Meridian Elementary School

MERIDIAN ELEMENTARY VIRTUAL STUDENTS/FAMILIES ONLY! You are invited to a Zoom webinar: When: Aug 27, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: K-4 MERPS Virtual Online Academy Informational Meeting Please register in advance for this webinar at the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aXkxSG9ySleRO3FreQX9Qw After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you cannot attend this webinar, it will be posted on our Meridian Virtual Academy page the following week.

Dear Meridian Elementary Families, you'll notice in a previous communication I provided a link to view a Frequently Asked Questions document that answers many questions about the school year (https://tinyurl.com/Meridian-Ele-Info). I also encourage families to view the newly approved Student-Parent Handbook which can also be copied and pasted to a new window (https://tinyurl.com/y4bvguso). There is an appendix in the handbook that contains specific language related to COVID and related expectations or procedures. Please familiarize yourself with it, as there are many new expectations. We are regularly receiving questions regarding the fall, and most can be answered through these two documents. Some questions are quite specific, so we'll be collecting questions and compiling answers in a follow-up document that we'll post. For starters, here are a few items: since we can't do our usual back-to-school picnic, our staff will be considering new ways to connect with families and to welcome students to a new year. Parents should receive a letter early in the week of August 24th that indicates their child's teacher for the fall. Any student supplies will need to be sent to school with your child, and if needed, can be sent in across the first week or so. And lastly, for now, the new parent drop-off time in the mornings is 7:40 a.m. Thank you, and stay tuned! Josh Hook

Good morning Meridian Elementary families, if you have questions about returning to school this fall or enrolling in our Meridian Virtual Learning Academy, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions document below. It contains information regarding teacher assignments, back-to-school picnic, and much, much more. https://tinyurl.com/Meridian-Ele-Info

Good Morning, We are asking families to please fill out the form attached, so that we can have accurate information out to everyone regarding bus stop times. Please make sure to fill out the form before Sunday, August 16th. Thank you Transportation Information Update: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei5LNlS1qlVw-TvIZPwzGuCEgNE8fCJEcU42zfH3fcD_nsLQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Good Evening Mustangs, Thank you to those who attended our Virtual Academy Webinar yesterday. To find all of the information discussed, the presentation, information on how to sign up, and a recording of the webinar, please go to www.merps.org and click on MENU and Meridian Virtual Academy. Thank you Meridian Public Schools Staff

MERPS VIRTUAL LEARNING ACADEMY Learn as you like! Meridian Public Schools is committed to providing learning options for the fall that fit your family needs! The Meridian Public Schools Virtual Learning Academy affords your student the opportunity to learn anytime, anywhere through the use of online courses supported by highly-qualified, Michigan-certified teachers. Complete your schooling at home tuition-free, while maintaining the benefits of enrollment as a Meridian Public Schools student. Partnering with Meridian Public Schools Virtual Academy will ensure that your child receives the benefits of a Meridian education, support, and technology, with the flexibility of learning from the comfort and safety of your home. What to learn more? Attend our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, August 4, 6PM via Zoom. Register for this event here: tinyurl.com/merpsvirtual or connect with our Virtual Academy Coordinators: K-6th grade: Jared Goff, jared.goff@merps.org or 989.488.4662 7th-12th grade: Tara Mager, tara.mager@merps.org or 989.488.4662

The Midland County Health Department is scheduling Hearing and Vision screenings for children entering Kindergarten that have not yet been screened. The parent/caregiver can call the Health Department to schedule an appointment. If the child has been screened for hearing and vision at their preschool, or at the Health Department between the age of 3 and Kindergarten entry, the parent/caregiver can call them and they will fax a copy of the child's record to the school. To schedule an appointment, call Christy at 989.832.6673. If you need to schedule an appointment for immunizations, call 989.832.6665. Please see attached flyer for Hearing & Vision screening dates.

Good Morning, ​ The Sanford-Meridian Flood Relief Fund was designed to assist our students and their families affected by the recent flood. The Sanford-Meridian Disaster Relief Committee consists of several community members and agency representatives. Together the committee is working to distribute resources to residents in the Sanford-Meridian community whose livelihood and primary homes have been impacted by the 2020 flood and dam breach. The information you provide will be reviewed and used by the committee to help distribute financial support by means of a $500 in-store voucher for eligible primary households in the Sanford-Meridian community. Applications are due by Wednesday, August 5th at 3 PM. PLEASE NOTE: SUBMIT ONLY ONE APPLICATION PER HOUSEHOLD. Apply here: https://bit.ly/merpsrelief2​ Thank you

If you are looking to enroll your student at Meridian Elementary, go to our online registration link www.bit.ly/merpsenroll or stop in at the Administration office to pick up an enrollment packet. The Admin office is open Monday thru Thursday, 8:00 - 4:30pm.

