5.31.26 Merriam Family Newsletter

Posted Date: 05/31/26 (06:14 PM)

Important Dates

Sat 6/6 - Merriam Community Celebration at PDB, 3:00-5:00pm
Wed 6/10 - Topics Fair
Fri 6/12 - Field Day
Tue 6/16 - 6th Grade Move Up Ceremony, 6:00pm
Fri 6/19 - NO SCHOOL, Juneteenth
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL - Mon 6/22 and Tue 6/23 - EARLY RELEASE DAYS
Thu 6/25 - Last Day of School, EARLY RELEASE

Merriam Field Day Volunteer Sign-Up

If you are interested in volunteering to help out during our Field Day on Friday, June 12th, please complete the following form. Thanks! We need at least 10 activity leaders, 7 more activity supporters, and at least 2 more bathroom runners. Here is the link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedwoDmqA_9ms8hXN6EFU0zJS7AHq2ZdMYEFbBStOeol1EW3Q/viewform?usp=preview

Moving or Leaving?
If you are planning on moving, or your child won't be attending school in the district next year, please call Kathleen or email the main office at merriam_main_office@abschools.org to let her know your plans. This information is essential as the district is balancing classrooms across the district. Kathleen can also walk you thorough the withdrawal process. Thank you for your assistance.

Early Release Days in May and June

Please note that the School Committee voted three special early release days in May and June. We also have an early release day on the last day of school. On early release days, dismissal is at 12:50 and lunch will be provided at school.

For Friday, May 22, Monday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 23, children who are normally scheduled to attend Extended Day on those days of the week can go to Extended Day when school is over, and stay up until 6:00pm.
Thurs, June 25th is the last day of school. Children who are normally scheduled to attend Extended Day on Thursdays can go to Extended Day, however, please note that Extended Day will close at 3:00pm on the last day.

Please plan accordingly, and if changes apply to your family, please make sure to update your Pick Up Patrol Dismissal plans for these four early release days. Thank you!

Early Release Days in June

Monday, June 22
Tuesday, June 23
Thursday, June 25 - XDay until 3:00pm only

AB Forward Family Webinar

During our AB Forward Family Webinar on Wednesday, May 12th, Dr. Juliana Chen, provided comprehensive, evidence-informed guidance for parents navigating the stressors of district-wide school transitions. The core philosophy centered on normalizing the emotional responses of both children and caregivers, emphasizing that while changes are difficult, they are manageable with the right support.

WATCH THE WEBINAR (Key Talking Points Below)

Deep Dive: Supporting Children Through Transition

Behavior as Communication: Stress often manifests as irritability or avoidance; treat these shifts as signs of a child struggling, not misbehaving.
Validate and Inquire: Identify specific worries through curiosity before offering solutions; ensuring children feel heard is essential.
Build Resilience: Help children manage moderate distress to develop emotional stamina rather than removing all discomfort.
Caregivers as Anchors: Maintain a steady tone and avoid urgent language to signal safety, as children look to adults for emotional cues.

Implementation Strategies

Open Communication: Keep discussions honest and calm, inviting questions as they arise.
Maintain Routines: Predictable daily habits provide stability during large transitions.
Facilitate Closure: Use intentional rituals, like writing letters to teachers or visiting old schools, to help children move forward.
Adult Self-Care: Caregivers must regulate their own emotions to effectively support their children.

Additional transition guidance for families is available at: https://www.abschools.org/abf orwardcommunitywellness.

Merriam Celebration - June 6th
We hope you will be joining us on Saturday, June 6th for the Merriam Celebration! We'll have refreshments, music, games and activities, after a short program and remarks on the front circle. All current and former staff, students and families are invited! RSVP using the code below.