DP Lions Share (11–12)
Week of April 24, 2024
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
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!
I had the pleasure of seeing Shrek the Musical, Jr. this past 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 26 and 27; showtime is 6:30 p.m.
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, our DP science juniors participated in the Group 4 Project. It was inspiring to hear them share what they learned in this two-day collaborative experience with their peers!
Seniors and parents of seniors, please read below for information about Senior Fun Week! If your senior plans to participate in any of the activities, we need you to please fill out the permission form and make the necessary payments in MySchoolBucks by this coming Monday, April 29.
Sincerely,
Stela Holcombe
DP Principal
Spring Parent/Guardian Meeting
Join us Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Mays Café for our Annual Spring Parent/Guardian meeting. Meridian administration will share campus news and updates. We look forward to seeing our families! RSVP and feel free to ask any questions you have ahead of time.
Uniform Drive - Carline drop off this Friday
Do you have a stack of outgrown uniform items ready to donate? ViP will collect uniform donations during morning carline on Friday, April 26. ViP will be in carline so you can just hand them your bags right from your car. Start sorting and cleaning out your closets now!Returning Student Registration: Complete by Friday, April 30
Deadline to complete: Friday, April 30
Take a minute to complete returning student registration for each student! Log into your Skyward account. There is a separate Returning Student Registration tile for each child in your family.
Address changes: If your address has changed, please email a copy of your most recent utility bill to the registrar or drop it off in person.
Last weekend to see Shrek The Musical, Jr.
This weekend is the last time to see Shrek The Musical, Jr. presented by the Meridian Mechs at 6:30 p.m. on April 26-27! Buy your tickets today. Online sales close at noon on Friday, April 26. Tickets will also be available at the door. Learn more about the musical and silent auction!
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DP Teacher of the Year Nominations
Deadline Extended to Monday, April 29
It's that time of the year! Please take a few minutes to nominate a DP faculty member who has made a difference in your student's school experience for DP Teacher of the Year. Please know that we will share your nomination comments with the DP teacher that you nominate even if they are not selected for DP Teacher of the Year. We do this during Teacher Appreciation Week. I hope you will take just a few minutes to nominate a DP faculty member.
Senior Fun Week - Action Required by Monday, April 29!
- Senior Fun Week information.
- Required Senior Fun Week Permission Form. This must be completed by Monday, April 29.
- Barton Springs Pool Admission ($10). This must be paid by Monday, April 29. Please select your student's name from the drop down menu to start the purchasing process.
- Topgolf 2-Hour Playtime Fee ($10). This must be paid by Monday, April 29. Please select your student's name from the drop down menu to start the purchasing process.
The Senior Play is Tonight!
Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Tonight is the last night the DPY2 seniors will perform on stage at Meridian. They are excited to do a dramatic production–The Shawshank Redemption. Admission is free!
Athletics Awards Ceremony
Monday, April 29 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
If you have not done so already please RSVP to attend the Athletics Awards Ceremony. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend this event as I will be in California on a school-related trip.
Survivors, ready? It’s time for National Honor Society Field Day
9th, 10th, and 11th graders get ready to compete against each other on May 17 in a series of games and tasks in the annual Field Day organized and run by National Honor Society (NHS). This is such a fun day for all students involved and a true labor of service from our NHS members. To make this year's Field Day the most memorable yet, we are selling t-shirts for spiritwear and to be worn by our Survivors on Field Day. Students in 9th - 11th grades are invited to purchase them on MySchoolBucks until Thursday, May 2 to ensure delivery will be made before Field Day!
Semester 1 "A Honor Roll" and "AB Honor Roll" Lists
Students who made the "A Honor Roll" and "AB Honor Roll" for Semester 1 will be recognized at the DP Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 2. Students and parents/guardians are invited to review the lists … but wait! Please note there are two tabs on the spreadsheet –one for all As and one for all As and Bs. If you think your student was omitted in error, please double check grades for Semester 1 in Skyward first and then email Wendy Riley if a correction is needed.
Graduation medals for Full IB Diploma Candidates - $14 in MySchoolBucks
Full IB Diploma candidates have the option of wearing an IB medal as part of their graduation regalia. If you would like to buy this item for your graduate, you can find the invoice for $14 in MySchoolBucks. Again, this is an optional purchase for seniors who are full IB diploma candidates.
