Meridian Community Unit School District #223

Today Monroe Center students and staff celebrated academic achievements across the building, the ornament leadership challenge won by 3rd grade, and wrapped up 2023 with much fun and laughter together. #WeAreMCUSD

Congratulations to our student and staff kindness winners! We had a great winter assembly to honor them and had some fun! Great job, Lighthouse Team, Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Zitzke! #WeAreMCUSD

Students worked as teams creating human snowflakes at recess today. They learned about how they're made, created their own, did math puzzles that stumped some, and learned about the true story of Balto the sled dog and his heroic journey to save lives in Alaska. Great day!

Thank you to the SVHS choir for coming over to Monroe Center today and caroling. What a hit it was for our students to see what they have to look forward to and for you to share your talents with us. Thank you to Ms. Risner for the organization and thinking of us. #WeAreMCUSD

Thank you to our Meridian Junior High and Stillman Valley High School band and choir programs for two amazing holiday concerts this week! It was truly a remarkable experience to watch our students perform at a high level and put us in the holiday mood! Thank you Miss Risner, Mr. Gelasi, and Miss Maglio! #WeAreMCUSD223

Fantastic winter concert this evening from Mrs. Zern and our 3rd and 5th grade classes. Such an incredible way to enjoy this time of year. #WeAreMCUSD

Meridian CUSD #223 was recognized as a Best-in-Class employer based on results from Gallagher’s 2023 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey U.S. Organizations are ranked based on answers to how we support our employees’ physical, emotional, career and financial wellbeing. Meridian CUSD #223 stood out as an organization committed to our people and strategic approach to benefits, HR, and compensation, which inclusively engages and motivates our employees. The annual survey by Gallagher evaluates organizations across various industries to identify those that excel in providing comprehensive and innovative employee benefits strategies. This recognition reflects Meridian CUSD 223's commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritizes employee well-being and satisfaction. “We continue to work to make sure that we're creating an environment where our students can thrive. We know that to do that, we need environments where our staff can be their best and I am incredibly proud of this recognition. It represents the collective hard work of every individual who calls Meridian CUSD 223 their place of work.”, states Dr. Joe Mullikin, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Meridian CUSD #223 takes a proactive and structured approach to planning, developing and implementing comprehensive benefits and HR programs. Supporting our workforce builds our overall organizational strength and resilience. This recognition adds to the already received awards in the past 12 months, such as: Highland ST Math Advocate School Stillman Valley High School U.S. News Best High Schools – 8 years in a row Meridian Junior High School U.S. News Best Middle Schools Highland Elementary School – Lighthouse School Status Monroe Center Elementary School – Lighthouse School Status School Board Governance Recognition Great Places to Work Certified #WeAreMCUSD

We have received a few questions on the mandatory posting that is in the Ogle County Life this week. As a district, we are mandated by code to post information with that precise wording whenever the district anticipates revenues from taxation to increase five percent over the previous year. To explain the situation . . . the district levies taxes and the total amount that we ask for is our tax rate. The money we receive is a function of multiplying our tax rate times the EAV of the district. The issue for the district is that EAV is projected to go up more than 5% based on the calculations provided by the county. Any time the district PROJECTS to bring in more than 5% of the year before, we must hold a hearing and post the confusing language in the paper. So the money we are set to bring in will go up by more than 5% as a function of the increase in the value of homes/property in our district. This is explained in greater detail here and has been posted to the district website: https://youtu.be/Jpw7xjtgWOM I hope this helps with your questions. If not, please email me at jmullikin@mail.meridian223.org

We are looking for Substitute Registered Nurses to add to our Health Services Team! Our School Nurses are invaluable facets of our schools. They serve as the medical professionals within our buildings, provide nursing care to students with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and seizures, provide emergency care to students and staff, and so much more! If you are looking for a rewarding, as needed RN position, this may be right for you! Please contact Kayla Richolson, Director of Health Services, at kricholson@mail.meridian223.org with any questions and use this link to apply: https://www.applitrack.com/roe47/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=&choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=1140&category=Student+Support+Services&subcategory=School+Nurse

Meridian 223 is hosting a preschool screening on Friday, Dec. 1 from 9 am - 1 pm at Highland Elementary. Children must be 3 - 5 years old and not enrolled in kindergarten. Please call Highland to schedule an appointment.

