Dear Mustang Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope your summer was filled with rest, laughter, and meaningful moments with those you love. As we begin a new year together, I am filled with pride and excitement for all that lies ahead.

Last year we celebrated all of our K-12 buildings receiving their Marzano High Reliability Schools Level 1 Certification, validating our Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative school district. This year, we remain focused on creating a safe, supportive, and high-achieving learning environment where every student can thrive. We will continue our important work with the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework as we move deeper into Level 2, focusing on effective teaching in every classroom and student-centered learning at every level.

Within this update you’ll find important information to help you and your family prepare for the start of the school year.

We are excited to welcome students on Tuesday, August 19th for their first day of school! Thank you for being part of our incredible school community. Here’s to a great year ahead—full of growth, opportunity, and Mustang pride!

With Mustang Pride,

Sarah M. Glann, Superintendent

Mustangs are empowered to be resilient and fearless learners, in order to THRIVE in an ever-changing world.

• We believe that every individual can learn and succeed.

• We believe that learning is a lifelong endeavor.

• We believe that a supportive culture fosters an environment that is physically and emotionally safe.

• We believe that overcoming challenges with resiliency is a key step to success.

• We believe that innovative learning practices encourage curiosity.

• We believe in building trust between students, staff, families, and the community.

• We believe in preparing every student for today, tomorrow, and THEIR future.

Dear Mustang Families,

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, the Meridian Public Schools Transportation Department would like to share a few important reminders to help ensure a safe and smooth start.

Bus route information was sent to families via email on August 8th. If you did not receive an email please contact the Transportation Department.  

Please review your child’s route and have them at their designated stop five minutes early each morning.

During the first week of school, you may experience minor delays as drivers become familiar with updated routes and new student riders. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Here are a few important reminders to help you get started:

• 🚌 Be on time: Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
  

• ⏱️ Expect delays: Minor delays are normal during the first week.
  

• ✅ Review safety rules: Talk to your child about proper bus behavior.
  

• 📘 Read the Transportation Handbook: https://www.merps.org/documents/transportation/handbook/843008
  

• 📧 Need help? Contact Shirley Gingery at shirley.gingery@merps.org or transportation@merps.org | 📞 (989) 687-3249

Safety remains our top priority. We encourage families to review safe bus behavior with their children—such as staying seated, using quiet voices, and following the driver’s instructions. For more detailed information, please refer to the Meridian Transportation Handbook.

We’re excited to welcome our Mustangs back and look forward to another great year of safe travels!

Dear Meridian Families,

We are pleased to share that Meridian Early College High School, Meridian Junior High School, and Meridian Elementary School will continue to offer FREE breakfast and lunch to all students at the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year. This is made possible through a combination of state funding from the Michigan School Meals (MSM) Program and federal funding through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). 

However, it’s important to note that the current funding is tied to the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget, which ends on September 30, 2025. As of now, the State of Michigan has not finalized the 2025–2026 School Aid Budget, creating uncertainty for school districts across the state about whether free meals will continue beyond that date. This means that for now we can only offer free school meals through September 30, 2025.

We will continue to keep you informed of the changes that may be coming to the School Meal Program as we receive information from the State of Michigan. 

To help us continue providing this important service to all students, we are asking every family—regardless of income level—to complete the Education Benefits Form. This form supports our ability to:

• Secure continued state and federal funding for free school meals

• Fund academic programs and student services

• Potentially qualify your family for additional support

Online EBF Form link: https://meridian.familyportal.cloud/ 

Printable link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12862sN4zTVnN55ub5oKAKch9F0JDNaAd/view  

We encourage families to explore Nutrislice, a helpful tool that provides menus, nutritional information, allergen data, and carbohydrate counts for all school meals. This tool is available on our Food and Nutrition Services page or by visiting: merps.nutrislice.com

In partnership with Chartwells School Dining Services, Meridian Public Schools remains committed to serving nutritious, high-quality meals that our students will enjoy. We encourage all students to explore our food options and try something new.

We are grateful for your continued support and partnership in ensuring that all Mustangs are well-nourished and ready to thrive this school year.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

Taylor Roberts
Food Service Director – Chartwells
📧 foodservice@merps.org | taylor.roberts@merps.org
📞 989-687-3212

Athletic Sports Passes for the 2025–2026 school year are now on sale in the High School Office!

Passes are available for families ($180), individuals ($70), and seniors age 60+ ($10), and they cover admission to regular season junior high and high school athletic events (excluding tournaments). Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card—pay online https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55802.

Game-day admission is $6 for high school events and $4 for junior high. Pre-K is free, and MECHS students (grades 9–12) receive free admission with student ID again this year!

📅 Check out the full sports schedule at this link. For questions, call 989-687-3302 or email bridget.vandongen@merps.org or mitchell.bohn@merps.org.

Quick Highlights:

• 🏠 Family Pass: $180 (covers immediate household)

• 👤 Individual Pass: $70 (non-transferable)

• 👵 Senior Pass: $10 (age 60+)

• 🎟 Gate Admission: $6 HS / $4 JH / Free for Pre-K

• 🎓 Free for MECHS students (grades 9–12) with ID

We are excited to welcome your Mustangs back to school on Tuesday, August 19, 2025! Below you'll find important information to help you prepare for a smooth and successful start to the school year.

