MECHS Update

MECHS Jan. Update 2021

Tara Mager

January 18, 2021

January 18, 2021



Dear MECHS Learners and Families,

I hope this letter finds your family healthy. The 20-21 school year has continued to present many challenges. With sincere appreciation, I want to thank you for your continued patience, support, and trust as we tackle these obstacles together. As we get ready to end first semester, please review several important updates below: 

FACE COVERINGS: 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services current Executive Order(s) and Meridian Public Schools Board of Education Return to Learning Plan requires face coverings by all students and staff. Strict adherence to mask wear is expected. Properly fitting face coverings are required. Although masks are available in the office, we are finding mask fit is extremely personalized to a person’s face shape.  

It is essential for the safety of our staff, students, and families, that your child wear a properly fitting mask at all times.  Please review the face covering expectations with your child. 

Face Covering Progressive Discipline Update: 

Step 1: Warning 

Step 2: Teacher referral in Skyward. The Dean of Students meets with the student to address face covering concerns and identify next steps if mask wear does not improve. Letter sent home to family. 

Step 3: Next face covering referral will result in the student being removed from in-person learning until face coverings can be worn properly. 

SEMESTER 1 ENDS JAN. 21: 

Semester 1 ends this week on Thursday, Jan. 21! MECHS is here to help your learner finish the Semester strong! 

Academic Support: 

Academic Tutoring Center is OPEN to ALL 9-12th grade MECHS students at NO COST. 

Faculty tutors are available on Tuesday-Thursday from 3:10-4:30PM 

  • After school snacks AND transportation are provided

  • Location: MECHS Commons

ECHO: 

ECHO access is important to keep up to date on the academic progress of your child(ren). 

If you need help accessing your ECHO account, please get comfortable with ECHO: 

SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATE:

Friday, Jan. 22: NO SCHOOL for students. Professional Development for staff. MECHS Office will be open from 8AM-3PM. 

Friday, Feb. 5th and Monday, Feb. 8th: NO SCHOOL for students or staff. MECHS Office will also be closed. 

Friday, Feb. 26th: Half Day; Students are released at 11:20AM. 

NWEA GROWTH ASSESSMENT: 

MAP Growth gives teachers, schools, and learners a clear picture of what they know. This information helps faculty know what students are ready to learn next. Scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals together with students.

MECHS students in grades 9-11th will take tests in math, reading, and language during their current MECHS class period(s). The Winter testing windows will occur the week of January 25th. Following this testing period, faculty and learners will share information with you to let you know how your child is performing academically and a plan for continued growth.

For more information about MAP Growth, visit https://www.nwea.org/parent-toolkit.

ILLNESS: 

Please keep your child HOME if they are experiencing cold or flu like symptoms OR if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 OR someone in the household is awaiting COVID results. 

LEARNERS MUST STAY HOME IF:

  1. SOMEONE WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD IS EXPERIENCING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

  2. SOMEONE WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD IS AWAITING COVID-19 TEST RESULTS

  3. EXPERIENCING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS THEMSELVES

Please reach out to the MECHS office for further guidance on illness. If you have symptoms of illness, PLEASE stay home! Make the Mustang Promise to screen for symptoms DAILY! Visit www.merps.org/covid19  for more information. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with additional questions or concerns: tara.mager@merps.org or 989.687.3300. 

Warm Regards,

MECHS Principal