Graduation ticket request due Friday, May 3
Due by: Wednesday, May 1
We look forward to celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2024 on Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Round Rock Sports Center. Each graduate may invite up to 14 guests, and there will be an opportunity to secure up to a certain number of additional tickets once we have a better idea of how many total guests we are expecting. All immediate and extended family members and friends will be required to present an official Meridian School Graduation Ceremony Ticket upon entry to the graduation venue. The graduates will not need a ticket.
Action Required: The family of every graduate must complete this Google Form by Wednesday, May 1 to request their graduation tickets. Meridian faculty and staff will be offered tickets separately, so please do not reserve tickets for special teachers or staff that you would like to invite.
Important: If you do not need all 14 of the initial tickets offered, please do not reserve them so they can be offered to families who would like to invite a larger number of guests.
Questions? Please email Stela Holcombe. Thank you!
IB Exam Schedule & Review Sessions
IB exams for seniors begin May 1 (next week!), and they continue through May 17 (DP May 2024 Exam Calendar). The only day without an IB exam over this period of time is Friday, May 3.
Several teachers are offering review sessions for the IB exams. Read the live document that lists the review sessions chronologically by date. Students are encouraged to attend as many of these optional sessions as possible. Note: This is a live document that is subject to change. Please check back for changes before showing up for a review session.
Is Your Senior Taking IB Exams?
If the answer is yes, we need your help! The IB Oasis is a room in the high school building where seniors can grab some food before or after IB exams. It is a place to decompress and refuel during the most stressful days of their Meridian career. They have three weeks of exams, so there are lots of slots available to keep the IB Oasis well-stocked. Please sign up to donate food/snacks and/or volunteer to set-up one morning in May during IB exams. Thank you to those who have already signed up!
Attention Juniors: Student Parking for 2024-2025
Action Required by Friday, May 3
It's time to sign up for student parking for the 24-25 school year! The deadline to submit this form is Friday, May 3. If no response is received, it will be assumed that the rising senior does not desire to drive and/or park on campus for the 24-25 school year. All rising seniors are asked to complete the form–even those who do not desire to drive and park on campus in the upcoming school year. This will help Ms. Riley confirm who does not need a parking space. Questions? Please email Ms. Riley.
College Newsletter (Published by DP Students)
Two seniors from the Class of 2024 (Leon T. and Abigail T.) have decided to share what they have learned about the college admissions process with you in the form of a newsletter. The content has been reviewed by our College Counselor, Kathy Gregg, but keep in mind that the newsletter is written from the perspective of the students who have contributed the content. I'm sure you will find it informative and interesting. Read the first edition of the College Newsletter.
Volunteer Needed to Assemble Informal Senior Slideshow
A parent volunteer is needed to assemble the photos the seniors provided with the music they suggested into the Informal Senior Slideshow. This is something special the seniors will enjoy and remember from their last day together on campus. If you can help make it happen, it will be greatly appreciated! Please reach out to Mrs. Holcombe this week.
Senior Fun Week: New activity at Georgetown Lake
The seniors will enjoy an outing to Georgetown Lake on Tuesday, May 21. This is happening after the annual cap and gown parade that we do for the primary and middle school students. This event at the lake will start at about 10:30 a.m. and will go through 1 p.m. Stela Holcombe is seeking some parents who would be willing to go set up that morning and do some grilling of hot dogs and/or hamburgers for the students. If you would be interested in helping with this, please email Mrs. Holcombe. Thank you!
Adopt a Senior!
The deadline to Adopt a Senior is today, Thursday, April 24. Choose a senior you know, or one who lives nearby. Notes and treats can be dropped off at the high school office (this is pretty convenient) or to the student's home, if a home address is provided. Please Adopt a Senior (or two) and give them some much-needed encouragement in the home stretch of their Meridian career.
End of Year: Important dates for Seniors
- No summatives or major assignments will be due after Friday, April 26 (except for coseated students in English 4). This will help seniors avoid stress associated with these tasks immediately prior to IB exams, which begin on May 1.
- Last day of class for seniors is Tuesday, April 30 - but all seniors are expected to attend school daily through May 22.
- There are no retakes on the last summatives for Q4, but seniors may turn in Q4 work through 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3. (There are no IB exams on May 3.)
- Q4 Senior grades will be in Skyward by Monday, May 13 by 8 a.m.
DP Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 2 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 Monday, April 29. Attendance is optional, but we encourage participation if you are available.
Senior Prank Night
Thursday, May 2, from 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
This is the same night as the annual DP Awards Ceremony. Seniors will have time to go home, eat dinner, change, and grab their supplies for Senior Prank Night. Please know that this is a sanctioned activity that is supervised by Meridian staff.
