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THE MERIDIAN CONNECTION Our Mission: Learning for ALL!

School Website: http://www.westada.org/mms

BOND Election Don’t forget to vote!

Important

Dates: January 26: 2nd Semester Begins Parents will need to sign into PowerSchool to access stu-

dent grades from S1. Report cards will not be sent home. S2 schedules will be given out in S1 advisory classes.

February 16: NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day February 20: Progress Reports may be accessed through POWERSCHOOL. February 27: NO SCHOOL In Service March 20: FULL DAY End of 3rd Quarter March 23—March 27: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break March 30: School Resumes April 15: NO SCHOOL - for 6th & 7th grade students

8th Grade PACE

Be sure to mark your calendars!

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year!

As is so often the case when a new year begins, making resolutions is a method for planning what one

hopes to accomplish in the coming months. As we reach the half-way point of our school year, Meridian Middle School also has its “resolutions” in mind. Our resolutions are the collective goals our staff and students are working to accomplish for the rest of this year and beyond. We continue to reinforce the PRIDE words (Perseverance, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence) into most of our school settings and practices. We are committed to making the statements “Learning for All” and “Excellent instruction every day in every class for every student” reality at our school!

We are continuing to monitor the academic progress of 7th and 8th grade students in terms of the district-adopted middle school credits. If you have any questions about credits, please do not hesitate to contact any of the MMS counselors or you can refer to the information on our website at meridianschools.org/mms. In addition to passing all core classes with a minimum of 60%, our 8th grade students are required to successfully complete their PACE project, which will be done in April this year. Attendance is also an important aspect of middle school credits. Please make every effort to have your student at school for each class period unless he or she is ill. I encourage you to learn more about the upcoming bond election on March 10th. There is a wealth of information on the district website at www.westada.org. If the bond passes, the improvements and addi-tions at Meridian High School will be completed far sooner than the current schedule. Since all Meridian Middle School students (with a few exceptions) will be heading to Meridian High School, this is an election that can have a significant impact on your child/children. Please get out and vote on Tuesday, March 10th. The MMS website (www.westada.org/mms) has links to election and absentee ballot information. I am happy to report that we have an active and committed PTSO. They have taken on selling conces-sions at many of the after school athletic events, and are always looking for volunteers to help. All funds raised go towards helping MMS teachers improve the academic experiences for your student. The PTSO meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm in our library. Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge for membership. As often as possible, get involved as your student completes homework or seeks your help on special projects. Encourage your student to read at least 20 minutes every night. Make school attendance a priority – regular attendance directly impacts student learning and success, both now and for college and career readiness. Access PowerSchool Parent to monitor assignments and grades. We welcome and

truly appreciate your involvement in Meridian Middle School and your child’s education. At MMS, we are committed to a prosperous year of learning in 2015. I always welcome your input, so please do not hesi-tate to call or email me with your ideas, concerns, success stories, and suggestions. Sincerely, Lisa Austin, Principal

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Parents:

Please sign up for your

account at

www.mealpayplus.com

We at the cafeteria try our hard-est to ensure that children are fed everyday and we would ap-preciate your help by creating

an account at mealpayplus to monitor your child's account. We have an outstanding negative balance of over $300.00 from children charging their lunches. Letters have been sent home with students, but to be sure your child is not holding a negative balance simply sign up at www.mealpayplus.com. You can create a free account to check balances and meal purchase histories. Your help in clearing these negative charges is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding your child's account, please feel free to contact the MMS Kitchen and myself or my staff. We will gladly answer any questions you may have. Margaret Kimball - Manager 208-855-4238

Yearbooks on Sale Now

2014/2015 Yearbooks are currently for sale.

Don’t miss out on getting your book of this

year’s memories. You may purchase from the

bookkeeper or go to the MMS Web store to buy

one. They are $25.00.

Yearbooks will be sold until March 20, 2015 or until we have

sold them all.

