April 20, 2020
Dear Meridian Elementary Families,
Our highest hope is that you are safe and healthy during these times - we can’t say that often enough, as the health of our community continues to be the highest priority. If there are resources we can connect you to, please let us know. One way you can check out potential resources to assist your family with is to reference this document posted on the Meridian Public Schools website. This excellent resource lists contact information for possible supports such as mental health, food assistance, rent/utilities, internet services, and more. And, once again, here is a request form if you have a technology need. The district is actively looking to provide technology support for as many homes as is feasible. Our technology department will be in touch with you either directly or through mass communication (Facebook, district website, Meridian Public Schools App, etc.) if you submit a request.
Our teachers have been reaching out to families through the same methods they’ve used during the year to set up continued learning. If you don’t happen to be getting communication for some reason, please reach out to your child’s teacher by email (firstname.lastname@merps.org) or by calling the main office (989) 687-3500. Regular communication between families and the child’s teacher is very important to us, even if it is brief.
As you already know, student learning is being supported through a combination of online learning and physical materials prepared in a packet form. At this time all elementary students should have received their work packets by parent pick-up or U.S. mail. If this is not the case, please reach out to your child’s teacher and we will work to address that. The online learning and physical materials are similar in educational value, but if we can assist with technology to open the door for additional learning options, let us know by using the request form above.
As part of our learning plan, our teachers are holding virtual classroom meetings using Zoom at least once per week. As best as you’re able to support it, we find it extremely beneficial for our students to attend these meetings for the additional learning opportunities they present and the social-emotional connection that takes place. Teachers are also holding office hours for you to reach them with questions or updates. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with teachers and let them know how things are going for your child.
You’ll notice classroom instruction is prioritizing the essential content areas of reading, writing, and math, although at times you may see some science or social studies content being used
for reading and writing purposes. Most learning is covering the review of essential skills, with the exception of a small amount of math skills identified as a necessary skill that can be successfully introduced from a distance. You are also seeing links to learning activities provided by your child’s specials teacher so that continued engagement in art, music, Spanish, and gym can occur. For families that are able to support their child’s learning in specials classes, we welcome your participation and we hope your kids enjoy it. Please know that we understand each home is juggling unique levels of challenge, and we won’t penalize a student for their inability to fully participate. With that said, we do request student engagement and participation to the fullest extent families find feasible.
You might be wondering about collecting items your child has at school. At this time, the district is not yet setting up times for families to collect their child’s belongings from their cubby or locker. Stay tuned for future communication on that and other topics.
This is quite the challenging time we are experiencing together. In all sincerity, we thank you for all the ways you have supported your child, their teachers, and the community. If you have some constructive feedback you would like to share in order for us to make improvements, please send it to joshua.hook@merps.org. If you feel you’d like to share something positive or encouraging to someone on our staff, please use THIS FORM and we'll pass the good word along and celebrate it!
We look forward to seeing you again!
Sincerely,
Joshua Hook
Principal
Meridian Elementary School
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.
Please note: the location of the evening pickup has changed. The 4pm-6pm pickup location is now at MERIDIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. Thank you for your support! 💙
April 9, 2020: Update
Dear Meridian Elementary Families,
As mentioned previously, we are re-launching our learning-at-home plan on April 13th. We have planned online learning opportunities for those able to participate, while all students will receive physical materials to continue their learning. We know students will receive their work packets at varying times across the coming days, so please rest assured, students won’t be considered “behind” if they begin this next round of work after April 13th. Before starting the week beginning April 20th, we should all be moving ahead together at the same pace. For families that have requested technology supports through our survey, the tech department is working hard to produce a solution to your needs and will be reaching out to you.
Section III.B. of Executive Order 2020-35 permits parents and guardians of students to visit the school property to pick up materials to support the district’s learning plan. Your health and safety is important, so curbside pick-up of materials will be provided by staff with personal protective equipment.
1. If you are NOT signed up to receive the meals program from Meridian during this stay-at-home order, please pick up student work packets (curbside pick-up) at the main entrance of Meridian Elem on April 10th (9-11a), OR April 13th (4-6p).
2. If you ARE signed up to receive our current meals program AND you pick up the meals from us, you will receive packets at meal pick-up (curbside) on April 13th.
