MYP Archive Spring 2025
MYP Mane Archive Spring 2025
Week of January 8, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Meridian Families,
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a restful break. We will be jumping into a busy semester.
More than 40 of our graduates will be coming back with their families for our annual Alumni Day, this Friday, January 10! Alumni visit with current 10th-12th grade students and with the parents of current students. They share the experiences they’ve had since graduation. At the end of the day, there will be a recognition ceremony for the Class of 2024 where they will be presented with their IB diplomas and certificates. It will be nice to have them all back on campus.
Our 9th grade transition meeting is Wednesday, January 15 at 6 p.m. in the Cafe. If you have an 8th grade student rising to 9th grade next year this is an opportunity to learn about the differences between middle school and high school at Meridian. DP principal Stela Holcombe will speak about the DP program in grades 11 and 12 during this event.
If you have a 5th grader rising to 6th grade grade, we invite you to our rising 6th grader parent meeting on Tuesday January 14 at 6 p.m. in the Cafe.
We have several parent meetings this month in addition to the 6th grade field trip. Please check out the dates for all of the upcoming events.
Save the dates 👀
- 6th grade: Perot Museum payments are due by January 17
- 6th-12th grades: Clubs and student leadership group yearbook photos January 23
Grades 8,9,10: Information Nights and Course Selection
Look for all secondary course selection guides and information night details broken out by grade level here. There is important information for grades 8, 9, and 10!
Information Nights begin next week!
Alumni Day: connect with Meridian Alumni & their parents
Friday, January 10, 2025
Please RSVP
Every year, Meridian hosts 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.
Meridian parents/guardians are invited to join us for two dialogue sessions on Alumni Day. The purpose of these sessions is to provide a space for our alumni and their parents/guardians to share how the alumni have benefitted from the quality IB education they received at Meridian. We find that these interactions between our current parents and our alumni students/parents 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 a.m.: Parents of Alumni visit with current Meridian parents
Please RSVP by January 8.
IB DP Information Night for parents of 10th Graders (8th-9th welcome as well)
Tuesday, January 28 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Mays Cafe
Save the date of Tuesday, January 28 for a very important in-person information session for parents/guardians of rising 11th graders! This meeting will cover all you need to know about the IB Diploma Program at Meridian. Meet your IB diploma program administration and ask questions about your student's final two years of high school! Students are encouraged to attend with their parent/guardian, but this is not required as they will be introduced to the IB diploma program in their 10th grade College Readiness class.
Note that parents of rising 9th and 10th graders are also welcome to attend this information session–especially if you are trying to decide whether or not to stay at Meridian through graduation.
Action Requested: Fill out this RSVP form to receive a Google calendar invitation.
Secondary Club Photo Day is Thursday, January 23!
There are no make-ups for these club/group photos that will be used in the yearbook, so please don't be absent unless you are sick! Students who are absent, who miss the photo, or who do not follow the attire requirements will be noted under their group’s photo as “Not pictured.” The photo day schedule will be sent to students in ManageBac early next week.
Sex Education talks: action required by Friday
Permission Form due Jan. 10
You must complete the form below by January 10 for your child if you would like them to participate in the sexual education curriculum for their given grade level. Students not participating in the Sex Ed curriculum will have alternative assignments.
STAAR Interims take place starting January 23
Students will be completing interims this month. Teachers use the information from the interims to guide instruction for the second semester. Interims provide students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the STAAR assessment platform.
January 23 - 24: 8th grade US history
January 30-31: 10th grade English
February 3-4: 8th Grade Science
February 6-7: 9th Grade English
February 10-11: 9th Grade Biology
February 20-21: 6th-8th Grade English
February 27-28: 8th Grade Math, Algebra 1-2
(Stay tuned for 6th and 7th grade math dates)
Meridian Athletics
Basketball
Upcoming home games!
Wednesday, January 8 - Girls Varsity, Boys Varsity, Boys JV Beast
Canceled - Thursday, January 9 - Girls Varsity - This game has been rescheduled to January 23.