📬 Teacher Assignments

• Assignment letters were mailed on July 24, 2025.

• If you have not received your letter by Thursday, August 8, please call the school office at (989) 687-3500.

🎒 Back-to-School Open House

Monday, August 12 | 4:30–6:30 p.m.

• Meet your child’s teacher

• Visit the classroom

• Drop off school supplies

• Enjoy a treat with fellow Mustang families!

🗓 First Day of School: Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

• Parents are welcome to walk their child to class on the first day only.

🕖 Daily Schedule

• Doors Open: 7:30 a.m.

• Students Head to Class: 7:45 a.m.

• School Begins: 8:00 a.m.

• Dismissal: 3:00 p.m.

🚗 End-of-Day Procedures

• Students will be escorted to buses or parent pick-up at the front of the building.

📧 Stay Connected

• Be sure to check your email regularly for updates from your child’s teacher, the school, and the district.

👕 Lost & Found Reminder

• To help us return items more easily, please label your child’s clothing, especially sweatshirts and coats.

We can’t wait to see all of our Mustangs back in the building! As always, please reach out with any questions.

Warm regards,
Joshua Hook
Principal, Meridian Elementary School
📧 Email: joshua.hook@merps.org
📞 (989) 687-3500

Dear MJHS Families,

We’re thrilled to welcome our students and families back to the 2025–2026 school year at Meridian Junior High! Our team has worked diligently to create an environment that promotes learning, growth, and connection. This year promises new opportunities for every student to thrive, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate success as part of our vibrant school community. We’re looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling year together!

⏰ New Daily Start Time
Starting this school year, Meridian Junior High will begin the school day at 7:55 a.m. The parent loop doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and dismissal will remain at 2:50 p.m. This slight adjustment in our start time adds five minutes to each lunch period, allowing us to create separate lunch and recess times for each grade level. This change will provide more space in the cafeteria and help ensure a smoother and more organized experience for all students.

🧘‍♀️ Introducing Rest & Reset Spaces
We are excited to unveil our new Rest & Reset spaces in both the Library 📚 and Behavior Support Center! These calming areas are designed to help students recharge, refocus, and regulate their emotions throughout the day. Whether students need a quiet space to calm down, a spot to release extra energy, or a moment to reset their mindset, these dedicated areas will support their well-being and success.

📅 Important Dates

• 5th Grade & New Student Orientation: August 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Welcome Back Open House: August 12, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences:

  • October 28, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

  • October 29, 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

We can’t wait to kick off this school year with our Mustang community! Let’s make it the best year yet!

Warm regards,
Rachel Pappas
Principal, Meridian Junior High
📧 Email: rachel.pappas@merps.org
📞 Phone: 989-687-3360

Dear MECHS Families,

As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, we want to ensure your return to MECHS is smooth and stress-free. Please review the checklist below to help you complete key items before our Welcome Back Event on Tuesday, August 12 from 4:00–7:00 PM in the MECHS Gymnasium. This is a walk-in, open house-style event—no appointment necessary!

🎒 MECHS Back-to-School Checklist – Fall 2025

✅ Update Yearly Student Information on Skyward
Visit www.merps.org/skyward to review and update contact details and required forms.
This must be completed before your student can receive their laptop.
New to MECHS? Don’t worry—new families have already completed this step!
🔐 Forgot your Skyward login? Email help@merps.org

💻 Pay for Laptop Protection
Visit www.merps.org/efunds to submit payment for the laptop protection plan.
Both the Skyward update AND laptop protection payment must be completed before laptop pickup.

📆 Attend the Welcome Back Open House
Tuesday, August 12 | 4:00–7:00 PM | MECHS Gymnasium

• Meet your teachers

• Pick up your school-issued device

• Walk through your class schedule

📲 Download the Skyward App
View your learner’s schedule, locker assignment, and more directly from your mobile device.

🎉 First Day of School: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 8:05 AM
We can’t wait to welcome our Mustangs back!

At MECHS, we value our partnership with families and are committed to a welcoming and family-centered start to the new school year. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at scott.lafever@merps.org.

Warm regards,
Scott LaFever
Principal, Meridian Early College High School
📞 Phone: 989-687-3300

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) – Free Preschool for 4-Year-Olds
Meridian’s GSRP still has a few openings for the 2025–2026 school year!
Children who turn four years old by December 1, 2025 are eligible to attend Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This free program includes:

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and snack

• Bussing within Meridian district boundaries

• All field trip costs

📅 Program runs from September 2, 2025, through mid-May 2026.

Apply today at www.preschoolpartnership.org or call Julie Sheets at (989) 687-3460 for more information.

Three-Year-Old Preschool – Tuition-Based Program
We also have limited spots available for our Tuition-Based Preschool for 3-year-olds!
Children who turn three years old by December 1, 2025 may attend Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

💲 Tuition is $625/month for eight months, and includes:

• Daily breakfast and lunch

• A warm, welcoming first school experience filled with hands-on learning and fun

📅 Program runs from September 2, 2025, through early May 2026.

Apply now at www.preschoolpartnership.org or contact Julie Sheets at (989) 687-3460 or at julie.sheets@merps.org with questions.