MYP Mane Archive Fall 2025
MYP Mane Archive 2025-2026
Week of July 30, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear MYP Families,
It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I welcome you to the new school year! As I step into the role of principal for our Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), I bring with me the joy, curiosity, and learner-centered philosophy that has guided my journey in the Primary Years Programme. While the setting may be new, my commitment to nurturing the whole child and building strong, supportive relationships remains at the heart of my leadership.
The Middle Years Programme is a transformative time, where students expand their sense of identity, strengthen their voice, and begin to see themselves as agents of change in a complex world. As an IB World School, we will continue to cultivate inquiry, intercultural understanding, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives. I’m especially looking forward to walking alongside our learners as they embrace the challenges and opportunities of the MYP, developing the confidence, compassion, and skills they’ll carry into the future.
Our first day together, Wednesday, August 6, is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome our students back into a learning environment where they are seen, supported, and empowered. Let’s make this a year of connection, growth, and meaningful learning.
With great anticipation,
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Quick link: MYP Calendar
MYP Back to School Night
Join us on campus to pick up your schedule, meet your student's teachers, pick up car tags, discover how you can support the school, pick up Letter Jackets, and purchase spirit wear from RockSports! You can also drop off medications and immunization records at the nurse’s table.
Middle School 6-8: Monday, August 4 from 4-6 p.m.
High School 9-12: Monday, August 54 from 5-7 p.m.
Car tags
Car tags will be available for pickup at Back to School night in the Mays Café. These will be required to have in the carline this year for K-12!
Can't make Back to School Night? Pick up your car tag on weekdays between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the middle school (6-8) and high school (9-12) offices before the first day of school. If you don't have a car tag on the first day of school, have your student pick it up at their campus front office.
Pikmykid
Beginning this school year, all grades K-12 pick up students in carline using the Pikmykid app. The app has helped create a smooth and fast dismissal carline for primary since 2020, and we look forward to bringing it back campus-wide.
Set up is quick and easy
- Download the Pikmykid app and learn how to use it in this Parent App Guide.
- Do you prefer video instruction? View video tutorials.
If your student does not show up on your Pikmykid app, please email your student’s name, grade and the cell phone number you registered with to [email protected].
How to Announce once in Carline
Please "announce" your student once you are in afternoon carline.
- Open app and press "Pickup" on bottom tab
- Press green "Announce" button on new screen
If you're a delegate, the children you're picking up will show on the same screen.
Student drivers do not need to announce for themselves or any students carpooling in your vehicle. Parents and guardians do not need to delegate on days your child drives or rides home with a student driver. On any days when you pick them up in carline or during After School, you will need to “announce.”
Secondary Back to School checklist
- Carline:
- Pick up your car tag
- Review: Carline arrival and dismissal procedures
- Install Pikmykid
- School Supplies: Check your school supply list
- Uniforms: Please review the Uniform Guide
- Get your polo embroidered for use on Mondays. (RockSports or GTX Awards)
- Grades 8-12 Bring Your Own Device (Chromebook/Laptop)
- Nurse: Update immunization records with the nurse, ([email protected])
- MySchoolBucks: Set up your MySchoolBucks account for meal and event purchases
Arrival Times and Procedures
School starts at 8:25 a.m. in Secondary.
Secondary Arrival times: 7:30 - 8:25 a.m. Early Green Lane opens at 7:20 a.m.
Secondary families can take any lane. However, please wait until the correct drop off location before students leave your vehicle. It is very dangerous if they exit before the end of the carline. Please review the Arrival Carline Map.
Please use caution around crosswalks and watch for direction from our staff.
Dismissal Times and Procedures
Secondary Dismissal times: 4:10 - 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday 1:35 - 2 p.m.). Please do not arrive before 4 p.m. (1:25 p.m.), or you will enter the primary carline and be asked to exit and loop around again.
Secondary After School Dismissal Map
🔵 Blue Lane | Middle School Students
🟠 Orange Lane | Middle School (with Waiters siblings)
🟢 Green Lane | High School (and any siblings)
Can’t make it until after 4:30 p.m.? Register for After School 6-12!
Week of August 6, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear MYP Families,
We had a wonderful start to the school year! The energy was high, the smiles were big, and thanks to your support, morning drop-off ran incredibly smoothly. We’re so grateful for the patience and positivity you brought to Day 1.
As we move into our first full week, we do have a quick reminder to help dismissal go just as smoothly:
Blue Car Tags – If you are picking up your child in the car line, please be sure to display your BLUE car tag clearly on your dashboard or rearview mirror. This helps us quickly identify your student and keep the line moving safely and efficiently.
PikMyKid – We’re still working out a few of the kinks with the PikMyKid app, and we appreciate your grace and understanding. Like all new systems, it will get smoother with each day, and we’ll keep communicating updates and tips as we refine the process. *Please check to see if your child shows up in the correct dismissal line in your app. If they do not, reach out to the Mays office at (512) 660-5230 x 294.
Thank you again for your partnership. We are off to a strong start and are excited about all the learning, growth, and community that lies ahead this year!
Warmly,
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Does your child ride a bike or walk off campus after school?
Our school is in a high-traffic area and the carlines are quite busy. If your family is making the decision to allow your secondary student (grades 6-12) to walk or ride a bike to / from school, the parents must fill out this permission form to give consent and release the school from liability. Note that a new form is required each school year. For safety reasons, primary students are not allowed to walk off campus with secondary siblings.
Math Pentathlon practice begins Aug. 16
The Math Pentathlon program (K-7) promotes a love of math and teaches students logical thinking and strategy. While not a school-sponsored club, the group is organized by dedicated parent, student, and staff volunteers and meets on campus! Practice is on Saturdays from 9 - 11 a.m. in the PYP Cafeteria. See details.
The interest meeting for the high school fall play is Monday, August 11.
Clubs & Extracurriculars (6-12)
2025-26 After School Band and Orchestra (7-8) - Late Registration ends at 9 p.m. Thursday, August 7!
Last chance to join the After School Band or Orchestra! Find details and register now: After School Band / After School Orchestra
Theatre (After School) - Announcing our high school fall play: These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. High school students wanting to participate are encouraged to attend the Interest Meeting on Monday, August 11 at 4 p.m. in the Black Box. Meridian Mechs (After School Theatre)
Model United Nations (6-12) - The Annual Membership Registration for Model UN will be open September 3 through 9 p.m. on September 11. No late registration will be available. Model UN
Information about additional secondary clubs and extracurriculars is expected to be available in September. Students should watch the daily announcements for updates.
Letter Jacket Distribution - Letter jackets ordered on campus in May were distributed during the High School Back to School Night. Students who missed the event can collect their letter jacket from the high school receptionist during the first week of school. Please direct questions and concerns about your letter jacket order or your letter jacket itself to Meridian’s letter jacket partner: Overall Recognition/Herff Jones (email or 512-243-7901). Meridian staff cannot assist with product concerns.
Questions about secondary clubs and extracurriculars? Email Secondary Enrichment
Meridian Athletics (7-12)
Tryouts this week
Fall Competitive Sports have tryouts this week! Students must be registered and physically eligible to try out. Physical forms were due August 1. The Athletics Department is no longer accepting physical forms for this week’s tryouts. Those who are registered and physically eligible can find their tryout information on the Athletics website. Please revisit the online resources before emailing the Athletics Department and coaches with questions. Cross Country / Dance Team / Flag Football / Volleyball
If offered a spot on a team as a result of tryouts, students will be sent a Welcome email with next steps and will be invoiced for their participation fee by the end of the next school day. Participation fees must be paid before students can begin participating.
Students who try out and are not offered a spot on any team will be refunded their registration fee. Otherwise, registration fees are non-refundable.
Sports Registration
Find the sports options being planned for the coming year. Get ready for the registration windows and tryout dates.
Physical Forms
A valid physical form must be on file with the Athletics Department before students can participate in tryouts, practices, and competitions. Physical forms for Fall Competitive Sports (Cross Country, Dance Team, Middle School Flag Football, Volleyball) tryouts were due by August 1 and are no longer being accepted. Students wanting to participate in future sports seasons should email their complete and valid physical form to [email protected]. Important! No hard copies will be accepted. Physical Forms & Sports Physicals
The Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section offer helpful information about Meridian sports. For families who are new to Meridian Athletics, the Introduction to Meridian Sports provides a great place to start.
Questions? Email Meridian Athletics
Week of August 13, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Week 2 in Full Swing!
Dear MYP Families,
We’re midway through our second week, and it’s been a wonderful start to the school year! Students are settling into their routines, classrooms are buzzing with learning, and the positive energy across the MYP community is truly inspiring. Thank you for partnering with us to help make this a smooth and successful beginning!
Dress Code – Off to a Strong Start
We appreciate your support in helping students follow the MYP dress code. As we continue through these early weeks, we’re reminding students about our expectations as they enter the building in the morning. Your reinforcement at home makes a big difference. You can check our allowable dress code on our website if you are ever unsure!
Carline Success – Keep Showing Those Blue Tags!
Carline is moving more efficiently each day — thank you! Please continue to clearly display your blue car tags during dismissal, as this speeds up the process for everyone. A quick tip: announcing your arrival in the app as soon as you enter school property helps us get your student ready and keeps the line flowing smoothly. We appreciate your patience and teamwork during this busy time of day.
Technology Expectations – Consistency Matters
While Texas law now prohibits student use of cell phones, smartwatches, and similar devices from bell to bell, please remember that in MYP, our policy has always required these devices to be powered off and put away as students enter the Mays building in the morning. We are continuing this practice to support a calm, distraction-free start to each day and ensure consistency in expectations. They are allowed in our secondary afterschool program in the cafeteria.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We’re proud of how our students are starting the year and excited for all that’s ahead!
Warm regards,
Melissa Reese
Principal
Quick link: MYP Calendar
Meet your Assistant Principals!
Wyatt Verleye, Grades 6-7
Hi everyone, I'm Wyatt Verleye, and I'm thrilled to be the Assistant Principal for grades 6 and 7.
I'm eager to get to know our students and families and to support our incredible school community. I believe these middle school years are a crucial time for development, and I'm dedicated to helping our students build the skills they need to succeed.
