The Hive Happenings

As we move further into the semester, our focus at Meridian remains clear: continuing to strengthen learning and supporting students in showing up each day ready to grow.

This year has come with its share of disruptions, and we know that consistent routines matter for students. As a campus, we are continuing to evaluate instruction, provide support where it’s needed, and encourage positive habits that help students be successful—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

One of the most important factors in student success is being present. When students come to school consistently, they stay connected to learning, to their teachers, and to the relationships that support them. We appreciate our families’ help in reinforcing the importance of attendance and daily effort.

To celebrate students who are showing up, we have two upcoming attendance incentives:

• Perfect Attendance Lunch – Tuesday, February 3
• Attendance Field Trip to the Movies – Thursday, February 13

Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting our students and staff. Together, we will keep moving forward—focused on growth, pride, and what’s best for kids.

Outstanding showing by our Yellowjackets and Lady Jackets yesterday at the Meridian Powerlifting Meet against some stiff competition!

Results are as follows:

Anthony Alonzo 2nd 114s

Aden McNett 6th 123s

AB Torres 5th 132s

Zack Smith 1st (U) 132s

Hayden Cummings 1st (U) 148s

Dustin Padgett 1st (U) 165s

Kyler Kerbow 2nd (U) 165s

Zeek Mabry 2nd 181s

Jose Cuevas 1st (U) 181s

Devon Eakin 1st (U) 220s

William Boganwright 1st (U) 242s

Cristian Whitmer 2nd (U) 242s

Briar Preston 1st (U) 308

Stephen Potter 1st (U) SHW+

Tori Bible 4th 132s

Bailey Hay 8th 132s

Hannah Beaudin 5th 148s

Landri Duke 7th 181s

Aaliyah Washington 1st (U) 198s

Congratulations to Caleb Cummings, Noah Smith, Dawson Cummings, and Colby Cummings on a fantastic performance with the Centex Honor Band on Saturday night! They represented MHS and the band program well.

At Meridian High School, February is a meaningful time to pause and focus on what matters most—relationships. Through our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) work, we continue to build classrooms where students feel safe, valued, and connected.

This month, our focus is on:

• Strengthening relationships between students and staff
• Intentional check-ins to ensure students feel seen and supported
• Respectful communication that builds trust and belonging

When students feel connected, they are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to do the hard work learning requires. Every greeting at the door, every encouraging word, and every moment of listening makes a difference.

Families play an important role in this work, too. Simple conversations at home—asking students how their day went, who they connected with, or what they’re proud of—help reinforce the sense of belonging we strive to create at school.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to grow hearts, minds, and strong relationships at MHS.

**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.**

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!

Jasmin Brown is a graduating senior with big dreams and a grateful heart. After graduation, Jasmin plans to attend Texas Tech University, where she will major in Chemistry before pursuing her goal of attending dental school.

Some of Jasmin’s favorite high school memories come from her time in Ag, especially the many Ag trips and livestock shows. She shared that she will miss showing animals the most—along with the opportunity to spend time with friends at shows and the strong sense of community that came with being part of the Ag program. The friendships and relationships she built through Ag are memories she says she will cherish for a lifetime.

Jasmin would also like to express her appreciation to Mr. Gann for believing in her from the very beginning. She credits him for giving her the opportunity to show livestock in 8th grade and helping her get started with her first goat—affectionately remembered as “Larry the devil goat.” Jasmin shared that Mr. Gann’s encouragement, guidance, and belief in her, even through challenging times, made a lasting impact on her life.

We are incredibly proud of Jasmin and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in the future. Congratulations, Jasmin—we wish you nothing but success as you chase your dreams! 🎉

Attendance Lunch - 02/03/2026

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.

🌟 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 Doughty was nominated anonymously. They said, "He goes above and beyond for the kids."

The Kerbows were nominated by Mrs. Beaudin. She said, "They work so hard to help kids. As they serve together, they both share the same message with students: "You can be successful even in dealing with difficult challenges! Don't quit!" Love this and appreciate the dedication they show to MISD each week! Thank you both."

Mrs. Paceley was nominated anonymously. They said, "She has a fun attitude and is very supportive of every student no matter who you are! "

Mrs. Alonzo was nominated anonymously. They said, "Her dedication and effort are evident in every aspect of her work. The positive changes we see at home, along with the clear and thoughtful communication sent home, reflect the care and consistency she brings each day. Her professionalism and character speak volumes about her commitment to her students."

