Meridian Public Schools
3303 N. M–30, Sanford, Michigan 48657
p. (989) 687–3300 f. (989) 687–3309
March 22, 2024
MECHS Families,
I hope everyone has a relaxing spring break, now including a bonus day! The following memo provides information on spring testing and other events happening this spring at MECHS.
During spring break our Main Office and building will be closed March 25-April 1.
The week of April 8, the Michigan Department of Education requires public schools to conduct testing. This will cause a disruption in our schedule on a few school days that week. On test session days, it is extremely important that students arrive on time ready to test. This includes making sure they prepare their bodies and bring necessary testing equipment. We will inform students of unique testing rules/policies during their Advisory courses. New for this year, both the PSAT and SAT will be taken on a fully digital platform. As a school, our greatest concern for testing day is laptop battery life. We modified our testing procedures this school year to ensure that students are taking tests in locations that have ample outlets and charging capabilities.
To alleviate these concerns further, we are asking 9-11th graders to leave their school-issued laptops at school on the evening of April 9, in their assigned Advisory classroom. We want to leave all devices charging overnight to ensure they are ready to go for the next day with a full battery. Juniors will also leave their laptops on campus on the evening of April 10. Please note that testing must be done on the student's school-issued laptop. Personal laptops cannot access the software needed to run the test.
9-10th graders will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, April 10, starting at 8:05. These students will be able to leave campus after their group’s testing session if they have transportation. If test sessions run without delay we anticipate that these students will conclude testing at 11:30 a.m. I strongly advise students to pack light on this school day. Secure locations will be provided for students to check-in a cell phone. If students can avoid using their school locker that day, it helps them to exit the building as soon as their test session is completed. Our Food Service department will provide lunch for students who are in need. If students need to remain in the building until 2:55, we will have a supervised location for them. School transportation will be available, but the buses will depart at the normal time of 3:05.
Juniors will be taking the SAT on Wednesday, April 10, starting at 8:05. These students will be able to leave campus at the conclusion of their test sessions. We estimate that the test will conclude at 1:30 p.m. A snack will be provided during the test. We will serve the students pizza at the conclusion of the test. SAT rules have strict policies against cell phones and other communication devices in testing sessions. I recommend all students leave their cell phones in their locked vehicle or they will have to power the device off and check the device in with a test proctor. If a student is on a cell phone during the test session, their test will be voided and the test session will have to document the irregularity. On Thursday, April 11, Juniors will continue testing and will take the ACT WorkKeys and M-STEP. Sack lunches will be served to all students during the mid-day break. The testing session will conclude at the normal end of the school day.
Seniors do not need to report to MECHS on April 10. We strongly encourage all students to take a day to explore college and career opportunities.
End of MP3- Today is the last day of the third marking period. Due to the weather-related closure, any performance task or assessment that would have been completed today will be pushed until April 2. Teachers will be required to post their grades in Skyward by April 5. Please review individual course syllabi for a summary of how a semester grade is calculated. The semester grade is what will be recorded in Skyward.
Other upcoming events:
Spring Break- March 25-April 1 (No School)
Spring Testing- April 10-11 (see above)
Nacho Average School- April 18, 6:00 p.m. (Orientation for incoming 9th-grade students)
SAT makeup date- April 25
Prom- April 27 (11th-12th grade students)
Thank you for your support! In a blink of an eye we will be watching students walk across the stage at commencement. Continue to encourage your students to finish strong on their assigned coursework. We are seeing some fantastic gains in our student body.
If you have any feedback to give us on how to improve our school, please complete the following Google Form. We appreciate your input! Form Link: https://forms.gle/orfndUUyrotU6fAs7
Sincerely,
Scott LaFever
Principal