The Hive Happenings

Attendance doesn’t just affect learning — it directly affects the funding our school receives.

Since the start of the semester, Meridian High School has lost approximately $37,129 in funding due to student absences.

Here’s the calculation behind that number:

(196.5 − 190.49) × 6,160 ≈ $37,129

These dollars help support staff, programs, classroom materials, and student opportunities. When students miss school, the impact is real — and it adds up quickly. Thank you for helping us keep students in school and engaged.

Last week, we reminded families about our BIG six-weeks goal: 98% attendance.

We wrapped up the week at 96.25%, and we’re pushing hard to climb even higher!

Here’s what’s waiting when we hit 98%:

💈 Chaz and Cash Spivey – A student gets to 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 all the way to 99% attendance?

🔥 Mr. Pittman will let a student shave his hair and beard!

Let’s keep building momentum, Yellowjackets. Every day in class counts! 💛🖤

It’s been a memorable week full of pride, celebration, and Yellow Jacket spirit!

🎉Veterans Day Program
We came together as a community to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Our Veterans Day Program was heartfelt, meaningful, and a powerful tribute to those who protect our freedoms.

🏆 Golden Jacket Awards – A Huge Success
The first-ever Golden Jacket Awards was a hit! We had an incredible turnout as we celebrated the hard work, leadership, and accomplishments of our amazing Yellow Jackets. Thank you to everyone who helped make this inaugural event so special.

🎭 JH One Act Play Takes 1st Place!
Congratulations to our Junior High One Act Play team for bringing home FIRST PLACE at their competition! A big shoutout to our talented students and to Ms. Dunn and Mrs. Beaudin for their outstanding direction and support.

🎺 Band of Gold Performs at Tarleton Band Day
Our Band of Gold students shined at Tarleton Band Day, performing with excellence and making Meridian proud!

🍁 Only One More Week Until Thanksgiving Break!
It’s been a fantastic week at Meridian ISD — let’s finish strong as we count down to a well-deserved Thanksgiving Break!

This week, we were proud to welcome our Meridian ISD School Board members—Bobby Taylor, Kyle Hood, Awnya Dietiker, Mark Arnold, Wendy Cummings, Darci Allen, and Larry Denman—into both our elementary and high school campuses for board walks.

These visits gave our board members a firsthand look at the heart of our schools: our students and teachers. They spent time in classrooms, listened to student and teacher perspectives, and saw the incredible learning, energy, and growth happening across both campuses.

We are grateful for their commitment to staying connected to our classrooms and for taking the time to hear directly from our kids. Their support helps us continue moving forward as a united, student-centered community.

Board walks will continue on November 18th as part of their ongoing effort to stay engaged and informed about the great things happening across Meridian ISD.

Our Meridian Band students and NHS members are honored to partner with Wreaths Across America this year as we work to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom.

This year’s ceremony will take place on December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Meridian Cemetery, with wreath placement immediately following. During the ceremony, volunteers will place wreaths on the graves of our veterans and speak each name aloud—an act of remembrance that keeps their legacy alive.

Our students are working hard to support this event, and we still need 10 more wreaths sponsored to honor every veteran resting at Meridian Cemetery.

You can order wreaths by clicking the button below. 👇👇

For any questions, please contact Daniel Yguerabide.

Thank you for supporting our kids, our community, and the veterans who gave so much for our freedom.

Coach Schur is proud to announce this year’s district award winners! These athletes have shown incredible effort, teamwork, and dedication all season long — both on the court and in the classroom. Congratulations to all of our Lady Jackets for representing Meridian with pride!

Newcomer of the District- Abigail Dietiker

First Team All District- Daylee Gilbert

Second Team All District- Dyna Potter

Honorable Mention- Mailey Padgett, Sarah Rosales, Afton Smith, and Ava Whitman

Academic All District- Bailey Hay, Daylee Gilbert, Mailey Padgett, Afton Smith, Ava Whitman, Hannah Beaudin, Dyna Potter, Abigail Dietiker, Katelyn Ramirez, Sarah Rosales, Mgrs: Karla Pribble and Addyson Scott

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 week, we’re keeping the spirit of gratitude alive! Did you know that a simple thank-you note can brighten someone’s entire day? We’re encouraging all Yellow Jackets to take a few minutes to write a note to a teacher, staff member, or coach who has made a difference in your life this semester.