My door is always open. Let's make this an amazing year together!
Kim Salazar, Grades 8-10
Welcome Back, Lions! I’m excited to begin my second year as Assistant Principal at Meridian. It has been a rewarding journey so far, and I feel truly honored to be part of a community that values academic excellence, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole child.
In my role, I’m passionate about supporting students, families, and staff in creating a learning environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to grow. The IB philosophy resonates deeply with me, and I’m committed to fostering inquiry, reflection, and a global perspective in everything we do.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, taking long walks, and unwinding with a good movie. I believe that balance and connection are essential, and I strive to bring that same energy into my work each day.
I look forward to another great year of learning and growth together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to support our students and school community.
6th Grade Student Council Election Interest Meeting
Wednesday, August 20 at 7:45 a.m.
All 6th grade students interested in running for a Student Council representative position should attend the mandatory interest meeting on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:45 am in room M1.10. Email Ms. Gentillet, Student Council Advisor with any questions.Reminder: does your child ride a bike or walk off campus after school?
Our school is in a high-traffic area and the carlines are quite busy. If your family is making the decision to allow your secondary student (grades 6-12) to walk or ride a bike to / from school, the parents must fill out this consent and release of liability form. A new form is required each school year. For safety reasons, primary students are not allowed to walk off campus with secondary siblings.
Week of August 20, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
We’re excited to be moving into our third week of school! While many schools are just now opening their doors, our students and teachers are already settling into routines, diving into learning, and building a strong classroom community. It’s been wonderful to see the excitement and engagement across our campus as we establish a smooth and productive start to the year.
Family Fun – Bingo Night
We hope you’ll join ViP this Friday evening for their second annual Bingo Night! It’s a great opportunity to connect with other families, share some laughs, and enjoy a fun-filled evening together.
Learning & Growth – Parent/Guardian Webinar
If you’re interested in hearing more about how our assessment practices have evolved to better support student learning, we invite you to attend our Parent/Guardian Webinar next Tuesday evening. This will be a chance to hear from our team, ask questions, and see how these updates benefit your child. Link is below.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we move forward this school year. We’re off to a fantastic start, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Meet your counselors!
Please take the time to fill out our Secondary Needs Assessment and give us feedback to improve our counseling services we provide to our students in grades 6-12.
Stefanie Zook (6-7)
Stefanie Zook is a native Texan. She grew up in Abilene and Midland, Texas, and later her family moved to the Round Rock area where she graduated from Round Rock High School.
Mrs. Zook attended Texas State University, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Chemistry. While looking for a job in her field of study, she found education when she started substituting in schools and discovered her love of working with kids. She earned her teaching certificates and taught Special Education and Science. She went on to earn her Master's of Education in Guidance and Counseling in 2010
Mrs. Zook is happily married to her husband, Ed, and they have 5 children together. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, enjoying a cup of coffee, camping, and traveling (to a beach) whenever possible.
Nolberto Reyna, (8-9)
Nolberto Reyna is honored to be a part of the Meridian School family as a counselor. He is in his 18th year of education, where he has served in various roles, including teacher, counselor, Assistant Principal, Director of Academic Programs, and Dean of Admissions and College Readiness.
Nolberto graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in International Business. He later earned a Master’s of Education in Secondary Education and a Master’s of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M - Commerce. He also holds a Master’s of Arts in School Counseling from Amberton University.
He is excited to foster new relationships with students and parents to help students meet their full potential and prepare them for the next chapter of their lives after high school. Regardless of what route students take, his goal is to instill in all students the resiliency and grit to tackle any obstacles that they may face.
Nick Manuszak is the High School Counselor for grades 10-12. This is his 8th year working at Meridian School. In addition to being counselor, Nick serves as the high school cross-country coach, leads the school pep rallies, and provides DECA competition and travel support. He looks forward to assisting students with course selections, future planning, college applications, and everyday advice regarding the ups and downs of high school life. In his free time he enjoys collecting records, spending time with his dogs, and being outdoors.
Secondary grading practices webinar
August 26 from 6-7 p.m.
Parents/guardians: want to learn and understand how grades are assigned in MYP and DP? Join us Tuesday, August 26 from 6-7 p.m. for a Zoom webinar where we will review our updated Secondary Assessment Practices (grading).
We invite you to review our updated Secondary Assessment Practices document, and share questions/comments via this Google Form before the meeting. The meeting will be recorded and shared at a later date.
College Shirt Day
Wednesday, August 27
The last Wednesday of each month is College Shirt Day, a day for students and staff to show their college spirit! Next Wednesday, August 27, is our first one of the school year. Students may wear a T-shirt or sweatshirt with the name/logo of their favorite university.
Final Reminder! Does your child ride a bike or walk off campus after school?
Our school is in a high-traffic area. If your family is making the decision to allow your secondary student (grades 6-12) to walk or ride a bike to / from school, the parents must fill out this permission form to give consent and release the school from liability. A new form is required each school year. For safety reasons, primary students are not allowed to walk off campus with secondary siblings.
Save the Date for Homecoming 2025 Semi-Formal Dance
High School Dance (Grades 9-12)
Saturday, September 27 from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets go on sale in My School Bucks on September 8. Students who wish to bring a non-Meridian guest must complete a guest permission form in advance. Stay tuned for information in future newsletters about how parents/guardians can contribute to make this dance a success!
Week of August 27, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
September Is Almost Here!
It’s hard to believe, but we’re already approaching September! Thank you for helping us kick off a great start to the school year. As we settle into routines, we have a few reminders to help keep things running smoothly for everyone.
Carline Reminders
Please do not arrive for secondary carline before 4 p.m. (or 1:20 p.m. on Wednesdays). Arriving early causes traffic congestion and disrupts dismissal for elementary students. If you do arrive early, you will be asked to circle around and re-enter the carline at the appropriate time.
Dress Code Reminders
We’ve noticed a few recurring dress code issues. Just a reminder: leggings and cut-off jean shorts are not allowed as part of the school dress code. Please help ensure your student is dressed appropriately each day so we can keep the focus on learning.
As a reminder, there will be no school for students this Friday due to a teacher work day, and no school on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
We appreciate your continued support and partnership!
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Meet your IB Coordinator
Colorado born, but South Texas raised, Kimberly Ogo (Oh-go) graduated Valedictorian from small town Dilley Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2014. Fresh out of college, she became an IB Educator when she joined Temple ISD as the MYP Visual Art Teacher. From that moment on, her love for the IB philosophy grew every year.
She earned her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University in 2019 after she became the MYP Coordinator for Temple ISD. In 2022, she became a member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN) as a MYP Programme Leader. She decided to make Meridian her forever school in 2023 as the MYP Coordinator.
Outside of education, Mrs. Ogo has a small jewelry business that combines her artistic passion with her love of geology and mineralogy. She has two children, one who is in the Meridian Class of 2034.
Inaccurate MYP Low Grade Parent Notifications
The default low grade notifications in Skyward are inaccurate for MYP’s 0-8 scale. For example, a 4 out of 8 is being associated with 50%. The MYP 0-8 is NOT converted to a percentage. The percentage for the quarter grades comes from the 1-7 IB scale.
To resolve this, you can set the low grade threshold to 25, which would equate to a 2 on the 0-8 scale. Consistent 2s or lower on assignments will result in a failing percentage for the quarter.
However, if you have both MYP and DP students, adjusting the threshold will affect all of your students. That may result in missing failing grade notifications for DP students.
In that case, the threshold may stay at a 70 with understanding that for MYP students, a 4 or higher consistently on assignments will result in a passing percentage for the quarter. The notification alert for those may need to be disregarded. See how to change threshold settings.
Secondary Assessment Practices (Grading)
Thanks to those who were able to join the Zoom meeting about our updated Secondary Grading Practices. If you missed the meeting, you can get caught up by reviewing this slide deck and watching this video of the live recording.
MYP Principal's Coffees
New MYP Families
Thursday, September 4 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Please save the date for our New Families MYP Principal Coffee! We will meet in the Mays library. We will go over some of the foundations of MYP and what makes us unique here at Meridian! We hope to see you there!
Returning Families
Tuesday, September 9 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Please save the date for our traditional MYP Principal Coffee of the year! We will meet in the Mays Library. Melissa Reese and Kim Ogo will share updates about what is happening with assessments, Skyward and grading. You will have the opportunities to share ideas and ask any questions you have of the MYP Admin Team. We hope to see you there!
Middle School Open House (grades 6-8)
Tuesday, September 30 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Are you curious to meet your 6-8 grade student's teachers in person? Mark your calendar for our High School Open House! You will literally "walk" your student's schedule, spending seven minutes per class where you will hear a brief presentation from each teacher.
Students are invited to attend with their parent/guardian (to help them find their classes). Note: This is not a "come and go" event. Please arrive by 5 p.m. to enjoy the full experience.
8th Grade Parent Meeting: Camp Olympia
Tuesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Each year our 8th grade class participates in a three day-two night off campus learning experience at Camp Olympia in Trinity Texas. This year’s trip will take place October 22-24. Eight grade parents and guardians: join us for an in-person meeting in the Mays Café right after the Middle School Open House.
Save the date: High School Open House!
Thursday, October 2 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Are you curious to meet your 9-12 grade student's teachers in person? Mark your calendar for our High School Open House! You will literally "walk" your student's schedule, spending seven minutes per class where you will hear a brief presentation from each teacher.
Students are invited to attend with their parent/guardian (to help them find their classes). This is not a "come and go" event. Please arrive by 5 p.m. to enjoy the full experience.
Week of September 3, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We’ve officially reached the midpoint of the quarter! This is a great opportunity to check in with your student about their academic progress—celebrate what’s going well and identify any areas where they may need additional support.
In addition, I’m excited to invite you to our first Principal’s Coffee for families new to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) this Thursday at 9 a.m. This informal gathering is a great way to:
- Learn more about the MYP framework and what makes it unique
- Ask questions about student life
- Connect with other families who are also new to the program
- Meet members of our leadership team and staff
Whether you're still learning the ins and outs of MYP or simply want to build stronger connections with our school community, I hope you’ll join us.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. We’re looking forward to a strong second half of the quarter!
