Meridian Public Schools

Today, the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education, alongside leaders and stakeholders, engaged in authentic conversations during the Strategic Planning Retreat to shape the future of continued success at Meridian Public Schools. A special note of gratitude to Penny Kentish-McWilliams from the Michigan Association of School Boards for her expert facilitation and guidance throughout this enriching day of learning. #reachhigher

Mustang Community, help create a healthier school environment! Join an upcoming wellness committee meeting on February 28th at 3:15 in the Commons of the High School. If interested, contact: Brooke Colley (brooke.colley@merps.org) #SchoolWellness #ReachHigher

Today we celebrate #NationalSchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay Thank you to all of our drivers and aides on our buses that ensure our students make it to and from school, safely each day! We appreciate you! #ReachHigher

Meridian Public Schools would like to send a huge shoutout to School Resource Officer, Deputy Streeter on #NationalSchoolResourceOfficerAppreciationDay. Deputy Streeter is stationed on campus everyday to support Meridian from the Midland County Sheriff's Office. "Thank you Deputy Streeter for keeping our staff, students, and families safe! You provide a sense of security and reassurance to our school community, and your positive interactions with students serve as a shining example of professionalism and kindness. Thank you for all that you do to make our school a better place. Your efforts are truly appreciated!" - Superintendent Sarah Glann. Thank you Deputy Streeter! #ReachHigher

STEM@SVSU and the GLBR East Chief Science Officers are excited to offer a FREE Teen Science Café on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Teen Science Café events allow teens and STEM professionals to engage in meaningful conversations and explore advances in science and technology. This event is open to any student in 6th - 12th grade in the Great Lakes Bay Region (Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw counties), as well as Huron and Tuscola counties. The event is located at Saginaw Valley State University - Gilbertson Hall - 7400 Bay Rd., University Center, MI 48710. #ReachHigher Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK13fbFlRUn4NUTk_zhAX1rzqRxZZNEOo1gb8uTY5k6EHM5g/viewform

REMINDER: There is no school on Friday, February 9th as staff engage in professional development, and a vacation day on Monday, February 12th. #ReachHigher

This week we are celebrating #NationalSchoolCounselorsWeek. Thank you to Carrie Barriger and Shannon Tigner for their tireless efforts in supporting our students! Thank you! #ReachHigher

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Dennis Cole, Meridian Board of Education Secretary! #ReachHigher How many years have you been on dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? 22 Years 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? In 1998, I was asked by the Superintendent, Mr. Newkirk, if I would be interested in serving on committee to study and recommend updates to the facilities. As I got more involved in the updates for the district, an opening on the School board came about and with 3 students in the district, I felt I had a positive insight where and what the school needed at the time and in the future. 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? I think one of the greatest things that makes our District stand out is our course offerings. For a small district as far as trades go, we offer Bay Arenac Skill Center, which has a large area of course offerings that we bus students to every school day, our 5th year early college degree program, and other local cooperative partners to further our students learning.

Learn to navigate and complete your FAFSA with the Midland Area Community Foundation Career & College Access Network! See the attached flyer for all of the details. These sessions are drop in and are open to all Midland County residents. #ReachHigher

GMCA, LOGIC, and ABC of Greater Michigan are hosting a build like a girl trades discovery event for girls in grades 5-12, on February 27th from 5:30-8:30pm at the Great Hall in Midland. See the attached flyer for more information! #ReachHigher

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Rebecca Hitsman, Meridian Board of Education Treasurer! #ReachHigher How many years have you dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? 12 Years 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 a strong financial background and a decade of experience in contract review. I am passionate about my fiduciary responsibilities and over the years have developed a strategic evaluation lens. When I began my tenure on the school board, I was hopeful these strengths would support our schools in providing our communities' children with the best education possible. 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? In the past I have been very proud of the innovative programs we have developed and implemented.