Saturday, January 11 - Girls MS, Boys MS Beast
Monday, January 13 - Girls MS, Boys MS Beast, Boys JV Beast
Wednesday, January 13 - Boys MS Bold
Dance Team
Wednesday, January 8
Fierce Dance Team performs between Varsity games!
Tennis
The 2025 Match Schedule is now available! Let’s go, Lions! (Subject to change.)
See the Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section for more about Meridian sports.
Questions? Email Meridian Athletics.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
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.
Questions? Email Secondary Enrichment
Week of January 15, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Meridian Families,
Please remember that there is no school this coming Monday, January 20.
Big shout out to our students that completed in MUN and DECA this weekend. Great job, Lions! As we move into registration for next year, please remember you can always reach out to your counselor or Assistant Principal with questions.
Here are some upcoming dates to save. If you have a high school student, please mark your calendars for the DP orientation night January 28 at 6 p.m. in the Middle School building cafe. The next MYP parent coffee is the same day, January 28, at 9 a.m. in the library.
Important 👀
- 6th grade: Perot Museum payments are due by this Friday. We still have 30 outstanding payments, so check to make sure you paid on MySchoolBucks!
- Today, Jan. 15, the parking lot will be closed between 4 - 5 p.m. for the MLK March. Please park on the grass if you need to enter during this time. Triple A pick up will be paused.
- Next Monday, January 20, there is no school in observance of MLK Day.
Reminders:
Rising 9th Grade Information Night
IB Diploma Program Information Night (8th-10th grade)
Rising 9th Grade: Wednesday, January 15 from 6 - 7 p.m. in the Mays Cafe
Meet High School administration and learn what to expect for 9th-12th grade at Meridian!
DP Info Night: Tuesday, January 28 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Mays Cafe
Meet your IB diploma program administration and ask questions about your student's final two years of high school! Students are encouraged to attend with their parent/guardian. This is a great program to attend if you are trying to decide whether or not to stay at Meridian through graduation.
Action Requested: Fill out this RSVP form.
MYP (6-10) Principal’s Coffee
Tuesday, January 28 at 9 a.m.
Join us for the MYP Principal’s Coffee at the secondary library in the middle school building for conversations with school leadership. Please park in the designated visitor parking spots on this map.
STAAR interim dates
Teachers use the information from interim tests to guide instruction for the second semester. Interims provide students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the STAAR assessment platform.
January 23 - 24: 8th grade US history
January 30-31: 10th grade English
February 3-4: 8th Grade Science
February 6-7: 9th Grade English
February 10-11: 9th Grade Biology
February 20-21: 6th-8th Grade English
February 27-28: 6th-8th Grade Math, Algebra 1-2
Model UN MUNSA award recipients Rithika S., Sarah O., and Ahladita B.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Model United Nations
Meridian Model UN participated in the JMUNSA (middle school) and MUNSA (high school) conference on Saturday in San Antonio. We are extremely proud of all 41 participants for their effort and dedication in preparation for this conference. Congratulations to the students who received impressive awards: Rithika S. (Distinguished Delegate), Sarah O. (Best Delegate), and Ahladita B. (Best Delegate)!
DECA
Meridian's DECA chapter competed at the District Career Development Conference (CDC) on Saturday, January 11. Of the 46 high school students who competed, 16 advanced to State in March. We are very proud of all of our DECA members for working hard to prepare for this competition as we do not have a business program at Meridian. The state qualifiers are (in alpha order by last name): Pranav Anil, Ganesh Balakrishnan, Krish Bhalani, Cylee Dhond, Sri Edala, Rumi Maknojia, Allison Mathias, Vivaan Pai, Riya Palanki, Abdul Azeez Sadiq, Aarin Sandilya, Aarush Sankar, Rithika Saravanan, Connor Scafe, Anish Senthilarasu, and Dheeraz Yamdati.
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
Questions? Email Secondary Enrichment
Meridian Athletics
Basketball
Upcoming home games!
Wednesday, January 13 - Boys MS Bold & Boys JV Beast
Saturday, January 18 - Girls Varsity & Boys JV Bold
Tuesday, January 21 - Boys JV Bold, Girls Varsity & Boys Varsity + Senior Night!
