Meridian Elementary School

Better Health = Better Learners! Please join our Wellness Committee meeting Tuesday, February 18th at the High School in the Commons area at 3:15pm to learn more about our wellness policy and goals. #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs

MERPS REMINDER: There is no school for students on Thursday, February 13th, Friday, February 14th, and Monday, February 17th. School resumes on Tuesday, February 18th. #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs

Happy National School Counseling Week! This week, we celebrate the incredible impact of school counselors, and we are beyond grateful for Shannon Tigner and Carrie Barriger! Their dedication, kindness, and support make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. Whether they’re offering guidance, encouragement, or just a listening ear, they help create a positive and caring school environment. Thank you, Shannon and Carrie, for all you do! #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek #ThankYouCounselors #MakingADifference #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs

Meridian Public Schools is hiring substitute custodians! To apply, visit this link: https://account.edustaff.org/jobs/posting_details/meridian-public-schools-custodial-substitute-custodian-a029e0de64ac4379b690d24f7c6ff077 Have questions? Give us a call at 989-687-3200. #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #NowHiring

RESCHEDULED! It's time for the second annual Meridian Wellness Fair! Stop out to Meridian Junior High School on Wednesday, February 26th, from 5:00-7:00pm to meet with local agencies, play carnival games, and grab dinner too! 5 family fun baskets will be raffled off at the event; sure to bring fun to the entire family! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #WellnessFair

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Our last board member is our board president, Stephen Grubaugh! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs What makes Meridian an exceptional place for students to learn, grow, and thrive? Our students receive a quality education, with exceptional teachers. Which recent district initiatives or achievements fill you with the most pride? An increasing student enrollment, while other district are losing students, shows that we are a district that is demand. What do you enjoy most about serving as a school board member for our community? Our community is very supportive of our students.

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Next up is our board vice president, Megan Clark! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs What makes Meridian an exceptional place for students to learn, grow, and thrive? Meridian continues to successfully cultivate a culture of engaging academics, dynamic teachers, and effective leaders that is focused on the well-being and success of each student. Our students and staff benefit from amazing family and community support where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive. Which recent district initiatives or achievements fill you with the most pride? At the School Board meeting each month, Superintendent Glann and the administration team have showcased student achievement, in addition to adding a student representative to the Board. The accomplishments of all of our students are amazing and it is an honor to learn about some of their successes in person each month. The district has also been increasing recognition and communication of these successes though various methods as we continue to enhance school culture and celebration of student success. What do you enjoy most about serving as a school board member for our community? As a member of the Meridian Board of Education, I most enjoy serving our students. Each of our students has the opportunity to receive a quality education, access the resources to further their success, and meet and exceed the goals they set for themselves as they move forward to further contribute to the success of our community and beyond.

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Next up is our board secretary, Dennis Cole! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs What makes Meridian an exceptional place for students to learn, grow, and thrive? Meridian has a outstanding teaching staff, supported by a dedicated support staff with modern facilities and technology. Which recent district initiatives or achievements fill you with the most pride? The outstanding band, and the sports teams are having a outstanding season . Plus there are a lot of other smaller groups doing great things . What do you enjoy most about serving as a school board member for our community? Seeing our students mature in our educational setting to become outstanding adults and move on to betterment of family and society.

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Next up is trustee, Jennifer Holzinger! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs What makes Meridian an exceptional place for students to learn, grow, and thrive? A school district becomes a great place for students to learn, grow, and thrive when it fosters a nurturing environment and a culture of excellence. Strong community and staff engagement play a pivotal role in achieving this. At Meridian, we are lucky to have built a community of exceptional teachers and staff, parents and guardians, mentors and community members – all of whom actively participate in our students' education. This community sets Meridian apart by focusing not only on academic achievements but also the wellbeing of each student, ensuring they are well-equipped for future success. Which recent district initiatives or achievements fill you with the most pride? During my relatively short time on the Board of Education, we have worked to rebuild a lot. From leadership teams and strategies to extracurriculars, district culture and curriculum that meets the needs of a modern student and workforce. We have a strong, ambitious vision for the future, and we're beginning to lay the foundation for how we get there. What do you enjoy most about serving as a school board member for our community? Joining the Board of Education offered a unique chance for me to apply leadership skills and help shape both the culture and the educational experience at Meridian. Our family’s roots run deep in the community, and serving on the Board of Education has been an important way that our family can give back to a district that means so much to us personally, and to our community. With kids in the Jr. High and High School currently, I have enjoyed the opportunity to influence and contribute to the development of policies, as well as our vision for the future of Meridian Public Schools.

