DP Archive Fall 2024

Senior 24-hour Lock-In: Action items and details

If you were unable to attend the required Zoom meeting about the Extended Essay (EE)  last night, here is the recording, and here is a link to the presentation that was reviewed about the Extended Essay (EE).  Please watch the recording so that you are aware of the timeline and expectations for this large task – a task that is required for students pursuing the IB diploma.  The first few minutes of the meeting were not recorded, but you can see the information you missed on the first two slides of the presentation. If you have any questions, please email DP Coordinator Charles Ryder at [email protected].

Seniors: IB Exam schedule and billing for May 2025

Secondary Holiday Fun Week!

---

December 16-19

 

Get ready for winter dress up week! The week of December 16, before winter break, students may wear the following:

 

Monday, Dec 16:  Regular Uniform with Holiday Accessories (socks, Santa hats, antlers,  blankets, holiday slippers, etc.)

 

Tuesday, Dec 17: Holiday Sweater Day / Do It Yourself "DIY" Ugly Holiday Sweaters

 

Wednesday, Dec 18 (full day of school):  Wear Plaid or a College Shirt

Thursday, Dec 19:  Pajamas/Onesie Day

 

 

Save the Date for Graduation Regalia Orders

---

Monday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 11

Students and/or parents/guardians place orders for graduation regalia (cap and gowns) and graduation announcements in February. The vendor for our school is Herff Jones. Learn about graduation regalia from this helpful slide created by Robyn Tester:

 

Athletics Newsletter – Athletics website – 6th-12th grade clubs & student groups website

 

Meridian Athletics

 

Boys Varsity Basketball in a home game huddle. Photo by Linda Mosqueda.

 

Basketball

Upcoming home games!

Wednesday, December 4 - Girls MS and Boys MS Beast

Monday, December 9 - Girls MS, Boys MS Beast, Boys Varsity

Tuesday, December 10 - Boys JV Bold

Wednesday, December 11 - Boys MS Bold

 

See the Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section for more about Meridian sports.

 

Questions? Email Meridian Athletics.

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

 

School of Rock and Pop (9-12)

Now registering! The School of Rock and Pop is a spring semester after school program for high school musicians and vocalists. Registration is now open and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 12.  No late registrations will be accepted. Mandatory auditions are Tuesday, December 17. 

 

2024-2025 Secondary Clubs and Student Groups (6-12)

Find the Clubs List for this school year. 

Learn how students can start or reactivate a club. 

See Daily Announcements.

 

Questions? Email Secondary Enrichment

We currently have 62 seniors signed up for the senior trip to Costa Rica! November 25 is the absolute deadline to sign up for the senior trip. We recommend that you sign up at least a few days beforehand in case there are technical issues. If you don't have a passport, you will need to begin that process right away! Please contact senior trip coordinator, Jordan Elbers if you would like to register for the trip.

Save the Date:There will be a mandatory in-person Pre-Departure Meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 11.

Seniors who need to meet the Math TSI college readiness requirement will have the following opportunities in November. Please save these dates:

• Math TSI Tutorial with Ms. Riley after school on Wednesday, November 20 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Math TSI Tutorial with Ms. Riley on Friday, November 22 from 9 - 10:30 a.m.
• Math TSI Testing on Friday, November 22 from 10:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4

Save the date! The school will pay for all juniors to take the ACT during the school day on Tuesday, March 4. No action is needed on your part; the school will handle registration.

Graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Round Rock Sport Center. For planning purposes, please know that the graduate of each family will receive 14 tickets for graduation. The graduating senior does not need a ticket. If you need more than 14 tickets, it's very likely that we will be able to grant your request as some families do not need as many tickets as others.

Thursday, November 7 - Friday, November 8

Award-winning professional photographer, Dez Keelty, will be on campus on Thursday November 7 and Friday November 8. The annual senior group picture will be taken on November 7. Individual senior yearbook portraits will be taken on November 7 and November 8. Every senior needs to be present on November 7 please; email Stela Holcombe immediately if you have an absence on this date that cannot be avoided.

Here are the important links you need:

• Fill out this order form. It may be brought to the camera on the day of pictures, or you may send it to Holcombe in advance for safe keeping
• No purchase is required to be in the yearbook
• The senior group picture must be pre-ordered if you want a copy
• Pre-ordered individual senior yearbook portraits will be retouched and delivered first

• This schedule is subject to slight changes so check this link again before Thursday, November 7
• If you have a conflict with your picture time please let Stela Holcombe know asap so we can figure it out
• If your individual picture is scheduled for Friday, November 8 you will need to dress up on both Thursday (for the senior group photo) and again Friday (for your individual photo).
  