Warm regards,
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Week of September 10, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy September, families! We have a fun and busy month ahead, and we want to make sure you're in the loop on everything happening at school.
🎈 Founders' Day – Class of 2028 Needs Your Help!
Founders' Day is just around the corner, and our 10th graders (Class of 2028) are preparing a special table to represent their class. They’re in need of supply donations to help make it a success. If you'd like to contribute, please sign up here.
🎉 Homecoming Week – Get Ready to Celebrate!
Homecoming Week is coming soon, and we’ll have a variety of fun dress-up days and school spirit activities. Be on the lookout for more information coming from your student’s teachers and our social media channels or check out the Homecoming Page!
🚗 Carline Reminder – Help Keep Drop-Off Safe & Smooth
For morning drop-off, please help us keep things safe and efficient by pulling all the way forward to the designated drop-off line.
🔸 Do not drop students off before reaching the official drop-off zone (located in front of Primary).
🔸 Staff will be there to remind at the crosswalk — thank you for helping us keep the line moving and our students safe!
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make it a great September!
Melissa Reese
Principal
Quick link: MYP Calendar
Principal’s Coffee Recap
Thank you for joining us for our fall Principal’s Coffee! You can review slides here or watch a recording of the presentation. FYI: All dates are correct in the slide show above – please go with those dates rather than the ones in the presentation.
Homecoming Mums and Garters on sale (Grades 6-12)
Homecoming mums and garters are fun, colorful accessories full of ribbons, flowers, and trinkets, worn to show school spirit. The tradition started in the 1930s when students gave each other real flowers for homecoming, and it’s grown into a creative and exciting way to celebrate today!
Buy NOW on MySchoolBucks. Sales end on Sept 17 at noon. Pick up your kit at the mum and garter making event after school on Wednesday, September 17. Wear your mum or garter to school on September 26!
- Middle School mum or garter kit $20 (plus taxes, fees)
- High School mum or garter kit $30 (plus taxes, fees)
Homecoming Semi-Formal Dance: Tickets on sale & Donations and volunteers needed! (Grades 9-12 only)
Saturday, September 27 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The high school Homecoming Semi-Formal Dance is the biggest dance of the year! Buy student tickets now. Tickets are $10 on MySchoolBucks until September 26 at noon. At the door, the price goes up to $15 (cash only).
Families: The Homecoming Dance won't be possible without your support! Please sign up to help today for one of 30 volunteer jobs, from setup/cleanup to dance floor monitor, game table dealer, or DJ! Can't make it but want to help? sign up to donate snacks, prizes, or decorations (Same link above). Shout out to parent volunteer Erin Foster (mom of Jane W in 11th grade), for being the lead on this event!
NEW dates and times: Open Houses (Grades 6-12)
Join us for our Open Houses and meet your student's teachers! You will follow your student's schedule, spending seven minutes in each classroom and hearing a presentation from each teacher. There is no "class" for study halls or advisory.
Students are invited to attend with their parent/guardian (to help them find their classes). This is not a "come and go" event. Please arrive by 5:30 p.m. to enjoy the full experience.
Middle School Open House Schedule
- Tuesday, September 30
- 5:30 - 7 p.m. – Open House
- 7:10 - 7:40 p.m. – Camp Olympia 8th Grade Trip Information Meeting
High School Open House Schedule
- Monday, September 29
- 4:45 - 5:20 p.m. – TOK Exhibition Night (high school upstairs common area)
- 5:30 - 7 p.m. – Open House
- 7:15 - 8 p.m. – National Honors Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony (Mays Cafeteria)
8th Grade Parent Meeting: Camp Olympia
Tuesday, September 30 from 7:10 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.
Each year our 8th grade class participates in a three day-two night off campus learning experience at Camp Olympia in Trinity Texas. This year’s trip will take place October 22-24. Eight grade parents and guardians: join us for an in-person meeting in the Mays Café right after the Middle School Open House.
🧬 GARSEF Science Fair 2026 🔬
The Greater Austin Regional Science & Engineering Fair (GARSEF) is thrilled to invite students to participate in this year’s exciting Science Fair! This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on research and innovation. This is open to students in grades 3-12. Read more!
Week of September 17, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to invite you to join us for Founders Day this Saturday! Founders Day is a special opportunity for us to come together as a school community to celebrate our history, our values, and the people who make our school such a wonderful place to learn and grow.
We would love for you and your family to be a part of this celebration. It’s a chance to connect with other families, show support for our students, and share in the pride of what we have accomplished together. Your presence means so much to our students, and we look forward to celebrating with you. Thank you for your continued support in making our school community strong and vibrant.
P.S. Don’t forget that Homecoming is next week!
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Action: Consent Required to Participate in Secondary Clubs
To ensure your child is approved to participate in secondary clubs, please log into Skyward and complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form for the 2025–2026 school year.
Consent is required annually. Log in today to complete or check your forms! (This is a new action for all 6-12 grade parents and guardians).
This is the third of three annual consent forms required in Senate Bill 12; the deadline to form new clubs was last week, and so we are now ready to share this consent form. All forms are found in Skyward. If you're unsure whether you've already completed any of these forms, look for the status marked “Approved.” Don't click on the tile again, or the form will go back to "incomplete: status.
New High School dismissal process: Clubs or After School Activities
After reviewing our practices and taking into account high school students’ agency, we have updated dismissal procedures for high school (Grades 9-12 only) clubs, tutorials and other activities that meet after school.
Now, high school students (and their secondary siblings) may wait for their ride in one of three locations:
- High school patio
- Green Lane benches
- After School 6-12 program in the Mays cafeteria
Regardless of where the high school students meet (Mays building or High School), they no longer need to report to, or exit through, the Mays cafeteria. Parents/guardians are advised to pick up their students promptly to minimize wait time. Students and parents/guardians preferring for their students to wait in a supervised location should choose the After School 6-12 program in the cafeteria.
Join us at Founder’s Day Saturday from 4–7 p.m.!
Homecoming week-at-a-glance
Homecoming Week is next week – Saturday, September 20 through Saturday, September 27. Join in the fun! To see times and details, check out our Homecoming Page!
Week-at-a-glance
- Saturday, 9/20 Founders Day (K-12)
- Wednesday, 9/24 Adults vs Students Volleyball Games (K-12)
- Thursday, 9/25 Homecoming Parade (K-12)
- Thursday, 9/25 Shake Shack Spirit Night; use code DONATE and 25% goes to Teacher Grants! (K-12)
- Friday, 9/26 Pep Rally (6-12)
- Friday, 9/26 Volleyball Games (K-12)
- Saturday, 9/27 HoCo Dance (9-12)
Dress Up Days
- Monday (Sept. 22) – Adam Sandler Day. Oversized everything—baggy basketball shorts, large t-shirts, sneakers, hoodies, baseball caps, and sunglasses.
- Tuesday (Sept. 23) – Rhyme Without Reason. Pick two words that rhyme—but don’t need to make any sense together—and turn each word into a costume. The only rule: both words must rhyme and be costume-worthy!
- Wednesday (Sept. 24) – Double Up or Subject Style. Dress up to match your favorite subject or dress like a faculty or staff member!
- Thursday (Sept. 25) – Meme or Character Day. Dress up as your favorite meme, TV/movie character, or internet icon!
- Friday (Sept. 26) – Color Wars. 12 - black; 11 - pink; 10 - purple; 9 - blue; 8 - yellow; 7 - green; 6 - orange
High School Homecoming Dance: Tickets, volunteers
Saturday, September 27 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Grades 9-12
The high school Homecoming Semi-Formal Dance is the biggest dance of the year! Buy student tickets now. Tickets are $10 on MySchoolBucks until September 26 at noon. At the door, the price goes up to $15 (cash only).
Families: Please sign up to help today for one of 30 volunteer jobs, from setup/cleanup to dance floor monitor, game table dealer, or DJ! Can't make it but want to help? sign up to donate snacks, prizes, or decorations.
Fall Scholastic Book Fair starts Saturday during Founders Day
Saturday, September 20 through Thursday, September 25
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our Secondary Library! Every purchase benefits our school library. We hope you can join us for our book fair kickoff during Founder’s Day! Enjoy bookmark & origami crafts & giveaways!
Monday through Thursday, students may shop during the day from 7:45 a.m. - 4 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!
Open Houses (Grades 6-12)
Grades 6-8: Tuesday, September 30
Grades 9-12: Monday, September 29
Join us for our Open Houses and meet your student's teachers! You will follow your student's schedule, spending seven minutes in each classroom and hearing a presentation from each teacher. There is no "class" for study halls or advisory. See the Open House schedule and tips to get the most out of the evening.
8th Grade Parent Meeting: Camp Olympia
Tuesday, September 30 from 7:10 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.
Each year our 8th grade class participates in a three day-two night off campus learning experience at Camp Olympia in Trinity Texas. This year’s trip will take place October 22-24. Eight grade parents and guardians: join us for an in-person meeting in the Mays Café right after the Middle School Open House.
Week of September 24, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Homecoming week is in full swing, and there is still so much to look forward to! Thank you to everyone who has already shown their school spirit, we love seeing our community come together.
Here’s what’s ahead:
- Parade – Tomorrow Night: Join us as we celebrate with our annual Homecoming Parade. It is always a highlight and a wonderful way to showcase our students and organizations.
- Pep Rally – Friday (Students): We will come together as a student body on Friday to celebrate our week and build excitement for the big game.
- Volleyball Game – Friday Night (Families): We hope to see families filling the stands to cheer on our team during the Homecoming volleyball game.
- Homecoming Dance – Saturday: A night of fun, music, and memories! Please make sure your student has their ticket and is ready to enjoy a safe and exciting evening.
Looking ahead, Picture Day is Monday, and open houses next week, so please mark your calendars. After that, we turn the page to October, and Fall Break is just one week away!
Thank you for your continued support in making this Homecoming week a special time for our students.
With gratitude,
Melissa Reese
Principal
Open Houses
Grades 6-8: Tuesday, September 30
Grades 9-12: Monday, September 29
Join us for our Open Houses and meet your student's teachers! You will follow your student's schedule, spending seven minutes in each classroom and hearing a presentation from each teacher. There is no "class" for study halls or advisory. Please review the Open House schedule and tips.