24-25 Dance Team registration ends today!
Fierce Dance Team will perform in three area competitions, pep rallies, Varsity home games, and more next year! This yearlong sport is open to all rising 7th-12th grade dancers. Hurry! Registration ends at 9 p.m. Wednesday for the 2024-2025 Dance Team season! Check your registration status. No late registrations will be accepted!
Missed the Zoom info session on Friday, April 19? Find the recording.
Learn more: About Competitive Dance Team / Tryouts / Practices / Coaches / Fees / Registration
It’s lettering and letter jacket time!
In recognition of the dedication and commitment required to be an IB student, all Meridian juniors and seniors have the privilege of purchasing a letter jacket with the Meridian "M" on the front. In the spring of each year, sophomores may also order their jackets to wear starting in the fall of their junior year.
High school students who lettered in their activity can also purchase a Meridian letter jacket, and they can purchase a patch for the jacket sleeve representing their activity. 2023-2024 Lettering List
Thursday, April 25
Letter Jacket and Letter Patch Zoom Info Session for students who lettered in their activity and all sophomores and juniors interested in ordering a letter jacket during Advisory (1:50 - 2:20 p.m.). Parents/guardians welcome.
Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3
Letter Jacket Sizing & Ordering Event (and jacket sleeve patch ordering for those who already have a letter jacket) during C lunch and Advisory (1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) in the Mays Lobby. Parents/guardians are welcome.
Letter Jackets & LetteringAthletics Awards Ceremony
Monday, April 29 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Mays Gym
RSVP by Wednesday, April 24
For students who participated on competitive sports teams this year and their parents/guardians. Learn more.Get ready for 2024-2025 sports experiences!
- Introduction to 24-25 Meridian sports
- Find registration dates.
- Read the updated Terms for Participation before registering.
- Submit your 24 -25 sports physical form to [email protected]. Learn more about Physical Forms & Sports Physicals.
Secondary Enrichment dates
April 24: Registration ends at 9 p.m. for 24-25 Dance Team
April 25: Letter Jacket and Letter Patch Zoom Info Session during advisory (for students and parents/guardians)
April 27: VASE State (Art) - Jordin and Anjali advancing!
April 27 -30: DECA Nationals - Aarush is going to Nationals!
April 29: Athletics Awards Ceremony - for 23-24 competitive sports
May 1: Registration opens for Fall Competitive Sports (Cross Country, Flag Football, Volleyball)
May 2 - 3: Letter Jacket Sizing & Ordering Event in the Mays Lobby from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Parents/guardians welcome)
May 4: 24-25 Dance Team tryouts. Must be registered and physically eligible to participate.
May 8: Registration ends at 9 p.m. for Fall Competitive Sports (Cross Country, Flag Football, Volleyball)
Check out more enrichment dates on our school calendar of events.
Questions about secondary extracurricular activities, eligibility, or letter jackets?
Email [email protected].
Secondary Daily Announcements
Curious about daily announcements? Take a look at the daily announcements slides.
Upcoming Events and Dates
April 24: Senior Play "The Shawshank Redemption"
April 24: NHS Senior Send-Off (for NHS members)
April 24: Deadline to Adopt a Senior
April 24: Deadline to RSVP to Athletics Awards
April 24: Lettering List Released
April 25: Spring Parent Meeting
April 25: Senior Voter Registration Sweep
April 26-27: Shrek Jr. Performances
April 29: Athletics Awards Ceremony (senior athletes)
April 30: Last Day of Class for Seniors
May 1: Deadline for Senior Families to request graduation tickets
May 1: IB Exam Fees Due (via personal check or MySchoolBucks)
May 1-17: IB Exams
May 2: Senior Prank Night 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
May 2: DP Awards Ceremony 6- p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 3: No IB exams
May 6-10: Staff Appreciation Week
May 16: Board Meeting
May 17: AB Day
May 17: NHS Field Day
May 17-18: Senior Lock-in
May 17-23: Secondary Book Fair
Check out our online calendar of events for more upcoming dates.
DP Resources
School Calendars and Bell Schedules (including A/B)
Link to A/B Google Calendar
(to add A/B days to your personal Google Calendar)
DP Course Syllabi and Tutorial Schedule
Secondary Academic Guide 23-24
College Visit Opportunities 2023-2024
On instagram? Follow us at meridianschool_dpcommunity
Important DP Program Contacts
Counselor for Grades 10 – 12, Nick Manuszak
College and Career Counselor, Kathy Gregg
Dean of School Culture, Monique Swain
Help us reach you
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