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PYP Pride (K–5)

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Week of February 18, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Brooke Knight, PYP Principal

Happy Wednesday, Primary Families!

I hope this newsletter finds your family healthy and enjoying the sunshine and the first hints of warmer weather.

Last week was a wonderful reflection of what makes our community so special. During Be Sweet to Others Day, students across grade levels participated in thoughtful projects centered on appreciation and service. It was meaningful to see our students intentionally recognizing others and spreading kindness throughout our community.

On Thursday, our Black Student Union hosted the Black History Month Jamboree: Celebrating Black Culture. Students shared original artwork, delivered powerful speeches and poetry, sang, and performed for a full audience. The energy in the room was filled with joy, pride, and connection. Thank you to the students, staff, and families who attended and helped make the evening such a memorable and meaningful celebration.

On Friday, several Kindergarten students participated in a Teacher Experience Auction opportunity, visiting the Round Rock Fire Department to personally deliver their baskets. They even witnessed firefighters respond to a call while they were there! Students loved meeting the firefighters and making real-world connections beyond the classroom.

The Admin Team also joined students for a Teacher Experience Auction outing at Monster Mini Golf on Friday and we had so much fun! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, laugh, and enjoy time together outside of the school day.

We have several upcoming events and opportunities for families to engage with our school community, and we hope you will join us. Please see the information below for details.

As always, continue checking grade-level newsletters to stay connected to the learning happening each week. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. Have a great week!

Thank you,

Brooke Knight

PYP Principal

 

Primary news

Lion’s Acting Troupe: call for origami cranes


A hand holds an origami craneAs part of International Week, the Lion’s Acting Troupe presents A Thousand Cranes, a powerful and moving play inspired by the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl in post-war Japan who begins folding paper cranes in the hope of healing, and peace. Performances are March 2 and 3 at 6 p.m. in the Primary School Gym.

Join Lions Acting Troupe in a school-wide act of remembrance, hope, and unity by folding a paper crane (pdf instructions, video instructions) and bringing it to the performance. If you are unable to attend, cranes may be dropped off in Mr. Franklin’s classroom (C-1). We will string the cranes together into garlands and display them in the school. At the end of the year, the garlands will be sent to the Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima, Japan, as an offering of hope and peace from our learning community.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating art, culture, and our shared commitment to peace.

Fifth Grade students: New Instrument Trial Day


Wednesday, March 4 from 2 - 4:30 p.m.

Based on feedback from our previous instrument event, we are offering a second Instrument Trial Day designed to be intimate and supportive for students. This small-group experience will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 2 –4:30 p.m. (10 minute time slot per student) and is open to all 5th grade students interested in Beginning Band or Orchestra for 6th grade. 

Students will be able to try instruments, ask questions, and receive individual guidance on instrument choice. Students who are undecided are especially encouraged to attend.

During the event, students and families will be supported by:
  • Music teachers
  • The 6th grade counselor
  • The MYP Curriculum Coordinator
  • The Dean of School Culture
  • Representatives from music companies
  • Current music students

All 5th grade students are welcome, but this event is by appointment only. Please sign up for the Instrument Trial in advance. Only students who are signed up will be allowed in the trial rooms.

Important details for families:
  • No prior music experience is required
  • Instruments will be provided for students to try
  • Parents/guardians must attend
  • The sign-up deadline is Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact Stefanie Zook,  6th Grade Counselor, for more information. We look forward to giving students a personalized opportunity to explore their instrument options.

Announcements

Last chance: 2026-2027 admissions


Will you have siblings new to Meridian (K-9)? You must 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 only receive priority in the lottery if you apply before the deadline.


If you have questions please email [email protected].

Academics

IB Initiative: The Learner Profile Trait of Communicator


This quarter, our IB Initiative each week will focus on one of the learner profile traits.


Inquirers  •  Knowledgeable  •  Thinkers  •  Communicators  •  Principled  •  Open-Minded  •  Caring  •  Risk-takers  •  Balanced  •  Reflective


Communicators: two figures talk with phones

According to IB, communicators express themselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. They collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

 

Communicators use communication skills, including taking in information through reading, watching and listening and sharing information through speaking, writing and non-verbal means of communication. This week on the announcements we will continue our exploration of people who demonstrate this trait and tie our learning to Black History Month as well by learning about how people like Levar Burton, Louis Armstrong, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Frederick Douglass all show us different aspects of what it means to be an effective communicator.


Find activities and book ideas on Meridian’s website to extend the discussion of what it means to be a communicator at home.

