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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
Primary students paint on white paper
Students run across a field, the one on the left holding a football (from a recent Flag Football game).
Enjoying the annual World Parade
Students play guitars in music class
Newsletters » DP Lions Share (11–12)

DP Lions Share (11–12)

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Week of March 4, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Stela

Hello DP Students and Families,

 

It's International Week! We are looking forward to the World Parade this Friday (this event is for staff and students only) and to the Festival of Cultures and the new Holi Celebration on Saturday. All are invited on Saturday to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures in our school community. I hope to see you there!

 

Juniors who are writing the Extended Essay (EE) had a great trip to the University of Texas to do research at the UT libraries. Please encourage them to work steadily on this large task. Keeping up with the checkpoints is key to success! They have Checkpoint #2 due this Sunday, March 8. 

 

If your student is struggling with the EE, or with the DP workload in general, please reach out so we can schedule a one-on-one family meeting. We have had some meetings in the last few weeks to put plans in place to support students–some involving schedule adjustments that really help a lot. Friday, March 13 is the last day to make changes to DP courses for Semester 2. 

 

Spring Break is on the horizon! Please encourage your students to do their best work as we close out Quarter 3. 

 

Thank you!

 

Stela Holcombe

DP Principal

DPnews

Class of 2027 quarter zip spirit wear on sale now

Grey quarter zip sweatshirt with blue star and Class of 27

Class of 2027!  Wear your class spirit and order a limited edition embroidered Quarter Zip Class of 2027 jacket.

 

This approved spirit wear jacket can be worn all week over your polo shirt. Available to Class of 2027 students, their families and Meridian staff. Sales close March 11.

 

Spring Scholastic Book Fair runs next week

March 9-13

Stack of booksThe Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our Mays Library next week! Stock up on good reads for spring break. Every purchase adds more books to our middle school and high school libraries. Students may shop during the day from 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. 

 

Preview what’s at the Fair and/ OR purchase books online! (To be shipped to your home; book purchases of $25 or more ship free). Add funds to your students’ E-wallet here, or we also accept cash, credit card, Apple pay and checks (payable to Meridian World School). Thank you for supporting our libraries!

Announcements

Upcoming Dress Days

  • Friday, March 6: World Parade Cultural Dress. Students and staff may choose to wear cultural wear or national team jerseys to celebrate their culture or heritage!
  • Tuesday, March 10: $2 Free Dress Fundraiser. Students should bring $2 to the lobby next Monday or Tuesday morning to enjoy free dress on Tuesday! (regular, school-appropriate clothing – no pajamas/costumes. Students will receive a wrist band). 
 

Amplify Austin: today and tomorrow

March 4-5

 

Amplify Austin: I Live Here I Give HereMeridian World School is taking part in Amplify Austin this year! It’s Central Texas’ biggest giving day of the year, and it’s an easy way for you to share support of Meridian with friends, family members, and colleagues.

 

What we’re asking: Please share our giving link on your social media channels, as well as to friends and family members.  It’s an easy low stakes way for our community to donate to the school. 

 

Make it extra special by sharing a story about what Meridian has meant to you and your family on social media or share with us at [email protected] and we will feature it on our Amplify Austin page

 

Our goal is to raise $2,000 in community support through March 5, and we need your help spreading the word! 

A message regarding Lifetouch Photography Services

We are aware of recent concerns that circulated on social media regarding Lifetouch, the company we work with to take student photos. With Spring photos scheduled for April 21 (grades K-12) and primary classroom group photos scheduled for March 24 (grades K-5), we want to share what we have learned, and to assure you that student safety and data privacy remain our highest priorities.

 

According to Lifetouch:

  • Student images are used solely for school records and parent purchases.
  • Images are never shared, sold, or used to train artificial intelligence. 
  • Lifetouch remains in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

Families always retain the option to opt out of vendor-provided school photography if they choose. Please fill out this form if you DO NOT wish for your child to be photographed during the spring picture day and primary class photos. Otherwise, no action is required.


To learn more directly from Lifetouch, you review their safety and security protocols and a statement from their CEO.

Fundraising Opportunity: Water for Africa

Three sets of legs with colorful socks5th grade students are excited to launch a meaningful fundraising campaign to help provide clean drinking water to communities in Africa. Through We Help Two, we are selling fun & comfy socks to raise funds for a clean water well project.
 
Every pair purchased brings us one step closer to making a real difference. Join us in turning something simple — like socks — into a life-changing impact!
We Help Two
 
What: Fundraiser for Water for Africa
When: February 25-March 11
To purchase: Use this link!
 

