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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.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, the District 49 Board of Education publicly showed it's support for military-connected students and families by unanimously passing a Purple Star resolution. 

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 - co-military liaison 
cassaundra.donatell@d49.org 
(719) 494 - 2909

Role of the School Military Liaison 

The School Military Liaison (SML) is a dedicated D49 employee who supports military-connected families—including those with active duty, reserve, and veteran status—as they transition into our district and schools. The SML assists families throughout the enrollment process, helps students adjust to their new school environment, and connects them with local resources as needed. They also provide support with academic planning, including class scheduling and ensuring students meet graduation requirements. The SML works in close partnership with the District Military Student & Family Liaison and military liaisons from surrounding bases to ensure a seamless and supportive experience for every military-connected student.

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 - co-military liaison
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

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