8th Grade Camp Olympia Parent Meeting follows Open House
Tuesday, September 30 from 7:10 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.
Our 8th grade class participates in a three day-two night off campus learning experience at Camp Olympia in Trinity Texas. This year’s trip takes place October 22-24. Parents and guardians: join us for an in-person meeting in the Mays Café right after the Middle School Open House.
Fall Scholastic Book Fair runs through Thursday
The Scholastic Book Fair is running now in our Secondary Library! Every purchase benefits our school library. Students may shop during the day from 7:45 a.m. - 4 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!
Join us for the Homecoming Parade Tomorrow
Open to the whole Meridian community! Celebrate Meridian's homecoming with nearly 20 student groups as they march or ride in our second annual Homecoming Parade, complete with musical accompaniment from the Meridian Band and Choir! See event map.
Parking opens at 6 p.m. Limited parking is available on the grass along Meridian Way. We recommend parking at Round Rock Collision Center or Curtiss-Wright (formerly Ultra Energy), which have graciously shared their parking lot for the after-hours event. Please do not arrive to park before 6 p.m. to give their staff members time to leave.
Handicap accessible parking is available at the High School entrance off of the IH-35 frontage road. ViP is selling Pompoms. Head on over to Shake Shack before/after for spirit night, where 25% goes to Meridian with code DONATE!
High School Homecoming Dance
Saturday, September 27 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Grades 9-12
The high school Homecoming Semi-Formal Dance is the biggest dance of the year! Buy student tickets now. Tickets are $10 on MySchoolBucks until September 26 at noon. At the door, the price goes up to $15 (cash only). Families: Please sign up to help today for one of 30 volunteer jobs!
Past due: State-mandated Parent Opt In Forms
There are about 600 families who have not yet completed the new CLUB OPT-IN 👀 form, which launched last week. If you haven’t filled it out, please log in today!
And there are about 100 families remaining who haven’t completed counselor/healthcare opt-in forms – all three of these are a new State of Texas requirement for schools, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we roll them out.
Not sure which ones you’ve filled out for each child? If your Skyward tiles for each child say “Approved,” you’re good to go! 👀
Monday: Fall Picture Day
Monday, September 29
Fall Picture Day is Monday! Students should wear their regular school uniform for these pictures that will be used in the Meridian yearbook, The World. Every student in K-11 will sit for photos. Seniors may choose to, but they will have official photos taken at a later date. Find details and pre-order packages.
Fall Break Reminder
School is closed October 6-10 for Fall Break. The following Monday, October 13, will be a staff PD day with no school for students.
Advisory Council deadline extended to Friday
Extended one week: Are you interested in sharing feedback and ideas on topics like community engagement, development, and sustainability? You’re invited to join the Advisory Council, where individual committees meet 2-4 times throughout the year to engage in conversations to help move our school forward. Please apply by Friday!
Thank you for making Founders Day such a success!
Founders Day 2025! Thank you to Michael Chapel, photographer
Meridian Cafe supports Texas farms
Meridian World School participates in a buy-local program for our cafeteria produce, The Common Market Texas, and here's our impact from last year! The school receives everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, honey, and chicken and beef.
🍅 16 farms supported
🥗 $24,100 invested locally
🌽 $12,376 invested in 10 under-utilized businesses
🥕 $20,814 invested in 9 farms using regenerative practices!
🎭 Lion’s Acting Troupe Presents: Casper Mansion
Get ready for an unforgettable performance! Meridian’s K-5 Lion’s Acting Troupe is bringing an original spooky-comedy, Casper Mansion, to life this fall.
📅 Show: Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26 at 8 p.m.
🎟 Tickets: $5 on MySchoolBucks until the day before each performance or at the door.
Parent/Guardian Meeting
Learn about Meridian Administration’s plans for the new year at this hybrid in-person and zoom event!
Teacher Talent Show
Week of October 1, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
What a wonderful week we had celebrating Homecoming! The energy, spirit, and joy our students brought to each day was truly special, and it was heartwarming to see so much participation across our school community.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Open House last night. It was such a joy to watch families connect with teachers, visit classrooms, and see all the great learning happening. Your support means so much, and we are grateful for the strong partnership between home and school.
Looking ahead, we want to remind you that Fall Break is next week. We hope you and your family enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved time of rest together.
We can’t wait to welcome our students back refreshed and ready for all the exciting learning ahead!
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
10th Grade Fall Social
Friday, October 17 from 4:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Tenth graders: enjoy an open gym and social time in the Mays Gym and AUX Gym on Friday, October 17 after school! Students should be picked up in front of the Mays lobby right at 6:45 p.m. See the sign up for snacks and pizza.
8th Grade Camp Olympia Slides
If you missed last night’s presentation or want to review Camp Olympia information, you can view Camp Olympia slides.
School Pictures are Ready to View/Order
Fall Break October 6-13
School is closed October 6-10 for Fall Break. The following Monday, October 13, will be a staff PD day with no school for students.
Fall Parent/Guardian Meeting Cancellation/Feedback
We originally scheduled our Fall Parent/Guardian meeting for Thursday, October 16. We have cancelled the meeting because we recognize that these meetings are not making the impact we would like, and we want to hear from you to see how we can improve our family engagement. We will share next steps after reviewing your answers to the survey below.
Please take five minutes to complete this survey to help us better understand how and what you want to know.
2026 Yearbook on sale now
A reminder, the yearbook cost will rise from $65 to $70 on November 1. Get yours today at a cheaper price! Jostens has a payment plan option. Yearbooks come out in the late spring semester.
Reminder: School Accountability Ratings available
A reminder: school accountability ratings are now available for the following years: 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025.
PSAT Testing for 10th-11th graders
Thursday, October 16
10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT on October 16 at Meridian. For 10th graders, this is a practice for the SAT, but juniors may also qualify (depending on scores) for National Merit Scholarships. The standard test time will go through second period, and the lunch schedule will remain the same.
Make sure students eat a good breakfast and are well-rested. If they have an approved graphing calculator, they may bring it. They may also want to bring a light layer in case the room is cold (no blankets).
Reminder: Inaccurate MYP Low Grade Parent Notifications
Please note: the default low-grade notifications in Skyward are inaccurate for MYP’s 0-8 scale. A 4 out of 8 is associated with 50%, but the MYP 0-8 is NOT converted to a percentage. (The percentage for the quarter grades comes from the 1-7 IB scale.)
You have two options:
- You can set the low grade threshold to 25, which would equate to a 2 on the 0-8 scale. Consistent 2s or lower on assignments will result in a failing percentage for the quarter. See how to change threshold settings.
- Note that adjusting the threshold affects all of your children, including DP students, which could then result in you missing failing grade notifications for DP students.
- You can leave the alerts as-is; just understand that a 4 or higher consistently on their assignments will result in a passing percentage for the quarter.
Lions Acting Troupe Spans the Continuum
The Lion’s Acting Troupe wrapped up its fifth season with its first in-school performance of Casper Mansion for third through fifth graders. This Triple A program teaches second through fifth graders the fundamentals of acting, but it has grown into a program that unites our whole Meridian community. See how older students, the Theatre Tech class, and staff and parents worked together!
Parade Review
We had so much fun at the Homecoming Parade!
Middle School Fall Dance
Saturday, November 1 from 6-9 p.m.
Save the date for the Middle School Fall Dance, Fright Night! Tickets go on sale October 15. Grades will arrive 30 minutes apart starting at 6 p.m. with 6th grade.
October Dress Days
- Wear pink October 21 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness
- Wednesday, October 29 is College Shirt Day (or dress in team/sport wear for Red Ribbon Week)
- Red Ribbon Week October 27-31 (Grades 6-12)
- MONDAY - Wear Mismatched Clothes - Drugs Don’t Fit the Puzzle. Choose the Right Piece!
- TUESDAY - Unity Day (Match with a group or friend) - Stronger Together: Friendship & Unity Make Us Whole
- WEDNESDAY - Wear clothing for a team/sport - Play Smart. Be a Key Piece on the Drug-Free Team!
- THURSDAY - Wear pajamas - Dream Big. Be the Missing Piece. Stay Drug-Free!
- FRIDAY - Wear a school-appropriate costume (no face-covering masks) - No Disguise Needed. You’re the Real Piece to a Drug-Free Life!
Trunk or Treat
Teacher Talent Show
Week of October 15, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome Back from Fall Break!
We hope your family had a wonderful and restful Fall Break! As we return to learning, we’re taking time to reflect on a few of our IB Learner Profile attributes — being caring, principled, and communicators — and how these qualities help us build a strong, safe, and respectful school community.
To keep our classrooms focused after school begins, please email your student directly if they have an item to pick up that you have dropped off. Items will be available in the lobby area, and students should plan to collect them during passing periods. This practice encourages students to be principled by taking responsibility for their belongings and communicators by staying aware of messages from home.
For everyone’s safety, please do not drop off students on the frontage road. Using our designated drop-off areas helps us all be caring members of our community who look out for one another.
Thank you for helping us model the IB Learner Profile and for partnering with us to keep our campus safe, focused, and supportive for every learner!
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
PSAT tomorrow for 10th-11th Graders
Thursday, October 16
All of our 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT at school tomorrow, October 16. Students should look for testing locations and details via email. Students should eat a healthy breakfast and be well-rested. They may want to bring a light layer in case the room is cold (no blankets). Students are asked to bring a TI-84 calculator if they own one. There is no make-up testing, so please try not to be absent.
For 10th graders, the test serves as good practice for the SAT. For 11th graders, it serves as the qualifying test for students who are aiming to achieve National Merit Scholar distinction. Read on for more information about National Merit Scholar distinction. Find PSAT practice resources.
10th Grade Fall Social
Friday, October 17 from 4:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Tenth graders: enjoy an open gym and social time in the Mays Gym and AUX Gym on Friday, October 17 after school! Students should be picked up in front of the Mays lobby right at 6:45 p.m. See the sign up for snacks and pizza.
