From the Desk of Superintendent Glann: |
Dear Mustang Families,
October is full of celebrations and reminders of what makes Meridian Public Schools special. As the leaves change and our community prepares for Halloween traditions, we also take time to honor our incredible principals, spotlight safe teen driving, and celebrate the very first recipient of our new Hoofprint Award. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping every student THRIVE.
Celebrating National Principals Month
Our principals and assistant principals lead with heart, clarity, and an unwavering focus on students. They balance safety, instruction, communication, and culture, often all in the same day. Please join me in thanking our building leaders for the countless ways they support our students, staff, and families:
Meridian Early College High School – Principal Scott Lafever and Assistant Principal Mike Bilina
Meridian Junior High School – Principal Rachel Pappas and Assistant Principal Fred Townsend
Meridian Elementary School – Principal Josh Hook and Assistant Principal Stacey Douglas
Principals are the heartbeat of a school; their steady leadership helps our students feel known, safe, and ready to learn.
We are grateful for the dedication of these leaders who go above and beyond to make Meridian a place where every Mustang can thrive. If you see them at school events or around the community, be sure to give them a heartfelt thank-you!
October is also Safe Teen Driving Month, a timely reminder to talk with teens about safe driving habits. Families can make a big difference by:
Wearing seatbelts—every ride, every time
Limiting passengers and distractions (including phones)
Respecting speed limits and weather conditions
Setting a family driving agreement and curfew
Reminding new drivers to speak up if they ever feel unsafe as a passenger
If your teen drives to school or activities, please take a few minutes this week to revisit expectations. Together, we can help keep our students and community safe on the road.
As we enjoy crisp fall days, colorful leaves, and the excitement of Halloween costumes and celebrations, I am reminded of the joy and energy this season brings to our schools. Whether at a classroom party, a community event, or a simple walk outside, I hope you and your family find time to enjoy all that autumn has to offer.
With Mustang Pride,
Sarah M. Glann
Superintendent, Meridian Public Schools
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President, Stephen Grubaugh
Vice President, Megan Clark Secretary, Dennis Cole Treasurer, Kristina Brawt Trustee, Heather Novak
Trustee, Terrah Johnson Trustee, Evan Burdick Student Representative, Keegan Shephard |
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August 11, 2025
September 8, 2025 October 13, 2025 November 10, 2025 December 8, 2025 |
*Location & Time: Meridian Early College High School, 3303, N. M-30, Sanford, MI *Room 103 at 5:30pm
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Learning Never Stops—For Students and Teachers!
At Meridian Public Schools, we believe that when teachers grow, students thrive. This year, our teachers are focusing on learning how to create and implement proficiency scales to strengthen teaching and learning in every classroom.
What are proficiency scales?
A proficiency scale is a clear roadmap of learning for a particular skill or standard. It breaks a learning goal into levels that show what a student:
Already knows (beginning or foundational level)
Is ready to learn next (progressing level)
Should fully master (target level)
Can extend beyond mastery (advanced level)
By using proficiency scales, teachers can provide clear expectations, targeted instruction, and meaningful feedback. Students benefit because they always know what success looks like and can track their own growth step by step.
Our teachers are working hard to develop and implement proficiency scales across the district, making learning clear, consistent, and focused for every student.
For more information on proficiency scales, please visit our High Reliability Schools page on our website.
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Introducing the Hoofprint Award—Our First Recipient!
We are thrilled to announce the first-ever Hoofprint Award recipient: Gina Lewandowski. The Hoofprint Award honors a staff member or volunteer who embodies Mustang courage, resilience, and tenacity—leaving a positive, lasting impact on our students and community.
Gina was recognized at the Board of Education meeting for her leadership in Student Council, her commitment to high-quality learning in the classroom, and her steady support of students and school events. She truly reflects our vision that Mustangs are empowered to be resilient and fearless learners in an ever-changing world.
Congratulations, Gina—and thank you for the difference you make each day!
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National Teen Driver Safety Week October 19th-25th |
Inexperience, risk-taking behavior, and immaturity are all factors that increase crash risk for young drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, crashes are the leading cause of death among people aged 15–20.
National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 19–25, which serves as an opportunity for parents and guardians to have conversations with teens about safe-driving habits. To help talk to teens about driving safely, the OHSP and its traffic safety partners created the Teen Driving Parental Toolkit.
