The Meridian Public School District encompasses the three small communities of Sanford, Hope, and Edenville. Small towns are special places because of the relationships and bonds that are formed by the people who call them home. Community members often see each other at the hardware, Friday night football games, and at the ball diamond as their child takes the field. Whether it's the volunteer fire department responding to a call or a consoling neighbor when tragedy strikes, community members take care of one another. Generations of families create a familiar atmosphere, while new families keep small towns evolving.
I grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula and have a special appreciation for small-town values and experiences. I became a Mustang in the fall of 2023, joining the Meridian Junior High staff as the Academic and Instructional Coach. It didn’t take me long to realize that the Meridian School District is an extraordinary place and exactly what I have been looking for throughout my 21 years as a teacher. Becoming a district leader has been a dream of mine for nearly a decade and I knew immediately that Meridian was the place I wanted to pursue that dream.
Meridian Junior High is one of a kind! The Junior High staff is committed to meeting the needs of each student, building lasting relationships, and providing a superb educational experience. Our Project Based Learning (PBL) format teaches students real-world collaboration, communication, responsibility, and teamwork skills. Students are challenged and held to high expectations. MJHS is also beginning the process of becoming a High-Reliability School. Through this process, we will gather input from students and families regularly. Our teachers will participate in Professional Learning Communities which will continue to focus on increasing student achievement. We have an incredible, dedicated, staff who strive to meet the needs of every student.
I am excited to serve Sanford and the surrounding communities as the Meridian Junior High Principal. I look forward to supporting the district, students, families, and community for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Rachel Pappas
MJHS Principal