Meridian, an IB World School
Q1 DP Principal Coffee
Monday, September 8, 2025
Stela Holcombe, DP Principal
DP ADMINISTRATION
Stela Holcombe
DP Principal
Charles Ryder
DP Coordinator
Wendy Riley
DP Associate Principal
Nick Manuszak
Counselor
Kathy Gregg
College Counselor
Today's Topics
Welcome to the DP!
We are here to support our DP students and families!
There will be busy seasons where the academic workload feels a bit heavier than normal. This happens around Progress Report time, and around major due dates for IAs, the EE, college application deadlines, etc.
We (DP Admin) do watch the calendar in ManageBac to make sure that no more than two summatives are given/due in a single day.
If your student is struggling with the DP workload, please reach out to DP admin.
The DP is a rigorous, internationally recognized, college-preparatory program that spans grades 11-12.
DP is known a "disciplinary" program as each subject has a very defined curriculum and set of internal and external assessments.
Successful completion of the IB examinations (in May of senior year) results in student achievement of the "IB Diploma".
We have an "open enrollment" program. Not all elect to pursue the IB diploma, but more than 50% of our alumni have achieved this distinction.
The benefits of participation in the DP:
The MYP is a challenging framework that spans grades 6-10. TEKS are taught through the MYP framework across 8 subject groups.
MYP encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.
The MYP is inclusive by design; students of all interests and academic abilities can benefit from their participation.
Students complete the Personal Project in the 10th grade year.
Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Program (DP).
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Diploma Programme (DP)
IBDP Graduates compared to US national average:
From the IBO: "Supporting students in selecting their six DP subjects is an exciting time for your school community. We know many educators have developed great resources and presentations to guide incoming DP students and inform parents. The IB has created a new video to support these efforts—providing an overview of the process and examples of subject combinations."
New DP Team Members
Weekly Campus News – DP Lions Share
MYP/DP Principal Newsletters
Weekly Campus News
(Wednesdays)
The Daily Announcements
Cell Phone Policy - HB 1481
Student cell phones, smart watches and tablets can be used before and after school. During school hours of 8:25am-4:05pm they must be stowed away in backpacks.
Consequences for non-compliance:
Students will be directed to NOT ask teachers for permission to use their phone to call or text parents during the school day. Instead, students should come down to the office and request to use a school phone. Families will be encouraged to get into the habit of communicating via email as needed.
Secondary Assessment Practices
MYP/DP Secondary Assessment Practices
If you missed the Aug 26th Zoom meeting, you can get caught up by reviewing this slide deck and watching this video of the live recording.
TSI College Readiness
Students must pass TSI tests in Reading/Writing and Math to be eligible to take courses for college credit at Texas public colleges/universities.
Exemption: If a student scores high enough on SAT/ACT, those scores exempt the student from TSI requirements:
ACT
Reading/Writing: a combined score of 40+
Mathematics: score of 22+
�SAT
Reading/Writing: 480+
Mathematics: 530+�
Meridian will offer tutorials and retest opportunities for juniors and seniors who have not yet demonstrated college readiness.
Take Away for Parents/Guardians: If you get an email about TSI, please pay attention!
One-on-one
College Planning Conferences
Need help with college applications?
Every senior and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are invited to schedule a one-on-one college planning meeting with our college counselor, Kathy Gregg.
Mrs. Gregg has many years of experience advising students through the college application process.
Reserve your meeting time today! When you sign up, please try to schedule this conference during a study hall, lunch, or an elective if at all possible.
Thank you
DP Parent Reps!
Grade Level Parent Reps
11th Grade: Erin Foster, Eyan Rubio
12th Grade: Michelle Stone
Event/Project Specific Leads
Prom 2026 Lead: Hannah LeBreton
HoCo 2025 Dance Lead: Erin Foster
Senior Slideshow: Crystal DuRette
Upcoming Events
High School Open House
Monday, September 29 from 5:30-7:00pm
Homecoming 2025
Read more about
Senior Yearbook Ads
Senior Yearbook Ad RSVP Form was due on September 1. Deadline is being extended to Sunday, September 14.