October Dress Days
- Cultural wear is welcomed on October 20 in celebration of Diwali
- Wear pink October 21 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness
- Wednesday, October 29 is College Shirt Day (or dress in team/sport wear for Red Ribbon Week)
- Red Ribbon Week October 27-31 (Grades 6-12)
- MONDAY - Wear Mismatched Clothes - Drugs Don’t Fit the Puzzle. Choose the Right Piece!
- TUESDAY - Unity Day (Match with a group or friend) - Stronger Together: Friendship & Unity Make Us Whole
- WEDNESDAY - Wear clothing for a team/sport - Play Smart. Be a Key Piece on the Drug-Free Team!
- THURSDAY - Wear pajamas - Dream Big. Be the Missing Piece. Stay Drug-Free!
- FRIDAY - Wear a school-appropriate costume (no face-covering masks) - No Disguise Needed. You’re the Real Piece to a Drug-Free Life!
Red Ribbon Week is a national annual program with a mission of drug prevention.
Host Family Needed!
We have a foreign exchange student from Spain who, through no fault of her own, needs a new host family. She's a very sweet and respectful sophomore (15 years old). She comes from a close, supportive family and loves to participate in dance and plays the piano. She's a Girl Scout both at home and here in Texas. She loves spending time with family and friends, going shopping, playing board games, going bowling, or to the cinema. She would be a nice addition to any Meridian family! If you are interested in hosting this student (or a future foreign exchange student), please email DP Principal Stela Holcombe. If we don't find her a new host family soon, she may have to leave Meridian. 🙁
2026 Yearbook Cost goes to $70 November 1
A reminder, the yearbook cost will rise from $65 to $70 on November 1. Get yours today at a cheaper price! Need to pay over time? Jostens has a payment plan option. Yearbooks come out in the late spring semester.
Gifts and favors for Meridian Faculty and Staff
The beginning of the second quarter is a good time to remind our Meridian community that our faculty and staff are not permitted to receive gifts valued at more than $50. This school policy is in place to ensure that gift giving is kept to a reasonable level and to ensure that our faculty and staff never feel improperly influenced by gifts from our generous families. If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact your principal.
Exhibitors Needed: Career Exploration & Volunteer Fair
Friday, January 23 from 9:20 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Parents and guardians: this is your opportunity to share what you do with students in grades 6-12! This fourth annual fair is come-and-go style, allowing students to talk to adults in career paths spanning from landscape architecture to military to retail management to photography. Sign up now to present! We're looking for 30 more presenters and students love seeing diverse fields. YOU make the fair!
Fall Parent/Guardian Meeting Cancellation/Feedback
We originally scheduled our Fall Parent/Guardian meeting for Thursday, October 16. We have cancelled the meeting because we recognize that these meetings are not making the impact we would like, and we want to hear from you to see how we can improve our family engagement. We will share next steps after reviewing your answers to the survey below.
Please take five minutes to complete this survey to help us better understand how and what you want to know.
School Pictures are Ready to View/Order
Quarter 1 Report Cards
You may find your student's Quarter 1 report card in Skyward. Click on the Portfolio Tile to access and download your student’s report card. You must download the PDF version of the report card to view it.
Band and Choir lift school spirit at fall events
It’s been a musical start to the school year as the Band and choir started strong with several performances, including an offsite performance at the Sun City Veteran’s Memorial on September 11. Students added to the school spirit at three homecoming events: Founders Day, the Parade, and Pep Rally.
The program would not be possible without the support of parents and guardians, and the generosity of several local donors. New equipment donated this year includes a weighted key piano, mixer board, speakers, and microphones.
The next big performance will be the Winter Concert on December 13.
Trunk or Treat
Middle School Fall Dance
Saturday, November 1 from 6-9 p.m.
Save the date for the Middle School Fall Dance, Fright Night! Tickets are available on MySchoolBucks. Grades will arrive 30 minutes apart starting at 6 p.m. with 6th grade.
MYP Principal's Coffee
Tuesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Save the date for the second MYP Principal Coffee of the year! We will meet in the Mays Library. You will have the opportunities to share ideas and ask any questions you have of the MYP Admin Team. Zoom link to come later. We hope to see you there!
Fall Photo Retakes
Tuesday, November 4
If your K-11 student missed fall photos or needs to take another one, mark your calendar for November 4!
Week of October 22, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear families,
It’s a special week for our eighth grade students, who get to spend a few days outdoors at Camp Olympia. And congratulations to our Premier Middle School Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams, who will advance to State, as well as to our middle school Flag Football team, which ended their season undefeated!
Next week is Red Ribbon Week. We are planning various student-centered activities that focus on living a balanced and healthy drug-free lifestyle. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week.
A reminder: please report absences in Skyward, and add doctor’s notes! Did you know that when you include doctor’s notes, it helps the school receive funding for morning absences? You can view this very short video about how to report absences in Skyward.
Thank you,
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Trunk or Treat
Trunk or Treat is a beloved school tradition led by ViP, and it’s Friday at 6:30 p.m.! Check out Trunk or Treat details and an event map -- this year, tickets are $7 per family, and you can skip the line and pick up wristbands after school today and Thursday!
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is next week, where students learn how to live a healthy lifestyle drug-free in age-appropriate lessons. The week incorporates fun activities like dress up days. It’s also fentanyl awareness month. Empower your child with knowledge and talk with them about the dangers of fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and the risks of purchasing pills via social media. Learn more about prevention and overdoses.
6-12 Dress Up Days:
- MONDAY - Wear Mismatched Clothes - Drugs Don’t Fit the Puzzle. Choose the Right Piece!
- TUESDAY - Unity Day (Match with a group or friend) - Stronger Together: Friendship & Unity Make Us Whole
- WEDNESDAY - Wear clothing for a team/sport - Play Smart. Be a Key Piece on the Drug-Free Team!
- THURSDAY - Wear pajamas - Dream Big. Be the Missing Piece. Stay Drug-Free!
- FRIDAY - Wear a school-appropriate costume (no face-covering masks) - No Disguise Needed. You’re the Real Piece to a Drug-Free Life!
Save the Date: 10th Grade College Trip
Monday-Tuesday, March 30-31, 2026
We hope all of our 10th graders will participate in this overnight trip to the Dallas area. We will attend the annual IB College Fair hosted by Texas IB Schools, and do college tours at two or three universities. In the past, we have visited UT Dallas, UT Arlington, University of North Texas, SMU, and Baylor University. We have not yet determined which college campuses we will visit just yet. In addition to the educational benefits of this trip, this is also a great bonding experience for the class.
The cost for the trip will be approximately $175 per student. This fee covers bus transportation, hotel accommodations, and almost all meals. Financial assistance/payment plans will be offered. Aside from saving these dates on your family calendar, no further action is needed on your part at this time.
Exhibitors Needed: Career Exploration & Volunteer Fair
Friday, January 23 from 9:20 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Parents and guardians: this is your opportunity to share what you do with students in grades 6-12! This fourth annual fair is come-and-go style, allowing students to talk to adults in career paths spanning from landscape architecture to military to retail management to photography. Sign up now to present! YOU make the fair!
2026 Yearbook Cost goes to $70 November 1
A reminder, the yearbook cost will rise from $65 to $70 on November 1. Get yours today at a cheaper price! Need to pay over time? Jostens has a payment plan option. Yearbooks come out in the late spring semester.
Do you work in the Medical Profession?
Our HOSA Club (Health Occupation Students of America) student leaders have created a parent volunteer Sign-up Genius with the hope that some parents in the medical field will volunteer to help our HOSA members prepare for competitions. You will be matched with students who are competing in your specific health field and/or you may be invited to attend a HOSA meeting on campus to offer guidance and feedback.
Socrates and Shark Tank
MYP students enjoyed two out-of-the-box projects this week in 9th and 10th grade English!
Nieves Owens’ ninth graders took on the role of teacher on Monday and Tuesday. The students utilized research sources gathered by Librarian Renee Ramirez to teach their peers about background pre-reading information critical to their upcoming Oedipus Rex Unit. They practiced working in a group to present information in a fun and engaging way. They came up with “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” style quizzes, spoken word poetry, and more!
Jennifer Cullen’s tenth graders presented their own version of the TV series, Shark Tank, in which entrepreneurs pitch their product to three investors, or “sharks.” The students utilized what they’ve learned this semester regarding writers’ craft, modes of writing, and persuasion through a business lens. Students worked together in small groups to conceptualize an idea for a new product or service, or improve on a product already available. They then pitched their ideas in front of “Sharks” from Meridian administration!
Some of the winning project ideas included:
- A ride-in toy car that works like a Roomba + other tools, cleaning floors as it goes
- A composting unit that can convert gas from compost into power to fuel batteries for devices in the home
- A baby stroller that rocks as it moves and plays lullabies
Winning teams stand with "Sharks" Karalei Nunn and Melissa Reese. Above right; students recite poetry and play games to help set the historical backdrop for a unit on Oedipus Rex.
Middle School Fall Dance
Saturday, November 1
The Middle School Fall Dance, Fright Night, is November 1!
Where: Mays Cafeteria (enter via the Mays Cafeteria Patio by the senior parking lot)
Tickets: $12 on MySchoolBucks through Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. Cash only at door ($20).
Note arrival times for each grade:
- 6th grade is 6-8 p.m.
- 7th grade is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- 8th grade is 7-9 p.m.
(Siblings/carpools in different grades may arrive together).
MYP Principal’s Coffee
Tuesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Save the date for the second MYP Principal Coffee of the year! We will meet in the Mays Library. You will have the opportunities to share ideas and ask any questions you have of the MYP Admin Team. Zoom link to come later. We hope to see you there!
Fall Picture Retakes / Make-Up Day
Tuesday, November 4
Picture proofs from our Fall Picture Day (held on September 29) are being sent home with your students. These are the head and shoulder photos that will be used in the Meridian yearbook, THE WORLD. If you and your student liked the picture, no action is needed.
If you and your student are not satisfied with your child's image, your child may do a "retake" on the morning of November 4. Please read and follow the instructions on this Yearbook Picture Retake sign up.
If your student was absent, or newly enrolled on or after September 29, there is no need to fill out the above form. We will automatically pull them for a photo on November 4.
Questions? Email Sarah Whitley.