Basketball Senior Night is Tuesday, January 21!
Join us as we honor our class of 2025 basketball players and student managers between the last home Varsity Basketball games of the season. We'll be celebrating: Juli A., Lily C., Palm W., Joe B., Fenix B., and PJ S.
Soccer
First home Soccer games! Just one mile from campus at Rock Field (217 Commerce Blvd. Round Rock)
Friday, January 17 - Boys Varsity, Girls Varsity and Boys JV
Tennis
The January 21 Middle School Tennis match has been rescheduled to February 11.
See the Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section for more about Meridian sports.
Questions? Email Meridian Athletics
Week of January 22, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Meridian Families,
It's a short week, and we are glad to see everyone back on campus! If you have a high school student, please mark your calendars for the DP orientation night January 28 at 6 p.m. in the Middle School building cafe. The next MYP parent coffee is earlier on the same day, January 28, at 9 a.m. in the library.
MYP (6-10) Principal’s Coffee
Tuesday, January 28 at 9 a.m.
Join us for the MYP Principal’s Coffee at the secondary library in the middle school building for conversations with school leadership. Please park in the designated visitor parking spots on this map.
Secondary Club Picture Day is here!
Thursday, January 23
These club/group photos will be used in the Meridian yearbook,The World! Please encourage your student to be present and participate with their club/group. See the picture day schedule and pay special attention to the dress requirements.
We still need 1-2 volunteers on picture day. Please sign up to help here!
9th Grade Transition Information Night slides
See the slides and video recording from the 9th Grade Transition Information Night.
IB Diploma Program Information Night (8th-10th grade)
DP Info Night: Tuesday, January 28 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Mays Cafe
Meet IB Diploma Program administration and ask questions about your student's final two years of high school! Students are encouraged to attend with their parent/guardian. This is a great program to attend if you are trying to decide whether or not to stay at Meridian through graduation. Fill out this RSVP form.
Individual Counselor meetings for Current 9th/10th Graders
After the in-person IB DP Information Night that is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, current 9th and 10th grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to meet one-on-one with our high school counselor, Mr. Manuszak. This is a great opportunity to get individual attention from the counselor and ask questions about course options and pathways in the IB Diploma Program.
Sign up for a meeting date after January 28. Schedule this meeting during a class period when your student can most afford to miss instructional time (your student should check their ManageBac calendar or ask the teacher if anything essential is happening in class that day).
Questions? Reach out to Mr. Manuszak.
STAAR interim dates
Teachers use the information from interim tests to guide instruction for the second semester. Interims provide students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the STAAR assessment platform.
January 23 - 24: 8th grade US history
January 30-31: 10th grade English
February 3-4: 8th Grade Science
February 6-7: 9th Grade English
February 10-11: 9th Grade Biology
February 20-21: 6th-8th Grade English
February 27-28: 6th-8th Grade Math, Algebra 1-2
Week of January 29, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Meridian Families,
Happy Lunar New Year! May the Year of the Snake bring your family a joyful year.
Please be mindful that After School 6-12 ends at 5:45 p.m. Picking up your student on time is much appreciated by our staff. It also ensures that no late fees are incurred.
Our secondary clubs are not equipped to supervise siblings. Please make sure you pick up students that are not attending clubs at the normal pick up time. Students are not able to hang out in common spaces unsupervised. We will redirect students to our after school programs if they are found around campus. We encourage you to reach out to your student’s Assistant Principal if you have questions about pickup or dropoff.
Rainy Day pick up locations
- Blue line picks up in front of the Mays Lobby (middle school)
- Orange line picks up in front of the MPR (middle school and siblings)
- Green line picks up by the courtyard (high school and siblings)
Message from the Nurse: spinal screenings
Our school will be conducting state mandated spinal screenings for 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys on Wednesday Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 during PE. Students should plan to wear a thin tank top or t-shirt underneath any sweaters or heavy clothing on the day they have PE.
