SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Dear Parents,
Welcome to The Meridian School at Unicorn Village. Your child has so much in store this academic year. We appreciate that there are many other excellent schools on the island which you could have selected, and we consider it an honor to service your needs. Thank you for selecting us. Welcome back to all of our families from last year. We were counting the days until it was time for you to return. We extend a special welcome to all of our new students and their families who will be joining us for the first time. You are in for an amazing academic adventure. You are now a part of a very unique community.
We have great news!! In June 2005 our entire Junior School body took the IOWA Test of Basic Skills. These tests are research-based and provide valuable information regarding children's academic development and school performance.
It gives us immeasurable pride to announce that our school scored consistently in the above average range for Language, Math and Science when compared with other schools internationally. In fact, our class averages in years 4, 5 and 6 ranged from 1.1 years to 3 years above international norms. We feel that these results affirm our approach to learning. The performance of children who are happy and comfortable in their academic environment is enhanced. We have high expectations of our students and our aim is to equip them with the necessary skills to excel locally and internationally.
We will receive many visitors to the school during this academic year as our school is now viewed as an international model. Calvert School representatives have asked permission for new school partners to liaise with The Meridian School in the development of new schools worldwide. We consider this responsibility quite an honor. Our school is indeed an idea whose time has come.
It is fitting at this time to renew our commitment to providing your children the best possible academic foundation in an environment fueled by the love of and respect for children. Our school is a very special place indeed. As we enter our ninth year of academic excellence, our children are reaping the fruit of our efforts. They are achieving excellent results in the international academic arena. In addition, they are poised to become outstanding citizens. The Meridian School is creating a new culture in the Bahamas. Our children understand the value of hard work and the rewards associated with same. They also understand the importance of self respect, respect for others and accountability.
Our Faculty
Our faculty has been carefully selected to provide a full and enriching academic experience.
Welcome Center Ms. Ann-Marie
Nursery Ms. Anya & Ms. Vernessa
Rising 3s Ms. Nadia & Ms. Dedrie
Rising 4s Ms. Terez & Ms. Kai
Rising 4s Ms. Lisa & Ms. Shaniqua
Rising 5s Ms. Renay & Ms. Tamika
Rising 5s Ms. Bernadette & Ms. Tina
Year 1 Ms. Tangerine & Ms. Alexis
Year 2 Ms. Kisha & Ms. Marsha
Year 3 Ms. Kristal
Year 4 Ms. Gina & Ms. Kenisha
Years 5/6 Ms. Allyson & Dr. Neely
Spanish Senora Layla
Spanish Senora Irma
Music Ms. Fawkes
Swimming& Sports Coach Christian
Housekeeping Ms. Francis & Senora Marcia
Kitchen Ms. Connie
Maintenance Mr. Marcial & Mr. Moiseis
School Hours
Pre-school, (Nursery - Rising 5s) begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Junior school, (Years 1 - 6) begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m.). We offer complimentary early drop-off supervision from 7:00 a.m. We also offer an after care program from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. or any part thereof, at a cost of $10.00 per child, per day. Please be sure to collect your child promptly. Be advised that children not collected by 3:30 will be placed in an after care activity. Each day special interest activities are scheduled for the children who remain after school. Younger children enjoy craft activities, free play, story time, and musical activities. A schedule of after care activities will follow.
Driveway Rules
Our driveway can be the source of many unpleasant experiences if we do not abide by the rules. Parking is located on the parcel of land just opposite the school. Please do not park in the driveway under any circumstances. This area is designed for parents who do not wish to enter the building and would like to have their child escorted to and from their classrooms. If you wish to use the valet service, keep left as you enter the covered drive through, stop at the front door and someone will assist you promptly. Upon delivery or receipt of your child continue forward to exit the school. DO NOT DRIVE IN REVERSE TO EXIT THE SCHOOL. The driveway will be closed to vehicular traffic for the first few days of school to allow the staff to become familiar with the parents and vice-versa.
Uniform Policy
At The Meridian School we believe it is important that our students are well dressed, smart and presentable during both on and off campus activities.
It is the policy of the school that students are to be dressed in proper school attire at all times. We encourage the parents of our students to ensure that their child comes to school in the correct uniform. Children not dressed in correct uniform must present a written explanation to their class teacher. If you are unsure of the uniform requirements, please see the receptionist for a list of approved school attire.
Lunch and snacks
Children will need lunch and snacks each day. Please do not send Peanut butter or peanut products to school. There are two members of our student body who are SEVERLY allergic to peanuts. Contact with peanut butter, oil, or residue could be life threatening. Please be sure to send ample drinking water as well. Snacks and sandwiches are available at the kitchen. If you are interested in purchasing lunch for your child, please collect a menu from the Welcome Centre. In order to facilitate the lunch ordering process, please complete your child's weekly order form at the beginning of each week. All lunch and snack orders must be paid in advance.
PTA Annual General Meeting
The Parent Teacher Association of The Meridian School will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 12th September from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Superclubs Breezes Resort, Cable Beach. Please join the faculty of The Meridian School for an evening of celebration in honor of our children. We have so much to be thankful for; a wonderful facility, enthusiastic faculty, supportive parents, children who love coming to school and our outstanding school wide performance in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.
The evening will be a time to get to know our faculty, meet other families, learn about the school's plans for development and find out how you can assist in this process. A full academic commentary will be given at this time, as well as an account of all new features of the school i.e., New computers, Technology in the classroom, Time Magazine for Kids - subscriptions for each child in Rising 5's and higher, the new Science Center and an update on the Sports Field. Refreshments will be served.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns at any time, I am always available to address same in a prompt manner. Please feel free to contact me via telephone, email, or come into my office. My office hours are 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily.
On the first Monday of each month a newsletter will be emailed to you. Additionally it will be posted on our website. It is your responsibility to read and retain for your information. Most other correspondence will be sent via email. Please see your class teacher if you do not receive this welcome letter in your inbox or if you do not have an email address.
We have lots in store for your children and we are off to a sensational start!
Lisa N. Sawyer-McCartney (Director)