July 15, 2020 Dear Meridian Mustang Families: The last few months have been very difficult for our community as we have faced the challenges of both COVID-19 and dam failure. No one could have predicted either of these events or provided guidance on how schools, families, and communities should respond. We are now asked to tackle the task of rebuilding our community and coming up with plans to return to learning this fall. There is still a tremendous amount of uncertainty as we head into the 2020-2021 school year. We face additional uncertainty due to the potential loss of students as a result of the flood and the certain loss of state funding due to COVID-19 that may result in historically large cuts in school funding. Fortunately, we are well-positioned to overcome these challenges. We will continue to support our students with one-to-one technology, provide free internet services, and be a statewide leader in education. On June 30th, the Return to School Advisory Council issued the 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap. The Roadmap provides schools with requirements and recommendations for returning to school depending on which MI Safe Start Phase the region is in (currently Phase 4). · Phases 1-3-Schools are closed for in-person instruction · Phase 4-In-person instruction is permitted with required safety protocols · Phase 5-In-person instruction with minimal safety protocols Schools are required to develop plans for each of these three phases which must be approved by the Board of Education by August 17, 2020. Superintendents have agreed to work cooperatively, and in consultation with county health department officials, to develop common plans. Those plans will include in-person instruction, a hybrid model, and virtual learning options. Meridian Public Schools will do everything in our power to return to in-person instruction in the fall with appropriate safety protocols. We know that this is the best option for learning. After what this community has endured, we know that our students need to return to school and have a sense of normalcy. They need to be surrounded by the familiar faces of their classmates and teachers. We know that many of our children are still suffering from trauma as a result of our community tragedy. School and normalcy is more important than ever for these children. We will also be offering a hybrid model in the event that we move between phases or are required to close due to illness or other issues that are outside of our control. The hybrid model will be similar to what occurred this spring. This will allow us the best return to in-person instruction with the least amount of interruption. The last option that we will be offering is a virtual learning option. This will be a K-12 available to all children. We will be hosting a virtual webinar on August 4, 2020, for those who are interested in learning more about this option. The registration link is: https://tinyurl.com/merpsvirtual There is still a lot of work and planning that will occur over the next few weeks, so more detailed information will be coming. Please know that many of the choices will not be within the control of local schools and both public and private schools within each region will be required to follow the Return to School Roadmap. Educating our children will bring us new challenges in the upcoming months, but the Meridian staff will ensure that learning and safety are always the priorities. Sincerely, Craig D. Carmoney

Grade level classroom supply lists are now posted on the website. Go to www.merps.org, Elementary page, click on MENU, DOCUMENTS, CLASSROOM SUPPLY LISTS. Happy shopping!

Dear Mustang Families, at this time of year we are usually sending home a note to families that provide an opportunity to request a specific teacher for the upcoming year. Due to these unprecedented times in education, we will not be offering teacher requests this year. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your support as we navigate these times together. Sincerely, Joshua Hook

Locker items (including desk items), report card pick up and Chromebook/iPad drop off to occur at the same time on Wednesday, June 10th, 10am-12pm AND Thursday, June 11th, 3-6pm, at Meridian Elementary's bus loop, south end of the building. Parent/guardian pick up only! Please have proof of identification ready and remain in your vehicles. Items will be delivered curbside for your convenience and safety.

Impacted or helping with flood relief efforts? @DwynesDreamTeam is offering a drive-through gumbo lunch TODAY at 12pm at @ The Red Oak in Sanford! (Please note location change) Thanks to @UnitedWayofMidlandCounty for connecting us with them. #LiveUnited #SanfordStrong

We are going to be restarting our food program effective Thursday May 28th. We will no longer be offering delivery due to the current road conditions, we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. Please complete this new form even if you have signed up in the past. Summer Meal Program Sign Up bit.ly/summermeals1 We have new times and locations to choose from; this form must be completed by Wednesday noon to be eligible to pick up 7 days worth of meals on Thursday, the 28th. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we get started up again.

Impacted or helping with flood relief efforts? @DwynesDreamTeam is offering a drive-through Jambalaya dinner tonight at 6pm at @MeridianJuniorHigh and a gumbo lunch tomorrow at 12pm at @CleftoftheRock. Thanks to @UnitedWayofMidlandCounty for connecting us with them. #LiveUnited #SanfordStrong

Help Sanford-Edenville-Beaverton-Greater Midland Area Clean Up All volunteers looking to assist with the flood cleanup in Sanford, Edenville, and Beaverton areas should report to the United Way volunteer check in center everyday between 9AM-4PM. Volunteers will be given a cleanup site to fit their time, ability and focus! Additional volunteer check in locations have been added to support the impacted surrounding communities. New Check in locations: Meridian Elementary School 3353 N. Meridian Rd Sanford, MI Cleft of the Rock Church 2575 N. W. River Rd Sanford, MI Village of Sanford locations: 28 W. Saginaw Road Sanford, MI Intersection of Center and Oak Want to help but not sure where to go? Need information on how to help? Text UWS to 31996 to receive information on where to volunteer and resources available!

Help Sanford Clean Up All volunteers looking to assist with the flood cleanup in the greater Sanford area should report to United Way volunteer check ins everyday between 9a-5p. Volunteers will be given a cleanup site to fit their time, ability, and focus! Check In Locations: Pharmacy Parking Lot 28 W. Saginaw Rd Intersection of Center & Oak Want to help but not sure where to go? Want information pertinent to volunteers? Text UWS to 31996 to receive information on where to volunteer and resources available!

Residents of the greater Sanford area: We have created a hotline if you are looking to report a need for volunteer assistance at your home! If you need help with damage, debris removal, or general clean up, you can call (989) 495-2284. Please note the call center is staffed from 8a-5p, but answering service is monitored 24 hours a day. We look forward to serving you!

Looking to sign up for the meal program? Sign up at bit.ly/merpsmeals. If you have already signed up, we have you on the list. This is for new families. Registration for meals is open Friday 8am through Sunday at noon.