If you have questions please contact the nurse via email at [email protected]. If you would like your student to be exempt please email the nurse no later than Feb. 1 by 8 a.m.
HOSA spirit wear for future health professionals
Meridian's Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is selling "Future Health Professional" spirit wear-approved T-shirts to students in grades 6-12. Sales close February 7; shirts are $16.99 on MySchoolBucks. Profits will go towards HOSA spring service projects aimed towards promoting wellness in our community!
Rice University Aerospace Academy (Summer experience)
Students in grades 9-12 for this 2024-2025 school year may be interested in the Rice University Aerospace Academy. This 12-day experience is pricey, but looks to be of very high quality. If your student is interested, please email Stela Holcombe, because a nomination is required: [email protected].
9th Grade Transition slides
See the slides and video recording from the 9th Grade Transition Information Night.
Individual Counselor meetings: 9th, 10th Grade
9th and 10th grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to meet one-on-one with our high school counselor, Mr. Manuszak.
Sign up for a meeting date today. Schedule this meeting during a class period when your student can most afford to miss instructional time.
STAAR interim dates
Interims allow teachers to guide instruction for the second semester and allow students to familiarize themselves with the STAAR assessment platform.
January 30-31: 10th grade English
February 3-4: 8th Grade Science
February 6-7: 9th Grade English
February 10-11: 9th Grade Biology
February 20-21: 6th-8th Grade English
February 27-28: 6th-8th Grade Math, Algebra 1-2
Congratulations to our seniors in the Basketball program who celebrated Senior Night on Wednesday, January 22. Photo by Debi Castro.
Meridian Athletics
Basketball
Congratulations to our teams advancing to playoffs this week!
Wednesday, January 29 - Girls MS plays away in the Area Semi-Finals!
Wednesday, January 29 - Boys Varsity plays away in the Area Championship!
Thursday, January 30 - Girls Varsity plays away in the Area Championship!
Tuesday, February 4 - Girls MS and Boys MS Beast in Area Championships!
Watch the Basketball Game Schedule to track the advancement of our Basketball teams in the playoffs!
Friday, January 31 - Both Varsity teams play on the Spurs court!
Dance Team
First competition this Saturday, February 1 - Cedar Park Dance Competition!
Soccer
Cancelled - Both upcoming home Soccer games on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 2 have been cancelled due to field conditions/availability.
Tennis
Friday, January 31 - Varsity Tennis match at home
Spring Developmental Sports (6-11)
Registration for Spring Developmental Sports experiences for students opens Wednesday, February 5 and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, or sooner if the limited spots fill up first.
- Spring Developmental Flag Football (prepare for fall 2025 competitive Flag Football)
- Spring Developmental Running (prepare for fall 2025 competitive Cross Country)
- Spring Developmental Volleyball (prepare for fall 2025 competitive Volleyball)
Physical forms are due by February 13.
See the Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section for more about Meridian sports.
Questions? Email Meridian Athletics.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Model UN and Debate Club have competitions next week! Stay tuned.
2024-2025 Secondary Clubs and Student Groups (6-12)
Find the Clubs List for this school year.
Questions? Email Secondary Enrichment
Week of February 5, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Meridian Families,
Despite Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow on Sunday, we have had some beautifully warm days.
Please join us in appreciating our counselors this week. They do so much to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of our student body.
And, please join us in the black box theater tonight for our Advanced MYP Theater class’ presentation of Anon(ymous). These productions would not be possible without the financial support of our families. It is not too late to contribute to our annual fund. Please help us continue to provide our students with the educational opportunities that you have come to expect from Meridian.
What to expect for Q3 MYP Progress Report
6th Grade: The Perot Museum Field Trip Is Almost Here!
HOSA spirit wear for future health professionals
Meridian's Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is selling "Future Health Professional" spirit wear-approved T-shirts to students in grades 6-12. Sales close February 7; shirts are $16.99 on MySchoolBucks. Profits will go towards HOSA spring service projects aimed towards promoting wellness in our community!
