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Newsletters » PYP Pride (K–5)

PYP Pride (K–5)

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Week of April 8, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Brooke Knight, PYP Principal

Happy Wednesday, Primary Families,

We hope you enjoyed the long weekend. While the extra days gave us a chance to pause, we are already back into a busy and exciting week here at school. Tomorrow marks our first STAAR assessment of the year for our primary students, with students in 3rd - 5th grade taking the Reading test. Next week, our 5th graders will take the Science STAAR on Thursday, April 16. As always, we simply ask that students come ready to do their best. We are proud of the hard work they have put in all year long.

This week is Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, and I feel especially thankful to work alongside two outstanding assistant principals. Ms. Gabriel and Mr. Reyes each bring unique strengths, perspectives, and a deep commitment to our students and staff. Their daily dedication does not go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate the ways they show up for our school community each day.

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for our annual Arts and Science Fest on Saturday, April 18. This is always such a fun, family friendly event and a wonderful way to celebrate the creativity and curiosity of our students and community.

Finally, we are already beginning to plan for the upcoming school year. As part of this process, we value your input as we thoughtfully create class lists. Our goal is always to build balanced classrooms and place each student in an environment where they can thrive. Please take a few moments to complete the Parent Feedback and Student Placement 2026-2027 by Friday, May 8 to help guide this process.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!

Brooke Knight

PYP Principal

Primary news

Student Placement Survey 2026-2027

Administration works hard to balance classrooms and create the best learning environment for each of our students. We invite you to fill out this form by Friday, May 8 to help us make the best decisions for your child.

Last chance: Spring Dance Camp

Saturday, April 11

Registration closes April 9 at 9 p.m.

 

Dance team at pep rally

Spring Dance Camp (K-5) - Meridian’s Dance Team is hosting a Spring Dance Camp on Saturday, April 11 for Meridian Lions in grades K-5.  Participants will also perform in the 2026 Arts and Science Fest on Saturday, April 18!

 

Hurry! Registration ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, and we need 16 more participants for this fun opportunity to happen. Ask your friends to join you!

Principal's Coffee slides (MYP/DP Preview)

If you were unable to join us for last week’s Principal’s Coffee, I have included the PYP Principal Coffee for you to view. It was a great opportunity to hear from Melissa Reese, Stela Holcombe, and Kim Ogo as they shared about their programs across the continuum. We are incredibly grateful for their time, expertise, and the passion they bring to our school community.

Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

It’s Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, and we want to give a shout out to Rachel Gabriel and Dion Reyes! They have both jumped right in this year and show such care and support for our students. Drop them a note of thanks if you see them this week!

STAAR Testing Schedule (add to your calendar)

STAARState-mandated STAAR tests take place soon for grades 3-5. The purpose of these tests is to show where our students are in their learning journey. 

 

Now is a great time to start having calm, supportive conversations with your students to help ease any testing anxiety. Remind them to take a deep breath, stay confident, and simply do their best. Students do not need to prepare for the tests, but they should get plenty of sleep the night before and eat a healthy breakfast that morning. See STAAR page.

Primary STAAR Grades 3-5

  • April 9 (Thurs): Reading 3rd – 5th
  • April 16 (Thurs): Science 5th
  • April 23 (Thurs): Math 3rd – 5th

Spring showcases and 5th Grade Exhibition

Mark your calendars for our Spring Showcases and the culmination of our PYP program, the 5th Grade Exhibition!

 

  • Kindergarten - Friday, May 15, 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
  • 1st Grade - Thursday, April 16, 12:45-1:15 p.m.(Link to RSVP)
  • 2nd Grade - Thursday, May 7, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
  • 4th Grade Passion Project - Tuesday, May 19, 2-2:45 p.m.
  • 5th Grade Exhibition - Thursday, May 14, 5-6 p.m. (All families are welcome to attend)

Call for Topic Experts:5th Grade Exhibition

5th Grade Exhibition: colorful hands with dialogue and speech bubblesExhibition is the culminating experience of the Primary Years Program. Each year, our students work collaboratively to explore an issue or opportunity of personal significance within a broad concept.

 

We especially love to connect them with people who are closely tied to the topics – either living them out through a career or hobby. Please view this year’s topics and sign up if you are able to provide expert knowledge. 

PYP Art Show during Arts and Science Fest

PYP Art Show during Arts & Science

Saturday, April 18 from 2-5 p.m.


The PYP Art Show is coming up! This year, it’s part of the Arts and Science Fest! You can check out the Art Show in the PYP Cafe during the Fest. And don’t miss the rest of the Fest across the campus, including the Mays building.

 

Ms. Lee also needs Art Show volunteers to help set up, clean up, and monitor artwork during the show!

Announcements

Spring Picture Day is April 21

A boy in teal shirt stands in front of four backgroundsAll K-12 students are invited to wear casual or dressy spring attire for Spring Picture Day, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 with Lifetouch. Students will not need to wear uniforms on this day, although clothing should be school-appropriate.

 

There are three ways to order photos:

 

  • Online pre-order – log into your LifeTouch account or use code EVT2363VC. Pre-orders close on April 20. The photo packages will be sent to the school for distribution.
  • In person – Complete the physical form, which should be going home with students next week, and have your student hand it in to the photographer. The photo packages will be sent to the school for distribution.
  • Post-proofs online – log into LifeTouch using the information provided on the proof, which will arrive a few weeks following the picture day. Pictures will be mailed directly to you.


The photos will be available for purchase -- the school does not use these photos in the yearbook. Families always retain the option to opt out of vendor-provided school photography if they choose. Please fill out this form if you do not wish for your child to be photographed during the spring picture day. Otherwise, no action is required.

