decorate your seniors' cars for this event. Family members are welcome to 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.
 
The whole event will be over by 9:30 a.m. sharp.

Important FAFSA reminder for the Class of 2025

It's not too late to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)!  If you choose not to complete the FAFSA, please fill out the attached opt-out form by May 1.  Please email the form to Mrs. Gregg or turn in a paper copy to the Secondary Office.

 

Returning Student Registration: Required by Wednesday, April 30

Returning registration icon

Deadline to complete: Wednesday, April 30

 

If you haven't already, please complete returning student registrations for each student! Log into your parent/guardian Skyward account. There is a separate Returning Student Registration tile for each child in your family. If your address has changed, please email a copy of your most recent utility bill to the registrar or drop it off in person. Not sure if you've registered? You can confirm by logging into Skyward, and the square will show the date completed (like this icon)!

 

Kendra Scott Gives Back: this weekend!

Kendra Scott LogoSupport Meridian April 25-27

 

Join us for the Kendra Gives Back Event and help raise funds for Meridian. Whether you shop in-store at The Domain or online, Meridian will receive 20% of every sale! Support Meridian's Annual Fund while shopping for something special for Mother's Day, Teacher Appreciation Week or to treat yourself.

 

In-store: Mention Meridian at checkout to have your purchase count toward the fundraiser April 25.

 

Online: Use the code GIVEBACK-JAVRZ at checkout for 20% of your purchase to support Meridian between April 25-27. 

 

 

Meridian plastic film recycling drive with Ridwell

Drop off now through Friday April 25! Last year's drive yielded enough plastic to fit in a Fit!

 

Meridian School has joined Ridwell’s plastic bag recycling drive for schools! Do you have plastic bags saved up to recycle but don’t know what to do with them? Bring clean, dry bags to the school between April 22-25 – we’ll turn them into Ridwell to recycle! Read on to find out how you can help Meridian get a year of free plastic film pick up.

 

Spring Parent/Guardian Meeting

Parent/Guardian Meeting

Thursday, April 24 from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.


We're offering a hybrid Zoom and in-person Parent & Guardian meeting Thursday, April 24. We look forward to seeing you in person at 6 p.m. in the Mays Café or virtually via Zoom webinar.

 

Chipotle (University Oaks Blvd) Debate Club Spirit Night

Chipotle code: N9M9BGA; use and Meridian Debate Club gets 25% of sales

May 3 from 4 pm - 8 pm

Chipotle on 201 University Oaks Blvd. Ste 1350

 

Support the Meridian School High School Speech and Debate Club by grabbing dinner at Chipotle (near IKEA) on Saturday, May 3 from 4-8 p.m. Order online for pickup using code N9M9BGA or show this flyer in the restaurant.

 

 

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!

 

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

 

Willy Wonka Jr.

Willy Wonka Jr.

April 25, 26

 

Final weekend! The Meridian Mechs present Willy Wonka Jr. on April 25 and 26, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mays gym. Bring the whole family for a delightful evening of music and magic. Tickets are available on MySchoolBucks through April 24 at 5 p.m. After that, limited tickets will be available at the door.

 

enrichment

DECA competes in Nationals this week!

 

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

DECA Nationals

April 26-29 in Orlando, Florida

Krish B., Cylee D., Vivaan P., and Aarush S. compete in DECA Nationals in Orlando, Florida this week! Roar, Lions, Roar!

 

VASE State Art Competition

Jordin E. and Abi M. advance to the State Art Competition, VASE, on Friday, April 25 at San Marcos High School! Let’s go, Lions!

 

Wonka, Jr.!

Meridian’s  after school theatre company, the Meridian Mechs, is excited to present the Spring Musical, Wonka, Jr. Immerse yourself in pure imagination in one of the production’s two remaining performances on April 25, and 26! Get your golden tickets on MySchoolBucks!

 

Letter Jackets and Lettering

The 2024-2025 Lettering List is now published!

 

Lettering is one of Meridian’s highest honors. High school students who met all of the requirements lettered in their extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Those who lettered can order “reserved patches” for their letter jackets! Freshmen who lettered can order their letter jacket a year early!

 

As IB students, all Meridian sophomores, juniors, and seniors can order their letter jacket with “optional patches” during the letter jacket sizing and ordering event on May 1 and May 2. 

 

Get ready to order your letter jacket! Find “Letter Jacket Ordering Information” and the “2024-2025 Letter Jacket Packet” at  Letter Jackets and Lettering.

 

Lettering questions? Please email Secondary Enrichment.

Letter jacket questions? Please bring your questions to the letter jacket sizing and ordering event, or reach out to our Letter Jacket Partner. 

 

Questions about secondary clubs and extracurriculars? Email Secondary Enrichment

 

Meridian Athletics

 

2024-2025 Athletics Awards Ceremony

Monday, April 28 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.  in the Mays Gym

All student athletes who participated on one or more competitive sports teams this year are invited to attend the Athletics Awards Ceremony. There are up to four awards available for participants of each of our 25 competitive teams! Who will be the “Coach of the Year?” Which team will be honored as “Team of the Year?”  RSVP by Wednesday, April 23.

 

Fall 2025 Competitive Sports Registration (rising 7-12)

Registration for Competitive Cross Country, Competitive Flag Football, and Competitive Volleyball opens next Wednesday, April 30 and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 8.  Find season details now! Cross Country / Flag Football / Volleyball

 

The Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section offer more information about Meridian sports.

 

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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