Meridian High School - Meridian School District

Meridian High School
“To educate all students for improved achievement. The mission of the Meridian
Public Schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all learners so
they can become ethical, competent and productive contributors to a democratic
society in an ever-changing world. ”
Principal’s Message
January 2012
Greetings Meridian High School Community:
It seems customary to comment on how fast the year has gone and how difficult it is to believe we are already in January. We have had
quite an active year and look forward to ensuring we continue and finish strong! Thank you to all in the community who have contributed to
helping Meridian High School be a great place. The end of the semester is fast approaching. We still have an early release on Friday, January
27th. The (new) last day of the semester is Thursday, February 2nd. The first day of the second semester is Friday, February 3rd.
Included below are several items of interest:
Construction continues to move forward at an amazing pace. It is truly remarkable to think way back to the September ground-breaking and
note there was only a bit of earth that had been scraped around the site. Please visit our web site to see the time-lapse video and see progress
photos: scroll down a bit and the links are on the left. Click here.
Our next Parent Roundtable is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25 at 5:30pm. Each month I host an MHS Parent Roundtable to share ideas
on topics of interest to you. If that time does not work for you, I invite your ideas and comments via email or phone call. I will be in the
library, with hot coffee and cookies!
Please revisit our new attendance policy. Excessive tardies do make an impact on course grades. It is extremely important that our students
are here at school and on time. Thank you! Click here for details.
The End of Course (EOC) math exam retake is scheduled for February 7th for students who did not pass last year. This is particularly important
for seniors. Information was mailed home over the holiday break. If you have any questions about your student and the retake,
please contact Mrs. Kheriaty in the counseling office
March 12 marks the beginning of a new 6-week session with the Whatcom Literacy Council in our library on Monday evenings. This is a great
opportunity for families and we hope to fill the sessions! There is a short paragraph explaining details on page 2.
Important Dates to Remember
January
16 MLK Jr. Day, No School
25 Parent Roundtable, 5:30pm MHS Library
27 End of 1st Semester, Early Release @ 12:10
February
2 End of 1st Semester
7 Father Daughter Banquet, 5:30pm Cafeteria
17 Mid Winter Break-No School
20 President’s Day-No School
21 Spring Sports Parent Mtg 7:00pm Auditorium
22 Parent Roundtable 5:00pm MHS Library
27 Spring Sports Practice Begins
29 Early Release @ 12:10
March
8 Senior Project Applied Activity Due
8 Band & Choir Festival Concert 7:00pm
13-14 HSPE Writing Test
15 HSPE Reading Test
15 Senior Project Portfolio Due
21 Early Release @ 12:10pm
21 Senior Project Presentation Practice
22 Talent Show Try-outs K-8 4:00-6:00pm
22 Talent Show Try-outs 9-12 6:30-8:30pm
24 Booster Club Auction 5:00pm
26 Conferences-Early Release @ 12:10
School Building Information
Northwest Career and Technical Academy
Our relationship with the Northwest Career and Technical Academy
continues to blossom! We currently host the Career Construction
Academy and the Engineering Academy. Juniors and seniors are
eligible for these courses and the incredible benefit is workplace and
industry skills they receive, in addition to numerous college credits.
For example, students enrolled in the Construction Careers Academy
can earn 24 BTC credits and three high school credits toward graduation:
all on our campus! They are hosting an informational meeting
for students interested in all of their programs on February 9 th .
Please see their flier in this newsletter.
Father Daughter Banquet
Take Me Out To The Ballgame...is the theme for this year’s annual
Father/Daughter Banquet. Come dressed in your favorite sports
attire and join us on February 7th in the MHS cafeteria/auditorium.
Pictures start at 5:30 and dinner starts at 6:00. Tickets go on sale
Monday, Jan 23 at all MSD schools. Prices are $20.00 for a father
and one daughter and $8.00 for an additional daughter. It will be
an evening of good food, fun games and lots of laughs. See you
there!!
Meridian Booster Club Auction
The Booster Club is holding their fund raising auction and dinner on
Saturday, March 24 at the Silver Reef Casino. Doors open at 5:00.
The silent auction begins at 5:30 and dinner is at 7:00. The live
auction will follow dinner. For tickets, more information, or to
donate items, please contact Randy Kirk at 820-0317.

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Meridian High School
School Closure Information
In the event that it is necessary to close schools or delay opening because of extreme weather conditions or other unusual
circumstances, the following radio and television stations will be notified. Information will also be posted on the school district
website.