MERIDIAN JUNIOR HIGH IS THANKFUL FOR OUR VETERANS! Meridian Junior High School celebrated Veterans Day on Thursday, November 9. During the day, the students attended various activities. They wrote cards to be sent to SVHS Alumni serving in the different branches (Stillman RED), they completed a 1-mile walk for Dark Horse Lodge Trek for Troops with some of our students even running the mile. They started the day with an assembly where they were able to listen to the 8th grade band, 6th, 7th & 8th grade chorus, and Taps that was performed by Ms. Risner and Ms. Magglio. Students were also able to invite Veterans to the assembly. This is the first in a while. The last time we invited Veterans to the assembly was in 2019. Student Council also sponsored a breakfast before the assembly began. The school also held a Dress for Dark Horse Lodge fundraiser earlier in the school year, coinciding with Homecoming week at the high school. Students from MJHS and staff had a week of dress-up days in which they would donate $1 each day that they dressed up. That week MJHS students and staff raised $304. DarkHorse Lodge is located in Tennessee. Please look them up on Facebook or darkhorselodge.org. All the activities were so insightful and hopefully, the students have a newfound respect for Veterans and all they have sacrificed for us. MJHS students and staff would like to thank ALL Veterans for their service to our country. Special thanks to Mrs. Kelly Gale for organizing our wonderful day celebrating veterans.

MJHS Invites Veteran’s To Our Veteran’s Day Assembly! Meridian Junior High School in Stillman Valley will have its annual Veteran’s Day Assembly on Thursday, November 9, 2023, starting at 8:00 AM. Veterans will be recognized; our band and chorus will perform, and local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will also assist during the assembly. The assembly will conclude at 8:45 AM. Veterans are asked to arrive to MJHS at 7:15 AM for breakfast! We welcome your presence at this event. If you have any questions or to RSVP, please contact Kelly Gale by phone at 815.645.2230, ext 4215, or email kgale@mail.meridian223.org. When RSVPing, if you know a student at MJHS, please be sure to let Kelly know.

The Stillman Valley High School Music Department would like to give you the opportunity to purchase fresh fruit directly from the groves in Florida. You can check out our website or find a band or choir member to place an order. The sale will end on November 24th. Delivery dates are December 11-14. Thank you for your support of the Music Program, and watch for our fresh strawberry fundraiser in February! LINK: www.floridafruitstore.com/SVHSMusicProgram

Parents, if you have not done so already, please complete this 1 question survey regarding our annual flu shot clinic. Our Health Services Department appreciates your feedback! https://forms.gle/CumqXX9RpLVf18ny9

Highland Elementary is asking students to wear purple to honor Epilepsy Awareness Month on November 15th.

MJHS Invites Veteran’s To Our Veteran’s Day Assembly! Meridian Junior High School in Stillman Valley will have its annual Veteran’s Day Assembly on Thursday, November 9, 2023, starting at 8:00 AM. Veterans will be recognized; our band and chorus will perform, and local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will also assist during the assembly. The assembly will conclude at 8:45 AM. Veterans are asked to arrive to MJHS at 7:15 AM for breakfast! We welcome your presence at this event. If you have any questions or to RSVP, please contact Kelly Gale by phone at 815.645.2230, ext 4215, or email kgale@mail.meridian223.org. When RSVPing, if you know a student at MJHS, please be sure to let Kelly know.

Happy Halloween! Check out this fun picture of 7th grade students completing a science escape room in Mrs. Barton's class.

Halloween Candy Scramble - Saturday, October 28 11:00 am @ SVHS Main Gym Candy for Pre-K through Middle School kids. Costume Contest for all ages, including group category. Hosted by: Stillman Fire Association

Here is the Health Services Newsletter for the 2nd Quarter! https://docs.google.com/document/d/17pQiqLjjteHABfgf-8bStGhe1yGfKvbuWlpZ88bIMXg/edit?usp=sharing Don't forget to complete the parent survey about our flu shot clinic: https://forms.gle/CumqXX9RpLVf18ny9 #WeAreMCUSD #MeridianWellness

Detective Seargent Kaltenbach was unable to be at Monroe Center for the presentation and thank you Tuesday for his officers, so his survival kit had a special personal delivery that day. Thank you for your service. #WeAreMCUSD