Meridian Public Schools
3303 N. M–30, Sanford, Michigan 48657
p. (989) 687–3300 f. (989) 687–3309
November, 2023
MECHS Families,
I am reaching out to you to provide information as we move into our second quarter of the school year.
Marking Period Grades
The first marking period has concluded and all grades have been posted in the Skyward system. MECHS does not print out paper report cards unless requested. Please contact the main office if you are in need of a paper report card. Our Advisory courses have been providing content to students about transcripts, grade point averages, and course requirements in an effort to make them aware of what is needed to graduate from MECHS. After each marking period, we recommend that all learners take some time to review course syllabi, determine how a final semester grade is weighted, or to consider what the course final exam procedures are.
What’s happening at MECHS
I would like to take some time to share some of the tasks our learners engaged in within the first quarter of the school year. To start our year our Principals of Engineering class began building robots using the VEX robots and competed using an informal “battlebot” style challenge. Our Sophomores in GeoDesign, just completed a long project in which they built toys for our Young Fives students at the Elementary School. The Young Fives kiddos proposed the design to our learners who then built an automata toy that was completely hand crafted using 3D printers and wood working tools. The Young Five’s kiddos were then presented with new toys that they could take home as a souvenir. Our World History students studied medieval history and applied their learning by creating a museum exhibit that was showcased in the student Commons for the public to view. These projects are just a few examples showcasing that we believe authentic learning experiences help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed to be successful in post-secondary education and in the workforce.
In addition to these projects, I would like to extend a shoutout to our Symphonic Band, who was selected as one of the top programs in the state and has been invited to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids on January 26. This is a great honor for our band program and testament to the exceptional hard work and talent within our music program.
After-School Tutoring
A few weeks ago we made some adjustments to our after-school tutoring program. We are no longer offering a district-sponsored bus at 4:30 p.m. Therefore we updated our schedule so that the tutoring center is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:05-4:05. Pre-registration for this program is not necessary. If students are in need of transportation we can provide a County Connection ticket. In addition to after-school tutoring, learners have the opportunity to receive support from their teachers twice weekly during Focus Instructional Time. At MECHS we attempt to offer as many avenues as possible to support students who wish to improve in their academics.
Communication
As we enter the winter months, we inevitably face cancellations and rescheduling of events on campus. To keep up with the latest changes, please ensure that your contact information is updated in our Skyward system. We will continue to email Announcements home daily with updated information as to what is going on at MECHS. From our schools website, you can access our up-to-date calendar from the calendar tab. In addition, we will post updates regarding event changes to our social media pages and website livefeed. If you need to update your contact information or wish to provide feedback in effort to improve communication systems, please let us know.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to work with your kids!
Review of upcoming events:
November 17, Presentation from the County Court on criminal sexual conduct (11th grade only)
November 23-24, No School, Thanksgiving Break
December 21-January 2- No school, Winter Break
January 12, End of the first semester
February 9, Snow Glow Dance (this is a change from the start of the school year)
Sincerely,
Scott LaFever
Principal