Don’t miss Meridian’s Fall Show, These Shining Lives!
Based on a true story, this inspiring play follows four women in the 1920s and 30s who paint watch dials with radium. As their health begins to fail, they band together to fight for justice and make their voices heard.
Recommended audience age is 9th grade and up.
Show Dates: November 7, 8, 14, and 15
Tickets are on sale through MSB starting October 23. Pre-sales close on Thursday at 5 p.m. each week before the shows.
- Pre-Sales: $5/$10
- At Door $6/$12
Week of October 29, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear families,
It’s been a great Red Ribbon Week so far, and we’re excited to finish the week strong! Thank you for helping your students participate and celebrate making healthy, positive choices. The themes and activities this week have been a wonderful reminder of the importance of living drug-free and supporting one another in making good decisions.
This Friday, we’ll celebrate Halloween with plenty of fun and spirit across campus. Please be sure to review costume guidelines shared by teachers to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone. We can’t wait to see the creativity and excitement our students bring!
Looking ahead, our MYP Principals’ Coffee will be held next Tuesday morning. We invite parents to join us for updates, conversation, and the chance to connect over what’s happening in our MYP community.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We’re looking forward to a fun and festive end to October and move into November!
Warmly,
Melissa Reese, Principal
6-12 Dress Up Days this week:
- THURSDAY - Wear pajamas - Dream Big. Be the Missing Piece. Stay Drug-Free!
- FRIDAY - Wear a school-appropriate costume (no face-covering masks) - No Disguise Needed. You’re the Real Piece to a Drug-Free Life!
Middle School Fall Dance
Saturday, November 1
The Middle School Fall Dance, Fright Night, is Saturday!
Where: Mays Cafeteria (enter via the Mays Cafeteria Patio by the senior parking lot)
Tickets: $12 on MySchoolBucks through Oct. 31 at noon. Cash only at door ($20).
Note arrival times for each grade:
- 6th grade is 6-8 p.m.
- 7th grade is 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- 8th grade is 7-9 p.m.
(Siblings/carpools in different grades may arrive together).
MYP Principal’s Coffee
Tuesday, November 4 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Please join us for the second MYP Principal Coffee in the Mays Library. If you can't make it in person, here's a Zoom link. You will have the opportunities to share ideas and ask any questions you have of the MYP Admin Team. We hope to see you there!
Fall Picture Retakes / Make-Up Day
Tuesday, November 4
Pictures from Fall Picture Day will be used for the head and shoulder photos in Meridian's yearbook, THE WORLD.
If you and your student are not satisfied with your child's picture proof, your child may do a "retake" on the morning of November 4. Please read and follow the instructions on this Yearbook Picture Retake sign up.
If your student was absent, or newly enrolled on or after September 29, there is no need to fill out the form. We will automatically pull them for a photo on November 4. Questions? Email Sarah Whitley.
Get Tickets for Meridian’s Fall Show, These Shining Lives!
Based on a true story, this inspiring play follows four women in the 1920s and 30s who paint watch dials with radium. As their health begins to fail, they band together to fight for justice and make their voices heard.
Recommended audience age is 9th grade and up.
Show Dates: November 7, 8, 14, and 15
Get tickets through MySchoolBucks. Pre-sales close on Thursday at 5 p.m. each week before the shows.
- Pre-Sales: $5/$10
- At Door $6/$12
2026 Yearbook Cost goes to $70 November 1
A reminder, the yearbook cost will rise from $65 to $70 on November 1. Get yours today at a cheaper price! Need to pay over time? Jostens has a payment plan option. Yearbooks come out in the late spring semester.
Please report absences, add doctor notes in Skyward
We invite all parents/guardians to view this very short video about how to report absences in Skyward. It would be a HUGE help if all parents and guardians did this rather than sending emails to our campus attendance clerks. Did you know that the school can get state funding for morning absences due to doctor appointments if you provide a doctor's note? These can be uploaded in Skyward! Please view the short video. Thank you in advance!
9th and 10th grade summer study abroad opportunities
Interested in study abroad opportunities for high school students in countries like Japan, Italy, France, Spain, Costa Rica, and more? The Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE), a non-profit organization dedicated to global education for over 75 years, offers programs for high school students and graduating seniors. Read on for details and a link for a virtual informational meeting on Nov. 6.
Eighth grade trip to Camp Olympia
Eighth graders went fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, and tried their hand at archery and other outdoor activities during their off campus learning experience at Camp Olympia. They learned how to work together in teams and made environmental connections during this well-loved annual event.
Butterfly Garden workday doubles pollinator plants
Second grade families completed work on the butterfly garden on Sunday, adding in native pollinator-friendly plants thanks to a grant from the Native Plant Society of Texas.
Five cubic yards of compost was donated by Organics By Gosh, the same organization that picks up and composts Meridian’s cafeteria food waste each week. The delivery fee was covered by the remainder of a $1,000 grant from Friends of Meridian, which will also include additional native plants in the nearby Rain Garden on a subsequent work day. Read the full story.
Reminder: Save the Date for 10th Grade College Trip
Monday-Tuesday, March 30-31, 2026
In this overnight trip to the Dallas area, we will attend the annual IB College Fair hosted by Texas IB Schools and do college tours at three universities. The cost for the trip will be approximately $175 per student. Financial assistance/payment plans will be offered. Save these dates on your family calendar! Find more info on this 10th grade College Fair flyer from Texas IB Schools.
Meridian School Board Meeting and Public Hearing for FIRST
On Thursday, November 13 at 6 p.m., administration will present the school’s State Financial Accountability Rating prior to the Board meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Meridian School's Superior Achievement rating and a score of 94 on the state’s financial accountability system.
Week of November 5, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear families,
As we approach Veterans Day, we want to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Their sacrifices have made our freedoms possible, and we are eternally grateful for their service. If students have the Veterans Day spiritwear shirts from last year, they are welcome to wear them on Tuesday.
I enjoyed meeting with parents and guardians at my Principal’s Coffee Tuesday. If you missed it, you can review the recording and slides.
Please check Skyward for second quarter progress reports next week. The Uniform Exchange is next Saturday, November 15. If you have uniforms that you would like to donate you can drop them off in front of the primary office.
Warmly,
Melissa Reese, Principal
If you purchased Meridian's Veterans Day-themed spirit wear last year, you are welcome to wear it on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Get Tickets for Meridian’s Fall Show, These Shining Lives!
Based on a true story, this inspiring play follows four women in the 1920s and 30s who paint watch dials with radium. As their health begins to fail, they band together to fight for justice and make their voices heard.
Recommended audience age is 9th grade and up.
Show Dates: November 7, 8, 14, and 15
Get tickets through MySchoolBucks. Pre-sales close on Thursday at 5 p.m. each week before the shows.
- Pre-Sales: $5/$10
- At Door $6/$12
Proposed 2026-2027 Academic Calendar
Next week, our board will vote on the 2026-2027 school calendar.
- The first day of school, August 12, will continue to be an early release Wednesday.
- While we have typically held a Faculty & Staff Work Day over Easter Weekend, due to Spring Break and Easter Weekend being so close to each other, the Work Day has been moved to April 19.
- As in the past, the calendar allows for two bad weather make-up days without canceling any holidays. Winter and Spring breaks are aligned with RRISD’s approved calendar.
- The first semester is shorter than it has been the past few years due to Memorial Day falling later in May.
Black Student Union selling Spirit Wear
The Black Student Union is selling their annual “Celebrate Black Culture” T shirts. These are approved spirit wear. Short sleeved option $20; long sleeved option $25.
You can order on My School Bucks through November 19.
Become a substitute teacher!
Meridian is looking for 8-10 additional substitutes! Substitutes at Meridian can earn $100 per day ($120 per day if certified teachers). If you work 15 or more days in a quarter, you earn an additional $25 for every day worked (paid in a lump sum at the end of the quarter)! Apply today.
How does it work? You can log into our substitute management system to pick up jobs when you're available. You're in control of when you work and which grades you teach!
Meeting Thursday: 9th-10th grade summer study abroad opportunities
Interested in study abroad opportunities for high school students in countries like Japan, Italy, France, Spain, Costa Rica, and more? The Council On International Educational Exchange (CIEE), a non-profit organization dedicated to global education for over 75 years, offers programs for high school students and graduating seniors. Read on for details and a link for a virtual informational meeting on Nov. 6.
MYP Skyward Progress Reports
Second quarter progress reports will be available in Skyward by Wednesday, November 12. To access grades simply click on the Grading tile. There will not be a PDF report uploaded to the portfolio. Grades entered in Skyward are the student’s current grade based on graded assignments. If you have any questions about the grades posted, please reach out to the teacher for clarification.
Read on for more information about MYP criterion, Secondary Grading and Late Practice, and more. Take a look at our helpful rubric conversion to the 100 point scale.
Eighth Grade Science Ocean Acidification Experiment
8th grade scientists in Ms. Reihman's class modeled the impact of ocean acidification on marine life by observing how an acidic solution affected chalk, which is made of the same compound found in seashells and coral.
Las Ofrendas para Día de los Muertos
Each year, our Spanish and art classes work together to create ofrendas for Day of the Dead. Each campus makes it their own as this tradition continues!
Winter Uniform Exchange
Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to noon
ViP is holding a Winter Uniform Exchange. Shop gently used uniform pieces, including long sleeves, pants, spirit wear, college shirts and more! Each item is only $2, and all funds raised go back to Teacher Grants.
Parents who have volunteered and logged their 20 hours this year will be given early shopping access at 9:30 a.m. (There will be a list to check your name at the door.)
If you'd like to receive early shopping access, please sign up to volunteer for the sale. Volunteers can shop before anyone else!
Meridian School Board Meeting and Public Hearing for FIRST
On Thursday, November 13 at 6 p.m., administration will present the school’s State Financial Accountability Rating prior to the Board meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Meridian School's Superior Achievement rating and a score of 94 on the state’s financial accountability system.
Week of Nov. 12, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
We are just a week and a half away from a much-deserved Thanksgiving break, and there’s plenty of excitement happening around campus!
Progress Reports are available this week. Please take a moment to log in to your parent portal in Skyward to review your child’s academic progress and celebrate their hard work. If you have any questions or would like to discuss specific goals, our teachers are happy to connect.
