The Meridian Hoot
January 2026 Family Newsletter
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Working Together - Soaring Together
Mission:
- The mission of Meridian Public Charter School is to inspire a passion for learning in our students and to help them build their self-confidence and self-respect through academic achievement.
Vision:
- One Student, One Community, One City... the World Intersects at Meridian
From the Desk of Dr. Taylor
Dear Meridian PCS Parents and Families,
I hope your holiday season was filled with rest, warmth, and memorable time with family and friends. As we welcome everyone back from winter break, we are excited to begin a new year of learning, growth, and connection here in the owls’ nest.
Classrooms are buzzing with energy as students return ready to build on the academic momentum they created before the break. From deepening core skills to exploring new ideas, there is so much more to look forward to in the months ahead.
This spring, we're excited to launch new initiatives that will enhance our work in language, literacy and the arts - expanding how students express themselves and strengthen their foundations for long-term success. We will be sharing more details soon and look forward to celebrating these milestones with you.
Thank you for your ongoing trust, encouragement, and partnership. Together with our dedicated staff, your support helps us continue shaping curious, confident learners as we move forward in 2026.
With Literacy and Justice for All,
Dr. Rikki Taylor
Executive Director
January Upcoming Events
- Monday, January 12 - ANet Testing Day 1 (ELA)
- Tuesday, January 13 - ANet Testing Day 2 (Math)
- Monday, January 19 - No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
- Wednesday, January 21 - End of Quarter 2
- Friday, January 23 - Quarter 2 Report Cards Emailed Home
- Tuesday, January 27 - School Picture Day (8th grade cap & gown)
Monthly School Menus
Click here to view January school menus.
Inclement Weather Policy Reminder
As we move deeper into the winter season , please review our Inclement Weather Policy for SY25-26.
We will continue to communicate any adjusted school activities throughout the coming months.
Inside Academics
ANet testing will take place next week. See the following testing schedule below:
Monday, January 12: Reading (Multiple Choice)
Tuesday, January 13: Reading (Constructed Response)
Thursday, January 15: Math (Multiple Choice)
Friday, January 16: Math (Constructed Response)
Tuesday - Wednesday, January 20-21: Make-up Testing
MSC:
- Monday, January 12: Reading
- Tuesday, January 13: Math
- Wednesday - Friday, January 14-16: Make-up Testing
You can help your student do their best by making sure they receive a good night’s rest and arrive on time for school to prepare for testing.
Campus Connect
Stay connected with what’s happening at each campus:
ESC Vision Clinic
Thanks to our partnership with the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metro Washington, 29 of our ESC students received two free pairs of eyeglasses after our on-site vision clinic. We’re grateful to our partner and their support in helping our students see their bright futures more clearly.
MSC First Friday
Starting this month, all middle school campus (MSC) students will receive a short FYI email on the first Friday of every month. Emails will include top things to know for the month ahead - important dates, tests, events, and reminders - sent straight to students’ school emails. First Friday FYI’s will support building awareness, autonomy and responsibility with our MSC students.
Beyond the Classroom
Intramural Basketball at the ESC
Intramural basketball sign-ups are now available for ESC families. This winter, students can join the competition through teams for Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. See the game schedule below:
Season Dates: January 27 - February 19, 2026
Grades K-2: Tuesdays from 4 - 5:50pm
Grades 3-5: Thursdays from 4-5:50pm
Spaces are limited, and filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. The registration deadline is Friday, January 16, 2026 (no late registrations accepted). Click here to register today!
SmartPass for the MSC
As we return from break, our school will begin using SmartPass. SmartPass is a digital hall pass system. It helps us know where students are when they leave the classroom and makes sure everyone is safe. SmartPass also helps students stay focused on learning. It makes sure students are not spending too much time in the hallways and are returning to class quickly. This helps students get the most out of their learning time.
If you have any questions about SmartPass, please reach out to a member of the MSC leadership team.
Let's Hear from You!
Community Nest
Check out what's going on around the District with community programs and resources below:
Stay Connected
Email: info@meridian-dc.org
ESC Phone: 202-387-9830 | MSC Phone: 202-793-2667
Website: www.meridian-dc.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpcsdcOWLS/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpcs_dc/