November 2, 2021
Dear MECHS families and learners,
MECHS has seen a significant decline in the number of COVID cases. Since October 18, MECHS has had zero cases that required contact tracing at MECHS. MECHS thanks families as they continue to support practices to help us stay safe and healthy this school year:
Screen daily for symptoms of illness. STAY home when you are ill!
Wash hands frequently;
Remain home if someone in the house has a pending COVID-19 test
Wear a face covering while indoors (recommended, not required);
Practice physical distancing when possible.
To stay updated on confirmed, probable or close contacts, please visit our website at https://www.merps.org/page/covid19. These numbers are reported as they occur, usually within 24 hours.
COVID-19 continues to impact many of our families and staff. Please understand we are here to support your child’s holistic wellbeing. MECHS has onsite social work support, a COVID-19 case management, and partnerships with a number of community mental health organizations that can provide counseling support. Please visit https://www.merps.org/o/early-college-high-school/page/student-services to learn more about MECHS Student support services.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS and SUPPORT:
Marking Period 1 Ends Friday, November 5th! Stay up-to-date on your child’s academic progress. MECHS has several tools to keep you informed and offer support to meet the academic needs of each learner.
ECHO:
Just as traditional teaching isn't enough, neither is the traditional grading system. MECHS assesses students in five core competencies required to thrive in college and their future career.
Echo is used by MERPS as the learning management system to help you monitor your child’s academic progress on deeper learning outcomes. Our teachers post their class materials, students submit their assignments, and grades are posted in Echo. Through Echo, you can access the daily agenda for your student’s classes and see upcoming assignments. Visit https://merps.echo-ntn.org . Need help with your log-in? Email help@merps.org.
Academic Tutoring Center:
Need more academic support? Want to expand learning opportunities? MECHS Academic Tutoring Center is OPEN to ALL 9-12th grade MECHS students every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3:05-4:30PM
Sign up HERE or visit tinyurl.com/mechstutoring to ensure we have proper staffing and food
Cost is FREE!
Connecting with faculty:
Visit tinyurl.com/mechsstaff to locate staff members by email or phone. Please reach out if you need support!
Skyward:
End of term Marking Period 1 grades will be posted on Skyward Student Management System on Monday, November 15th. Need help with your log-in? Email tammy.bremer@merps.org. An email reminder will be sent on this date.
Calendar Reminders:
Wednesday, November 3, 6:30-8PM: FAFSA Night for Graduating Seniors and Current 5th Years
Friday, November 5: End of Marking Period 1; Blood Drive, lower Multipurpose room
Friday, November 12: ½ Day, AM Schedule
Monday, November 15: Marking Period 1 grades post on Skyward
Monday, November 22: 6:30PM, MERPS Board Meeting
Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26: No School
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Academic Tutoring, 3:05-4:30PM in MECHS 308/309
Monday-Thursday: 3:05-3:15PM, After School Meals, MECHS Cafeteria
Monday-Friday: 3:05-4:05PM, Speed & Strength, MECHS Weight Room
CULTURE THAT EMPOWERS
Community Advisory Committee:
Trust, respect and responsibility are the hallmarks of our culture at Meridian Early College High School, where students and teachers alike share ownership of the learning experience and school environment. Weekly, during FIT, a number of volunteer learners meet with MECHS Principal, Tara Mager, to review MECHS perception data and reflect on both short and long term goals to grow the culture at MECHS. Learners interested in joining this work group should sign up for FIT using the “Other Category” and report “Mrs. Mager” in the “Other” section. Meetings occur in the Commons.
Family or community members are invited to join this conversation as well! Please consider joining the MECHS Community Advisory group by completing the form HERE or email tara.mager@merps.org to learn more!
FITNESS PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY:
MECHS is pleased to offer an after-school or “8th hour” Speed and Strength class in the Weight Room. This program is open to any MECHS student from 9th-12th grade who are not enrolled in Speed and Strength classes during the day. Instructed by MECHS Craig Swieton, who is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), learners can access this program Monday-Friday from 3:05pm-4:05pm. Daily attendance would be encouraged but not required. There is no cost to attend this program!
This is a great opportunity for all students: whether you are an athlete, a member of the band, or if you are just someone looking to gain confidence in your ability to be physically fit. Learners will gain comfort and knowledge about how to properly take care of their bodies. If this is something you think your child would be interested in please email Craig Swieton at: craig.swieton@merps.org or simply drop in.