Meridian Public Schools
3303 N. M–30, Sanford, Michigan 48657
p. (989) 687–3300 f. (989) 687–3309
http://www.merps.org
November, 2023
MECHS Families,
I am reaching out to you to provide information as we move into our second quarter of the school year.
Marking Period Grades
The first marking period has concluded and all grades have been posted in the Skyward system. MECHS does not print out paper report cards unless requested. Please contact the main office if you are in need of a paper report card. Our Advisory courses have been providing content to students about transcripts, grade point averages, and course requirements in an effort to make them aware of what is needed to graduate from MECHS. After each marking period, we recommend that all learners take some time to review course syllabi, determine how a final semester grade is weighted, or to consider what the course final exam procedures are.
What’s happening at MECHS
I would like to take some time to share some of the tasks our learners engaged in within the first quarter of the school year. To start our year our Principals of Engineering class began building robots using the VEX robots and competed using an informal “battlebot” style challenge. Our Sophomores in GeoDesign, just completed a long project in which they built toys for our Young Fives students at the Elementary School. The Young Fives kiddos proposed the design to our learners who then built an automata toy that was completely hand crafted using 3D printers and wood working tools. The Young Five’s kiddos were then presented with new toys that they could take home as a souvenir. Our World History students studied medieval history and applied their learning by creating a museum exhibit that was showcased in the student Commons for the public to view. These projects are just a few examples showcasing that we believe authentic learning experiences help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that are needed to be successful in post-secondary education and in the workforce.
In addition to these projects, I would like to extend a shoutout to our Symphonic Band, who was selected as one of the top programs in the state and has been invited to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids on January 26. This is a great honor for our band program and testament to the exceptional hard work and talent within our music program.
After-School Tutoring
A few weeks ago we made some adjustments to our after-school tutoring program. We are no longer offering a district-sponsored bus at 4:30 p.m. Therefore we updated our schedule so that the tutoring center is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:05-4:05. Pre-registration for this program is not necessary. If students are in need of transportation we can provide a County Connection ticket. In addition to after-school tutoring, learners have the opportunity to receive support from their teachers twice weekly during Focus Instructional Time. At MECHS we attempt to offer as many avenues as possible to support students who wish to improve in their academics.
Communication
As we enter the winter months, we inevitably face cancellations and rescheduling of events on campus. To keep up with the latest changes, please ensure that your contact information is updated in our Skyward system. We will continue to email Announcements home daily with updated information as to what is going on at MECHS. From our schools website, you can access our up-to-date calendar from the calendar tab. In addition, we will post updates regarding event changes to our social media pages and website livefeed. If you need to update your contact information or wish to provide feedback in effort to improve communication systems, please let us know.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to work with your kids!
Review of upcoming events:
November 17, Presentation from the County Court on criminal sexual conduct (11th grade only)
November 23-24, No School, Thanksgiving Break
December 21-January 2- No school, Winter Break
January 12, End of the first semester
Feburary 9, Snow Glow Dance (this is a change from the start of the school year)
Sincerely,
Scott LaFever
Principal
On Thursday, November 9th TRAILS is hosting a webinar on Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers and Communities. You can use the link below to register. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1coOWhfXQkO8LAQhkiGCQA#/registration
The National Honor Society & Senior Class will be selling Christmas wreaths & greens hand made in Essexville, MI by VanOttenghem's Farms. The sale starts TODAY and will run through FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH. All items need to be paid for at the time of purchase and will be DELIVERED ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH. Payments need to be made when placing the order. Checks can be made out to MECHS or you can pay via eFunds. Thank you so much for your support!
You can email amy.boxey@merps.org with your orders or print and fill out an order form yourself and then send it or drop it off to Amy Boxey at the high school. Remember, the deadline for ordering is Friday, November 10th. Items will be available for pick up at the high school on November 17th from 3-6pm.