Senior Ad cost:
Parents/Guardians will pay for and build their own senior ad on the Josten's site.
Homecoming
Week Games
Traditions & Lion Pride Galore!
Updates from Athletics/Secondary Enrichment
Clubs & student groups are busy! 29 clubs and student groups available for DP students. Clubs are student-led, supported by faculty sponsors.
Registering now!
Model UN - Registration ends at 9 p.m. Thursday, September 11! mwschool.org/MUN
Fall Competitive Sports are off to a great start!
Model United Nations (6-12)
Model UN gives students opportunities to work on:
Regional travel conferences available.
Annual membership registration (for new and returning members, including officers) is now open and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday September 11. No late registrations accepted!
Interest & Information Meeting:
For parents/guardians and students
via Zoom on Monday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m.
High Speech & Debate Club (9-12)
Speech & Debate Club (9-12)
Develop public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills through competitive events and practice sessions focused on current events and complex topics.
Registration opens next week!
Annual membership registration (for new and returning members, including officers) opens Wednesday, September 17. It ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 25. No late registrations.
Watch the DP Lions Share & Announcement Slides for additional competitive club opportunities.
Don’t miss these sports registration
windows!
Winter & Spring Competitive Sports starting soon!
No Pass No Play /
Academic Eligibility
Failing Grade in one IBDP Course? DP students who have failed 1 DP course may request
an DP Academic Eligibility Waiver. It must be
completed by the student and signed by the teacher
as well as the principal within the first week of the new quarter.
DP Waiver Limit: 1 per quarter, 1 per subject per year
Questions?
Robyn Tester, Secondary Enrichment Specialist
secondary-enrichment@mwschool.org
Senior Trips
Seniors - Class of 2026
Juniors - Class of 2027
To register for either trip, email Senior Trip Leader: j.elbers@mwschool.org
2026 Graduation Ceremony
Friday, May 22, 2026
6:00-7:30 pm
Round Rock Sports Center
Each family gets 14 tickets (the graduate does not need a ticket).
Save the Date!
Calendar Items
September
Thursday, September 11: AB Day #1 of 2 (IBDP Workday)
Wednesday, September 17: HS Mum Garter Making Social (pm)
Thursday, September 18: Board Meeting
Saturday, September 20: Founder's Day/Secondary Book Fair
September 20-27: Homecoming Week
Wednesday, September 24: College Shirt Day
Wednesday, September 24: Adults vs. Students Volleyball Games
Thursday, September 25: Second Annual Homecoming Parade
Friday, September 26: Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, September 26: Homecoming Tailgate and Volleyball Games
Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Semi-Formal Dance
Monday, September 29: Fall Picture Day for K-11
Monday, September 29: TOK Exhibition/HS Open House Night/NHS Induction
October
October 6-10: Staff and Student Holiday - Fall Break
Monday, October 13: PD Day (no school for students)
Thursday, October 16: PSAT (for all 10th and 11th graders)
Thursday, October 16: Fall Parent Meetingli
Tuesday, October 21: Pink Out Dress Day for Breast Cancer Awareness
Friday, October 24: Trunk or Treat/Movie Night
October 27-31: Red Ribbon Week
Wednesday, October 29: College Shirt Day
Friday, October 31: Halloween in Secondary/Senior Halloween Costume Contest
For Seniors
PARENTS OF JUNIORS:
PARENTS OF SENIORS:
WHATSAPP GROUPS
(these are totally optional)
Next DP Principal Coffee:
Monday, November 3rd
Questions and Answers
IB Mission Statement
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
2021-2022 FES Students
Meridian School
Mission Statement
Meridian School will provide an invigorating educational environment that develops responsible citizens who can artfully navigate our complex world and enjoy a good life with others. Each student will engage in diverse investigations, disciplined inquiry, and integrated service learning to cultivate intercultural awareness, creativity and mental acuity.
Wendy Riley, Associate Principal
& Lovey