Newsletters » MYP Mane (6–10)

MYP Mane (6–10)

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Week of December 10, 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Melissa Reese

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

 
MYPnews

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:

 

 

Announcements

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.

 

Auction items like science wonder, painting with MYP admin, and more

Winter Dress Up Week


Students can enjoy special dress the last week of Fall Semester! Show your lion pride with a festive stride!

MONDAY – Winter/holiday accessories (like hats, socks, headbands) with Meridian uniform   TUESDAY – Holiday shirt or sweater  (can be DIY!) with uniform bottoms  WEDNESDAY – Plaid shirt or college shirt with uniform bottoms  THURSDAY – Pajamas. This is not a free dress week.   Participating students should follow the themes and uniform requirements Monday-Wednesday.   All clothing must be school-appropriate.

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.

Academics

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
 

 

Spotlight

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.

 

Honor Choir sings in black dresses and a black suit on a stage with poinsettia flowers.

 

 

Upcoming Events

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.

enrichment

Congratulations to Boys JV Beast, Boys MS Beast, and Girls MS Basketball! All three teams won their championships on Saturday, December 6  in the 12th Annual Private/Charter School Basketball Tournament! Boys JV Beast shown.

Academic Eligibility

As we approach the end of the grading period, students are encouraged to work hard to finish strong. Please make sure all missing assignments that are still being accepted are completed and submitted. Please take advantage of any remaining opportunities to retake summative assessments. Students who have an incomplete or are failing any classes on their grading period 2 report card will lose academic eligibility as of Monday, January 12. Students who are academically ineligible cannot compete or perform with their extracurricular activities. 

 

Helpful Resources:

 

Meridian Athletics (7-12)

 

Basketball

 

12th Annual Private/Charter School Basketball Tournament

Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6

All seven Meridian teams competed in this tournament. All of our teams did very well, and three won their division championships! Congratulations to Girls MS, Boys MS Beast, and Boys JV Beast!

 

Upcoming home games:

Thursday, December 11 - Boys MS Beast, Girls Varsity, Boys Varsity

Tuesday, December 16 - Girls MS & Boys MS Beast

 

Attending Home Games / 2025-2026 Basketball Game Schedule & Results 

 

Soccer

Congratulations to the soccer players who made teams last week! Welcome emails were sent on Friday, December 5.  The Soccer Game Schedule will be available in late January.

 

Tennis

Congratulations to the members of the 2026 Middle School and Varsity Tennis teams! Welcome emails were sent on Friday, December 5.  The Tennis Match Schedule will be available in January.

 

Dance Team

The competition schedule is now available for the Fierce Dance Team. Come roar for our dancing Lions!

 

 

Athletics Newsletter / Athletics Calendar 

Questions about Athletics? Email Meridian Athletics.

 

Clubs & Extracurricular Activities

 

DECA

DECA prepares high school students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitions, real-world projects, and leadership development. Meridian’s DECA organization will be competing in the District Career Development Conference on Monday, December 15 and Tuesday, December 16 at Kalahari Resort in Round Rock.

 

Model UN

On Saturday, December 6, Meridian’s Model UN club hosted the MiniMUN conference for about 100 of our 6-8 grade students. For some of our students, this was their first conference. They were able to get a feel for the flow of conferences, how to participate, and they enjoyed the camaraderie generated in a safe and fun environment. Twelve students received an award! 2025-2026 Model UN Conferences & Awards

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

Questions about Secondary Clubs? Email Secondary Enrichment

resources

MYP Resources

 

Important MYP Program contacts


MYP Principal, Melissa Reese
MYP Assistant Principal Grades 6-7, Wyatt Verleye
MYP Assistant Principal Grades 8-10, Kim Salazar
MYP Coordinator Grades 6-10, Kimberly Ogo
 
Counselor for Grades 6-7, Stefanie Zook
Counselor for Grades 8-9, Nolberto Reyna 
Counselor for Grades 10-12, Nick Manuszak
College and Career Counselor, Kathy Gregg
Secondary Librarian and Extended Essay Coordinator, Renée Ramirez
 
MS Campus Coordinator, Karina Coburn
MS Attendance Clerk, Yasmin Peña
Report Absences on Skyward
MS Receptionist, Karen Laywell
 

Director of Special Education, Susan Mais

LSSP/Assistant Director of Special Education, Jennifer Kuester

ARD Coordinator, Anna Brown

504 Coordinator, Dottie Elliott

 
Dean of School Culture, Monique Swain
Child Nutrition Director, Kaylee Torres
Meal Program Application/Café Questions

Skyward Questions

School Nurse
Athletics
 

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