The Meristem Monitor is a listing of activities and news items occurring at Meristem. This newsletter is a student-centered effort (with a parent advisor) to help students, staff, and parents stay updated on and involved in the Meristem community. For items to be listed or questions and comments, please contact Laura-Lynne Powell at lauralynne.powell@gmail.com, or Taylor Oide, Meristem Marketing Coordinator, at tayloro@meristem.pro.
January 27-31
Day Program
Woodcraft Class Takes Apart Fallen Tree
A tree fell during the storms over the break, and the woodshop class has been slowly disassembling it. With saws, axes and wedges, they have slowly been processing each part of the tree for future projects like chairs, bows, and spoons.
Magic the Gathering Club Continues
Meristem Evening EDH, a Magic The Gathering club, meets on Mondays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Casual play is held until about 5 p.m. and then gameplay runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
ILS/Dorm Program
Meristem to Host a Valentine’s Day Dance
Meristem will be hosting a dance on Valentines Day, Friday, February 14.
From ILS Director Katelyn: “Dear Students and Families, Come for an evening filled with music, dancing, and snacks – it’s sure to be a heart-felt time (pun intended)! We’re opening up this event for day students to join in the fun! You’ll dance your hearts out, enjoy some tasty treats, and have a wonderful time with friends and staff. RSVP by February 7th (which means let us know if you are or are not coming) so we can prepare enough space and snacks!” Please RSVP only via the email that Katelyn sent out to students and families.
Important Info:
Drop-off: 5 pm at the front of campus
Pick-up: 8 pm at the front of campus (please inform a staff member when you leave at any time); pick up no later than 8:15 pm
Snack Options will include gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options. Please be sure to check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Students Only: If you’d like to suggest a song, please do so with this link.
TAP/Work Skills
Internships Back Up and Running in the New Semester
Meristem is now in full stride with the internship program. Currently there are 17 interns: Nine in Cafe, four in Herbal Arts, two in Landscaping, and two 2 more interns on-call to work in the Bed and Breakfast.
Additionally, Meristem’s partnership with the Sacramento Rivercats is set to move forward to hire students again this season. So far nine students have committed to working at the concession stand. With the Oakland A’s moving to the River Cats stadium this season, there may be expanded opportunities for internships. More on that later.
Podcast Episode: An Interview with Author J.D. Barker
A new episode of Meristem’s Voice of the Community podcast features Erin and Harry speaking with New York Times best-selling author, J.D. Barker. He talks about his experience with a late autism diagnosis, and how autism has influenced his creative process. Listen to the latest Meristem podcast here. See all episodes here. They include discussions with guests about anxiety and neurodiversity, workforce development efforts by the State of California, and chats with Meristem alum.
Herbal Arts Subscription Boxes Available Now
One way to support students’ work experience is to subscribe to the Herbal Arts CSA Box. The box is packed with products created by Meristem students under the supervision of professional herbalist Amy Branum. It is delivered four times a year with items to promote healing and wellness including soaps, tinctures, creams, salts, vinegars, etc. Each box is guaranteed to have at least $100 worth of product inside gathered and prepared by Meristem interns. Orders are being taken for the 2025 subscription box year here. Cost is $350 for four boxes. They can also be purchased singly at a cost of $95 per box. They make fabulous gift items!
Student Coordinators
Family Support Group Meetings Continued This Week
Family support group meetings continued this week with a presentation about legacy planning and wills as well as opportunities for general sharing. Family members who’ve expressed interest in attending support meetings have been notified that groups meet every other week. One group has been assigned to Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and the other to Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. The Monday meetings will be hybrid, meaning that some can meet in person and some will be on Zoom. The Thursday meetings are Zoom only. The next meetings are Thursday February 6 and Monday February 10. Contact Shelby at st@meristem.pro for any questions.
Student Coordinator Helpline
A reminder that students and parents should use their SC as their primary contact and utilize the SC helpline if a quick response is needed (or to report absences, etc.) Perhaps text BOTH your SC and the helpline to be sure your message is received. The SC help line is 916.546.9422.
Cafe Updates
Cafe Grand Opening Delayed Until Late Winter
In order to make the Cafe the best experience for our customers, we will be postponing our grand opening until late winter/early spring. We can’t wait to serve you as best as we can! Have questions? Email them to reservations@meristem.pro, or call us at 916.768.6390. We would be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Administration
Meristem Wins $9,000 Grant
Erin announced to parents on the Zoom meeting last week that he had a second chance to present to potential donors at the Sacramento Venture Philanthropy and won the top prize of $9,000. It is money that may be going to relocating storage sheds that are better able to withstand break-in efforts and perhaps to restart Meristem’s bike program, which ended when the bikes were stolen.
Norton Hall Flooded Over Break
On Christmas Day, administrative offices in Norton Hall were damaged by flooding that occurred when the sprinklers blew and flooded the entire building. Offices have moved to one of the dorm buildings for the time building as repairs are being made.
Family Survey is Being Resent
At the end of the school year last month, a survey was emailed that seeks to find out more from parents and family members. It was a busy time, so Erin will be resending the survey and asks that parents and family members take the time to fill it out and submit it. Information will be used to grow and improve Meristem’s programming.
Next Parent Zoom Meeting with Erin is Wednesday, February 19
Monthly parent Zoom meetings with Executive Director Erin Schirm are held the third Wednesday of the month. The next one will be on Wednesday, February 19, at 5 p.m. Salina will email families a link prior to the meeting. Contact Salina at salinas@meristem.pro if there are any questions.
Job Openings
The following job opportunities are available at Meristem: Independent Living Instructor, three positions: one the week day shift and two the weekend shift. Details on careers at Meristem are here.
