🛡️ Safety Through Practice & Partnership

Today, Meridian CUSD 223 staff conducted a reunification exercise using the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) from the I Love U Guys Foundation.

We’re proud to partner with Oregon CUSD 220 and Byron Community Unit School District 226 to ensure a coordinated regional approach.

Learn more: https://iloveuguys.org/
2 days ago, Heather Alderks
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Today, we recognize the incredible work of our administrative professionals across Meridian CUSD #223.

From the front office to behind the scenes, they keep our buildings running, support our students and staff, and serve as the first point of connection for our families and community.

Thank you for your organization, problem-solving, and commitment to our schools. We appreciate everything you do, both today and every day!
4 days ago, Heather Alderks
day
LAST DAY TO SIGN UP!

SUNDAY PLANS = Handled! 🛼

Join us for a Meridian Elementary PTO Family Skate Event where The Rink is exclusively ours!

And it gets even better… your paid admission includes unlimited pizza, nachos, and soda, PLUS one free slushy! 🍕🥤

It’s the perfect low-key, high-fun way to ROLL into your Sunday. Whether you're a confident skater or just there for the snacks and smiles, everyone’s invited!

📅 Sunday, May 3
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 The Rink at Pine Creek
💲 $15/person (only if skating and/or eating, otherwise free admission)
📝 Sign up now: https://tinyurl.com/2z2jyju3
A flyer will also be coming home with your child next week.

Come enjoy a private skate session, great music, delicious treats and quality family time.🛼🎶
4 days ago, Heather Alderks
UPDATED
Our first Cinn-a-Role Model Morning was a huge success. We enjoyed some sweet treats, chats, fresh air, and a classroom cameo. Thank you to everyone who helped and to those who were able to attend. It was a great morning.
6 days ago, Deana Simpson
full gym of role models
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role model
Fifth grade is reading The Phantom Tollbooth. The main character travels through a tollbooth to lands far beyond. One of the places he visits is “Dictionopolis”, the land where words are the most important, and they can buy, sell, and trade words at the word market. Students in Mrs. Embertson’s class received words in a gift box. Inside were idioms, vocabulary words, and Spanish words. Students then created their booths to sell/trade words for Word Market Day. They were extremely creative, in their own ways, to make money and acquire words! It was an enjoyable lesson in advertising, money management, risk-taking, word exposure, and customer relations!
6 days ago, Deana Simpson
class word market
word market booths
word market booths
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If you’re looking for more than just a job, Meridian might be the place for you!

At Meridian CUSD #223, we pride ourselves on being a district where people feel supported, valued, and connected. We are consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, and that comes directly from the voices of our staff.
Here’s what makes Meridian special:

- Supportive culture – We believe in helping each other succeed. You’re not on your own here.
- Strong relationships – Our staff truly cares about one another and our students.
- Opportunities to grow – Whether you’re new to education or experienced, we invest in your development.
- Meaningful work – Every role in our district plays a part in shaping the lives of our students.
- Pride in our schools – We are proud to be a high-performing district while working within real-world constraints.

More than anything, it’s the people. Our staff shows up every day committed to doing what’s best for kids, supporting each other, and creating a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you’re looking for a place where your work matters and your team has your back, we’d love to have you.
Check out our current openings and join the Meridian team! www.meridian223.org
10 days ago, Micki Hoefle
job postings
SAVE THE DATE!

SUNDAY PLANS = Handled! 🛼

Join us for a Meridian Elementary PTO Family Skate Event where The Rink is exclusively ours!

And it gets even better… your paid admission includes unlimited pizza, nachos, and soda, PLUS one free slushy! 🍕🥤

It’s the perfect low-key, high-fun way to ROLL into your Sunday. Whether you're a confident skater or just there for the snacks and smiles, everyone’s invited!

📅 Sunday, May 3
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 The Rink at Pine Creek
💲 $15/person (only if skating and/or eating, otherwise free admission)
📝 Sign up now: https://tinyurl.com/2z2jyju3
A flyer will also be coming home with your child next week.

Come enjoy a private skate session, great music, delicious treats and quality family time.🛼🎶
11 days ago, Heather Alderks
updated
Meridian Education Foundation Hosts Successful 2026 Draw Down Event

Stillman Valley, IL — The Meridian Education Foundation proudly hosted the 2026 Draw Down fundraiser at PrairieFire, bringing together community members, local businesses, and supporters for an evening of celebration, connection, and giving back.

The event featured a packed house and high energy throughout the night, highlighting the strong support and pride within the Meridian community. More than $20,000 was raised during the evening, with proceeds directly benefiting Meridian students and staff through classroom grants, scholarships, and enhanced educational opportunities.

“This event is a reflection of what makes our community special,” said President Tara Jepsen. “The support we receive allows us to continue investing in meaningful opportunities for our students and staff.”

A special thank you is extended to PrairieFire for their outstanding service and hospitality throughout the evening, helping create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all in attendance.

