Meridian Community Unit School District #223

STRATEGIC PLANNING 2024 is coming, tomorrow, January 25th, at Highland Elementary School. I'm thrilled to continue my journey transitioning as Superintendent for Meridian CUSD 223. This year, I'm grateful for the chance to learn more about our organization. I'm excited to kick off our strategic planning, where we'll work together with the Board, Leadership, Staff, Families, and Community to shape our future. Next year, the 2nd Graders I once had as principals will be freshmen at SVHS. The prospect of handing diplomas to students I've guided fills me with excitement. My belief is to create the best environment for all students to succeed. Join me on January 25th, 5-7 PM, for our first meeting. Fill out the registration form if you plan to attend. Looking forward to collaborating! Registration Form: https://forms.gle/GCK2BHmcmQjTYReQ9 More Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NPuRqBBb7qhrC7O7WlD3GZbNHJNJOrz_/view?fbclid=IwAR1osqL2DNeBS3hwUx-1J1eroj-Mmjirj1p4xFTP1EXZPKMIXATVQbuEwDA

Good Evening, We are continuing to watch the weather. With the variability in the forecast, we do not expect to make the call tonight. I hope to make the call by 5 AM tomorrow morning. There are 3 potential scenarios that we could utilize. First, if travel is safe, we will be in session. Second, if it appears that roads will become safer, we could use a 10 AM late start. Finally, if travel is unsafe, we will have a remote learning day. In each situation, my focus is on ensuring the safe travel of all students to and from school. Thank you, Dr. Joe Mullikin Assistant Superintendent

Students at Monroe Center are back at it earning gold coins for exhibiting leadership skills and helping others. Today, Mackenzie in 4P, was so helpful to another student in her class. Thank you Mackenzie for what you did to help another. #WeAreMCUSD

Good Evening, Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 16th, Meridian CUSD 223 schools will not be physically in session due to dangerously low windchill forecasts. We will have a remote learning day, similar to this past week. Over the weekend and throughout the day today, our leadership team has been in contact, checking buildings, running buses, and communicating with local school districts and road commissioners. Anytime we see a windchill below -20, we are on high alert, and when it begins to dip below -25 to -30, we begin discussions of closing. Tomorrow there are projections of between -33 and -38 during pickup in the AM and remain there through noon. This means frostbite could occur in a matter of minutes. Athletic competitions (girls' basketball and scholastic bowl) are still planned to go unless temperatures or weather deteriorate. Optional practices may still be held on an individual sport basis. Please contact coaches or our Athletic Director, Mr. Henry Robison, for more information. I know that this is not ideal, but I believe it is in the best interest of our students and staff's safety. Joe Mullikin Asst. Superintendent, Meridian CUSD 223

STRATEGIC PLANNING 2024 is coming January 25th! I'm thrilled to continue my journey transitioning in as Superintendent for Meridian CUSD 223. This year, I'm grateful for the chance to learn more about our organization. I'm excited to kick off our strategic planning, where we'll work together with the Board, Leadership, Staff, Families, and Community to shape our future. Next year, the 2nd Graders I once had as principals will be freshmen at SVHS. The prospect of handing diplomas to students I've guided fills me with excitement. My belief is to create the best environment for all students to succeed. Join me on January 25th, 5-7 PM, for our first meeting. Fill out the registration form if you plan to attend. Looking forward to collaborating! Registration Form: https://forms.gle/GCK2BHmcmQjTYReQ9 More Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZyJAemvbdmoEb4rikF-MfWg-20L7r_jd/view?usp=sharing *Please note the links in the image will not hyperlink. Click More Information for a hyperlinked copy*

We are monitoring temperatures for tomorrow and will send out a notification this evening regarding school tomorrow, whether we are in session, remote, or waiting to watch until the morning. If we are in session, temperatures will be bitterly cold. Please remind your child to dress appropriately for the temperatures. We have been monitoring building temperatures and running buses all weekend to ensure facilities are safe. We will plan for remote learning if we are not physically in session. Please know that I am aware that this is not ideal, but our students and staff's safety is my top priority.

Good Evening, We have continued to watch the forecasts throughout this week. Today, confidence has continually grown that there will be dangerous travel conditions during pickup and dismissal. While this is not ideal, I believe that this would be the same call that would be made at 5 AM; therefore, we have decided to make the call this evening to allow families to make arrangements for tomorrow. Tomorrow, Meridian schools will not be in session in person. We will be using a remote learning day. Staff will be available throughout the day tomorrow to support student learning during this time (8 AM - 2:30 PM). Thank you, and be safe, Joe Mullikin Assistant Superintendent, Meridian CUSD 223

We were notified of a power outage this morning at Monroe Center. It extended beyond our initial area. We were in direct contact with the power company and worked to get this resolved as soon as possible. The power was out for approximately 10 minutes. All power has been restored, but we are continuing to monitor the situation and will notify you of any changes. Joe Mullikin Asst. Superintendent

We ARE in session today. Please remember that it is a late start (8:30 AM). Our drivers are heading out in buses but please remember that safety is our top priority and buses may run slightly behind. Thank you for your patience.

Highland will host a dental clinic on January 18th. Please see flyer for more information. If interested, please contact the school next week.

Come out and support the Meridian Junior High PTO! All are welcome but don't forget to mention the MJHS PTO when you check in at Urban Air in Rockford.

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