3. If you ARE signed up to receive our meals program BUT meals get dropped off to you, you'll receive packets in the mail (arriving approx. April 16th).
4. If your child also sees a teacher other than their general education classroom teacher, your child will also receive a mailing (arriving April 13-16th).
Did you miss meal sign up? Don’t worry! You can still sign up here: bit.ly/merpsmeals
Reminder that meal pickup or deliver is on Monday and Thursday! If you have already signed up, no need to sign up again; we have you on our list. #ReachHigher
Meal signup reminder: if you are looking to sign up your child 18 or younger for our meal program, please do so by 8am Wednesday. You can sign up at bit.ly/merpsmeals
If you have already signed up, we have you on the list. Please do not sign up again.
Thank you!
Meridian Public Schools has complied a list of resources for everyone to use during this time. From food to mental health, internet and transportation; you can find a resource here. You can view it here: bit.ly/MerpsResources
For those who are still looking to sign up their children 18 or younger for our food program, please do so with this link: https://forms.gle/ogscz2bK3RHnPiRf8
If you have already signed up, you are on the list. This is for those looking to sign up for the first time. Responses are due by Wednesday at 8am.
Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network Mobile Pantry is giving away free no questions asked food TODAY, 3/20.
Please bring empty bags and/or boxes
Proof of income will not be needed
Signatures are not required.
Registration: 9:00 AM in your car.
Distribution: 11:30 AM.
Food brought to your car. Stay in your car.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
2206 Airfield Lane, Midland
Ph: 989-486-9393
Did you miss signing up for meals this last week? You can sign up for them now! This is open to any children under 18, regardless of income. IF YOU SIGNED UP FOR MEALS LAST TIME, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP AGAIN - you are on our list still. Please use this link to sign up for meals: https://forms.gle/sPzdDj74r1wGBMGo6
Responses are due by 3pm on Friday.
Thank you for all of the support! We were able to provide 3,300 meals to 330 students in 141 families! It’s a great day to be a Mustang! 💙💙💙💙 #ReachHigher
Reminder: food sign ups must be completed by TODAY at 4pm. If you have NOT signed up yet, sign up at https://forms.gle/wvNyfLUFm1XGaRmi8
If you're an MES family that has been participating in the "bag of food" program (formerly called "backpack buddies"), you can pick up a supply of food at Sanford Ele beginning Thursday, 3/19 between 6:30a - 5:30p. Please make your pick-up before 3/27. Thanks, and hang in there!
Please make sure if you are in need of meals during this time for anyone under the age of 18, that you fill out the form to receive them. bit.ly/merpsmeals
Our meal program has been finalized. Meals will begin on Thursday. They are available for pickup at Meridian Junior High from 12-2pm or Sanford Elementary from 4-6pm. Delivery is available if you do not have the ability to pick up. Delivery is Monday & Thursday from 12-2. Pickup days after will be Monday and Thursday at the same times. If you did not fill out the form before needing meals, please do so: https://forms.gle/jnYorHCtwgWLTGHi6
Elementary parents/students: Please send your creations to Miss Brady at allison.brady@merps.org or post your photos below! #Art #ReachHigher
Meridian will be providing meals to children under 18 during the school shutdown. We are looking to see if families are interested in this. Please complete the survey at https://forms.gle/377QfQhobxaKEjDk8 or by going to www.merps.org and click on menu, quicklinks and school shutdown meal information.
Responses to this form are due by MONDAY, MARCH 16, AT 9AM.
Please see the attached letter from Superintendent Carmoney regarding Meridian Public Schools response to COVID19. This message has been emailed home to all parents/guardians as well.
Just a reminder, Family Reading Night is Tuesday, March 10th, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., at our school. The first 100 elementary students through the door win a canvas tote bag! Join us for fun reading games and visit the Book Fair in the Library!
The 2020-2021 school year calendar has been released! #ReachHigher
Family Reading Night is Tuesday, March 10th at 5:30pm and the kickoff to our Spring Book Fair! See the flyer for details.
Have a Magnificent Monday, Mustangs! #ReachHigher #AGreatWeekOfLearningAhead