Meridian Public Schools is hiring! Are you, or someone you know, looking for a job? Check out our open positions below! #ReachHigher #NowHiring Elementary Interventionist High School Science Teacher Junior High/High School Evening Custodian Maintenance Worker Childcare Provider School Psychologist Paraprofessionals Subs in all areas

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Deborah Passmore, Meridian Board of Education Trustee! #ReachHigher How many years have you dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? 7 Years 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 feel strongly that there is no better investment than the education of a child. So it seemed that giving of my time and expertise was a good investment for our community. 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? I am very proud that as a small, rural, district we are able to offer a wide variety of experiences to our students. Whether it is Early College High School college classes, targeted academic support, the music programs, robotics, athletics to name a few; Meridian students can choose the path that allows them to become successful adults. I am also very proud of our Early childhood programs that support the needs of families in our community and helps to address the childcare shortage in the county.

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Stephen Grubaugh, Meridian Board of Education President! #ReachHigher How many years have you been on dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? - 7 Years 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? - My decision to join the Meridian Board of Education was driven by my desire to give back to the district that has been part of my family for many generations. My grandfather was a member of the Board, parents and their siblings are graduates of Meridian Public Schools, my wife and I, along with our siblings are graduates of Meridian Public Schools, and most recently my 2 sons are graduates of Meridian Public Schools. In addition, both my mother-in-law and father-in-law are retirees from Meridian Public Schools. 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? - Early college is a great additional offering for our students. With the rising costs of tuition, this savings helps many of our local families.

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Megan Clark, Meridian Board of Education Vice President! #ReachHigher How many years have you been on dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? - 3 Years 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? - Growing up with a large family of educators, I developed a passion for education at an early age. I was able to serve as the student liasion for the school board while in high school and wanted to further that experience and share that public service example now that I have children in school. I am the mother of one Junior High and two Elementary students. I am excited to continuously improve the experience and opportunities for every student. 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? - I love the connectedness and support of our community to grow the next generation of leaders. Meridian has amazing programming and opportunities for students that are being modeled across the state. The district is engaged in activities to continuously improve our curriculum and offerings and we have been seeing evidence of those efforts in student growth.

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Jennifer Holzinger, Meridian Board of Education Trustee! #ReachHigher How many years have you been on dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? - December rounded out my first year of Board service 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? - My children are fourth generation Meridian students. Both have been enrolled since Young-5’s and Kindergarten. Today, one is in Junior High and our oldest is a freshman. Our immediate and extended families have a long history of involvement with the district – from academic and classroom activities, to fundraising, attending School Board meetings, band programs and athletic coaching and participation. We will be lifelong supporters of Meridian and have been extremely proud to watch the district grow and successfully invest in continued improvements. It’s never been a question of if we’ll be involved – it’s been how, which has changed over time. 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? - I am proud of Meridian's ability to uniquely balance a small school, community-oriented culture with big school dreams. Over time, I have seen the district and the community invest in our academics, our facilities, athletic programs, music, theater and extracurricular activities without losing the essence of who we are and what we stand for. Time and time again, you see multi-generational families going through Meridian. Our students who pursue careers in education are excited to come back and work for Meridian Public Schools. Our community is deeply loyal, yet they continue to push us to be better, continuously challenging the staff, leadership and Board of Education.

#MeetTheBoard - Meet Kristina Brawt, Meridian Board of Education Trustee! #ReachHigher How many years have you been on dedicated to serving on the Meridian Public Schools Board of Education? - 4 1/2 years 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? - My children are 3rd generation students/alumni. Our family has many graduates from Meridian. I am proud of the district that I received an education from and believe it is a great district to set students up for a successful future! 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 has a small town feel with big school opportunities. I love the passion and support that the community gives the district. I also love that our district is always looking ahead to be creative in giving new opportunities to our students.

Good Morning Mustangs, Meridian Public Schools is on a 2 hour delay today, Thursday, January 25th due to fog.

Good Morning Mustangs, Due to road conditions and increased foggy conditions, Meridian Public Schools will be closed today, Wednesday, January 24th. A decision on evening events will be made this afternoon.

Good Morning Mustangs, Meridian Public Schools will be operating on a two hour delay today due to dense fog and icy road conditions.