 

Spotlight

Arts & Science Fest


When: Saturday, April 18, 2026

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A globe with arts and science icons like a rocket ship, whale, camera, and light bulb
Mark your calendars for our 4th annual Arts & Science Fest! Discover live performances, interactive demos, a mobile planetarium, and exhibits from more than 30 school and community STEAM partners! Past exhibits include lava lamp experiments with Millipore Sigma, egg drops with Dell, art activities, slime making with Thermo Fisher Scientific, and more! 
 
Join the fun as an exhibitor or sponsor an activity! If you’re interested, please reach out to Lynda Chapel, Community Coordinator.
 
Thank you to our sponsor, A+ Federal Credit Union!

Upcoming Events

Friends of Meridian's Celebration of Flavors kicks off International Week


Friday, February 27 at 6 p.m.

Georgetown Community Center

Friends of Meridian presents their 5th Annual International Celebration of Flavors: Sips, Samples & Silent Auction—an evening of global bites, drinks, and community fun! This will be an age 21+ kick-off for International Week hosted by the Friends of Meridian! Friends of Meridian Celebration of Flavors: Feb. 27 in Georgetown. Tickets on sale now!

World Parade + Photo


Friday, March 6

 

Parade

Students may walk in this beloved annual parade under a country of their heritage/choice. A reminder: sign up before Feb. 25; no late submissions will be accepted this year.

 

All of Meridian's students and staff stand in front of the Mays buildingAll School Photo

Following the World Parade, we will gather students, faculty, & staff for an all-school photo! This is a tradition once every five years, and this year, we celebrate 15 years at Meridian. Students not in cultural wear are encouraged to wear their red polo shirt or red spirit wear.

 

No entry or dismissal: 1:30 - 3:15 p.m.

The parking lot will be closed between 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. for the parade and photo. If you need to pick up your student early on March 6, please arrive before 1:25 p.m.

Festival of Cultures + Holi Celebration


Saturday, March 7 from 2-5 p.m. Holi Celebration starts at 5:15.


Explore family- and student club- led country and culture booths in this 9th annual Festival of Cultures! Learn about countries, sample food, try games and make crafts! Enjoy Primary Student Performances, the Black Culture Choir, and the Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team. Celebrate your family’s culture and heritage with a country booth, or volunteer. 

students celebrate their cultures through food samples, singing, and flags

 

district

 

Upcoming Enrichment Activities

 

Career Week February (19-25) - Students will explore different career fields, and then do research on a specific career in their community. They will make a project explaining what the importance of that job is in their community, what education or training it requires, and what IB traits you need to do the job well. Students will make a poster and we will exhibit them to Triple A on Wednesday, February 25.

 

Talent Show - Families welcome! February 27 at 4:35 p.m.Triple A Talent Show: Parents are invited to the annual Triple A Talent show, where students are given the opportunity to showcase their skills! Though there are limited spots in the Talent Show, Triple a will also host mini Talent Exhibitions within groups on February 26. The show is February 27 at 4:35 p.m.

 

Transportation Changes: If your student will be absent from school or has a change in transportation, email the Triple A Administrative Assistant, the A la Carte Instructor, and your student's school day teacher. Be sure to send the email at least two hours prior to school dismissal. Also, remember to update your student's pick up mode in PikMyKid.

 

Enrichment Schedule: 

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday - 2:10 p.m. and 3:55 p.m.
  • Early Release Wednesday Only - 2:55 p.m.

resourcesPrimary Resources


Daily Announcements: Did you know you can watch the daily morning announcements that your student sees? Watch them on Ms. Lieurance’s Announcements Channel.

 

Toddle: Our one stop site/app for everything PYP. Curriculum, family communications, student portfolio, and more. Learn more about Toddle and sign in.

 

Skyward: To check report cards, submit an absence, fill out paperwork, and update your contact information, log in to Skyward using this link.
 

Important Contacts


PYP Principal, Brooke Knight

PYP Assistant Principal Grades K, 2, 4, Rachel Gabriel

PYP Assistant Principal Grades 1, 3, 5, Dion Reyes

 

PYP Counselor K, 2, 4, Dana Burks

PYP Counselor 1, 3, 5, Heather Mossell

PYP Coordinator grades K-5, Leah Lieurance

Media Literacy/Library, Kelly Chapman

 

Primary Campus Coordinator, Kathy Finch

Report an absence, Skyward

 

Special Education

Director of Special Education, Susan Mais

LSSP/Assistant Director of Special Education, Jennifer Kuester

ARD Coordinator, Anna Brown

504 Coordinator, Dottie Elliott

 

Registrar, Kelly Abbett

Dean of School Culture, Monique Swain

Child Nutrition Director, Kaylee Torres

Meal Program Application/Café Questions

Skyward Questions

School Nurse

Triple A

 
 

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