Melissa Ridge Education Center

Happy New Year and welcome back! We hope your winter break was filled with love, laughter, and relaxation. It was such a joy to see so many of you at our End-of-Year Celebration in December. Your support and enthusiasm made it a truly special event for our students and staff. Thank you for being part of it!

As we kick off the new semester, we are thrilled to invite you to join us for another exciting event: Family Engagement Night on Tuesday, January 30! This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with our school community and participate in engaging activities with your child. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. We can’t wait to see you there!

To help us all start the semester on the right foot, please review a few important morning arrival reminders:

• Arrive on Time: Doors open at 7:00 and the day begins promptly at 7:30. A punctual start ensures your child doesn’t miss important moments of their day.
• Safety is Key: Follow staff directions during drop-off to ensure a smooth and secure process for everyone. Please review reminders and updates to morning arrival.
• Be Prepared: Having your child ready with their backpack and belongings will keep things moving efficiently.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and welcoming environment for our students.

We are so excited to welcome your children back as we embark on an incredible journey of learning, growth, and fun this semester. Let’s make it the best one yet!

Welcome Back!
Kimberly Cole
Principal

WALK-UP

• Parents MUST park at Cardinal Stadium. Please remember to park at the stadium. This helps keep our parking lot clear and safe for buses and staff members. Your cooperation in this is greatly appreciated!
• Parents will escort their student to the SGC gym where MREC staff members will receive students at 7:00 am.
• Ensure that you are saying bye to your child in the "Hug and Go Zone" (Please do not go beyond the tree)
• Please be cognizant of others while on Cardinal Drive. During the morning hours, there is more traffic than usual.

CARPOOL LINE

• The carpool line will begin at 7:15 a.m.
• Please pull all the way forward when directed by staff on duty.
• Ensure that your child is ready to exit the car when you stop.
• Drivers MUST remain in the vehicle.
• Staff members will open the car door.
• Carpool will close at 7:30 a.m.
• Students arriving after 7:30 a.m. will enter with a parent through the front office.

January

7 - Students Return

9 - School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

13 - Melissa Public Library visits MREC

15 - Smiles in School

20 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No School)

30 - Hot Cocoa & Counting! (Family Curriculum Night)

We will be offering a Smiles in School clinic to all Pre-K and ECSE students on Wednesday, January 15th. The clinic is provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The dental team will set up in the library and provide free oral exams, fluoride and sealants to students who consent to treatment.

At Melissa ISD, our students, staff, and families are at the heart of everything we do. As we head into 2025, we’re excited to share updates on new schools and facilities that will empower all students to reach their full potential. Our commitment to integrity drives us to create lasting spaces that meet the needs of our growing community. Learn more at www.melissaisd.org/move

The Melissa ISD academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, as recommended by the District Site-Based Decision Committee, has been approved by the Board of Trustees. To access the school calendar, visit www.melissaisd.org/calendar.

Our new Community News Folder is designed to help local businesses and organizations share family-friendly programs, fundraisers, events, and activities with the community. The folder is updated regularly, so don't forget to check back often. This week, you'll find details on exciting events like performances of The Nutcracker, Selfies with Santa, and the Santa's Helpers 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run. If you'd like to feature your business or organization's events in the Community News Folder, please visit our Community Connections webpage for more information.

Come cheer on our Cardinal athletic teams and show them your support! All our teams have had a tremendous start to their seasons, showcasing the strength and dedication of our student-athletes. Pack the stands with Cardinal spirit and have some fun with these game-day dress-up themes for both varsity boys and girls basketball.

Stay informed about what's going on at our campuses and upcoming events by following us on social media. Melissa ISD can be found on Facebook and Instagram, and each campus has its own Facebook page. Melissa High School also has a dedicated Instagram account. Don't miss out—follow us today.