Thursday, November 7 - Friday, November 8

Award-winning professional photographer, Dez Keelty, will be on campus on Thursday November 7 and Friday November 8. The annual senior group picture will be taken on November 7. Individual senior yearbook portraits will be taken on November 7 and November 8. Every senior needs to be present on November 7 please; email Stela Holcombe immediately if you have an absence on this date that cannot be avoided.

Here are the important links you need:

Pre-Order Form and Dress Requirements

• Fill out this order form. It may be brought to the camera on the day of pictures, or you may send it to Holcombe in advance for safe keeping
• *no purchase is required to be in the yearbook*
• The senior group picture must be pre-ordered if you want a copy
• Pre-ordered individual senior yearbook portraits will be retouched and delivered first

• This schedule is subject to slight changes so check this link again before Thursday, November 7
• If you have a conflict with your picture time please let Stela Holcombe know asap so we can figure it out
• If your individual picture is scheduled for Friday, November 8 you will need to dress up on both Thursday (for the senior group photo) and again Friday (for your individual photo).

Our student parking is now at capacity so there are no additional spaces for juniors. Seniors who get their license in the coming months are eligible for a space on a quarterly basis. If you have questions about student parking, please email Ms. Riley.

Secondary Red Ribbon Week is next week!

October 21 – 25

This will be a week full of activities thanks to our amazing counselors and our Dean of Culture. They are working with STUCO and student leadership to provide students with a variety of experiences to promote a drug free lifestyle. This will be a spirit week and students will be able to dress up for the following themes. 

Monday: Marvel vs DC Monday – "Save Gotham City from drugs" Dress as a superhero

Tuesday: Team Tuesday – "Play hard against drugs" Wear sports jerseys

Wednesday: Wild Western Wednesday – "Live a wild life without drugs" Dress western

Thursday: Throwback Thursday – "Make Drugs History" Dress as a different decade

Friday: Camo Friday – "Make Drugs Disappear" Wear camouflage clothing

Staff and students are invited to wear pink on Tuesday, October 29 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Wear pink clothing, hats, wigs, shoes, socks accessories … pink out! All clothing must be school appropriate.

All secondary students (grades 6-12) may wear full Halloween costumes on October 31. Full face masks are not permitted and all clothing should meet dress code expectations. Seniors will have the opportunity to participate in a costume contest during advisory!

Action Requested (2nd request): Erin Foster has agreed to put together some goodie/prize bags for the Costume Contest Winners (seniors only). She needs donations of gift cards, candy, or other creative goodies. If you would be willing to help Erin with this task, please email Ms. Holcombe and she will connect you!

Professional photographer, Dez Keelty, will be on campus on November 7 and 8 to take yearbook photos of the seniors. Half of the seniors will be photographed on November 7 and the other half on November 8. A senior group photo will also be taken on November 7. Please, please do your very best not to be absent on November 7. If you already have an absence planned for either of these dates, please email Ms. Holcombe immediately. More information will be shared via a direct email from Ms. Holcombe re: dress requirements, pre-order options/prices, schedule, etc.

Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 - 8 p.m.

During this virtual session, you will have the opportunity to learn more about this alternative entry pathway. Students offered CAP may attend one of the seven (7) University of Texas System Institutions for their freshmen year. Students will need to meet appropriate requirements in their first-year at their CAP institution to transition to UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts for their Sophomore year; where they will conclude the rest of their undergraduate studies. Students cannot apply to CAP and it cannot be requested. CAP is an admissions decision offered to Texas Resident Students who are not offered Freshman Admission. Register now!

Financial Aid Information and Support for Families

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is expected to be released on December 1, 2024, with full, end-to-end functionality. The outreach tools and resources that typically accompany the form will be released in advance and FAFSA processing should occur within one to three days of submission.

Financial Aid Student Support Hub 

Free financial aid workshops and live support are available to help students complete their FAFSA. Please explore the webinar offerings and resource library linked below, which includes checklists, guides, videos, and more to help you confidently navigate the financial aid process. Students can also take advantage of live help support to create their FSA IDs. Learn more.

Tuesday, October 29

Counselors' Corner

24-25 Yearbooks on sale now!