We are seeking community input from Meridian Public Schools residents regarding facility improvements. Your input is essential in shaping educational programs, facilities, and services that will best serve our community's needs. This brief survey is anonymous, as the results will be tabulated by Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. an independent marketing research firm https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MeridianPS. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas for a brighter future together. #reachhigher
We are seeking community input from Meridian Public Schools residents regarding facility improvements. Your input is essential in shaping educational programs, facilities, and services that will best serve our community's needs. This brief survey is anonymous, as the results will be tabulated by Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. an independent marketing research firm https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MeridianPS. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas for a brighter future together. #reachhigher
Join us tomorrow evening for our annual Truck or Treat event at MECHS! Members of the community are welcome to come to the school for our student-led, indoor trick-or-treating event. The event is free for participants, concessions will be available for purchase. #ReachHiger
Congratulations to Matthew Shephard, Meridian Director of Bands, for his GRAMMY top 25 nomination! We are so proud of your hard work! Read more about the GRAMMY Educator Awards here: https://www.grammy.com/news/music-educator-award-semifinalists-announced-2023 #ReachHigher #GRAMMYAwards #GRAMMYTopEducators
The MECHS World History Classes would like to invite you to a Night at the Museum! Explore the history of the Medieval World through ten regional exhibits displaying artifacts that show the growth and interaction of human civilizations throughout the Medieval Period. #ReachHigher
Meridian’s National Honor Society is launching their first service project of the year, Operation Christmas Child, and we’d LOVE YOUR HELP! Operation Christmas Child’s goal is to assemble shoe boxes containing gifts of fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items—and then deliver them to children in need around the world. Each box will have a QR Code which can be used to track where the box is sent. You can help in one of two ways: Volunteer to fill a box OR Donate $10 to help offset shipping costs. Contact amy.boxey@merps.org if you'd like to fill a box. If you'd like to donate to shipping costs, visit: www.merps.org/efunds and look for the Operation Christmas Child link. Boxes and donations are due by November 8th. THANK YOU!!
Seniors & Senior Families, We hope you can make it! If not, the slides will be emailed to families upon completion of the event, and you can reach out to amy.boxey@merps.org with any questions you might have.
Meridian Public Schools is hiring! Visit www.merps.org/nowhiring to find our open jobs! Our transportation partner, Auxilio, and food service partner, Chartwells, are also hiring! See the attached flyers below for more information! #ReachHigher #NowHiring
Starting to think about what to do after high school? The newly updated Pathfinder can help you find more options than just college. Get started at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org. #HighSchool #Pathfinder #MiTalent
October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth and we are celebrating our principals! Thank you to our principals and assistant principals for all of your hard work and dedication to our students and staff. We will be highlighting each of our prinicpals this month, so stay tuned for their individual profiles. Thank a principal today! #ReachHigher #ThankAPrincipal
Final Reminder! Fall conferences are tomorrow evening (Oct. 4) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. by appointment only. Register for an appointment using PTCFast.
All students are preparing for a Learner-Led Conference that they will lead at home with a personal advocate. In addition, we are hosting in-person conferences on October 4, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. by appointment only. Register for a conference using PTCFast.
Northwood University is hosting College Night TONIGHT, September 27th, from 6pm-7:30pm, at the Hach Student Activity Center. Over 30 colleges will be represented from all over the state as well as from some nearby states. Drop in and check it out!
Congratulations to Katie Chinavare for being named the Meridian Early College High School Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen for 2023. Katie was selected by both staff and her Class of 2024 peers because of her dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Katie will be recognized by the Midland County DAR chapter in November. We are very proud of you, Katie!
Happy Homecoming Mustangs! We can't wait to see you all tomorrow! Reminder: parade lineup is at 4pm at Porte Park, with the parade starting promptly at 5pm in downtown Sanford. Make your way from the parade to the football game at 7pm! Go Blue! #ReachHigher
On Friday, September 15th, members of the senior class travelled to Mid Michigan College for Senior Focus Day. Students were able to tour Mid's welding and fabrication labs as well as speak with vendors from companies like Dow Chemical, Saint-Gobain and Merrill Technologies, among many others. Area college were also on hand to talk with students looking toward a collegiate degree. Here is what students had to say about the day:
“It was cool to see the fabrication shops. I didn’t know that colleges had those hands-on trade-type programs.”
“I liked how they had hands-on activities. I also learned that Mid has hunting/fishing [Outdoor Related ] programs.”
“My favorite thing was seeing the welding lab. I was able to do a virtual weld and was rated on how well I perfected the weld.”
Good afternoon Mustang Fans,
The 2023-2024 athletic season is approaching fast with our first home JV/Freshman volleyball game tomorrow night!
We have a few updates at the athletic gate this year. We are now offering the option to pay with a debit or credit card via GoFan. You can purchase tickets in advance through GoFan for faster entry or you can pay at the gate. Cash payment will still be available as well.
Those interested in purchasing Season Passes can now do so through e-Funds www.merps.org/efunds or at the high school office with cash, check or card. Please note that season pass purchases at the gate can only be done with cash or check.
Please take a moment to review the HOW-TO & FAQ on using GoFan to learn about the ticket purchasing process: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T4ypu7RUZJ9y1WpPr34g_tYMY6w8GLnr5K62AH63Wys/edit?usp=sharing
GoFan has previously been used at MHSAA District and Regional athletic events hosted by Meridian. #ReachHigher