Radio Radio Television
KAFE-FM 104.1 KBAI-AM 930 KOMO-Channel 4
KISM-FM 92.9 KPUG-AM 1170 KING-Channel 5
KLYN-FM 106.5 KGMI-AM 790 KIRO-Channel 7
Talent Show
Spring is just around the corner and so is the talent show. We are looking for lots of contestants, so get ready! Try-outs will
be held in the high school auditorium on March 22 for grades K-8 from 4:00-6:00 PM, and grades 9-12 from 6:30-8:30 PM.
Tentative rehearsal dates will be sometime during the week of April 9. The dates of the Talent Show performances are April
19 for grades K-8, April 20 for grades 9-12 and April 21 for the finals. All shows are in the high school auditorium and start at
7:00 PM.
Notes from the Registrar
January 27, the end of first semester, is coming fast. Please expect final semester grades in your mailboxes around February
7. If you have moved recently please contact us to record the new address in order that you receive all school correspondence.
The semester report card will be withheld if your student has fines for overdue library books, sports gear, lost textbooks,
fees, etc. Instead of the report card a bill for fines will be mailed. Once the fine/fines are paid the report card will be
mailed to the parent.
Just a reminder! If you would like to have your student meet you out front during the school day, send them with a note to
sign themselves out. This will expedite the process for you and the office. Thank you for helping us be more efficient with
attendance issues. Contact Gina Heslep with any questions at 318-2283.
Senior Portraits
There are 3 options for senior portraits this year. The deadline is February 10th!
1. FREE sitting at Donette Studio 733-0540. The pictures taken at their studio tend to be of a much higher quality than the
picture taken at the beginning of the year at school for the ASB card.
2. Have a portrait taken. Donette Studio or another professional photographer of your choice can do this. Please go to this
web page http://www.meridian.wednet.edu/~mdurkee/2012_Senior_Portraits.pdf for the specifics.
3. If option 1 or 2 are not done then the picture taken at the beginning of the year for your daughter/son’s ASB card will be
used (if appropriate).
Class of 2012 Parent News
The next senior class parent meeting is February 1 at 5:30pm in the Family and Consumer Science room (Miss Scott’s room).
We will be discussing the graduation night trip. If your student plans on attending we will need a payment by April 1st. Full
payment is due by May 31st.
AP Government Class News
The AP Government Class is participating in an exciting new program. Capitol Classroom pairs high school classrooms with
lobbyist volunteers in Olympia as a way to involve students in the legislative process. After choosing a bill to follow during the
session, TVW sets up 5 video conferences between participating classes and their lobbyists. Other guests during the sessions
include bill sponsors, local legislators, and advocates of both sides of the issue in question. During these video sessions students
not only get an in-depth look at how the legislative process works, but also provide input for the lobbyists to take to
committee hearings. Lobbyists then testify on the students' behalf for the bills they are following. If possible we also arrange
for students to testify directly to legislators via phone or video connection. The program allows students to get directly involved
in weekly ups and downs of the legislative process, and gives them a behind-the-scenes look at how laws are made.
For general information about how the program works, watch the short video at the address below:
http://www.teachwithtvw.org/capitolclassroom
Whatcom Literacy Council’s Rosetta Stone Lab Class
Whatcom Literacy Council is excited to be facilitating another Rosetta Stone Lab Class for any interested parents in the Meridian
School District and beyond. The lab class will start on March 12th and will run for a total of six Monday evenings from
6-7:30pm. Please contact Gina Barrieau-Gonzales with any questions or concerns. We'll see you in class!
Contact: gina@whatcomliteracy.org or 360-647-3264.

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Meridian High School
MHS Spring Testing
Students in the class 2012 must pass the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) assessment or a state-approved alternative in reading and
writing in order to be eligible to graduate. Students in the class of 2013 must pass reading, writing, science and two math end-of-course
exams in order to graduate. All tenth graders and any junior or senior who has not passed either the writing or reading exams must take
the assessments this Spring, according to the following state mandated schedule:
Math End of Course Make Up Exam February 7
Writing HSPE March 13 & 14
Reading HSPE March 15
Being well rested and in attendance on the days of the exams is critical. Make-up testing in the summer is often difficult to arrange and best
to avoid if possible.
Science End of Course Exams
Spring 2012, students in biology will take a biology end-of course exam which is scheduled to be given within the last three weeks of the
school year. Students in the class of 2015 and beyond must pass the biology end-of-course exam to meet the science graduation requirement.
