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MYP Mane (6–10)

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Week of January 28, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Melissa Reese

Families,

As we return from two days of weather-related closures, we look forward to a short but productive week back on campus. We appreciate your flexibility and support as we help students reestablish routines after the ice days.

To close out the week on a positive note, students will participate in a pep rally on Friday afternoon. This is a fun opportunity to build school spirit and reconnect as a community.

Additionally, our Principal’s Coffee has been rescheduled for next week. We look forward to connecting with families and will share updated details below.

Thank you for your continued partnership, and we look forward to a great short, week ahead.

Melissa Reese
MYP Principal

 

MYPnews

Friday: Color Wars Pep Rally


Show your class pride with Color Wars! On Friday, January 30, students may wear their spirit wear, polo shirts, or the following colors:

  • 6th Grade - Yellow
  • 7th Grade - Green
  • 8th Grade - Purple
  • 9th Grade - Blue
  • 10th Grade - Pink

RESCHEDULED: Principals Coffee Feb. 3


Tuesday, February 3 from 9 to 10 a.m.

Another delicious looking ceramic mug of coffeeSave the date for the third 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. 

 

If you can’t make it in person, you can join via Zoom here. We hope to see you! 

RESCHEDULED: Diploma Program Information Night Feb. 3


Tuesday, February 3 at 6 p.m.

10th Grade families (and any interested 8th-9th grade families): join us for the Diploma Program Information Night to learn more about the IB diploma program and course selection options in 11th and 12th grade. Adults and students welcome; park in the student parking lot by the cafe and enter through the cafe doors. 



Announcements

Important Technology Reminder for Families (Grades 8–12)


No VPNWe are sharing an important message with students regarding the use of VPNs and similar tools on school devices and networks. These services pose serious safety and security risks and are not permitted; students who use them will face suspension and additional consequences per school policy. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing responsible and appropriate technology use so we can keep our learning environment safe and focused.

 

Please review the message shared with students (on January 27 via ManageBac) for full details. Reach out to your campus principal with any questions.

 

$2 Free Dress Day


Thursday, February 5

$2 Free Dress DayNext Thursday, students may come to school in regular clothing (not in uniform) when they bring in $2! To participate, they can buy wristbands in the lobbies before school any day between Monday and Thursday of next week. Wristbands must be worn Thursday. No costumes. Clothing choice must be appropriate for school. Additional $2 Free Dress Days will be March 5, April 2, and May 7. Proceeds support our 8th Grade class trip to Camp Olympia!

Class of 2029 Hooded Jacket Spirit Wear


Class of 2029 JacketClass of 2029: you can order a limited edition Class of 2029 hooded zip up jacket today through February 13 at 5 p.m.! This is approved spirit wear that can be worn Monday through Friday.

 

Two actions: admissions for Next School Year


January 1 – February 28

 

Apply HereSiblings new to Meridian (K-9): apply now for next school year!

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

 

Skyward Commitment FormCurrently enrolled students: One-question Commitment Form

Please fill out a one-question Commitment Form on Skyward. The form is available to the primary parent (the one listed first) on Skyward. There are three options: returning, not returning, or not sure. This is not a final answer, but to help us plan for admissions next year.

 

If you have questions please email [email protected].

Is your Student Interested in the Military?


RSVP for the ASVAB by Friday, January 30

 

Meridian will offer the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to interested 10th -12th graders on Thursday, February 26. If your student is interested in exploring a military career and would like to take the ASVAB, please fill out this form. There is no cost for the exam. The deadline to RSVP is Friday, January 30.  

 

What is the ASVAB Test? The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test used by the United States Armed Forces to assess the qualifications of applicants seeking to enlist. It measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success within the military. 

 

Academics

Course Selection & Choice Sheets


Course SelectionIt's time to choose courses for next school year! Check out our news article and scroll down to the Course Selection Information section. It includes links to choice sheets and counselor information. 

 

 

Spotlight


Career Day


Last Friday, our secondary students attended our annual Career Exploration and Volunteer Fair.  Professionals from the local community came to share about their careers and also about local volunteer opportunities. Pictured below is parent Meenal McNary, sharing about her work in the medical field as an endodontist, and Lee Holcombe (Ms Holcombe's husband), sharing about his time in Morocco as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Students talk with Mr. Holcombe; Dr. McNary shows endodontic tools to two students



Upcoming Events

New Date: High School Dance


Saturday, March 28

 

Saturday Night was Ice, Ice, Baby, so it’s Back to the Future for the 80s/90s High School Dance! Circle those wall calendars for March 28. Ticket sales and details to come in March.