It doesn’t have to be long — just a few words from the heart can mean the world. You might thank them for:

• Helping you understand something new
• Supporting you during a tough day
• Making learning fun or exciting

Tip: Fold your note, drop it in their mailbox, or hand it to them in person — the personal touch is what makes it special!

Let’s fill our school with gratitude and positivity — one note at a time. Your words have the power to inspire and encourage our teachers, staff, and each other!

**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!

Dustin Padgett, a proud member of the Class of 2026, is the son of Bubba Padgett and LeeAnn Ardeneaux. Throughout his high school career, Dustin has been incredibly active, participating in six different sports: football, basketball, powerlifting, golf, baseball, and track. In addition to athletics, he has been involved in FFA and the Volunteer Fire Department, showing his dedication both on and off the field.

Academically and personally, Dustin has achieved a great deal. He is a member of the National Honor Society, received the Fighting Heart Award during the 2024–2025 school year, and has earned Academic All-District honors in both football and basketball for the past three years. Despite all his accomplishments, Dustin cherishes the simple moments most, especially giving his sister Mailey sweaty hugs after every football game, which stands out as his favorite high school memory. His most special high school memory was going to state in Track.

Looking ahead, Dustin plans to pursue a career as a welder and earn his associate's degree in Precision Machinery, ready to build a successful future through his strong work ethic. Known for always putting his friends and teammates first, Dustin’s big heart, loyalty, and dedication make him a truly special Yellow Jacket.

💛🖤 Congratulations, Dustin! We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what your future holds!

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

11/21/25 - Help serve Perfect Attendance lunch to 100 students, and help with Staffgiving meal (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)

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):

Mrs. Hood was nominated anonymously. They said, "Not only does Mrs. Hood help our school run smoothly, she also strives to see the positive in every situation and gives grace to others, always! She makes those around her better people!"

Coach Smith was nominated Dr. Paceley. "On the night of the Award Ceremony, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut-off. Coach asked if there was anything he could help with and I tasked him with helping me sort and pass out awards during my program. Without any advance notice, he jumped right in on the spot to assist me. He made my night run so much smoother!"

Coach Krueger was nominated anonymously. They said, "Coach Krueger is always willing to lend a helping hand and help any student in need!"

Ms. Dunn was nominated by Mrs. Beaudin. She said, "She absolutely loves our MISD kids and it's incredibly evident in her hard work to teach and guide them toward excellence. She's the JH cheer sponsor, JH UIL coordinator, JH OAP director, HS OAP director and the BEST classroom teacher!!!!!! I cannot say enough wonderful things about her and her heart for kids."

Dustin Padgett was nominated by Coach Schur. She said, "His continuous hard work in College Algebra!"

Garett Pope was nominated anonymously. They said, "Garrett is such a joy to have in class and is a very hard worker. He is a fantastic role model to those around him!"

Lila Lane was nominated anonymously. They said, "Lila has been an asset to our school from day 1. She pushed herself to be the best she can be and does the same with her peers. I am glad that she is a Yellowjacket!"

Bailey Hay was nominated anonymously. They said, "Bailey is a fantastic role model to those around her. She works hard everyday to be the best she can be!"

Logan Denman was nominated anonymously. They said, "Logan is a very dedicated student who ensures he has taken care of business each day. He understands the importance of valuing his education and strives to be the best he can be."

Zeek Mabry was nominated anonymously. They said, "Zeek does a fantastic job of staying on top of his studies. Even when he is out, he emails his teachers to ensure he does not get behind. As his teachers, I greatly appreciate his dedication!"

The Junior High One Act Play Students were nominated by Mrs. Beaudin. She said, "They worked so hard in addition to doing football, volleyball, XC, cheer, etc., and they all did a fantastic job at contest winning for the 3rd year in a row!! These kids are ROCK STARS!!"

Ulani Davenport was nominated by Coach Schur. She said, "I really enjoy having Ulani in class this year. She comes in with a great attitude every day. She has a bright future ahead of her!"

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

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 November 15, 2025:

6th grade: 97.43% 🔼

7th grade: 97.08% 🔼

8th grade: 98.12%🔽

9th grade: 96.92%🔽

10th grade: 96.42% 🔽

11th grade: 96.35% 🔽

12th grade: 96.60% 🔼

**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!

• 11/17/25 - 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
• 12/14/25 - Winter Concert (Full Band Program 5th - 12th)
• 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