The toolkit provides useful information and resources that parents and guardians can utilize to help teach their teens safe-driving habits. The kit includes information on driving safely in poor weather, such as fog, rain, ice, and snow; handling special weather hazards, including flooding, snowplows, and black ice; teen defensive driver programs; resources for parents; and more.
Additional information on teen driver safety can be found on the OHSP’s website.
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Friendly Reminders for On Campus Driving |
To help ease congestion and ensure a smooth start to the day, doors at Meridian Junior High School and Meridian Elementary open at 7:30 AM. We encourage families to take advantage of this earlier access to help reduce traffic backups.
General Safe Driving Reminders
Stay focused: Avoid distractions like cell phone use while driving on campus.
Follow traffic flow: Be patient, courteous, and aware of pedestrians at all times. Use crosswalks: Always yield to crossing students and staff.
Meridian Elementary Drop-Off Guidelines (Curb Lane)
To keep traffic moving efficiently and students safe:
Pull forward as far as possible before stopping. Each vehicle behind should do the same. Unload anywhere along the sidewalk once traffic has stopped — our goal is for 8–10 vehicles to unload simultaneously. Be ready: Have backpacks on, hugs given, and goodbyes shared before you reach the sidewalk zone to help keep things flowing.
Important:
If you need to get out of your vehicle to assist your child for any reason — unbuckling a seatbelt, helping with a backpack, walking them to the door — you must park in the designated spaces in the high school parking lot. Then, safely walk your child across to the sidewalk at the end of the elementary building. Do not exit your vehicle in the drop-off lane. This creates delays and safety hazards for others.
Your commitment to these practices plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all. Thank you for doing your part to help every Mustang start and end their day safely.
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Meridian Junior High School
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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
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Looking to build strength, speed, and confidence? Join Coach Swieton for Speed and Strength conditioning! Offered as an elective at the high school and also available after school, this program is open to all MJHS and MECHS students. Athletes gain endurance, power, and healthy habits that support success in sports and beyond. Whether you’re on a team or just want to get stronger, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself and reach new goals.
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The Meridian Early Childhood Center preschoolers are off to a wonderful start!
Our students have quickly settled into their school routines and are excited for the many fun fall activities ahead. Soon, local firefighters will visit to share important fire safety lessons, and we’ll host our first-ever Touch-A-Truck event featuring four different vehicles for the children to explore. In addition, our Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) students are gearing up for their first field trip of the year to Leaman’s Green Applebarn.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sanford McDonald’s and all of our Early Childhood Center families who supported our very first McTeacher’s Night. Thanks to your generosity, we raised more than $1,000 to support much-needed items for our school. It was a joy to spend time with our families outside of the classroom and celebrate our community together!
Enrollment Opportunities
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
A few openings remain for this free preschool program. Children who turn four by December 1, 2025 are eligible to attend Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The program includes breakfast, lunch, and snack each day, transportation within Meridian district lines, and all field trip costs. GSRP runs through mid-May 2026.
👉 Apply at www.preschoolpartnership.org or call Julie Sheets at (989) 687-3460.
Tuition-Based Three-Year-Old Preschool
We also have limited spots available in our three-year-old program. Children who turn three by December 1, 2025 may attend Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Tuition is $625 per month (for eight months) and includes breakfast, lunch, and engaging learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and joy. The program runs through early May 2026.
👉 Apply at www.preschoolpartnership.org or call Julie Sheets at (989) 687-3460.
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We are proud to announce that Payten Coggins has been named the 2025 Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen. Chosen by the Meridian Early College High School staff, Payten was recognized for exemplifying the qualities of:
Dependability – truthfulness, loyalty, and punctuality
Service – cooperation, courtesy, and consideration for others
Leadership – personality, self-control, and responsibility
Patriotism – unselfish dedication to family, school, community, and nation
Payten will be honored at a special ceremony this fall and will also represent Meridian in a scholarship competition.
We are so proud of you, Payten!
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🎭 The Meridian Drama Club Presents… 🎭
“10 Ways to Survive the Holidays”
by Don Zolidis
📅 November 20 – 22, 2025
📍 Meridian High School Auditorium
✨ Kick off the holiday season with us—before the rush sets in! This sidesplitting comedy takes you on a hilarious journey through holiday mishaps and chaos. Perfect fun for the whole family!
🎟️ Tickets Available Now!
Purchase at the door (cash only)
Buy online: Click Here to Purchase Tickets
This production of “10 Ways to Survive the Holidays” is presented through special arrangement with Stage Partners (www.yourstagepartners.com).
👉 Don’t miss it—the perfect way to start your holiday season with laughter! 🎁
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