Academics

Support for DP Students

If your student is struggling with the EE, or with the DP workload in general, please reach out so we can schedule a one-on-one family meeting. We have had some meetings in the last few weeks to put plans in place to support students–some involving schedule adjustments that really help a lot. Friday, March 13 is the last day to make changes to DP courses for Semester 2.

 

Spotlight

DP Student Advances to State VASE Competition

Congratulations to DP student, Fernanda D., who is advancing to state for the Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE)!  I'm grateful to MYP/DP art teacher Lacy Vain for guiding our students and organizing all the logistics required in order for our students to participate in VASE each year!

Student and teacher kneel on floor next to drawings and paintings

 

Upcoming Events

World Parade + Photo

Friday, March 6

 

No entry or early dismissal between 1:30 - 3:15 p.m.

The parking lot will be closed between 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. for the parade and photo. If you need to pick up your student early on March 6, please arrive before 1:25 p.m.

 

Parade

Students may walk in this beloved annual parade under a country of their heritage/choice. Those not marching watch as spectators. Students can wear cultural wear or national team jerseys.

 

All School Photo (will be canceled if raining/wet)

Following the World Parade, we will gather students, faculty, & staff for an all-school photo! This is a tradition once every five years, and this year, we celebrate 15 years at Meridian. Students not in cultural wear are encouraged to wear their red polo shirt or red spirit wear.

Festival of Cultures + Holi Celebration

Saturday, March 7 from 2-5 p.m. Holi Celebration starts at 5:15.

 

Explore family- and student club- led country and culture booths in this 9th annual Festival of Cultures! Learn about countries, sample food, try games and make crafts! Enjoy Primary Student Performances, the Black Culture Choir, and the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team. Celebrate your family’s culture and heritage with a country booth, or volunteer. 

 

Note: the Holi Celebration will depend on the weather. If it is raining, we will not be able to hold a color throw. We will continue in the Mays lobby with performances only.

students celebrate their cultures through food samples, singing, and flags

Two Theatre Production Shows Next Week

American History in 60 on Monday, March 9

The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza on Tuesday, March 10


The Theatre Production classes present their second class plays of the year.
  • On Monday, March 9, enjoy American History in 60, a lightning-fast comedy that takes audiences on a madcap journey through the story of America.
  • On Tuesday, March 10, they will present The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, in which a group of narrators attempt to cover the entirety of Greek mythology, making it wild, silly and a blast for all ages!
Both productions are free to attend and take place in the Black Box Theatre. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Greek statue with lightning bolts Graphic of founding fathers with pixelated sun glasses

 

enrichment

Boys JV Soccer defeated Headwaters on Saturday, February 28! Photo by Hyon-hee Georg.

 

Meridian Athletics (7-12)

 

Tennis

Rescheduled! Saturday, March 28 -2026 TCSAAL State Tennis Tournament!

Due to the risk of thunderstorms on Saturday, March 7, the league has rescheduled the State Tennis Tournament to Saturday, March 28. Let’s go, Lions!

 

 

Soccer

Upcoming Home Games

Wednesday, March 4 - Coed MS and Boys JV host Cedars International! Also Girls Varsity and Boys Varsity host IDEA Rundberg! (Please note there are different locations for these Varsity and Sub-Varsity”home” games.)

Saturday, March 7 - Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity host Founders Leander!

Soccer Game Schedule & Results

 

 

2026 Adults vs. Students Soccer Games!

Open to all adults in the Meridian community, sign up to play our Meridian Soccer teams in this annual tradition on Friday, March 27. Learn more and sign up here.

 

 

Dance Team

Congratulations to the Fierce Dance Team who wrapped up their competition season with three awards at the Vista Ridge Dance Championship on Saturday, February 28!

2nd Place - MS Contemporary Ensemble

Outstanding Choreography - MS Contemporary Ensemble

Outstanding Choreography - JV Contemporary Ensemble

 

 

Athletics Newsletter / Athletics Calendar / 2026-2027 Sports Registration (Subject to change)

 

Questions about Athletics? Email Meridian Athletics.



Clubs & Extracurricular Activities (6-12)

 

Model UN - The final conference of the school year is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama this Thursday through Sunday! Good luck to the high school members of Meridian Model United Nations who are participating in ALMUN, this year’s out-of-state conference!

 

2025-2026 Clubs List / Clubs & Extracurriculars / Enrichment & Extracurricular Calendar

Questions about Secondary Clubs? 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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