Wednesday, October 2

Two DP students Krish V. (12) and Krish B. (11) are organizing an American Red Cross Blood Drive at Meridian on Wednesday, October 2. We need parent help to make this event a success! Please consider doing one or both of the following for a great cause:

1. Sign up to volunteer at the staff event.
2. Sign up to donate blood.

Save the dates: DP Information Night

Tuesday, October 1

All of our 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT at school on Tuesday, October 1. Registration and payment will be handled by the school; no action is needed from parents/guardians.

10th graders: this is purely a practice test for the PSAT that you will take in the 11th grade.

11th graders: this test is a practice for the SAT, and it also serves as the qualifying test for students who are aiming to achieve National Merit Scholar distinction.

Thursday, October 3

Our DP Coordinator, Charles Ryder, will share important information with parents/guardians about what to expect in the junior and senior years of the IB Diploma Program at Meridian. Most of the information will be geared towards students who plan to take IB exams. These meetings will be held via Google Meets (virtual meeting platform) on the following dates:

• 6 - 6:45 p.m.: Meeting for Parents/Guardians of Juniors
• 7 - 7:45 p.m.: Meeting for Parents/Guardians of Seniors

Deadline to drop / co-seat courses is October 4

Athletics

We will offer two options for seniors to paint their parking spaces!  The artwork is due to Ms. Riley for approval on the Friday before the event. Parents/guardians please sign up to support this event. We need coolers, water, snacks, etc. There is a separate sign up for each day below.

1. Saturday, September 14 from 7 a.m. - 12/noon supervised by Ms. Riley
   September 14 sign up
2. Sunday, September 22 from 7 a.m. - 12/noon supervised by Mrs. Holcombe
   September 22 sign up

We are halfway into the first quarter! Parents/Guardians are encouraged to login to Skyward and click on the “Grading” tile to check on your student's academic progress. Does your student need some extra help? Check out our DP Course Syllabi and Tutorial Schedule.

Weekend Activity for Juniors in Environmental Science

Homecoming is around the corner! Starting September 21 with Founders Day through September 28. It will be filled with activities and fun. There will be dress up days, a mum and garter making social, parade, pep rally, high school dance, tailgate, volleyball games, and more!

On sale now: Homecoming mums and garters

Secondary students (6-12), show your school spirit and wear your mum or garter to school all day Friday, September 27. High school students will also get to wear their mum or garter at the High School Homecoming Dance Saturday, September 28.

Buy your mum or garter now! Sales end Wednesday, September 18 at noon.

Mum and garter kits are available for pre-order:

High School (9-12) – $30 each (not including tax and fees)

Middle School (6-8) – $20 each (not including tax and fees)

Learn more about what’s included in your kit, payment options, delivery, and the history of the Texas mum.

Secondary (6-12) Homecoming Spirit Week Dress Days

September 23-27

Each year our Student Council selects special themed dress days for homecoming to generate spirit and fun.

Monday: Dress to Impress 

Tuesday: Doppelganger (dress alike)

Wednesday: Anything But a Backpack (free dress)

Thursday: Pajama / Onesie

Friday: Red Out (6-11) / Seniors in black. Wear your mums/garters!

Wednesday, September 25 6:30 p.m.

Everyone’s invited to our first ever Homecoming Parade! The parade will include Secondary student clubs, groups, and Athletics. Bring your school spirit and join us in the fun. Pre-Parade Block party starts at 6 p.m. – Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.

Attention Secondary clubs and groups: We can’t make this happen without you. Sign up to participate in the parade by Friday, September 13.

Volunteers we need you! Sign up now to help before, during, and after the parade.

Homecoming Games and Tailgate

Friday, September 27

Go Lions! Come hang out, eat, and get ready to cheer our volleyball teams on! The Homecoming Tailgate will be from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Students get free admission to the games.

Check out Homecoming game times and tickets.

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

Tuesday, September 10 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Open house gives you a glimpse of your student's daily life at Meridian. You will walk your student's schedule (periods 1 through 8); attend each class for 7 minutes where you will hear a short presentation from each teacher. Bring your comfy walking shoes! You will have 4 minutes to pass between each class period. You may have to go back and forth between the high school building and the middle school (Mays Building) depending on your student’s schedule.

Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30-7 p.m.