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Next up is our board treasurer, Kristy Brawt! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs What makes Meridian an exceptional place for students to learn, grow, and thrive? Meridian has always been a small, tight knit school and community. The school has great support from the community! Meridian has always been a district with a small school feeling that offers big school opportunities! I’m proud of the opportunities that Meridian can offer to the students both in and out of the classroom. Which recent district initiatives or achievements fill you with the most pride? Last year we created a new strategic plan for our district. It was a great day with leadership, staff, and community members coming together to create a new vision for the district. What do you enjoy most about serving as a school board member for our community? Each month Superintendent Glann organizes a group of students and/or teacher to highlight. It is great to hear about the programs we have in the district. Hearing that perspective from the students and staff helps us as a board stay motivated to continue to do the work required of us.

Please note that the Meridian Wellness Fair scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, has been CANCELLED.

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Our second trustee is newly elected member, Terrah Johnson! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs Could you share the driving force or passion that led you to serve on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? What is your "why" in this role? I am honored to serve on the Meridian Public School Board as a voice for parents, students, and community members, ensuring their concerns and ideas are reflected in school policies. My "why" is simple: it's all about the students. I am committed to advocating for every student, ensuring they receive a quality education and have access to the resources they need to succeed. In addition, I aim to assist in enhancing educational programs by supporting initiatives that improve academic standards, introduce innovative opportunities, and prepare students for successful futures—whether in higher education or their chosen careers. These students are our future, and it’s our responsibility to pave the best path we can for them. Together, we can build a foundation that empowers them to thrive and make a difference. When you proudly speak about our schools, what key aspects or achievements do you emphasize? What makes Meridian Public Schools stand out in your eyes? When I think of the Meridian Public School District, I think of family. I see growth, potential, and success. Before my son started kindergarten, I had the chance to tour the elementary school, and from the moment I walked through the doors, I felt welcomed and at home. What stands out most to me is the sense of community. The administrators, teachers, parents, coaches, and volunteers are all united by the same goal: to support our students and provide them with the best opportunities we can. I love the saying, "It takes a community," and that’s exactly what I feel Meridian Public Schools has achieved. It warms my heart to see bus drivers or the superintendent cheering in the stands at athletic events. That unwavering support and togetherness define the spirit of Meridian Public Schools and make it truly special. The sense of community is what stands out the most to me and is something I deeply value about our district.

#MeetTheBoard during Board of Education Recognition Month! Starting with one of our new trustees, Heather Novak! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs Could you share the driving force or passion that led you to serve on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? What is your "why" in this role? I have been impressed with Meridian Public Schools since I moved to Sanford 25 years ago. My husband has coached at Meridian since he graduated from high school. I have gotten to see Meridian through our friends children growing up and attending their events. My son began at Mustang Hill Daycare when he was a few weeks old. He attended preschool at Mustang Hill until Kindergarten. He is now a junior at Meridian Early College High School. I began my career in education 25 years ago. I was a teacher for 20 years, a building administrator for 4 years, and have been a district level administrator for one year. Having experience as a student, teacher, parent, and administrator makes me an asset to the Board of Education. I have all of these different views that help me see the big picture. I went into education to make a positive difference in the lives of children. I decided to run for the school board so that I can give back to the community and be a part of the decision making process. My "why" in this role is the students. The students of our district deserve to have an effective and dedicated team of Board members. We should always focus on how we can best serve kids, how our decisions effect kids, and making decisions to benefit our students. We have such a strong community with alumni intertwined into the schools for multiple generations. These strong ties create such a unique community that supports our schools and students. When you proudly speak about our schools, what key aspects or achievements do you emphasize? What makes Meridian Public Schools stand out in your eyes? Meridian Public Schools is fully integrated into a community. The community is involved in supporting athletics, the music program, fundraising, youth sports, and many other school events. It is not unusual to see retired administrators, teachers, and multiple generations of alumni at events. The schools are the central focus of the community and help to create unity amongst various stakeholders. The community keeps growing and as other districts are seeing a steep decline in enrollment, we are maintaining enrollment levels. We have strong leadership in our building administrators and our superintendent. By having this strong leadership, we attract teachers who are passionate about educating students. This has a huge effect on our students and their success. There are amazing things happening in our schools.