News from the

Library!

Thank you for encouraging your child to read. Please continue to ask them what they are reading and help them be mindful of due dates and library fines. We are at the point in the year where many students have unpaid fines and fees for lost books. There are currently 479 overdue books worth $1,523.72. You may check the sta-tus of your child's library account by having them log in to Destiny. Call me, Sara Murphy, if you have any questions about fines or fees. 855-4237 Also, thanks to all of you who have been sending us your Box Tops Coupons and Labels for Education. Your continued support in this effort is greatly ap-preciated and really makes a difference.

Collection boxes for MMS are located in the Library, in the front office and at customer service, at the Wal-Mart on Fairview just east of Eagle Road.

Here is a link for more information about this valua-ble program that allows you to help without actually clipping!

Click below:

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C O U N S E L O R

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Registration Dates for 2015-2016 school year:

HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION

(8th graders going into 9th)

Monday, March 2nd:

4 year planner advisory presentation

Tuesday, March 3rd:

MHS Pre-registration / packet distribution visit

Tuesday, March 4th

8th Grade Parent night—7-8pm in the Library

Tuesday, March 10th:

MHS online registration in the Library

Important Application dates for schools of choice:

Renaissance High School— Feb. 8

Meridian Technical Charter High School—

Feb. 13 (Online only) www.mtchs.org

Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School— Feb. 13 (Online only)

www.meridianmedicalartscharter.org

Registration

6th 7th: February 20th

7th 8th: February 12th

Thank you.

Parents:

In an effort to reduce costs we

will NOT be printing Semes-

ter 1 Report Cards to mail or

send home with the students.

Please view your student’s

grades online using:

PowerSchool Parent

For a fast and easy way to cast your vote, use the

ABSENTEE BALLOT application. Click on the links

below for more information:

Download and complete the Idaho absentee

ballot application.

Mail or fax your completed application to

your County Election Office. The addresses

and fax numbers are listed on the form.

Once the county election office receives your

request, they will mail you an absentee ballot.

Simply fill it out, sign the outer envelope and

mail it back. Your absentee ballot must be

received by 8 PM on election day.

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Please join us in the MMS Library for the MMS- Parent Teacher Student

Organization (PTSO) meetings on the following dates at 6:30pm:

Tuesday, February 10th

Tuesday, March 10th

Tuesday, April 14th

Tuesday, May 12th

Refreshments will be served.

Click below for the website:

MMS PTSO

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING FOR 8TH GRADERS

The 8th grade boys and girls in the Meridian School District will be screened for SCOLIOSIS (curvature of the

spine) by the school nurses during their regular physical education class during the month of January here at

MMS. This screening is done to detect possible spinal problems.

The procedure is a simple one. The nurse inspects the spinal column, the shoulders, hips, and back while the

student stands and then bends forward. If a spinal concern is detected, parents will be notified. At a later date

you will receive notification in regard to a Scoliosis Clinic held by the school nurses and an orthopedic physi-

cian. There is no charge for this service.

NOTE: If you do NOT wish to have this screening done, please indicate this by signing and returning

the form that will be distributed by PE teachers at the time of screening. Students who do not have an exemp-

tion form will be screened.

Please contact Mrs. Howard, RN, NCSN, with any questions or concerns regarding this service.

No Dental Insurance? Does your Student Need Dental Care?

Beginning November 7th the Meridian Schools Clinic started having a dental hygienist available for appointments on Friday mornings. This no cost program is for students in the West Ada School District that do not have Medicaid or dental insurance.

The hygienist is able to do no cost dental cleanings, apply sealants and fluoride varnishes. If she finds that a child needs further care, she will refer the child to either Terry Riley Dental services or ISU dental services, depending on the severity of the problem. Both of these dental services bill with a sliding scale according to the families income.

If a child misses an appointment, they will no longer be eligible for Meridian Schools Clinic dental ser-vices.

