The Hive Happenings

Meridian High School families, we’ve set a BIG goal for this six weeks — 98% attendance! Last week we reached 95%, so let’s see if we can take it even higher.

If we hit our goal, some fun (and a little messy) surprises are in store:

💈 Chaz and Cash Spivey – will let a student shave their heads on stage.

🥧 Dr Paceley, Miss Whitmer & a Coach – ready to take a pie to the face!

🎨 Mr. Prost – will let a student dye his beard bright neon colors!

And if we go above and beyond with 99% attendance, get ready for the ultimate event — Mr. Pittman will let a student shave his hair AND beard!

We’re encouraging all students to show up every day and be part of this fun school spirit challenge. Let’s make this six weeks one to remember! 💛🖤

It’s been another great week at Meridian High School! Our students have been working hard as we wrap up this grading period, and I continue to be so proud of their dedication both in and out of the classroom. We’ve seen great energy in our hallways, solid attendance overall, and teachers doing amazing things to keep students engaged and growing.

Looking ahead, we have a few big events on the horizon! On Tuesday, we’ll come together for our Veterans Day Program to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. This is always a powerful moment for our students to show their gratitude and respect.

Then on Thursday, we’ll celebrate our students’ accomplishments during our Golden Jacket Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. It’s such a joy to recognize students for their hard work, growth, and leadership.

We’re also introducing a new attendance incentive to keep the momentum going! Attendance plays such a big role in student success, and we want to reward those who show up and give their best every day. I mean who doesn't want to me in the face -- right?!?

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we move through another wonderful six weeks at Meridian High School.

Reminder to join us at our MISD Veteran's Day Program at MHS gym. Breakfast for Veterans and spouse will be served in the cafeteria starting at 7:15 a.m.

"Here are my CHK pictures from the team dinner I hosted the other night. Dinner and team building games, and of course, celebrating Coach's birthday with some sweets!"

"Proud of Daniel for taking the lead with helping with the announcements."

We celebrated our last pep rally of the school year—and an extra special one for our seniors! The Class of 2026 celebrated their final pep rally with energy, laughter, and a heartfelt reminder that “This is not an ending; this is just the beginning.”

This group is truly something special—each student bringing their own unique personality, quirks, and strengths that make them who they are. We’re so proud of how far they’ve come and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

Many families in our community have been impacted by the recent government shutdown, and now more than ever, our students and staff have an opportunity to make a difference. Meridian High School is partnering with the Bosque County Food Bank to help ensure that families across our county have food for the holidays and beyond.

We’ll be collecting nonperishable food items from November 3–21. To make it fun, we’re turning it into a grade-level competition!

🏆 1st Place: Pizza Party
🥈 2nd Place: Ice Cream Party
🥉 3rd Place: Popsicle Party

Students can drop off food items in the following grade-level collection rooms:

• 6th Grade: Mr. Y or Flournoy

• 7th Grade: Alcaraz or Smith

• 8th Grade: Dunn or Gann

• 9th Grade: Norman, G. Schur, C. Kerbow, or Doughty

• 10th Grade: Baucom, Bailey, L. Schur, or Sterling

• 11th Grade: Pittman, Reyes, Krueger, or Dagley

• 12th Grade: Kuykendall, Martinez, Carpenter, or Taylor

Weekly updates will be shared so everyone can see which grade is in the lead! Let’s come together as a Yellowjacket family to support our neighbors and spread kindness this season. 💛

This month, our Capturing Kids’ Hearts focus is Gratitude — one of my favorite themes! Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about slowing down and recognizing the good things, big or small, that happen each day.

At school, we’re encouraging students to look for moments to show appreciation — for their friends, teachers, and even themselves. Gratitude is a simple way to shift our mindset and build a more positive school culture.

At home, you can keep this going by trying a quick family gratitude challenge:

🌻 Share one thing you’re thankful for at dinner or bedtime.

🌻 Send a quick “thank you” message to someone who made your day better.

🌻 Look for the good — even in tough moments.

