There’s a moment every morning that captures the essence of what makes Meridian High School special. As I stand at our front doors, I see Mr. Shipp, our security guard, greeting every single student by name. Some get a fist bump, others a knowing smile, but everyone — and I mean everyone — starts their day feeling seen.
This might seem like a small thing, but it’s part of what I call our “secret sauce” – the special blend of ingredients that makes Meridian not just a school but a thriving community where excellence isn’t just an expectation; it’s a way of life.
Let me take you on a journey through a typical day at Meridian. Just yesterday, I sat in on one of our IB English classes. Picture this: twenty students arranged in a circle, engaged in a Socratic seminar about “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The level of discourse would make any lawyer proud. What struck me wasn’t just the depth of their analysis but how Maria, typically our quietest student, found her voice and challenged her classmates’ interpretations with remarkable confidence.
Walking down our hallways, you’ll see something unusual at first – students sprawled out in groups, working on problems together, sometimes even writing equations directly on our walls (yes, we encourage that!). We’ve embraced Peter Liljedahl’s “building thinking classrooms” philosophy, and the results have been transformative. Our teachers aren’t just teaching; they create environments where thinking becomes visible, and collaboration becomes second nature.
Our teachers are the heart of our secret sauce. Take Ms. Leigh, our ceramics teacher. Last week, she invited me to learn how to load a kiln. There I was, in dress clothes, carefully arranging student pottery pieces while she explained the intricate process. This isn’t just art class; it’s a masterclass in precision, patience, and craftsmanship. Our EMT program students practice real-world scenarios with working professionals, and our computer science students code solutions to community problems.
But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to every single student. When I say every student, I mean it. Last November, we noticed James was struggling to meet graduation requirements. Within days, we had assembled a team – his counselor, teachers, and administrators – all working together to create a personalized support plan. James didn’t just graduate; he thrived. That’s the Meridian way.
Our resources aren’t just abundant; they’re thoughtfully deployed. Small class sizes mean teachers can spot when a student’s eyes light up with understanding or cloud over with confusion. Our building itself promotes collaboration with flexible spaces that adapt to learning needs. Even our transportation is forward-thinking – we’re proud of our electric buses, a small but significant symbol of our commitment to innovation and responsibility.
The diversity of our student body adds another layer to our sauce. At lunch, I often sit with different student groups – one day with our robotics team and the next with our basketball champions (state titles in basketball, soccer, and swimming, by the way!). Each table tells a different story of Meridian, but they’re all chapters in the same book.
One of my favorite stories involves Camilla, a student who was consistently late to school. Instead of defaulting to detention, we had a heart-to-heart. We made a deal, creating a morning routine that worked for her. The transformation wasn’t just about attendance; it was about showing her that we cared enough to understand and work with her to overcome her challenges.
Our students with disabilities aren’t just included but integral to our community. At our last pep rally, Preston, who participates in our ABLE program, made a three-pointer in the three-point shootout against our school resource officer. The roar of support from his classmates was deafening. That’s not an inclusion for the show; it’s a genuine community.
Perhaps most telling is what you don’t see at Meridian. You don’t see fights; you don’t see students feeling lost or isolated. Every student finds their group, their place, their purpose. When our superintendent walks the halls, he greets students by name, knowing their stories, struggles, and triumphs.
Even in moments that could be frustrating — like the hour-long wait for laptop distribution at the start of the year — our students show their character. They wait patiently, chat with friends, and still offer genuine thanks when they reach the front line.
The secret sauce at Meridian isn’t any single ingredient. It’s a blend of high expectations, unwavering support, and genuine relationships. From our custodial staff to our IB coordinators, everyone plays a crucial role in creating an environment where excellence isn’t just achieved; it’s lived, breathed, and celebrated every day.
As I write this from my office, I can hear the distant sounds of our choir students caroling, see students working collaboratively in the hallway, and feel the unmistakable energy that makes Meridian special. Our secret sauce isn’t really a secret at all – it’s the visible, tangible commitment to creating a community where every person matters, every opportunity is seized, and every day brings new possibilities for growth and achievement.
About Dave Serensits: Dave is an experienced educational leader currently serving as an assistant principal at Meridian High School in Falls Church City Public Schools, one of Virginia’s consistently top-ranked schools. Dave has more than two decades of experience in education. His background is in special education; he has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive learning environments and student success. After earning his B.S. in Special Education from Penn State University and M.S. in Educational Leadership from George Mason University, David has held various leadership roles where he’s implemented innovative programs in student internships, social-emotional learning, and community engagement. His commitment to educational excellence has contributed to maintaining exceptional graduation rates and creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds to thrive.