If you would like more information call Betsy Howard RN, MMS School Nurse @ #855-4245 or Meridian Schools Clinic at #514-2527.

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To: Parents/Guardians of 6th grade students

From: Nurse Betsy

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!

State laws require that all students entering 7th grade receive Tdap and meningococcal vaccines.

If your 6th grade student has had these immunizations, please bring proof to the nurse’s office with the registration packet or once they receive the immunizations.

Students will not be allowed to register in the fall for 7th grade

without proof of these immunizations.

Students:

Remember that if you are sick and feel you need to call home, you MUST go to the Nurse instead of calling your par-

ents directly. Having the Nurse excuse you IS an

excused absence.

If you don't go through the Nurse, the absence will NOT be excused.

NURSE’S NEWS

By Nurse Betsy

Meridian Middle School is a Fuel Up to Play School!

We are getting ready to kick off this year’s activities in February. Beginning February 4

th through March 18

th, after school workout classes will be of-

fered to our students. These classes will be Wednesdays after school from 3:45 P.M.-4:45 P.M. More information will be announced during our morning announcements the week of January 26

th – 30

th.

We will also be offering open gym for those who sign up that will take place on Wednesdays for our late start days. Sign up forms are available in Mrs. Pirc’s room as well as the front office.

All student athletes and Fuel Up to Play participants will receive T-shirts. Our staff is joining in with fitness activities as well and will be wearing the T-shirts as well. With encouragement from each other we will all become healthier and support MMS Fuel UP to Play each Wednesday by wearing our shirts.

This year we have had “Spirit Fridays”, and now we also have “Fuel up to Play” Wednesdays!

Visit our school Web Site for up and coming events or contact Mrs. Pirc at: 855-4225, Ext 1107 or pirc.stephanie@westada.org

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8th Grade Health Material Preview

If you have a question or would like to preview any of the

MMS 8th Grade Health Materials, please call :

John Wilper

(855-4225, ext. 1167)

Materials will also be available all day on

January 27th in Room 702 or in the Counseling Office for

preview. This preview will offer parents an opportunity to

preview materials and films at the beginning of the semester.

Materials may also be accessed on

MSD website at:

http://www.meridianschools.org/Staff/

DistrictCurriculum/MiddleSchool/8/Health/Forms/

AllItems.aspx

What’s coming up in sports?

Spring Sports are beginning in MARCH:

~TRACK for 6, 7 and 8th grade-

Begins March 16th : Coach Thienes

~TENNIS for 6, 7 and 8th grade–

Begins March 16th: Coach Bass

Be sure to have your student listen to the morning announcements for more information.

Any Questions?? Please contact Coach Farnham at:

farnham.sonya@westada.org

Ski and Snowboard Club News

Students will need to attend 3 qualifying races to qualify for Doty Clark Race on

February 19th. Listen to the morning announcements for

more information.

Questions? Contact Don Janzen at: janzen.don@westada.org

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MIDDLE SCHOOL CREDITS

The goal of Joint School District No. 2 is to ensure that each student exiting middle school demonstrates learn-ing competencies prior to transitioning to high school.

The required competencies will be in English, literature and strategies (seventh grade), math, and science, and

successful completion of a performance assessment (eighth grade). Additionally, it is expected that students will attend school on a regular basis regardless of their academic standing as defined by the credit standards. Students that demonstrate difficulty in meeting one or more of the standards will be required to follow an im-provement plan and/or strategic interventions in order

to be successful.

Commencing with the 2010-2011 school year, all eighth grade students are required to have met the follow-

ing by the end of the school year:

► Each 8th grade student must attain a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of the total credits attempted in order to be eligible for promotion to the next grade lev-el. Each 8th grade student must earn at least 16 out of a possible 20 credits

► Successful completion of the PACE project

► No more than 6 absences per semester Commencing with the 2010-2011 school year, all sev-enth grade students are required to have met the following by the end of the school year.