When our students see gratitude modeled at home and at school, they begin to see how powerful it really is. Together, we can help them grow hearts full of kindness and appreciation. 💛

**Note: Senior Spotlights will feature 2-3 Seniors per week in the newsletters. Students will be put in the newsletter in the order they are received. Reminder that students who do not submit photos will only have their bio posted. As of 11/09/2025, no other seniors have submitted their bios.**

The journey to graduation is filled with achievements, friendships, and unforgettable moments. Meridian High School is proud to shine a spotlight on this year’s seniors, celebrating their hard work, stories, and the bright futures ahead. Join us in recognizing the Class of 2026 — each week in our newsletter, we’ll share personal highlights and memories from our amazing seniors. Let’s honor their dedication and celebrate the start of their next adventure together!

Stay tuned for inspiring stories and help us cheer on the Class of 2026!

Meet Ellie Baker, a shining example of dedication, creativity, and heart here at Meridian High School!

Ellie has made her mark through her involvement in Band of Gold, Not So Jazz Band, Jazz Band, Ready Writing, Literary Criticism, and Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field (pole vault). Her love for music shines brightest in band, where she’s found inspiration and guidance from her favorite teacher, Mr. Martinez.

One of Ellie’s most cherished memories is playing her solo in the rain at Bands of America—a moment that perfectly captures her passion and perseverance. Her favorite artist is AJR, and when she’s not making music, she enjoys fried dumplings and watching La La Land.

Ellie’s proudest accomplishment is advancing to state in band, and she lives by the advice from Ms. Carpenter’s “coffee bean” wisdom: “Even if you are not where you want to be, you can celebrate how far you have come.” Her friends describe her as funny, helpful, and kind, and she’s proud that she never let others stand in the way of her goals.

After graduation, Ellie plans to attend MCC, Tarleton, and Sam Houston State University to study music with the goal of becoming a Music Therapist. In ten years, she sees herself helping others through music, living with her partner, and raising three kids.

A fun fact about Ellie? She works in three different places—a testament to her work ethic and drive! Her dream vacation destination is Greece, and if she could meet anyone from history, she’d choose Selena Quintanilla, who, like Ellie, followed her dreams fearlessly.

Ellie’s senior quote sums it all up beautifully:

“I didn’t have a voice unless I was playing my music. Find your voice.”

We’re so proud of you, Ellie! Your talent and determination will continue to inspire everyone around you.

11/10/25 - Decorate MHS for Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

11/20/25 - Organize food items for food bank (anytime during school day)

A fantastic idea from one of our parents: Meridian High is looking to launch a volunteer program—much like classroom moms but for our whole school! We’d love for parents or family members to help greet students, decorate hallways, make positive phone calls home, and support other school activities. This is a wonderful way to build connections and celebrate our students. Interested in joining the volunteer team or learning more? Let us know by filling out the form.

We will send out a monthly sign up sheet requesting volunteers for events happening at the school. Sign up for one or all. Anyone is welcome! Volunteer forms must be signed in order to participate during school hours.

The Meridian High School Junior Class is gearing up for their upcoming Golf Scramble and is currently seeking local sponsors and donations to help make the event a success!

Starting Friday during jacket period, students in good standing will be visiting local businesses to request sponsorships. Each group is responsible for contacting at least two businesses.

If you or your business would like to support our students and this exciting event, please reach out to Coach Krueger or a member of the Junior Class.

Thank you for helping our Jackets continue to shine—both on and off the course! 💛🖤

🌟 Gold Stars: Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes

Every week, we’ll shine a little spotlight on moments—big and small—that make our campus stronger, kinder, and more connected. Gold Stars aren’t about titles or checklists; they’re about the heart and hustle we see in each other every day.

💡 Want to nominate someone for a Gold Star? Send me a quick note with their name and what they did. All shout-outs are not just welcome—they’re encouraged!

This week's Gold Star Nominations were (insert drum roll here):

Coach Schur was nominated anonymously. The person who nominated her, when asked what amazing thing she does -- they said, "Everything."

Coach Bailey was nominated by Zach Martinez. He said, "Coach really has a gift for implementing fun, creative, engaging projects for his students. Lately all I’ve been hearing is the beef between the loyalists and the patriots, with students proudly showing me their speech’s for their debate like project. Coach’s creativity and dedication to our student’s education is inspiring."

Coach Schur nominated her 7th period Geometry students. She said, "We had a college student who had to teach class as a requirement for her coursework for Grand Canyon University. Here are her words about how our students acted when she was teaching: "I really enjoyed being able to stand in front of the class and deliver the lesson, especially since the students were being so respectful. I thought they did a great job with responding and wanting to work with me."

