Newsletters » DP Lions Share (11–12)

DP Lions Share (11–12)

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Week of February 18, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Stela

Hello DP Students and Families,

 

Congratulations to our VASE students who competed on this past Saturday, February 14. We have some incredible student artists at Meridian who thrive under the direction of our MYP/DP visual arts teacher, Lacy Vain. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, 15 of our high school students attended the HOSA Spring Leadership Conference led by MYP admin Wyatt Verleye and HOSA Advisors Ms. Jacobs and Ms. Nolan

 

Students stand in business dress with advisors in the high school lobby, next to an American flag

Yesterday our EE juniors spent the day doing academic research at the libraries at the University of Texas. A number of our EE faculty supervisors attended as well to provide support as the students explored the vast scholarly resources at their fingertips! This trip is led by DP Coordinator Charles Ryder and Librarian Renee Ramirez.

11th graders stand in front of the University of Texas tower and clock

Tomorrow, Mr. Manuszak and I will depart with 31 high school students for the DECA State Competition in Dallas! Six of our DECA students have already qualified for ICDC (nationals), and we look forward to having some additional students qualify via the state tournament. Lead DECA advisor Mr. Holman is unable to join us, but he will be with us in spirit!

 

We are incredibly proud of the many ways our students pursue excellence and grateful for the dedicated faculty and staff who make these rich opportunities possible.

 

Stela Holcombe

DP Principal

DPnews

VASE Competition


Congratulations to our high school art students, who participated in the annual VASE competition on Saturday, Feb 14. Two students are going to state – Jinseo P. (9th grade) and Fernanda D. (11th grade). 

Announcements

Last chance: 2026-2027 admissions


Will you have siblings new to Meridian (K-9)? You must apply now for next school year!

 

If a currently enrolled student's sibling will be new to Meridian in the 2026-2027 school year (in grades K-9), please fill out an application for the sibling before February 28. Siblings only receive priority in the lottery if you apply before the deadline.


If you have questions please email [email protected].

Junior Lock In details


February 27-28 from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.

We have finally settled on a date for the junior lock-in! This beloved tradition is an optional overnight event at Meridian in the Mays building and gym.

 

What to expect

The students will enjoy food, games, midnight on the playground, all-night open gym time, and more. The event is chaperoned by Ms. Riley, Ms. Holcombe, and brave parent volunteers.

 

What to do now

Students

  • Make arrangements to get off of work so you can enjoy this event with your peers.
  • Fill out and turn in this permission form by 4:30 p.m. on Feb 27.  Attach $5 for pizza dinner (optional).

 

Parents/Guardians 

Sign up to support this event by donating breakfast items and/or to serve as a chaperone. The event is not possible unless we have sufficient parent help!

 

Academics

Juniors: one-on-one conferences with Kathy Gregg


Mrs. Gregg offers an individual conference with each junior to discuss plans for after high school and the college application process. Parents/guardians are invited to attend this meeting with their student, in person or via Zoom. Please schedule the meeting during study hall or during a class when the student can most afford to miss about 30 minutes of instructional time. Conferences are available through March 11.  Reserve your meeting time today

Juniors: Course Selection for 2026-2027


Mr. Manuszak visited with the juniors in their US History class to guide them in the completion of their 12th grade course selection form. Students will continue their two-year IB Diploma Program courses, but there are decisions to make in regards to taking an elective vs. taking a study hall. The choices students make are not final.

 

Spotlight

Black History Month Jamboree Celebrates Community


The BSU's second annual Jamboree welcomed school community together for a night of celebration, dancing, and speeches. This uplifting student-led celebration welcomed students, staff, and family members together. We're proud of our students!

Students and staff dance on the gym floor

Arts & Science Fest


When: Saturday, April 18, 2026

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A globe with arts and science icons like a rocket ship, whale, camera, and light bulb
Mark your calendars for our 4th annual Arts & Science Fest! Discover live performances, interactive demos, a mobile planetarium, and exhibits from more than 30 school and community STEAM partners! Past exhibits include lava lamp experiments with Millipore Sigma, egg drops with Dell, art activities, slime making with Thermo Fisher Scientific, and more! 
 
