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Newsletters » PYP Pride (K–5)

PYP Pride (K–5)

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Week of May 6, 2026

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Brooke Knight, PYP Principal

Happy Wednesday, Primary Families,

As we recognize Staff Appreciation Week, I want to publicly thank the incredible staff members who help make our campus such a positive and special place for students each day. From classrooms to the front office to the cafeteria and everywhere in between, our team works hard to support students, build relationships, and create a strong sense of community across our school. I appreciate the time, effort, and professionalism they bring to our campus every day.

If you and your child would like to help celebrate our staff this week, please know that the most meaningful gestures are often the simplest. A thoughtful note, a kind email, a student-made drawing, or even a sincere “thank you” can make a lasting impact and brighten someone’s day.

We also wrapped up our final Field Day for our 4th and 5th grade students today! Thank you again to all of our wonderful parent volunteers who helped make the event such a success. The students had an amazing time, and we appreciate all the support that helped make the day so memorable.

Tomorrow, students can participate in a free dress day by bringing $2 to support the Camp Olympia fundraiser.

We are also looking forward to welcoming our families tomorrow for the 2nd Grade Showcase, where students will be sharing their published poetry. Please check the link below to sign up or refer to the 2nd grade newsletter for additional information.

As we head into the final weeks of school, there are many exciting end-of-year events and activities coming up. Please take a few minutes to read through the information below so you do not miss any important updates.

Have a wonderful week!

Brooke Knight

Primary news

Last Week of School Schedule Reminders

Dismissal Times

  • Wednesday, May 20 is a full day of school dismissing at 3:40 (primary) / 4:10 (secondary).
  • Thursday, May 21 is the last day of school. There will be no Triple A or After School 6-12. Students should be picked up during carline. If you use Pikmykid, update your pickup mode and know which carline your students will be in. Waiters will operate as usual.

End of Year Parties May 21

You should have received information on year-end parties from your grade level reps and newsletters. Here’s an at-a-glance review of times. Sign up if you plan to attend!

Last chance: 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.

2026-2027 Primary Fast Lane application due August 10

Fast LaneWill you be picking up four or more primary students in your vehicle next year? You can apply starting now for Afternoon Fast Lane, which lines up on Meridian Lane off of the service road. Fill out the Fast Lane Application no later than August 10. If awarded a spot, you will receive a notification from [email protected].

Announcements

$2 Fundraiser Free Dress Day: May 7

$2 Free DressStudents should bring $2 to their teacher Thursday morning to enjoy free dress on Thursday!

 

(This means regular, school-appropriate clothing – no pajamas/costumes).

School Supply Kits Now Available for Purchase

Cardboard box with school supplies inside

Grades K-8

School supply kits are on sale now for grades K-8! Order yours today. Prices go up after July 1. If your child is returning to Meridian next year, go ahead and mark this off of your to-do list! (Families in the Free and Reduced Cost Meals program: you'll receive a separate email and code later this week).

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

May 4-8

We would love your help in celebrating the incredible people who make our school so special each day! There are a few simple ways you can get involved: 

  • Notes of Kindness: Take a moment to send a kind message, note of gratitude, or words of encouragement to any staff member who has made a positive impact on you or your child.
  • ViP Workroom Treats: Help stock workrooms with themed treats on Thursday and Friday! See the ViP sign up.

Staff Favorites: Our families often ask how they can show their appreciation for teachers. Check out the Staff Favorites to see what they love!

Staff Appreciation Week: May 4-8

STAAR results this summer

Families will be able to retrieve their students’ 2026 STAAR scores this summer. We have added details on how to access STAAR on this news article to make it easier to find over the summer. Bookmark this news page.

RockSports Final 2026 Sales

Red and gray shirts that say Lions and MeridianSave on the last of our 2025-2026 spirit wear designs – now through the end of the school year! RockSports is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday and is at 1609 Chisholm Trail Rd #100. 

  • Short sleeve tees $10
  • Long sleeve tees $12
  • Printed Sweatshirts $14
  • Printed full zip hoodies $24
  • Twill sweatshirts $30
  • Fleece full zip jackets $24
  • Beanies $12

Academics

IB Initiative: The Transdisciplinary Theme of How We Organize Ourselves

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

 

IB’s new theme descriptor for How We Organize Ourselves is: 

An inquiry into systems, structures, and networks through:

  • interactions within and between social and ecological systems
  • approaches to livelihoods and trade practices: intended and unintended consequences
  • representation, collaboration, and decision-making

 

This theme explores how people work together in communities. 

 

Each grade level at Meridian studies the theme of How We Organize Ourselves through the following central ideas:
  • Kindergarten - Communities are organized to meet the needs and wants of their citizens.
  • 1st Grade - Decisions shape our lives and society.
  • 2nd Grade - Structures influence how the world functions.
  • 3rd Grade - Structures help solve problems.
  • 4th Grade - The structure of a system affects its ability to serve a purpose.
  • 5th Grade - Forces inspire transformation.

 

Spotlight

Fifth Graders collaborating on Legacy Mural

Our 5th grade artists are collaborating on a special legacy mural that will be displayed outside the art room for years to come. Through teamwork, planning, and thoughtful color mixing, students are creating a meaningful piece that represents their creativity and leaves a lasting mark on our school! Stay tuned for the finished project!

Students stand at a green wall painting in color blocks, and lean over a table mixing colors

Upcoming Events

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.
  • 2nd Grade - Thursday, May 7, 1:30-2:15 p.m. RSVP
  • 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)

Spring Orchestra and Band Concerts

Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m.

Save the date for Spring Concerts! They will be held Saturday, May 16. Students celebrate their hard work this semester with an afternoon of music during our spring concerts! Enjoy a lively array of songs as we round out the school year.

 

  • 1 p.m. - Band performance
  • 3 p.m. - Orchestra performance (6th grade Beginning Orchestra, After-School (7th/8th graders), and HS Orchestra (9th-12th strings). Includes a special performance of Atoms! with 5th Grade orchestra students.

district

Upcoming Enrichment Activities

 

Decades Dances (April 30 - May 14): Students will rehearse and practice dances from different decades! We will have a performance on May 14th where the students will show off what they’ve learned. Students are encouraged to dress up in accordance to their decade or song! 

 

Vision Boards (May 15 - 19): Students will spend time reflecting on their year, and be encouraged to visualize their goals for next year through collages, and discussion about the future!


5th Grade Send Off (May 20): We will have a short parade around the school with Triple A celebrating them, and to remind them just how much they’ve grown! Note: May 20 is a full school day.

 

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

 
 

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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