9th grade class spirit wear
Class of 2028: order your 9th grade approved spirit wear today on MySchoolBucks! This is a special Class of 2028 limited edition hooded zip up jacket. This can be worn Monday through Friday. Sale ends Friday, February 21 at 5 p.m.
Reminder: spinal screenings Feb 5, 12
State-mandated spinal screenings for 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys take place today and on Feb. 12 during PE. Students should plan to wear a thin tank top or t-shirt underneath any sweaters or heavy clothing on the day they have PE. If you have questions please contact the nurse via email at [email protected].
IB Global Youth Action Fund applications open
Students between age 12 and 19 may apply for IB's Global Youth Action Fund if they have an idea or project they believe will make an impact on their community. Applications close Feb. 28. See more.
Week of February 12, 2025
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello Meridian Families,
Please remember that there is no school for students on Friday or Monday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend.
Many of our upperclassmen are looking forward to hosting the PYP parent child dance on Saturday. It is not too late to buy tickets if you have a K-5th grader!
One component of IB that we love is our Design Program. Our design teachers provide your students with opportunities to work with a variety of mediums while solving real world problems. Our 6th graders are designing models of systems while 7th graders are designing pinball machines that will be on display at the Arts and Science Showcase. 8th grade is creating wooden toys that will be tested by our third graders and then donated to a local charity.
Your Annual Fund dollars support our access to the IB Continuum. Please consider making a contribution that your family can afford.
Thursday, students in grades 6-11 can wear red! See all upcoming dress days.
Tardy Policy Enforcement
This message was shared in ManageBac to grades 8-10. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring students arrive to class on time, ready to learn. We have noticed an increase in excessive tardies and want to reinforce the importance of punctuality in maintaining a positive learning environment.
Students who accumulate six tardies will receive a disciplinary referral. Additional referrals will be issued for every three tardies thereafter (9, 12, etc.). This includes being tardy to the first period of the day. Please ensure students arrive with ample time to make it to class by 8:25 a.m.
Please encourage your student to arrive to class promptly to avoid consequences and maximize their instructional time.
7th grade Makers Fair participation form due March 2
The Makers Fair is a fundraising event intended to reduce the cost of students' 8th grade trip. This event/fundraiser takes place during our Arts & Science Showcase on April 5.
The 8th grade field trip to Camp Olympia in Trinity, Texas will occur in October 2025. This is a three day overnight, off campus learning experience. Students attended an assembly in early December to learn about the trip and Makers Fair.
Important links:
Participant Form - deadline to submit is Sunday, March 2
10th Grade Personal Project Expo
March 13 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Personal Project Expo celebrates our students’ hard work and creativity! Mark your calendars to join us in the Mays Gym on Thursday, March 13. Personal Project Expo schedule:
- 8 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.: Drop off items in gym
- 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Presentations to parents/guardians
- 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Clean up
9th grade class spirit wear
Class of 2028: order your approved spirit wear today on MySchoolBucks! This is a special Class of 2028 limited edition hooded zip up jacket. This can be worn Monday through Friday. Sale ends Friday, February 21 at 5 p.m.
Upcoming Spring Socials
10th Grade Spring Social
Friday, March 7 from 5 p.m.– 7 p.m.
Our Class of 2027 Council is hosting a 10th Grade Game Night! With the game format, we need 15- 20 parent volunteers. No cost except for those who want pizza. Sign up to volunteer or donate food.
6th and 7th Grade Hollywood Dance
Saturday, March 8
Tickets go on sale Feb. 24 for $12 on MySchoolBucks or $20 at the door. Sign up to volunteer! Note the staggered entrance times:
- Sixth grade: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- 7th grade: 7 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Save the dates:
9th Grade Water Wars: May 2
8th Grade Formal: May 17
Week of February 19, 2025
Week of February 26, 2025
Week of March 5, 2025
Week of March 12, 2025
Week of March 19, 2025
Week of March 26, 2025
Week of April 2, 2025
Week of April 9, 2025
Week of April 16, 2025
Week of April 23, 2025
Week of April 30, 2025
Week of May 7, 2025
Week of May 14, 2025
Week of May 21, 2025