The Coaching Staff was nominated by Mrs. Beaudin. She said, "The Spring Semester is full of various athletic activities which requires hours and hours of work outside the school day. Most of our coaches also teach in the classroom and have families to care for as well. To balance all of this requires a level of dedication that deserves a THANK YOU!"

Mrs. Dunn & Mrs. Gilbert were nominated by Mrs. Beaudin. She said, "It's One Act Play time again...which means a gigantic responsibility falls on their shoulders to prepare students, gather props, find costumes, coordinate practices with more practices and more practices. It's not an easy task to lead kids in excellence but that's exactly what these ladies do both in the classroom and with OAP. Thank you for caring for kids!"

Mr. Y was nominated by Mrs. Beaudin. She said, "He works hard to create a platform where the talents and gifts of student musicians are on display. Musical talent and the arts are highly valuable and I'm thankful for a program and director that highlights those talents and creates unique opportunities for students to share those abilities with others."

Nurse Amy was nominated by Elaine Hankins. She said, "She is an outstanding nurse and cares about our kids. She goes above and beyond to make me feel that my child is safe and well."

Mr. Prost was nominated by Elaine Hankins. She said, "A teacher who cares about his students. All the kid's love him."

Coach Sterling was nominated anonymously. They said, "Because he is a hard working coach."

Mrs. Edmiston was nominated anonymously. They said, "She works her tail off helping us in class and doesn't get enough credit for working hard."

Mrs. Alonzo was nominated anonymously. They said, "This outstanding teacher's tireless commitment is truly inspiring. She stays late to ensure readiness for her students, invests her earnings in classroom materials, and persistently seeks innovative solutions. Her selflessness is evident in her willingness to show up, even on difficult days, recognizing the greater impact on her students and colleagues. Let's acknowledge this remarkable educator's dedication, passion, and generosity; she's a shining example of teaching at its finest."

Mrs. Alonzo was nominated anonymously. They said, "She’s helped my daughter tremendously. She loves going to school now and is excelling in every aspect. She’s an amazing teacher!"

Mariyah Hernandez-Mar was nominated by Coach Flournoy. He said, "She has been working hard and making great strides in her academic progress."

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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 January 30, 2026:

6th grade: 97.09% 🔼

7th grade: 96.76% 🔽

8th grade: 98.18%🔽

9th grade: 96.17%🔽

10th grade: 95.27% 🔽

11th grade: 94.90% 🔽

12th grade: 95.86% 🔼

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!

• 02/02/26 – JH Boys Basketball @ Bosqueville
• 02/03/26 – JV/V Girls & Boys Basketball vs Itasca
• 02/05/26 – JH Girls Basketball vs Bosqueville
• 02/06/26 – JV/V Girls & Boys Basketball vs Rapoport
• 02/07/26 – UIL Solo & Ensemble
• 02/09/26 – JH Boys Basketball
• 02/10/26 – JV/V Girls & Boys Basketball vs Rio Vista
• 02/11/26 – JH Basketball vs Kerens
• 02/13/26 – HS Boys Basketball vs Valley Mills
• 02/15/26 – President’s Day (Student Holiday)
• 02/16/26 – 5th Six Weeks Begins
• 02/20/26 – Whitney Powerlifting Meet
• 02/23/26 – JH Track @ Meridian Tri-Meet
• 02/24/26 – Varsity Baseball vs TBD
• 02/26/26 – HS Track @ Meridian Tri-Meet
• 02/27/26 – Varsity Baseball vs TBD
• 03/02/26 – San Antonio Ag Mechanics Show
• 03/03/26 – Varsity Baseball @ TBD
• 03/05/26 – HS Track @ TBD
• 03/06/26 – Varsity Baseball @ TBD
• 03/09/26 – State Tractor CDE
• 03/10/26 – JH Track @ TBD
• 03/12/26 – HLSR Heifer Show
• 03/13/26 – Boys Powerlifting
• 03/16/26 – Spring Break (Student/Staff Holiday)
• 03/17/26 – Spring Break (Student/Staff Holiday)
• 03/18/26 – Spring Break (Student/Staff Holiday)
• 03/19/26 – Spring Break (Student/Staff Holiday)
• 03/20/26 – Spring Break (Student/Staff Holiday)
• 03/23/26 – JH Track @ TBD
• 03/24/26 – Varsity Baseball vs TBD
• 03/26/26 – HLSR Steer Show
• 03/27/26 – HS Academic UIL
• 03/30/26 – Varsity Baseball vs TBD
• 04/01/26 – End of the 5th Six Weeks