Parents/guardians of seniors who are taking Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Please mark your calendars to attend Meridian's 3rd Annual "TOK Exhibition" on Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30-7 p.m. This will take place in the high school upstairs common area right after the High School Open House scheduled on this same evening from 5-6:30 p.m.

What is the TOK Exhibition? The TOK Exhibition is the internal assessment for Theory of Knowledge. Each student chooses one question from a bank of 35 prompts, all of which explore the nature of knowledge in some way. The Exhibition is an opportunity to examine how TOK manifests in the real world. Come by and chat with the seniors about their work!

New dates: Senior Parking Space Painting Event!

Attention Seniors: The Transcript Request Form is to be completed by Meridian students only. Please submit this request at least ten (10) school days prior to the university deadline to allow sufficient processing time. Please only enter one university/college per form. If you have any questions about your transcript submission, please email the registrar Mrs. Gaudiesus.

This trip was rolled out to the Class of 2026 last spring. This is the first time we have had a senior trip to these countries, so we are really excited! The benefit of signing up early is the ability to pay for the trip in monthly installments (there is also a manual pay option). If you have questions, please email trip leader Jordan Elbers.

Senior one-on-one conferences with Kathy Gregg

Tuesday, September 10 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Are you curious to meet your student's DP teachers in person? If yes, then mark your calendar for our High School Open House! You will literally "walk" your student's schedule, spending about 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), or you can attend without your student. Put on your comfy walking shoes and join us!

Note: This is not a "come and go" event. You will want to arrive by 5 p.m. to enjoy the full experience.

Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30-7 p.m.

Parents/guardians of seniors who are taking Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Please mark your calendars to attend Meridian's 3rd Annual "TOK Exhibition" on Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30-7 p.m. This will take place in the high school upstairs common area right after the High School Open House scheduled on this same evening from 5-6:30 p.m.

What is the TOK Exhibition? The TOK Exhibition is the internal assessment for Theory of Knowledge. Each student chooses one question from a bank of 35 prompts, all of which explore the nature of knowledge in some way. The Exhibition is an opportunity to examine how TOK manifests in the real world. Come by and chat with the seniors about their work!

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

Monday, August 26

Fall Picture day is coming up next week on Monday, August 26! Students must wear their regular school uniform for these pictures that will be used in the yearbook. You may pre-order online or by using the paper form sent home. Email Sarah Whitley with any questions.

When: Monday, August 26

Attire: School Uniform

Online orders: lifetouch.com

Flyer: Secondary Fall Picture Day

Secondary Picture Day ID: Secondary EVTWBXSW3

Happening now! Need help with college applications? Our fabulous College and Career Counselor, Kathy Gregg, will begin her one-on-one meetings with seniors and their parents/guardians regarding college applications and post-secondary planning. Sign up to reserve your meeting time.

Please note: When you sign up, please try to schedule this conference during a study hall, lunch, or an elective if at all possible.

Six-Semester Transcript Review

Monday, September 9 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Please save the date for our first DP Principal Coffee of the year! We will meet in the High School Cafeteria. Stela Holcombe will share updates about what is happening in the Diploma Program and you will have the opportunities to share ideas and ask any questions you have of the DP Admin Team. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, September 10 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Are you curious to meet your student's DP teachers in person? If yes, then mark your calendar for our High School Open House! You will literally "walk" your student's schedule, spending about 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), or you can attend without your student. Put on your comfy walking shoes and join us!

Note: This is not a "come and go" event. You will want to arrive by 5 p.m. to enjoy the full experience. More info to come in next week's newsletter!

Top 10% ranking is based on semester grades earned through the end of the junior year. We did a manual calculation to ensure accuracy in the determination of Top 10%.

Seniors who achieved Top 10% ranking were notified by Mrs. Gregg via email on Tuesday, August 13. If you have questions about this, please reach out to Ms. Holcombe or Mrs. Gregg.

Carline Release of Liability Form (for grades 8-12)

Monday, August 26

Fall Picture day is in three weeks. Students must wear their regular  school uniform for these pictures that will be used in the yearbook. You may pre-order online or by using the paper form sent home. Email Sarah Whitley with any questions.

When: Monday, August 26

Attire: School Uniform

Online orders: lifetouch.com

Flyer: Secondary Fall Picture Day

Secondary Picture Day ID: Secondary EVTWBXSW3

The Fall Play for 24-25 is Clue: High School Edition! 

---

Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist. Read on for more information.

 

Thursday, August 15: Auditions – 4:10-6 p.m.

 

Athletics