Math End of Course Exams
Math EOC exams are scheduled to be given within the last three weeks of the school year. The state moved to end-of-course exams so students
could be tested on the knowledge and skills they’ve gained from a specific course rather than on a comprehensive test like the High
School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) that assesses overall knowledge. The end-of-course math exams are available in algebra 1/integrated math
I and geometry/integrated math II. These “end-of-course” exams will be given to students in grades 7-12 who are taking those respective
classes.
Free Dental Care
The 8th annual Whatcom County Free Dental Day is scheduled for Saturday February 4 at Interfaith Dental Clinic. Free dental exams,
x-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments will be available. If you would like your child(ren) to receive these services, please contact the clinic
at (360) 714-9010 for an appointment. These services are provided to children from low income families between the ages of 1-18 years
old.
Music Notes
There are magnificent things happening in the music department. This year started with a wonderful new look to our band. Brand new
uniforms designed by the Band Shoppe! Many thanks to our superintendent Dr. Yeomans and the Booster Club for their assistance in making
this happen.
In November, the San Juan Music Educators hosted their annual honor festival at Lynden Christian High School. Representing the band
were Justin Burgess, Stevan Worrell, DJ Graybill, Lexi Maloy and Pearl Petaia. On the choir side, Bobbi Dodd, Monique Coty, Rachel
McDonough, Mystra Mezo, Jayna Edmonds and Amanda England.
In addition to our fantastic band, choir and jazz band, this fall saw the birth of two new ensembles: Chamber Choir and Drumline.
** We now have an accredited and auditioned 15 piece chamber choir which meets at 6:55am on Mondays and Wednesdays. The chamber
choir has performed at our winter concert and two student assemblies.
** The ‘MHS Monday Night Drumline and Percussion Ensemble’ began six short weeks ago. This ensemble is an extension of the existing
concert/marching band percussion section and will help to prepare us for parade season and percussion festivals. Come hear ‘Ruzz-GaDuzz’
at our basketball games!
There is a bright future for both of these new groups. Look for these superb musicians in performances in the coming months!
At the beginning of January, we sent senior Stevan Worrell and sophomore Pearl Petaia to the Northwest Honor Band Festival at PLU in
Tacoma. This event consisted of sectionals, ensemble rehearsals and stellar performances under some of the industry’s more renowned
conductors.
At the semester’s end, January 28th, the MHS music department has a record 16 entries in the SJMEA solo/ensemble festival. Drop by Bellingham
High School Saturday the 28th to watch our friends perform!
On President’s day weekend, junior Jayna Edmonds and sophomore Pearl Petaia will travel to Yakima for the WMEA All-State Honor Festival.
In our state, the most prestigious of its kind. Jayna will represent our vocal department and Pearl, our instrumental department. The fourday
festival ends with performances along side some of the best musicians in high schools around Washington.
Beautiful things are happening in music at Meridian. Check us out, drop by a basketball game! Or, our MHS Festival Concert happens
March 8th at 7pm in the MHS Auditorium. We hope to see you there!

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Meridian High School
Meridian High School Senior Advertisement
This is an opportunity to give your senior student a shout out! One they will have for many years to come. HURRY! Only 2 1/2
pages remaining and they are available on a first come first-serve basis. The deadline is February 10.
Sizes and Pricing:
½ Page
8” x 5 ½”
$100
¼ Page
4” x 5 ½”
$50
Purchaser Information (please print all information clearly):
Name:_____________________________________________Student’s name:___________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone:____________________________________________
Check desired
size
Size
Deadline
March 4
Maximum # of photos submitted
with order
½ Page $100 7
¼ Page $50 5
Please include with your order:
Number of photos submitted with your order________________.
Payment can be made to the ASB Secretary in the Attendance Office (by 2 p.m. each school day). Attach a copy of your receipt
to this order form. Checks can be made out to Meridian High School Yearbook.
Exact copy you wish to appear in your ad:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Yearbook Staff will make every effort to return photos in their original condition by June 1st. If you have any questions please
contact Mike Durkee at 318-2212 or via email at mdurkee@meridian.wednet.edu. The Zenith Staff would like to thank you for choosing
to advertise in the Meridian High School Yearbook.

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Meridian High School
Great Resource for All College Bound Students: The Federal Student Aid
website (www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov) has recently published on-line College
Preparation Checklists for the various age levels from elementary school
through each year of high school. The to-do lists help students and their parents
prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school.
They also include information about useful publications and links to helpful websites. I encourage you to explore these with your
students.
