Meridian Elementary School

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Mariah Broka! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - 2nd grade teacher How long have you worked at Meridian? - 4 years What is your favorite food? - Mac and Cheese or Pizza What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - My favorite thing about Meridian is the welcoming environment created by the staff. Ever since I was hired, I have always felt supported by admin and my fellow staff members. It takes a village to set children up for success and we sure have a pretty great one here at Meridian What are your hobbies? - Bike riding, listening to music, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends and family.

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Carin Daly! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Third Grade Teacher How long have you worked at Meridian? - I have been teaching here for 21 years. What is your favorite food? - That's a really hard question for me as I love so many foods, but I think nachos would be one of the top choices. What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - My favorite thing about being a part of the this district is the support and family-feel. From the moment I began working here, I was made to feel that I belonged. The closeness of our school and community is very special. I have only ever taught here and wouldn't go anywhere else. What are your hobbies? - I love to be outdoors, travel. dance, play music, read, and spend as much time with family as possible. I also love to watch sports, and whether it's my children, grandchild, or my students, I love to be a part of their experiences.

Today we honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are reminded and inspired by his relentless endeavour to encourage others to help those who are in need. "The time is always right to do something right." In the words of Dr. King, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Visit MLKDay.gov to find local service opportunities for #MLKDayofService and beyond! How are you giving back? #ReachHigher

Meridian Public Schools is joining 537 local and 56 intermediate school districts across Michigan to celebrate January as School Board Recognition Month. “In another year full of challenges for public education, our school board members persevered to provide the best possible education for our students,” said Superintendent Sarah Glann. “Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one of the very small ways to express appreciation for all they do!” “Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation for our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round effort on their part,” Superintendent Glann said. “No matter what challenges lie ahead for our district in 2024, our school board members will continue to govern to improve student achievement and provide exceptional education for all our community’s children.” #ReachHigher Meridian Public School's Board of Education is composed of seven members: Stephen Grubaugh - President, 7 years of service Megan Clark - Vice-President, 3 years of service Rebecca Hitsman - Treasurer, 12 years of service Dennis Cole - Secretary, 22 1/2 years of service Kristina Brawt - Trustee, 4 1/2 years of service Jennifer Holzinger - Trustee, 1 year of service Deborah Passmore - Trustee, appointed 5/15/2023

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Sunny! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Therapy Dog How long have you worked at Meridian? - 1st full year What is your favorite food? - Any type of dog treat or people food that falls on the ground. What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - All the smiling, pets, belly rubs and love I get from students/staff. What are your hobbies? - Barking at squirrels, chasing balls, sleeping and playing with my toys.

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Bethany Georgia! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - General Education School Social Worker How long have you worked at Meridian? - 3rd year What is your favorite food? - Sushi What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - We have amazing staff collaboration and support at Meridian Public Schools. One of my favorite things about our school is how we prioritize the whole child's growth. By considering their social, emotional, and academic development, I have witnessed tremendous growth in so many of our students. It is truly rewarding to see their progress. What are your hobbies? - Crafting, camping and reading.

Reminder: Monday, January 15th is a scheduled day off for students as staff members engage in professional development. See you all on Tuesday! #ReachHigher

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Andrea Schweitzer! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Special Education Teacher How long have you worked at Meridian? - 2 years What is your favorite food? - Cheese What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - I love the staff I work with and how welcoming everyone is. What are your hobbies? - Golf, Bowling, Soccer and watching football

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Erin Anderson! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - 1st grade teacher How long have you worked at Meridian? - 10 years What is your favorite food? - Sushi What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - The people I work with and the children that I teach. My co-workers are like my family. What are your hobbies? - Gardening, beach volleyball, bowling, being with family

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Stephanie Goff! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Special Education Teacher and Director of Nature Education How long have you worked at Meridian? - 14+ years What is your favorite food? - Indian food and CHOCOLATE! What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - Meridian takes education beyond the classroom and beyond the textbook. What are your hobbies? - Going for hikes and being outside!

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Jacquelene Huggard! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Paraprofessional- thinking center How long have you worked at Meridian? - 5 years What is your favorite food? - Manicotti What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - The students What are your hobbies? - Reading and running

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Leslie Burkhardt! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Paraprofessional How long have you worked at Meridian? - 3 years What is your favorite food? - Macaroni and cheese What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - The staff What are your hobbies? - Sewing, crocheting, reading

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Katie Maurer! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - Literacy Coach How long have you worked at Meridian? - 19 years What is your favorite food? - I love grilled cheese sandwiches! What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - Our staff, administration, and the students make Meridian Elementary School a great place to work! What are your hobbies? - I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog, reading, and spending time outdoors

#MeetTheStaff of Meridian Elementary School! Meet Penny Church! #ReachHigher What is your role at Meridian Elementary School? - First grade teacher How long have you worked at Meridian? - This is my 8th year at Meridian. I taught at Midland Public Schools prior to this. What is your favorite food? - Sushi What is your favorite thing about Meridian Public Schools? - Meridian Elementary School has the most warm, welcoming staff. They really go above and beyond to meet the needs of children. What are your hobbies? - Walking my dogs (Finn and Mabel), skiing, spending time at the beach, and reading.

Good Evening Mustangs, Meridian Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 12, 2024, due to the Winter Storm Warning issued for Midland County by the National Weather Service. All evening events and practices have been canceled. Please stay warm and be safe. Have a wonderful weekend!

Do you know someone interested in becoming a Teacher? Share the news: A session for aspiring teachers on January 16, 2024, will answer questions about available supports for those pursuing a teaching career. Who should attend: -Those with no degree -Those with a degree, but not a teaching certificate -Those with a teaching certificate who want another grade level or subject -Those who work, or want to work, in Clare, Gladwin, or Midland Counties Participants may attend in person or online, with Zoom links for registrants. See the flyer for more details. #ReachHigher

We're thrilled to share some exciting news! Thanks to the generous support of our PTO, we've purchased locker magnets to honor our monthly role models. Starting this month, these magnets will proudly adorn the lockers of our outstanding students selected as Mustang role models. Teachers select students who consistently embody positive school behaviors, follow school-wide expectations, and demonstrate qualities of being safe, kind, responsible, and respectful. This program celebrates the outstanding efforts of our students in creating a positive learning environment. One of Meridian Elementary's ways of recognizing and applauding these exemplary Mustangs throughout the year! A big thank you to everyone who contributes to making our school a positive and supportive environment. Let's continue celebrating and encouraging the fantastic achievements of our students!

Good Morning Mustangs, Due to inclement weather, Meridian Public Schools will be closed today, Wednesday January 10, 2024.

Today is #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay and we are thankful for School Resource Officer Jodye Streeter, and all of the Midland County Sheriff's Office employees for keeping us safe each day. Thank you! #ReachHigher

Good Morning Mustangs, Meridian Public Schools will be CLOSED today, Tuesday January 9th, 2024 due to inclement weather.