We’re also thrilled to invite you to our school play this weekend! Join us on Friday and Saturday as our talented students take the stage to perform These Shining Lives. They’ve been rehearsing tirelessly, and it’s sure to be a wonderful performance that showcases their creativity and teamwork.
As we approach the Thanksgiving break, we want to thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are grateful for our amazing students, dedicated families, and the vibrant community that makes our school so special.
Wishing you a joyful week filled with learning, laughter, and anticipation for the holiday ahead!
Warmly,
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Wednesday, November 19 is a college shirt day!
Appreciation Messages
As we move throughout the remainder of thankful season, you can show your thankfulness to a Meridian staff member through this simple Thankful For You - Appreciation Message form. Once submitted, the message will be printed and posted on the staff member's classroom/office door. The form will close on Thursday, November 20 at 4 p.m. Thank you!
Final Two Shows: These Shining Lives!
This Friday and Saturday are the final two shows of These Shining Lives! Based on a true story, this inspiring play follows four women in the 1920s and 30s who paint watch dials with radium. As their health begins to fail, they band together to fight for justice and make their voices heard. Recommended audience age is 9th grade and up.
Show Dates: November 14 and 15. Get tickets through MySchoolBucks. Pre-sales close on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition Auditions
Tuesday, November 18
Auditions for the annual musical The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition are Tuesday, November 18 from 4:05-6:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre. We need performers, designers, technicians and all creative types in the cast or crew to bring this classic to life on the Meridian stage! Grades 6-12 are all welcome but you must complete all paperwork before the audition in order to be considered for cast or crew. Find show details here or see Mrs. Crowl with questions!
Parent & Family Engagement Feedback
Thank you for sharing feedback on Parent/Guardian meetings. We have a follow-up survey on Parent and Family Engagement.
Please take five minutes to complete the follow-up survey – we read every response!
Honoring our veterans
Yesterday was Veterans Day. Each year, we honor our faculty and staff who have served our country. We thank our families and community members who are veterans, as well. See more about the history of Veterans Day and a slide show of our staff veterans!
Black Student Union selling Spirit Wear
The Black Student Union is selling their annual “Celebrate Black Culture” T shirts. These are approved spirit wear. Short sleeved option $20; long sleeved option $25.
You can order on My School Bucks through November 19.
Update: 25-26 Annual Fund Campaign
We’ve raised $200,000 so far and are more than halfway to our goal! We appreciate your support – together, we build an enriching community for our students, and we could not do it without you. The Meridian Annual Fund keeps the school thriving so we can focus on our students.
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, we encourage you to donate on Meridian’s Giving Day Monday, November 17. Our goal is to reach $250,000 in our campaign before Thanksgiving break.
If five families make a donation for the first time between now and Monday at midnight, we’ll receive a $500 matching gift! Contributions of any size make an impact! If you haven’t yet had a chance, please donate today!
MYP Skyward Progress Reports
Second quarter progress reports are available in Skyward. To access grades, click on the Grading tile. There will not be a PDF report uploaded to the portfolio. Grades entered in Skyward are the student’s current grade based on graded assignments. If you have any questions about the grades posted, please reach out to the teacher for clarification.
Read on for more information about MYP criterion, Secondary Grading and Late Practice, and more. Take a look at our helpful rubric conversion to the 100 point scale.
HOSA students see career options up close
This Spotlight, we feature one of our secondary student clubs, HOSA, for students interested in entering the diverse and varied field of healthcare!
Friday, juniors and seniors in HOSA – Future Health Professionals enjoyed a hands-on field trip to Texas State University in Round Rock. Students got to network with health professionals from a wide range of careers and meet representatives from universities like UT Medical School.
They sat in panelist sessions with health professionals and engaged in asking questions, and then visited the Texas State Nursing lab simulation center and got to view the medical equipment while learning from nurses.
Winter Uniform Exchange is Saturday!
Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to noon
ViP is holding a Winter Uniform Exchange. Shop gently used uniform pieces, including long sleeves, pants, spirit wear, college shirts and more! Each item is only $2, and all funds raised go back to Teacher Grants.
Parents who have volunteered and logged their 20 hours this year will be given early shopping access at 9:30 a.m. (There will be a list to check your name at the door.)
If you'd like to receive early shopping access, please sign up to volunteer for the sale. Volunteers can shop before anyone else!
Coming Soon!
Week of Nov. 19, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
I hope that you and your families enjoy a wonderful holiday next week. As we move throughout the remainder of thankful season, you can show your thankfulness to a Meridian staff member through this simple Thankful For You - Appreciation Message form. Once submitted, the message will be printed and posted on the staff member's classroom/office door. The form will close on Thursday, November 20 at 4 p.m.
Thank you!
Melissa Reese,
MYP Principal
Spelling Bee opportunity
Attention 6th, 7th & 8th Graders: Are you interested in participating in the 2025-2026 Spelling Bee? Contact Kelli Doersam by December 1, 2025 for more information.
Lip Sync Battle
Join Meridian's Thespian Troupe #11769 in our first annual lip sync battle Friday, December 5! Secondary (6-12) students and staff can compete for prizes with your best lip sync to popular (school appropriate) songs. This is a fundraiser for Thespian Troupe #11769.
Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 2 at 5 p.m.
Tech Rehearsal: Wednesday, December 3 from 1:30 - 4 p.m.
Lip Sync Battle: Friday, December 5 from 5:30- 8 p.m.
Max song time limit: 3.5 minutes. Cost: Group, $10 / Solo, $5
Parent & Family Engagement Feedback
Thank you to the 115 parents and guardians who have completed our follow-up survey on Parent and Family Engagement. Your answers have been very helpful. If you haven’t yet filled it out, please take five minutes to complete the survey – we want to hear from you!
Black Student Union selling Spirit Wear
The Black Student Union is selling their annual “Celebrate Black Culture” T shirts. These are approved spirit wear. Short sleeved option $20; long sleeved option $25.
You can order on My School Bucks through November 21.
It's a Wrap on These Shining Lives
The Meridian Mechs closed on their fall theatre production, These Shining Lives, on Saturday. It was especially meaningful as Ms. Fajardo, who directed the Meridian production, acted in the play when she was in high school! The poignant show follows the story of women who worked at the Radium Dial company in the 1920s and 30s, who were exposed to deadly amounts of radium from painting watch dials and fought for justice.
The top photo shows a still from Ms. Fajardo's performance in high school; the bottom photo shows the play at Meridian.
Winter Concerts
Save the date! Winter Concerts are Saturday, December 13. Band and choir start at 11 a.m. Orchestra starts at 1 p.m. Performers will get call times and rehearsal details from Mr. Rine and Ms. Beckham.
Coming Soon!
Week of December 3, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
I hope everyone had a restful break. The end of the semester is right around the corner! Please check Skyward and Managebac with your student to review grades and reach out to teachers with any questions you may have.
I’m excited to paint with Mr. Verley, Ms. Salazar, and Ms. Ogo along with eight students as our package for the Teacher Experiences Auction, which opens today!
I’m proud of our students’ hard work preparing for the Winter Concert on December 13, and look forward to the performances!
Melissa Reese,
MYP Principal
Sex Education Parent Meeting and Action Required
Parent Meeting Thursday, December 11 at 6 p.m. via zoom (link)
Join us for an informational Zoom webinar regarding the sexual education curriculum that will be presented to students in January and February. You must complete the form below by January 9, for your child if you would like them to participate in the sexual education curriculum for their given grade level. Students who are not participating in the Sex Ed curriculum will have alternative assignments to work on.
Complete the form below for your child by January 9:
December Schedule Reminders
- Wednesday, December 17 is a full-length school day, releasing at 4:10 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18, there will be no Secondary After School programs. Students should be picked up in the Secondary carline at 4:10 p.m. (please update PikMyKid for this day).
- Enjoy Winter Break Friday, Dec. 19 through Monday, Jan. 5!
Teacher Experiences Auction Now Open
Our Teacher Experiences Auction is live! Bid on one-of-a-kind experiences with faculty and staff, as well as several awesome packages from local businesses and venues.
You can shop for gifts, create memories, and support Meridian World School at the same time! Check back as we continue to add items this week. The auction closes at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12.
Winter Dress Up Week
Students can enjoy special dress the last week of Fall Semester! Show your lion pride with a festive stride!
Meridian World School earns high rankings with Children at Risk
We are pleased to report that Meridian has once again been ranked in the top ten Central Texas schools, this time by the nonprofit, Children at Risk.
While all of Meridian's three programs earned an A, the middle and high schools were both honored to be placed in the top 10 programs, with Meridian World High School named as the top non-selective open-enrollment public school in Central Texas!
The rankings, issued annually, are based on data collected through the STAAR tests and focus primarily on how well students across the spectrum are growing.
Meridian is proud to make these high marks. It reinforces our dedication to providing the best educational opportunities for all our students through the robust IB curriculum. We join several charter schools in Central Texas and around the state on the list, which led the lists for primary, middle, and high schools across the state.
The rankings included 312 Central Texas elementary schools, 124 Central Texas middle schools, and 63 Central Texas high schools.
Design students create light to solve real world problems
We want to highlight the Design Class in MYP and DP. All students take a Design class in 6-8 grade, with the option to continue with additional Design classes after that. Students learn everything from markets and trends to collaboration, function, innovation, and evaluation. They learn how to plan and problem solve, and how to iterate on an idea.
Eighth grade students wrapped up a unit just before the break where they constructed prototypes of lighting products that solve authentic problems.
Some of the identified problems:
A wall light that doesn't require the fuss of electrical installation.
An athlete who needs to train outside at night.
A designer needs a focused light to work with that doesn't cast shadows.
A person who walks in the dark and needs to have their hands free.
Winter Concerts
Winter Concerts are Saturday, December 13. The Performance Choir (grades 3-6) performs at 10 a.m. Secondary band and choir start at 11 a.m. Orchestra starts at 1 p.m. Performers will get call times and rehearsal details from Mr. Rine and Ms. Beckham.