Sophomores and juniors who took the PSAT test in October met with Mr. McMains and me on Wednesday, January 11th to
receive their score reports. They were given information on the free services available for SAT test preparation and skill building,
and college and career searches that are available at the College Board website. (www.collegeboard.org/quickstart).
Juniors who plan to attend 4-year college should sign up for the May or June SAT or the June ACT. The registration deadline
for the May 5th SAT test date is April 6 th . The registration deadline for the June 2nd SAT test date is May 6th. The online registration
websites are: SAT website- www.collegeboard.org; ACT website - www.actstudent.org. Test preparation help is also available
at those websites.
This spring, Mr. McMains and I will take interested juniors to the annual Spring College Fair at WWU. They will have the
opportunity to hear presentations from representatives from a number of colleges. Sign-up will be announced in the bulletin.
Important info for Seniors:
I have been meeting individually with seniors to asses their progress toward graduation and have provided a written detail of
their status. We have also discussed plans for next year and the process for applying for ongoing education and financial aid.
I have encouraged students who are uncertain of their future goals to complete their Career Center visit that is a requirement
for their Grad Project portfolio as soon as possible. This involves completing an online career interest inventory on the WOIS
website The next step is to set up an appointment with Mrs. Stephens, our Career Specialist, to explore the identified interests
and identify options.
Searching for scholarships can be overwhelming and time consuming. The WashBoard (www.theWashBoard.org) is a free, web
-based, nonprofit scholarship search engine for Washington students seeking college scholarships. The WashBoard is advertising
and spam free and will not sell your information. Students are able to set up a personal profile and explore scholarships
that match their profile.
Students who are still uncertain about their progress toward graduation need to meet with me. Credit retrieval options for the
rest of the year are: Digital Learning Commons on-line credit retrieval coursework, or spring quarter Running Start classes @
WCC or BTC.
As of January 1 st , seniors in need of financial aid and their parents can begin submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) form. This form is used to determine financial aid eligibility for technical colleges, community colleges, and
4 year colleges and universities as well as many scholarships. The deadline for completion varies from school to school but
some deadlines were as early as January 15 th . A hands-on FAFSA workshop was offered to all north Whatcom county senior and
parents/guardians here at MHS on January 11 th . Expert volunteers were on hand to help with FAFSA submission. All qualified
College Bound Scholars are required to submit the FAFSA by February 1 st (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
Student transcripts are required for college and scholarship applications. They can be ordered by filling out a request form in
the attendance office. Transcripts can be given to the student or sent to the school as needed. New transcripts should be ordered
at the end of first and second semesters if colleges require them.
Students requesting letters of recommendation need to give 1-2 week notice to teachers and counselors. Student information
forms are available in the Counseling Office that should accompany any request for letters of recommendation. The counselor
report portion for many college applications includes a section for recommendations. Please provide me with ample notice so I
have time to write a letter that could strengthen the application.
Seniors should be finishing college applications, as deadlines are fast approaching.
Students in need of scholarships should provide their e-mail address to Mrs. Stephens in the Career Center to receive updates
on scholarships.
Once a student receive offers for admission to 4-year institutions he/she must inform the college of his/her decision to attend
and send the required deposit by May 1 st in order to finalize the admission.
Students who are awarded scholarships need to inform Mrs. Stephens, so that scholarship recipients can be recognized at the
Evening of Excellence Awards in the spring.
Graduation Project final deadlines are quickly approaching (March-see Graduation Project folder). Reminder: 13 th Year Plan
Packets are a required component of the Portfolio section of the Graduation Project and help to detail the necessary steps for
post-graduation planning .
Mrs. Kheriaty, Counselor

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Meridian High School
Senior Graduation Project
Career Center News
It is that time of the year when the seniors are very busy completing their senior graduation project and portfolio.
Important Dates:
March 8 th - Applied Activity Due
March 15 th - Portfolio Due
March 21 st - Practice Presentation with Adviser
April 25 th - Panel Presentation
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
Sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars
DUE DATE: March 29 th submit entries to the Ladies Auxiliary
AMOUNT:
ELIGIBILTY:
In addition to local and state prizes, students are competing for the following national scholarships.
1 st place – $10,000 National Scholarship
2 nd place - $5,000
3 rd place - $2,500
4 th place - $1,500
5-8 th place - $500
Each entry is judged on the originality of concept, presentation and patriotism expressed.