The success of the Draw Down was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including:
Holcomb Bank; Constellation (Nuclear Plant); Hodges Loizzi Eisenhammer Rodick & Kohn; P & H Electric; Lawn Care by Walter; Sisson Tree Service; Leapros; Xcel Foam & Packaging; GreenAssociates; Dickerson & Nieman – Robin Henry; Specialty Floors; Lichty Landscaping; Stillman Bank; KJK Logistics Trucking; Wills Chiropractic; Helm; Benning Group; Loves Truck Stop; and Amboy Bank.
Meridian CUSD #223 extends its sincere appreciation to all who attended, sponsored, and contributed to the success of the 2026 Draw Down. The district and foundation look forward to continuing this tradition and building on the strong support of the Meridian community.

Pictured:
Tara Jepsen (President), Arlett Bonne (Treasurer), Deana Simpson (Secretary), Jacque Buchanan, Jill Huber, Brittany Frisbie, Darby Gensler, Megan Bosecker, Julie Niehaus
13 days ago, Heather Alderks
mef
SAVE THE DATE!

SUNDAY PLANS = Handled! 🛼

Join us for a Meridian Elementary PTO Family Skate Event where The Rink is exclusively ours!

And it gets even better… your paid admission includes unlimited pizza, nachos, and soda, PLUS one free slushy! 🍕🥤

It’s the perfect low-key, high-fun way to ROLL into your Sunday. Whether you're a confident skater or just there for the snacks and smiles, everyone’s invited!

📅 Sunday, May 3
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 The Rink at Pine Creek
💲 $15/person (only if skating and/or eating, otherwise free admission)
📝 Sign up now: https://tinyurl.com/2z2jyju3
A flyer will also be coming home with your child next week.

Come enjoy a private skate session, great music, delicious treats and quality family time.🛼🎶
18 days ago, Heather Alderks
updated
📚 National School Librarian Day 📚

Today we recognize and thank our outstanding school librarians at Meridian CUSD #223. They play a vital role in supporting student learning, fostering a love of reading, and helping students navigate information in meaningful ways.

While this day falls during Spring Break, we hope they are enjoying a well-deserved break. We are grateful for the impact they make in our schools each day!
22 days ago, Heather Alderks
lib day
🍎 Paraprofessional Appreciation Day 🍎

Today, we recognize and thank the incredible paraprofessionals of Meridian CUSD #223. Their support, patience, and commitment make a difference in our students' lives every single day.

While this falls during Spring Break, we hope they are enjoying a well-deserved break. We are grateful for all they do to support our students and staff throughout the year!
25 days ago, Heather Alderks
para
SAVE THE DATE!

SUNDAY PLANS = Handled! 🛼

Join us for a Meridian Elementary PTO Family Skate Event where The Rink is exclusively ours!

And it gets even better… your paid admission includes unlimited pizza, nachos, and soda, PLUS one free slushy! 🍕🥤

It’s the perfect low-key, high-fun way to ROLL into your Sunday. Whether you're a confident skater or just there for the snacks and smiles, everyone’s invited!

📅 Sunday, May 3
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 The Rink at Pine Creek
💲 $15/person (only if skating and/or eating, otherwise free admission)
📝 Sign up now: https://tinyurl.com/2z2jyju3
A flyer will also be coming home with your child next week.

Come enjoy a private skate session, great music, delicious treats and quality family time.🛼🎶
26 days ago, Heather Alderks
updated
Meridian CUSD #223 is seeking the following positions. Please apply at www.meridian223.org
27 days ago, Micki Hoefle
jobs
Highland has been busy learning and having fun! From celebrations, first grade 'moo'sical, dancing, 2nd grade making candy, and everyone learning......HES is the best!
30 days ago, Jacque Buchanan
HES Pictures
HES Pictures
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HES Pictures
HES Pictures
Kinder Ball
2nd grade

FINAL REMINDER: Highland Elementary, Monroe Center & Meridian Jr. High -- Before we “roll” out for Spring Break, let’s make sure your library account is in tip-top shape!

about 1 month ago, MCUSD 223 Libraries
Roll into Spring Break with a Sweet Library Account
Disney, our 4th graders, along with Mrs. Zern, our music teacher, never disappoint. Fan favorites from Disney present and past we're enjoyed by everyone. Excellent concert tonight 4th grade!! Well done😉🎤🎙️
about 1 month ago, Deana Simpson
4th grade
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SVHS Juniors and Seniors,

Prom tickets are on sale this week during lunch, as well as before and after school in the office. Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased with cash or check (made out to Meridian CUSD 223). Ticket sales will continue after Spring Break.
about 1 month ago, Kayla Richolson
prom
TONIGHT!

🍔 Dinner and a Show 🎶
It’s another Dine Around Town Event!

🗓️ Date: March 25, 2026
⏱️ Time: Before or after the 4th and 5th grade musical (musical begins at 5:30pm)
📍 Location: Royal Blue

A portion of the evenings sales go directly to the Meridian Elementary PTO. Don’t worry about dinner and let Royal Blue do the cooking!
about 1 month ago, Heather Alderks
DAT2

Highland Elementary, Monroe Center & Meridian Jr. High -- Before we “roll” out for Spring Break, let’s make sure your library account is in tip-top shape!

about 1 month ago, MCUSD 223 Libraries
Roll into Spring Break with a Sweet Library Account
Meridian CUSD #223 is seeking an ANTICIPATED Speech and Language Pathologist for the 26-27 school year. Please visit www.meridian223.org to apply!
about 1 month ago, Micki Hoefle
Speech/Lang