Kerrington was nominated by Amanda Spivey. She said, "Kerrrington created some graphics for me that will be posted on a bulleting board. She met with me to go over the project. She sent me a sample to see it is represented "my vision". It was done very professionally. Kerrington is currently in a Practicum of Graphic Design and completed this project for me as if she is already a professional out in the world of graphic design. I look forward to asking her to assist in upcoming projects. It is obvious she has taken her graphic design classes very seriously."

Cylan was nominated anonymously. They said, "Cylan is dedicated to his school work, and a great leader for his friends. Nice job, Cylan!"

---------------------

Remember anyone can nominate a teacher, staff member, or student! Let's help build each other up this year to make this the best school year ever! Go Jackets!!

🔼Attendance by grade level as of October 31, 2025:

6th grade: 97.35% 🔼

7th grade: 97.02% 🔽

8th grade: 98.15%🔽

9th grade: 96.96%🔽

10th grade: 96.52% 🔽

11th grade: 96.69% 🔽

12th grade: 96.58% 🔽

**Note: Letters were sent home last Friday for absences and tardies! Call the front office for more information.

Note: A student may not have any absences or tardies to earn the library lunch.

For field trips, a student can have zero unexcused absences, no more than 2 excused absences, and no more than three tardies.

It will reset every three weeks for the lunch and every six weeks for the field trip!

• 11/10/25 - FFA District LDE Contest
• 11/10/25 - JH Girl's Basketball vs Valley Mills
• 11/10/25 - Fall Picture Retakes
• 1/10/25 - November Board Meeting
• 11/11/25 - Veteran's Day Program
• 11/11/25 - Girls Basketball @ Moody
• 11/12/25 - Spring Major Entry Meet @ MHS Cafeteria
• 11/13/25 - MHS Golden Jacket Awards @ 6:00 p.m.
• 11/14/25 - JH OAP @ Glen Rose
• 11/14/25 - Girl's Basketball vs Chilton
• 11/17/25 - JH Basketball (Boys & Girls) vs Blum
• 11/18/25 - HS Boys Basketball @ Wortham
• 11/18/25 - HS Girls Basketball vs Stephenville
• 11/19/25 - Winter Athletic Pictures
• 11/20/25 - Girls Basketball @ Hamilton Tournament
• 11/20/25 - Majors Hog Validation
• 11/21/25 - Girls Basketball @ Hamilton Tournament
• 11/21/25 - HS Boys Basketball vs Hico
• 11/22/25 - Showdown on the Bosque
• 11/24/25 - Girls Basketball @ Axtell
• 11/24/25 - Boys Basketball vs BCH HMS
• 11/25/25 - Girls Basketball vs Western Hills
• 11/25/25 - Boys Basketball vs Oglesby
• 11/24/25 -- 11/28/25 - Thanksgiving Break
• 11/29/25 - Showdown on the Bosque
• 12/01/25 - Girls JH Basketball @ Bosqueville
• 12/01/25 - Boys JH Basketball vs Bosqueville
• 12/02/25 - Dec EOC Alg 1 Retest
• 12/02/25 - Varsity Boys Basketball vs Covington
• 12/03/25 - Dec EOC Eng 1 Retest
• 12/04/25 - Varsity Girls @ Venus Tournament
• 12/04/25 - Dec EOC Eng 2 Retest
• 12/05/25 - Dec EOC BIO Retest
• 12/06/25 - HS Boys Basketball @ Round Rock
• 12/06/25 - Meridian Christmas Parade
• 12/08/25 - JH Girls Basketball vs Crawford
• 12/08/25 - JH Boys Basketball @ Crawford
• 12/09/25 - JH Academic UIL
• 12/09/25 - HS Girls Basketball vs Gordon/Axtell
• 12/09/25 - HS Boys Basketball vs Cransfill Gap
• 12/11/25 - MES Christmas Program
• 12/12/25 - Varsity Girls Basketball @ Lone Oak
• 12/12/25 - Varsity Boys Basketball @ Covington
• 12/15/25 - JH Girls Basketball @ Itasca
• 12/15/25 - JH Boys Basketball vs Itasca
• 12/16/25 - JV/V Girls Basketball vs Valley Mills
• 12/17/25 - End of 3rd Six Weeks
• 12/18/25 - Boys Basketball vs Waco Christian Academy
• 12/18/25 - 01/06/26 -- Christmas Break