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Newsletters » DP Lions Share (11–12)

DP Lions Share (11–12)

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Week of November 20, 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Stela

DP Families,

 

We have an AB Day scheduled this Friday, November 22. It's very important that students attend school because we have special programming planned for them. Full diploma juniors will do some important opening work on their Extended Essay, and a number of juniors and seniors will be involved with TSI Math testing. We also have our annual Career & Volunteer Fair this Friday; my husband, Lee Holcombe, will host a table to share information with our students about the Peace Corps.

 

The weekend immediately after break is our annual 24-hour Senior Lock In. Please sign up here as we cannot have this event without the support of parent chaperones! We need help making sure seniors stay in designated areas. You can bring a book to read or work to do at your post!

 

This week, our SIC club volunteered to help cover the crosswalk to give our faculty more time in their classrooms. They did a great job!

 

Maya and Holy with Mr. Manuszak ready for crosswalk duty

Maya K., Holy T., and Mr. Manuszak from Student Involvement Committee

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, let me express to you all how blessed I feel to be part of our Meridian community. I wish everyone a peaceful holiday!

 

Stela Holcombe

DP Principal

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Secondary Uniform Reminders

Please see this communication for important reminders about our school uniform policy. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your DP Principal, Stela Holcombe.

 

$2 Free Dress Day Fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 21

Let’s help 7th graders raise money for their 8th grade Camp Olympia class trip with a free dress day. Free Dress Day wristbands will be sold for $2 in the Mays and high school lobbies before school starts until the morning of Thursday, November 21. Students who purchase a wristband may wear free dress or pajamas on Thursday, November 21. Wristband must be worn on November 21. No costumes. Clothing choice must be appropriate for school.
 

Senior 24-hour Lock-In: Parent chaperones needed

Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7


It's time for this annual tradition. The seniors will enjoy a night of fun together in the Mays Building that includes free time, open gym – including midnight dodgeball, video gaming (they can bring their own equipment), snacks, and more! The time for this event is 7 p.m. on Friday to 7 a.m. on Saturday. Please sign up, we cannot have this event without the support of parent chaperones! We basically need help making sure seniors stay in designated areas. You can bring a book to read or work to do at your station!

 

Required Zoom Meeting for Full Diploma Juniors & Parents/Guardians

Tuesday, December 3

 

Please save the date for Tuesday, December 3rd from 6-7 p.m. for a Zoom meeting about the Extended Essay (EE). The EE is a requirement for all full IB diploma juniors. We want to meet with students and parents to set expectations and share the timeline for this large task. This meeting will be recorded for those who cannot attend on this day/time. Holcombe will do a direct email with the Zoom link closer to the date!

 

Save the date: Math TSI tutorials and testing

Seniors who need to meet the Math TSI college readiness requirement will have the following opportunities in November. Please save these dates:

  • Math TSI Tutorial with Ms. Riley after school on Wednesday, November 20 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Math TSI Tutorial with Ms. Riley on Friday, November 22 from 9 - 10:30 a.m.
  • Math TSI Testing on Friday, November 22 from 10:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Juniors who are not writing an EE (non-diploma juniors) will also be pulled for tutorials and testing on November 22. Questions about TSI? Please email Ms. Riley.
 

Class of 2025 Senior Calendar

We have made a few updates to the Class of 2025 Senior Calendar. Robyn Tester and I will strive to keep the dates updated in this document as we progress through the senior year, but please continue to read the DP Lions Share for the most up-to-date information. Note that the Class of 2025 Senior Calendar is not a school-created document; it's a parent created tool that was updated from last year. Bookmark it and use it as a reference tool for all things related to senior year.
 

RockSports spirit wear holiday sale

RockSports is having a Meridian spirit wear holiday sale starting November 25  through January 1 on all screen print long sleeve tees and crewneck sweatshirts. Check out what’s on sale now.

 

Roary’s Fall Break Scrapbook

Roary is finally done with his Fall Break scrapbook. He wants to thank everyone for including him on break. He hopes you enjoy looking at these memories over Thanksgiving break and wants to let you all know how grateful he is for his Meridian family! Take a look at Roary’s Fall Break memories.

 

2025-2026 Academic Calendar Approved

The Board approved the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar. You can find it here. It is also on the calendar page on the website. 

 

Teacher Experiences Auction returns Dec. 4-13!

Teacher Experiences Auction

 

enrichment
 

Athletics

Boys MS Beast Basketball at Harmony Endeavor on November 12. Photo by Mellnae Saldivar.Boys MS Beast Basketball at Harmony Endeavor on November 12. Photo by Mellnae Saldivar.

Registration for Competitive Soccer ends soon!

Registration for Competitive Soccer (7-12) ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 21. No late registrations will be accepted. Check your registration status. Physical forms are due November 21. Tryouts are Wednesday, December 4. See Soccer for season details. Ready to register? See Registration.

Upcoming home basketball games!

Wednesday, November 20 - Boys MS Bold and Boys JV Bold

Monday, December 2 - Girls Varsity and Boys Varsity

Wednesday, December 4 - Girls MS and Boys MS Beast

 

See the Athletics Newsletter and the Athletics web section for more about Meridian sports.

 

Questions? Email Meridian Athletics.

 

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

Meridian Debate Club team members at Rouse High School

First Debate Club tournament!

Saturday, November 16 – Rouse High School

 

The Meridian Debate Club competed in their very first debate tournament at Rouse High School on Saturday, November 16 where they debated in the novice Public Forum category. The majority of students experienced at least one win out of three rounds. The advisors are so proud of how well students did for their first tournament and how much the team has learned. Congratulations to the Meridian Debate Club and their advisors, Martha MacFarland and Jennifer Radebaugh!

 

Notable wins include:

  • Connor S. and Austin R. = 2 Wins
  • Anish S. and Adarsh K. - 1 Win
  • David H. and Dawson D. = 1 Win
  • Shubhan S. and Shiv P. = 1 Win
  • Dashiell M. and Will T. = 1 Win

School of Rock and Pop (9-12)

New: The School of Rock and Pop is a spring semester after school program for high school musicians that offers a unique opportunity to explore and perform popular music in an enjoyable and informal setting. Registration will be open Wednesday, December 4 through 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 12. Auditions are required. Learn more.

2024-2025 Secondary Clubs and Student Groups (6-12)

Find the Clubs List for this school year. 

Learn how students can start or reactivate a club. 

See Daily Announcements.

 

Questions? Email Secondary Enrichment

Important DP Program Contacts

DP Principal, Stela Holcombe
DP Assistant Principal, Wendy Riley
DP Coordinator, Charles Ryder
DP Team Lead, Ray Ciccolella
 
Secondary Librarian and EE Coordinator, Renée Ramirez
Counselor for Grades 10-12, Nick Manuszak
College and Career Counselor, Kathy Gregg
HS Campus Coordinator, Jessica Kress
Receptionist / Attendance Clerk, Shawn Seaman
Report absences on Skyward
 

SpEd Director, Susan Mais

ARD Coordinator, Anna Brown

504 Coordinator, Dottie Elliott

SpEd Coordinator, April Harris
 
Registrar, Janette Gaudiesus

Dean of School Culture, Monique Swain

Child Nutrition Director, Kaylee Torres
Meal Program Application/Café Questions
Skyward Questions
Athletics
Secondary Enrichment
 

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