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Military Families

Meridian Ranch Elementary School is dedicated to helping military parents, whether they are active duty or in the National Guard and Reserves, feel confident that their student is gaining the educational skills necessary to be college, workforce, and life ready. We also support the social and emotional well-being of military students as they adjust to new schools and cope with a parent's deployment.

Meridian Ranch Elementary School is committed to a community grounded on positive relationships, high standards, and responsive teaching. Our learners will pursue pathways of passion based on firm foundations, creativity, and grit. At Meridian Ranch Elementary, approximately 28% of our students are military-connected. We recognize that military-connected students face specific challenges. At Meridian Ranch we:

  • Support students throughout their transition with resiliency tools and resources. The students in our Bulldog Welcome Wagon are there to provide support through transition times.
  • Support students in making new friends and finding where they belong.
  • Offer after school clubs and activities to foster a sense of belonging and community. 
  • Facilitate opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests or hobbies. 
  • Support students and families through times of transition, deployments, and other life events unique to military life.

The Bulldog Welcome Wagon serves as a welcoming team to greet new students and their families. They are here to give a tour of the school, introduce students to our explorer teachers, and be a friendly face for the first days of school.  These ambassadors will eat lunch with students and attend recess with them as they learn about Meridian Ranch.  We want all students to have someone they feel comfortable around and feel safe to ask questions.

Our registrar, Mrs. Cassaundra Donatell, is here to support our military families and serves as our point of contact for families looking to attend Meridian Ranch.  If your family would like to visit Meridian Ranch for a tour or if you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Donatell.

Cassaundra Donatell
Meridian Ranch Registrar
cassaundra.donatell@d49.org 
(719) 494 - 2909

School Contact Information

Principal
Jennifer Palazzolo
jennifer.palazzolo@d49.org

Assistant Principal
Robin Birringer
robin.birringer@d49.org

Dean​​​​​​
John Webb 
john.webb@d49.org

Counselor
Tara McLaughlin 
tara.mclaughlin@d49.org

Counseling
Please contact any of the school base liaisons (see above) or email d49military@d49.org to have assistance in obtaining a Military Family Life Counselor.

Main Phone Number
719-494-2909

Staff Directory