students fight food insecurity by volunteering at last year’s GIVE Day, which returns across FCCPS on January 15. (FCCPS Photo) 
baking, language, and Math are blended during MEHMS’s First Annual Holiday Cookie Workshop (Photo: Amanda Ronco) 
Meridian Mustangs had a great showing at the Polar Titans Invitational on December 16. (Photo: Mustang Athletics) 
sleepy hollow Preschool invites community members to an open house on Wednesday, January 24. (Photo: SHPS)
Mustangs Shine with Record Performances at Polar Titans Invite
The Mustang Track team closed out the calendar year as they took on more prominent schools at the Polar Titans Invite. The Invite had picture-perfect weather, which helped athletes put on some great performances, ending with 15 personal records or season bests, three regional qualifiers, and three top-eight finishes.
Next up, the Mustangs will get a chance to compete indoors as they travel to Christopher Newport University for the CNU Showcase Invite on Saturday, January 6.
Personal Record / Season Best:
- Ally Campbell (55m & 300m)
- Jenna Hall (55m)
- Katie Anderson (1600m)
- Wendy Abstone (500m)
- Sanaa Washiko (300m)
- Michelle Malherio (3200m)
- Gia Khan (300m)
- Kaitlyn Henrikson (Long Jump)
- Demetri Boubouras- 55m
- Campbell Micheal- 1600m
- Greyson Carney- 500m
- William Anderson- 3200m
- Owen Hoffman- 3200m
- Hayden Micheal- 3200m
Regional Qualifiers:
- Gia Khan- 300m
- Michelle Malherio- 3200m
- Hayden Micheal- 3200m
Top-Eight Finishers:
- Ally Campbell (5th, 300m)
- Kaitlyn Henrikson (6th, long jump)
- Boys Team (7th, 4x800m)
Meridian Singer Helps F.C. Rings in 2024 at Watch Night
MHS singer and songwriter Ruby Jones was the opening act on the main stage at the city’s Watch Night event on New Year’s Eve. Jones performed original pieces and a Taylor Swift favorite to crowd of at least 1,000. Many FCCPS students of all ages and their families were in attendance, enjoying musical acts, popcorn, a climbing wall, carnival rides, and more.
MEHMS Teachers Blend Baking, Language, Math in Cookie Workshop
Who knew that baking, practicing a new language, and math had so much in common? Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School teachers did! Before the winter break, Mr. Buck, Ms. Avila, Mrs. Philips, Mrs. Bournigal, and Mrs. Ronco hosted a group of ten students in the FACS classroom to make cookies.
Students worked in small groups with the aid of teachers to read a recipe, use measuring tools, and count carefully to ensure a quality product. Communication was key to sharing responsibility and completing all the parts of the baking process. The group had so much fun that this will likely become an annual event.
FCCPS GIVE Day To Encourage Student Civic Engagement
On January 15, GIVE Day (Get Involved, Value Everyone) will provide an opportunity for children and adults to spend their MLK holiday taking action as a community to fight food insecurity, both locally and globally. For months, student Ambassadors have worked in their schools to generate enthusiasm and to encourage participation to make this a rewarding experience for all FCCPS families.
On the day of the event, elementary students and the community will meet in the Meridian High School gymnasium to assemble ‘Power Packs’ filled with food items for local students who need additional nourishment on weekends or after school. These packs will be distributed through Food for Others, a regional food bank. The goal is to assemble over 1,500 food packs at an estimated cost of $4 per pack.
In the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School cafeteria, students will host a meal-packing event in partnership with The Outreach Program, a nonprofit that provides safe water, food, medical care, and education to those in need, locally and abroad.
Community members are encouraged to get involved by donating on GIVE Day (the committee is working to raise $16,000 to cover the cost of the projects) at bit.ly/FCNP0124ge (Elementary GIVE Day Club) and/or bit.ly/FCNP0124gm (Secondary GIVE Day Club).
Business sponsorships are also available, with three levels available, all of which will be split between both clubs.
GIVE Day is a great way to help children experience empathy in real time, and to show them how to take action to help others.
Sleepy Hollow Preschool To Hold Open House On January 24
Sleepy Hollow Preschool invites community members to their Open House on Wednesday, January 24, at 9:30 a.m.
Take a tour with a current parent, meet school leadership, and learn what a cooperative preschool is all about. Enrollment is open for ages 2-5. No RSVP necessary.
To find out more about Sleepy Hollow Preschool, visit sleepyhollowpreschool.org