Students in grades 9 – 12 th
Including Home-schooled students
Go to www.ladiesauxfw.org to download an application along with contest rules. Click on programs and then scholarships.
Scholarships
There are many great scholarships for students to help with the cost of a college education. Contact Mrs. Stephens to learn about the
scholarships: mstephen@meridian.wednet.edu or call 318-2279.
There is a free web-based clearinghouse for Washington students seeking college scholarships. It is run by a public /private partnership
of nonprofits and the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board. Students go to www.thewashboard.org and complete a profile
(information is confidential). Lists of scholarships will be sent that match the student’s profile. See Mrs. Stephens for information on
how to get the most from this website.
Local Scholarships for Meridian High School Seniors:
Lynden Lodge Scholarship:
This is a $1,000 scholarship for a Meridian High School Senior who is continuing his or her education. The deadline is noon on February
25, 2012. See Mrs. Stephens for the application.
Mt Baker Rotary Scholarship:
Scholarships will be awarded to seniors graduating from Lynden, Lynden Christian, Nooksack Valley, Meridian, Mt Baker and Cornerstone
high schools. There are two type of scholarships: scholarships will be awarded to students that indicate plans to follow a vocational
education track (technical or trade school) and to students planning on attending a 4 year college/university. Mrs. Stephens will
make an announcement when the applications are available.
Meridian Public School Foundation Scholarship:
The Meridian Public School Foundation provides scholarships for Meridian graduates who plan to attend a 4 year or 2 year college.
Some of the scholarships are awarded for specific course of study or for certain schools. For example, there are some outstanding
scholarships for students who plan to attend WSU and pursue agricultural or engineering studies. Mrs. Stephens will make an announcement
when the applications are available.

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Meridian High School
Scholarships for Juniors:
Masonic Scholar-Citizen Awards Program:
The Masonic Education Council annually recognizes outstanding members of the Junior Class of each public high school in Whatcom
County. Any junior may enter this competition by submitting an application by February 24, 2012. See Mrs. Stephens for the application.
Finalists are selected from each school to be recognized at an awards program with a certificate and a letter of commendation.
Also, two top finalists from all nine schools will receive a $1,500 scholarship and the top finalist from each school will receive a
$500 scholarship. As seniors they will have an opportunity to apply for a $1,000 scholarship give by the state Masonic organization.
Nordstrom Scholarship
This scholarship is open to current high school juniors who reside in Washington. To be eligible students must have a cumulative
unweighted GPA of at least 2.7, have participated in community or volunteer activities , have financial need, and are eligible to
attend a 4 year college or university in the U.S. The on line application will be available February 1 st and will end May 1 st . Go to
www.Nordstrom.com/scholarship
WORKSOURCE SERVICES YOUTH VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
The youth vocational scholarship supports low income youth in vocational training at local public colleges: Bellingham Technical College,
Whatcom Community College, and Skagit Valley College. This scholarship will help with the costs for students enrolled in
Health Care, Construction and Manufacturing programs. Priority will be given for scholarships in the following occupations:
Nursing Assistant
Laboratory Technician
Dental Assistant
Medical Records Technician
Home Care Aides
Medical Assistant
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Plumber, Pipefitter and Steamfitter
Process Control Technician
HVAC
Instrumentation
See Mrs. Stephens for an application. Application Deadline is April 20, 2012.
Financial Assistance for Running Start Students
WorkSource can provide: money for textbooks, school fees and transportation assistance. Call for eligibility appointment: 360-676-
3239, 101 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA .
College Planning Day:
On March 21 st we will be taking Juniors to Western Washington University for college planning. Students will have an opportunity to
listen to admission reps from 2 year and 4 year colleges located in Washington.

Northwest Career & Technical Academy
FALL ENROLLMENT OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, February 9 th
Mount Vernon Campus
Quall Center
2205 West Campus Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
6 P.M.
Two Locations
For more information call 360 848.0706
or visit us at nwtech.k12.wa.us
Marine Technology
Anacortes Campus
1606 R Avenue
Anacortes, WA 98221
Come learn about our programs spanning three campuses and two counties!
Programs Include:
Mount Vernon Main Campus
Academy of Finance
Academy of Veterinary Assisting
Culinary Arts
Dental Technology
DigiPen Video Game Programming
DigiPen Sustainable Design
Medical Technology
Anacortes Campus
Marine Technology
Whatcom County Locations
Academy of Engineering
Construction Careers
Welding Technology
Academy programs offer 3 High School credits and college credits for those who qualify.
Professional Preparation for Future Success