Week of December 10, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Families,
As we enter the final two weeks before winter break, our campus is buzzing with excitement and celebration. We have several special events planned that highlight our students’ creativity, hard work, and school spirit.
Our Band, Orchestra, and Choir programs will take the stage this Saturday for their continuum winter performances. Students have been rehearsing with dedication, and we can’t wait for them to shine.
Please check communication from your child’s director for details on performance times, arrival procedures, and concert attire. We hope to see many of our families there to cheer on our musicians—your support means so much to them!
To help us wrap up the semester with joy, we’re hosting a full week of winter-themed dress-up days next week. This is a fun and optional way for students to express themselves and build community as we head into the break. All outfits should be comfortable and appropriate for a full day of learning. Daily themes are listed below.
Thank you for partnering with us to make these final days of 2025 memorable for our students. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to ending the semester with celebration, creativity, and school spirit!
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Sex Education parent meeting Thursday; plus action required
Parent Meeting Thursday, December 11 at 6 p.m. via zoom
Join the Meridian Coaching Staff for an informational Zoom webinar regarding the sexual education curriculum that will be presented to students in January and February. You must complete the form below by January 9, for your child if you would like them to participate in the sexual education curriculum for their given grade level. Students who are not participating in the Sex Ed curriculum will have alternative assignments to work on.
Please complete the form below for your child by January 9:
December Schedule Reminders
- Wednesday, December 17 is a full-length school day, releasing at 4:10 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18, there will be no Secondary After School programs. Students should be picked up in the Secondary carline at 4:10 p.m. (please update PikMyKid for this day).
- Enjoy Winter Break Friday, Dec. 19 through Monday, Jan. 5!
Teacher Experiences Auction Closes Friday
Our Teacher Experiences Auction closes Friday at 9 p.m.! Bid on one-of-a-kind experiences with faculty and staff, as well as several awesome packages from local businesses and venues. We've added several experiences and items since the auction launched, including a beautiful original framed artwork; check it out!
You can shop for gifts, create memories, and support Meridian World School at the same time! The auction closes at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12.
Winter Dress Up Week
Students can enjoy special dress the last week of Fall Semester! Show your lion pride with a festive stride!
Cafeteria Price Increase in January
To continue offering the high-quality, freshly-made meals that our students and families have become accustomed to, lunch prices must be raised by $0.75 and the “Grab n Go” meal by $0.50 for secondary students and staff.
Adjusted pricing starting Jan. 6:
- $5.75 meal / $5.25 GNG for secondary students
- $7.25 meal / $6.50 GNG for faculty & staff
- $5.00 meal for primary students (no change)
Read on for details and to learn about the free and reduced price meal program.
Gifts and favors for Meridian Faculty and Staff
As we head into the last few weeks of school, we share a reminder that our faculty and staff are not permitted to receive gifts valued at more than $50. This school policy is in place to ensure that gift giving is kept to a reasonable level and to ensure that our faculty and staff never feel improperly influenced by gifts from our generous families. If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact your principal.
Parent/Guardian Information Nights and Course Selection
It's nearly time to choose courses for next school year! Check out our news article with the following information for grades 5-11:
- January Information Nights for transition years (rising 6th, rising 9th, and rising IB Diploma Program)
- Course Selection and Counselor information for each grade level
- Helpful links to help you navigate the process
Honor Choir performs at Light Up the Lake
This weekend, the Honors Choir performed at the City of Round Rock's Light Up the Lake. You're also invited to hear our bands, orchestra, and choirs perform at the annual Winter Concert Saturday! See details below.
Winter Concerts
Winter Concerts are Saturday, December 13. The Performance Choir (grades 3-6) performs at 10 a.m. Secondary band and choir start at 11 a.m. Orchestra starts at 1 p.m. Performers will get call times and rehearsal details from Mr. Rine and Ms. Beckham.
Parent/Guardian Information Nights
As referenced above, save the date for the 9th Grade Information Night January 15 and the DP Information Night January 27.
Week of December 17, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Families,
As we head into Winter Break, we want to wish all of our students and families a restful, joyful, and safe holiday season. Today is a full instructional day, and please note that there will be no secondary afterschool care tomorrow,a Thursday. Friday is a staff professional development day, so there will be no school for students, and Winter Break officially begins!
We hope this time provides opportunities to rest, reconnect, and recharge. Please remember to stay safe while traveling or enjoying time at home, and we look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready to learn in the new year.
Happy Holidays and enjoy your break!
Melissa Reese
MYP Principal
Action Required regarding Sexual Education Instruction
Meridian will present sexual education curriculum in January and February for students in grades 6-10. The links below contain both curriculum links for your review as well as a form that you must complete to opt your student in for the presentations. Students who are not participating in the Sex Ed curriculum will have alternative assignments to work on.
Please complete the form below for your child by January 9:
December Schedule Reminders
- Wednesday, December 17 is a full-length school day, releasing at 4:10 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18, there will be no Secondary After School programs. Students should be picked up in the Secondary carline at 4:10 p.m. (please update PikMyKid for this day).
- Enjoy Winter Break Friday, Dec. 19 through Monday, Jan. 5!
Alumni Recognition Day: January 8, 2026
RSVP Requested – An Opportunity to connect with Meridian Alumni and Parents of Alumni!
Every year, Meridian hosts an Alumni Day where alumni return to campus for visits to the high school classrooms, focus groups with current Meridian parents, and lunch with their former teachers. The day ends with a formal ceremony where IB diplomas and certificates are awarded to the preceding year's graduates on stage in front of an audience of current high school students. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday, January 8 (this is the Thursday after Winter Break).
An Invitation for Meridian Parents: You are invited to join us for two dialogue sessions on Thursday, January 8. The purpose of these sessions is to provide a space for our alumni--and their parents/guardians-- to share about how the alumni have benefitted from the quality IB education they received at Meridian. We find that these interactions between our current students /parents and our alumni / parents of alumni are always extremely beneficial and enjoyed by all.
- Session 1 - 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.: Meridian Alumni visit with current Meridian parents
- Session 2 - 9:15 a.m. -10:00 a.m.: Parents of Alumni visit with current Meridian parents
If you would like to join us for one or both sessions, please fill out this RSVP Form by Monday, January 5. We will email you a reminder the day before the event, so please type your email address carefully.
Questions? Please email Charles Ryder.
Host Family Needed for Italian Foreign Exchange Student
We have space to enroll a couple of additional foreign exchange students in Semester 2. If you are interested in hosting a female student from Italy, please email Ms. Holcombe. This student is currently in San Antonio and through no fault of her own, she needs a new host family. Read on to learn more about Lucrezia.
Cafeteria Price Increase in January
To continue offering the high-quality, freshly-made meals that our students and families have become accustomed to, lunch prices must be raised by $0.75 and the “Grab n Go” meal by $0.50 for secondary students and staff.
Adjusted pricing starting Jan. 6:
- $5.75 meal / $5.25 GNG for secondary students
- $7.25 meal / $6.50 GNG for faculty & staff
- $5.00 meal for primary students (no change)
Read on for details and to learn about the free and reduced price meal program.
PSA: 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.
Parent/Guardian Information Nights and Course Selection
It's nearly time to choose courses for next school year! Check out our news article with the following information for grades 5-11:
- January Information Nights for transition years (rising 6th, rising 9th, and rising IB Diploma Program)
- Course Selection and Counselor information for each grade level
- Helpful links to help you navigate the process
Winter Concert Accomplishments
The Meridian music programs performed their Winter Concert on Saturday, December 13. Some programs were also entered into a virtual competition during their performances – The Pride of Texas Christmas Festival! The judges of this contest awarded the following programs the highest honor, which is "Rating 1 (Superior)." Congratulations to all our "Superior" music programs!
- Beginning Band
- Jazz Band
- Woodwinds entry
- Brass entry
- 6th grade Choir (also known as Honor Choir)
- 7th & 8th grade After School Band (also known as Honor Band)
- High School Symphonic Orchestra
ACT Prep Class with Princeton Review
For current 10th and 11th graders
We are looking to contract with Princeton Review to offer an ONLINE ACT Prep Course for Meridian students. This is the first time we have ever done this. This course will be offered on Wednesday afternoons in January-February 2026. This is perfect timing for 11th graders to prepare for the ACT Test they will take at Meridian (for free) on March 3rd. For tenth graders, this is an opportunity for you to begin preparing now for the ACT you will take in March 2027.
I need at least 22 students to commit to taking the course at a cost of $275 before I can proceed with a contract with the Princeton Review. The course would be seven sessions for a total of 15 hours (so this is about $18 per hour for the course which seems reasonable for a Princeton Review course).
Read on for more information and then sign up to participate. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Alumni Spotlight: Abigail Sirngot, Class of 2025
We love hearing what our alumni are learning and doing after they graduate! This series spotlights alumni and will run throughout the year.
Abigail Sirngot, Class of 2025, is finishing up her first semester at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She was recently accepted into the Turner Scholars Program, a four year academic program meant to guide students through their college journey. The program offers academic counseling, designated study facilities, and a bright community of learners. They offer a close-knit community environment through community dinners and networking events.
She’s settled into the new city as she studies biology on a Pre-Health track, with a goal to become a Physician Assistant or an Anesthesiologist Assistant.
Read a Q&A from Abigail on her advice for current Meridian students and how Meridian has helped to shape her path!
Spring Semester Preview
Want a quick look at the Spring Semester’s events and programs? Check out this news article. Just know that this far out, dates and times might change!
For up-to-date information, subscribe to our Events listings by clicking on the “subscribe” link at the top right side of the page.
- Choose iCal or Google Calendar. (The Download .ICS option will not update when times or dates change.)
- You can subscribe to our main calendar or campus-specific calendars.
Parent/Guardian Information Nights
As referenced above, save the date for the 9th Grade Information Night January 15 and the DP Information Night January 27.
Save the Date for 10th Grade College Trip
Monday-Tuesday, March 30-31, 2026
In this overnight trip to the Dallas area, we will attend the annual IB College Fair hosted by Texas IB Schools and do college tours at three universities. The cost for the trip will be approximately $175 per student. Financial assistance/payment plans will be offered. Save these dates on your family calendar! Find more info on this 10th grade College Fair flyer from Texas IB Schools.