Join the fun as an exhibitor or sponsor an activity! If you’re interested, please reach out to Lynda Chapel, Community Coordinator.
 
Thank you to our sponsor, A+ Federal Credit Union!
 
 

Upcoming Events

DP Year One Theatre: The Government Inspector


Thursday, February 26 at 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre

 

Two hands hold a dollar bill. Play by Jason Lemire, based on 'The Inspector General' by Nicolai GogolYou’re invited to a free showing of The Government Inspector, featuring DP Year One students! 

 

The synopsis: 

When a mysterious stranger arrives in a small village, the lives of the corrupt townsfolk are thrown into disarray in this raucous retelling of the classic Russian farce. While the stranger is actually the spoiled heiress who has run off with a satchel full of money, the mayor and his cronies mistake her for a government inspector, and quickly set about trying to curry her favor. The results are predictably disastrous.

Friends of Meridian's Celebration of Flavors kicks off International Week


Friday, February 27 at 6 p.m.

Georgetown Community Center

Friends of Meridian presents their 5th Annual International Celebration of Flavors: Sips, Samples & Silent Auction—an evening of global bites, drinks, and community fun! This will be an age 21+ kick-off for International Week hosted by the Friends of Meridian! Friends of Meridian Celebration of Flavors: Feb. 27 in Georgetown. Tickets on sale now!
 

World Parade + Photo


Friday, March 6

 

Parade

Students may walk in this beloved annual parade under a country of their heritage/choice. A reminder: sign up before Feb. 25; no late submissions will be accepted this year.

 

All of Meridian's students and staff stand in front of the Mays buildingAll School Photo

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.

 

No entry or dismissal: 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.

 

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. 

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

 

enrichment

Tennis Senior Night is Thursday, February 19 at Cimarron Hills Tennis Center!

 

Meridian Athletics (7-12)

 

Tennis

Tennis Senior Night is Thursday, February 19! Please join us as we recognize the class of 2026 seniors in the Meridian Tennis program: Dru C., LaMark C. Jr., Gavin H., Isaac L., and Leah P. The ceremony will be at 6 p.m. at the Cimarron Hills Tennis Center. Then stay to enjoy the traditional Red vs. Black Match as the Varsity team prepares for the TCSAAL State Tennis Tournament on March 7!

 

Tennis matches this week

Wednesday, February 18 - Middle School plays in the traditional “Red vs. Black Match” at home.

Thursday, February 19 - Varsity competes in the traditional “Red vs. Black Match” at home. This is also Tennis Senior Night!

Monday, February 23 - Varsity challenges Hyde Park (Away)

Wednesday, February 25 - Middle School hosts Hyde Park

Tennis Match Schedule / Tennis Match Results

 

Soccer

Home games this week

Wednesday, February 18 - Girls Varsity & Boys Varsity host IDEA Bluff Springs

Soccer Game Schedule & Results

 

Black long sleeved shirt with red "Meridian Soccer" on front with soccer ball. Back has lion logo

Order Soccer Spirit Wear now!

This optional long-sleeved black sweatshirt is available to order now through 9 p.m. on February 25! This shirt is approved spirit wear and can be worn to school on Fridays. Learn more and find the link to order. 

 

Dance Team

Final competition of the season! 

Vista Ridge Dance Championship on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28

Dance Team Competition Schedule & Results

 

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

 

Questions about Athletics? Email Meridian Athletics.



Clubs & Extracurricular Activities (6-12)

 

HOSA (9-12) 

Spring Leadership Conference - Meridian’s high school healthcare occupations club (HOSA) competed in the Spring Leadership Conference on February 13 and 14. Alyssa H. placed 5th in Occupational Therapy! EriAnn C., Grace Z., and Lydia P.  finished in 3rd place for their Public Service Announcement and will advance to the State competition in Corpus Christi from March 24-26! Congratulations to Meridian HOSA!

 

DECA (9-12) 

State Competition -Thirty-one high school students are competing in the DECA State Competition in Dallas Thursday, February 19 - Saturday, February 21! Let’s go, Lions!

 

Speech & Debate Club (9-12)

NSDA Qualifier - Two Meridian students advance to the NSDA Qualifier on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 in Austin! Good luck to Aarin S. and Anish S.!

 

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
 

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