Today, we reflect on the profound impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his tireless pursuit of equality, justice, and dignity for all. As we commemorate #MLKDay, let's remember his message of love, service, and community. At Meridian Public Schools, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student is empowered to THRIVE. Today, we encourage our students, staff, and community to engage in acts of service and to reflect on how we can all positively impact our communities. Let’s commit to living Dr. King’s legacy every day by upholding strong values that enhance our community, our state, and the world at large. Let's make a difference, today and every day. #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #MLKDay

Camp Invention Leadership Intern Program (LI)-Incoming 10th-College What Is the Leadership Intern Program? Who: Young leaders in grades 10-12 and college What: The ultimate college application or resume builder! Leadership Interns work closely with Camp Invention® participants to help them explore STEM concepts and become creative thinkers who can invent a better tomorrow Where: Volunteer opportunities are available at Camp Invention locations nationwide When: Our program dates and hours vary by location How Much: Free! Submit your information today and we will share your interest with the Directors of Camp Invention programs in your area. If they are in need of Leadership Interns, they will contact you. To learn more and register click the link below: https://www.invent.org/programs/leadership-intern

Camp Invention Leader-in-Training (LIT)-Incoming 7th-9th graders What is the Leaders-in-Training Program? Who: Future leaders in grades 7-9 What: An exciting opportunity for middle schoolers to participate in Camp Invention®! By leading campers in grades K-6 through high-energy STEM experiences at a local camp, these role models encourage creativity and hands-on fun while building their own leadership and goal-setting abilities. Where: Leaders-in-Training programs run at nearly 800 Camp Invention locations nationwide, in schools, community centers and other local facilities! When: Our program dates and hours vary by location Cost: Pricing for this weeklong program starts at $175 and includes leadership training and opportunities to guide young campers through hands-on STEM challenges, as well as activities to complete at home. See your local Camp Invention for exact pricing. To learn more and register click the link below: https://www.invent.org/programs/leaders-in-training

🌟 Join the Fun at Camp Invention! 🌟 Give your child an unforgettable summer experience with Camp Invention! This program combines creativity, imagination, and STEM learning to empower kids through hands-on challenges and teamwork. 📍 Location: Meridian Elementary School 📅 Dates: July 14 - 18, 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 🎓 Grades: Incoming Kindergarten - 6th grade 💲 Discounts available! Use the following codes before they expire: GIFTS35 to save $35 (expires 2/28/25) FUN25 to save $25 (expires 3/31/25) FUN15 to save $15 (expires 5/13/25) Sibling discounts: Save $30 To learn more about Camp Invention click here: https://resources.invent.org/#welcome 👉 Register today at INVENT.ORG/CAMP or call 800-968-4332. Questions? Contact Camp Director Stacey Douglas at stacey.douglas@merps.org or (989) 687-3500 ext. 3267 Don't miss out—secure your spot now for a week full of learning, fun, and creativity! 🚀 #CampInvention #STEMLearning #MeridianMustangs

MERPS REMINDER: 📢 Attention Students and Parents! 🗓️ Just a quick reminder: There will be no school for students on Monday, January 20th due to a Staff Professional Development Day. This day allows our amazing teachers and staff to focus on training, collaboration, and planning to make your learning experience even better! 📚💡 Enjoy your day off Mustangs, and we’ll see you back in class on Tuesday, January 21st! 🎉 #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #NoSchool

Step right up folks, step right up! It's time for the second annual Meridian Wellness Fair! Stop out to Meridian Junior High School on Wednesday, January 22nd, from 5:00-7:00pm to meet with local agencies, play carnival games, and grab dinner too! 5 family fun baskets will be raffled off at the event; sure to bring fun to the entire family! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #WellnessFair

January is Board of Education Recognition Month! This month, make sure to check our pages for a post about each board member to learn more about them, and why they decided to serve on our board. We are thankful for the Board of Education members and their dedication to Meridian Public Schools. Join us in thanking them for their service! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #BoardOfEducationRecognitionMonth