ESL Parent/Guardian Night


Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 7 - 8 p.m.

 

Parents and guardians of students in the Emerging Bilingual program received an email from Mr. Reyes, PYP Assistant Principal, with a Zoom link to next Wednesday’s ESL Parent/Guardian Night. 

 

The purpose of the School's ESL program is to support Emergent Bilingual students in their linguistic and academic performance. During this event, we'll share how the school accomplishes these purposes and how families can partner with us. If you have questions, please reach out to Mr. Reyes (K-5) or Mr. Verleye (6-12). 

 

Black History Month Jamboree & Dress Day


Jamboree Feb. 12 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 12, The Meridian Black Student Union presents their second annual Black History Month Jamboree: Celebrating Black Culture! Open to all Meridian families (grades 8-12 can attend without a guardian, but we highly encourage parent/guardian attendance). Enjoy talent acts, visual arts, a fashion show, Black history speeches, and snacks.

 

During the school day on Thursday, February 12, all students and staff are invited to dress in celebration of Black History Month and the Jamboree! Options include:

  • 'Celebrate Black Culture' spirit wear 
  • Black history/culture themed T shirt
  • Colors (red, black, yellow, green)
  • Do you have roots in African culture? Wear your traditional African attire!
 
 
enrichment

Good luck, Fierce Dance Team! The team’s first competition is Saturday, January 31 at Cedar Park High School.

Meridian Athletics (7-12)

 

Basketball

Wednesday, January 28 - Area Semifinals at home! Winners will advance to the Area Championship on Monday, February 2!

6 p.m. - Girls Middle School vs. Kipp Austin Beacon

7 p.m. - Boys Varsity vs. Austin Peace Academy

Students can attend these games for free if wearing Meridian School uniform or spirit wear. 

 

IMPORTANT! Students who do not behave in a principled and respectful way, resulting in a referral, will lose the privilege to attend Meridian sporting events without their parent/guardian present.

 

Please watch the Basketball Game Schedule and the Athletics Calendar for continued advancement in the playoffs. Let’s Go, Lion Hoops!

 

Tennis

First matches of the season!

Wednesday, January 28 at 4:30 p.m. - Middle School Tennis plays at Liberty Hill High School

Thursday, January 29 at 4 p.m.  - Varsity Tennis plays Savio at home (Cimarron Hills).

Roar, Lions, Roar!

 

Dance Team

First competition of the season! Saturday, January 31 - Cedar Park High School Dance Competition

Let’s go, Fierce Dance Team!

 

Get ready for 2026-2027 Sports! (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)

New! Flag Football and Volleyball tryouts will be held in May! Dance Team tryouts will be in April!

 

Registration for Competitive Cross Country, Competitive Dance Team, Competitive Flag Football, and Competitive Volleyball opens Wednesday, April 15 and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 23. The only competitive sport with a late registration will be Cross Country because Cross Country’s tryouts will be shortly after school resumes in August. The following is a snapshot of each Fall Competitive Sport. Dates remain subject to change.

 

Competitive Dance Team (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)

Registration: April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. No late registration available.

Physical Forms: Due April 23.

Mandatory Pre-Tryout Clinics: April 27, 28, 29.

Mandatory Tryouts: Thursday, April 30.

 

Competitive Flag Football (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)

Registration: April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. No late registration available.

Physical Forms: Due April 23.

Mandatory Tryouts: Friday, May 15 after school and Saturday, May 16

 

Competitive Volleyball (Girls Volleyball = current 6-11 / rising 7-12; Boys Volleyball = current 7-11 / rising 8-12)

Registration: April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. No late registration available.

Physical Forms: Due April 23.

Mandatory Tryouts: Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14 after school.

 

Competitive Cross Country (current 6-11 / rising 7-12)

Regular Registration ($52.30): April 15 through 9 p.m. on April 23. 

Late Registration ($104.60):  July 22 through 9 p.m. on July 30. This is the only sport with a late registration.

Physical Forms: Due August 1.

Mandatory Tryouts: Saturday, August 15.

 

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

 

Questions about Athletics? Email Meridian Athletics.

 

Clubs & Extracurricular Activities (6-12)

Club Photos for Yearbook

Club photos for the yearbook were Thursday, January 22. Students who missed their club photo but are on the official roster for their club will be noted under the club photo in the yearbook as “Not pictured.” No retakes are available.

 

2026-2027 After School Music - We are in the process of planning our extracurricular After School Music programs for the 2026-2027 school year. Details will be available after Spring Break.

 

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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