Chicken eggs available for $4/dozen

Friends of Meridian has shared that the chickens are busy laying eggs, and they’re available for purchase for a discounted $4 per dozen! Proceeds go back to support the coop. Fill out the egg purchase form today.

Badgerdog Camp Opportunity

Dog with glassesJune 1-19 from 9 a.m. - noon

 
There are spots open in the Library Foundation’s Badgerdog Writing Camp, which takes place at Meridian (and other sites) over the summer! The three week camp is open to 3rd-8th graders and is $595. See details or reach out to the Library Foundation with questions.

Meridian plastic film recycling drive with Ridwell

Ridwell - kids stand with earth

Plastic Bag Drive runs through April 30!

 

Do you have plastic bags saved up to recycle but don’t know what to do with them? Meridian School has joined Ridwell’s plastic bag recycling drive for schools! During the drive, if ten families become Ridwell members, Meridian will get free plastic film pick up for a whole year!
 
Start saving bags now and bring them to Meridian on one of the following days:
  • During Arts & Science Fest April 18 (Mays Lobby)
  • Between April 27-30 (Any Lobby)

Academics

IB Initiative: The Transdisciplinary Theme of Who We Are

Who We Are  •  Where We Are in Place and Time  •  How We Express Ourselves

How the World Works  •  How We Organize Ourselves  •  Sharing the Planet

 

The Primary Years Program asks schools to organize their curriculum in relation to six themes that have relevance through time and around the world. IB is adjusting the descriptions of these themes with an overall guiding statement and three supporting statements. The first of these themes is Who We Are, whose descriptor is an inquiry into identity as individuals and as part of a collective through:

 

  • physical, emotional, social and spiritual health and well-being
  • relationships and belonging
  • learning and growing

Children develop their sense of identity through their relationships, their personal experiences, their culture, and their community. As parents, you share your beliefs and values, your culture, and your sense of right and wrong. Children learn about differences in these as they engage with others and eventually develop their own sense of self that incorporates their own unique perspective on the world.

 

At Meridian, all grades study the theme of Who We Are through the following central ideas:

  • Kindergarten - Our relationships impact ourselves and others.
  • 1st Grade - Our understanding grows through learning and reflection.
  • 2nd Grade - Individuals and experiences can influence our values.
  • 3rd Grade - Communities foster well-being
  • 4th Grade - Significant events and people help promote growth.
  • 5th Grade - Relationships influence identity.

 

Spotlight

Staff members honored for 5, 10, and 15 years of service

Staff and faculty stand on risers in the library
Last week, Meridian administration honored 31 staff members who are celebrating 5, 10, and 15 year anniversaries with the school.
 
In PYP, Brooke Knight, Torrie De La Cruz, Becky Halley, Maria Estrada, Erika Aviña, Stephanie Solorio, and Robert Trevino celebrate 5 years. Shannon Baker, Elizabeth Briggs, and Kelly Chapman celebrate 10 years, and Leah Lieurance, Leigh Trusler, Leila Khoram-Work, and Susan Erfurth all celebrate 15 years!

Upcoming EventsViP Social at the PYP Playground

Social April 12 from 3-5 PMSunday, April 12 from 3-5 p.m.

 

ViP hosts their next social for the whole family at the Primary School playground, with snacks and drinks provided! Bring a chair and please RSVP to help them plan. 

 

Arts & Science Fest: Planetarium, Mobile Screen Printing, and more

Saturday, April 18, 2026

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Arts & Science Fest It's time for our 4th annual Arts & Science Fest! Enjoy live performances, interactive demos, a mobile planetarium (get planetarium tickets now – they always sell out!), and exhibits from more than 30 school and community STEAM partners! Discover rockets with Longhorn Rocketry Association and Meridian Aerospace Club. Play with City of Round Rock Park Rangers. Get a screenprinted-while-you-wait T shirt or bag that you can decorate at the Fest! Enjoy a whole wing of hands-on science fun with Austin Community College!

 

There are still a few spots left to sign up to volunteer at the Fest or with the PYP Art Show!

 

Thank you to our sponsors, ThermoFisher Scientific, Sonrisas Dental Center, Blick Art Materials, Handzies, Snapology, and A+ Federal Credit Union!

Wizard of Oz: Spring Musical

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Meridian’s Musical Production of The Wizard of Oz! There’s no place like our stage! 🌈 Join us somewhere over the rainbow for a magical evening as our talented students present the beloved musical, The Wizard of Oz.

 

✨Performances

  • April 23, 24, and 25 at 6:30 p.m., with a matinee April 25 at 2 p.m. 

🎟 Tickets

  • Pre-Sale: $10 Adults | $5 Students (on myschoolbucks)
  • At the Door: $12 Adults | $6 Students

district

Upcoming Enrichment Activities

 

Science Rocks! (April 2 - 10) - Students will learn about the scientific method, and do a science experiment of their choice through the week. On Friday, April 10, students will have a Science Fair during Triple A where they will showcase their experiments and explore what other groups worked on!


Spring Crafts (April 12 - 21) - Students will be able to explore the joys of Spring, the changing of seasons, through themed crafts! They will learn about the changing seasons, life cycles, insects, birds, and plants!

 

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.
Triple A Registration opens May 1 at 6 PM

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

 
 

Help us reach you

Do you get our Catapult text messages? If not, try these two steps:
  • Please check your email and cell on Skyward for errors. If they are correct, please check to make sure you didn't accidentally un-enroll and opt back in.
  • If you have a landline as your primary contact, you will not receive Catapult messages. You may change this in Skyward or fill out the google form with the cell phone number. 

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