► Each 7th grade student must attain a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of the total credits attempted in order to be eligible for promotion to the next grade lev-el. Each 7th grade student must earn at least 16 out of a possible 20 credits

► No more than 6 absences per semester 7th and 8th grade students who do not meet the mini-mum credit requirements will be given the opportunity to recover credits or complete an alternate mechanism in order to become eligible for promotion to the next grade level. Credit recovery options include, but are not limited to, lab classes, scheduled intervention, summer school, and after school tutoring. For a complete explanation of requirements, please review policy 603.30—Middle School Credits on the District website.

www.westada.org

Meridian Middle School After School

Activity Policy

Students may not enter the gym or be at a field prior to 4pm; therefore, we encourage students

who are able to go home to do so after school and return at 4pm for games.

Once games begin, students must be seated

and remain in the gym until the completion of a

game or match. Football spectators are to be at the game and watching, not wandering on cam-

pus. Students may leave to go to another gym or game only at the completion of a match or

game or at half-time of a game.

In the Bill Berg Gym, students will sit on the West side bleachers when they are available.

During wrestling matches, the West side is re-

served for Wrestlers and visiting fans.

All student spectators will demonstrate sports-manship and adhere to the Spectator code of

Ethics found on page 11 of the Student-Parent Handbook. Remember that all school rules ap-

ply at after school activities.

The locker rooms will not be available for stu-dent spectators. You must keep all of your be-longings with you. The locker rooms will be

locked and only players may have access under the supervision of their coaches.

MMS Dance Policy

A few reminders about MMS School Dances:

Dances are for Meridian Middle School students only. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Once purchased, there are no refunds. The dance will begin at 3:45pm and all students must stay at the dance until 4:45pm unless there is a note from a parent. Students are to be off campus after the dance by 5pm. Take all of your belongings with you to the dance, the school building will be locked after school and will remain locked during and after the dance. The dances will be held in the Bill Berg Gym. Enter through the outside locker room doors. Shoes, backpacks, and other materi-als are to be left in the locker room. These doors will be locked until the dance is over.

Remember that school rules apply at all after school activities. Crashing, running, swinging or any other activity that could cause an injury are prohibited. We do have a no touch policy. Appropriate dancing is allowed, but any action considered inap-propriate by a chaperone will result in loss of privilege to contin-ue participating in the dance.

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HERE to HERE

Reminder that

2nd

semester class

fees are due.

Have you checked out the Meridian Mid-

dle School Web store? It is a convenient

way to pay class fees, Athletic participa-

tion fees, buy clothing or yearbooks. You

may use credit or debit cards. You will

need your child’s Student Id # to get set

up.

Check out the link here:

Dorian Photography will be doing

Spring Personality Portraits on

February 18. Only students wanting

to purchase pictures will be

photographed. Order forms will be

available in the main office.

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DID YOU KNOW…

The more students read, the higher they will score on achievement tests.

Students in the top 5 percent of na-

tional reading scores read 144 times more than students in the bottom 5 percent.

Over an adult’s working life, high school graduates can expect, on av-erage, to earn $1.2 million; those with a bachelor’s degree average $2.1 million. High school dropouts average just over $900,000 in a life-time.

READ 20/14

students have a daily reading time built into their schedule. This year just prior to Period 7, students, teachers, counse-lors, administrators, and even visitors to

campus can be found reading. It is contagious and rewarding.

To make this program successful, students should—

bring appropriate reading material of their choice to class daily (Materials and suggestions are available from teachers and li-brary staff.)

read outside of class as often as possible

read widely and deeply learn to love reading

We invite parents and families to join in our efforts.

—Encourage your student to read daily.

—Read yourself.

—Talk about what you read in casu-al family discussions.

—Provide a variety of reading mate-rials in your home.

—Donate a book, magazine, or sub-scription to MMS.

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