The Regional Office of Education is excited to share a calendar of upcoming opportunities for students and families to connect, learn, and grow together. These events offer practical tools, helpful resources, and meaningful ways to strengthen connections at home and in the larger community.
📚 Attendance Matters — September 17, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Help your child build strong habits for school success from day one. We’ll share practical strategies and ideas to support positive attendance and help your child feel successful at school.
🤝 Building Strong Communities for Families — October 15, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Discover practical ways to build meaningful connections, strengthen your support network, and help your family thrive. Learn about resources and opportunities available to families in our community.
👶 Virtual Baby Shower — October 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Expecting a baby or welcoming a new little one? Join us virtually for a fun and informative Baby Shower! Connect with other families and learn about resources and support available to you and your baby.
📖 Family Literacy Night — November 12, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Join us for simple, fun ways to grow a love of reading and learning at home. Families will have opportunities to participate together and discover activities you can easily continue at home.
📚 Attendance Matters — September 17, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Help your child build strong habits for school success from day one. We’ll share practical strategies and ideas to support positive attendance and help your child feel successful at school.
🤝 Building Strong Communities for Families — October 15, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Discover practical ways to build meaningful connections, strengthen your support network, and help your family thrive. Learn about resources and opportunities available to families in our community.
👶 Virtual Baby Shower — October 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Expecting a baby or welcoming a new little one? Join us virtually for a fun and informative Baby Shower! Connect with other families and learn about resources and support available to you and your baby.
📖 Family Literacy Night — November 12, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Join us for simple, fun ways to grow a love of reading and learning at home. Families will have opportunities to participate together and discover activities you can easily continue at home.
Hello, Cardinals. Monroe Center has the latest update on our Wall of Fame inductees. Today, Mia, Pablo, and Matthew all enjoyed lunch with Mrs. Denton and Mrs. Simpson for accomplishing something many of us could only dream of. They mastered their ACCESS testing and are fluent in both English and Spanish. Being able to read, write, and speak in both languages is such an accomplishment at such an early age. Congratulations!
Phoenix, Alice, and Mrs. Lassard's class are doing workplaces to build their knowledge of factors and multiples. Ask 4th graders how to do that workplace, and they can tell you all about it.
Check out the Health Services Newsletter for this quarter!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QfwdbDnVvLw_-Q4A-85N8cDeHlrV9eDoVAbEnC9Vv6k/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QfwdbDnVvLw_-Q4A-85N8cDeHlrV9eDoVAbEnC9Vv6k/edit?usp=sharing
PRESS RELEASE
Coach Shawn Byers Resigns After 27 Years Leading Stillman Valley Softball
Stillman Valley High School announces that longtime head softball coach Shawn Byers has resigned after 27 years of leading the Cardinals.
The Stillman Valley softball program began during the 1996–97 school year. After the program’s first two seasons, Coach Byers took over and transformed Cardinal softball into a perennial contender and one of
Northern Illinois’ most respected programs.
During his remarkable tenure, Byers compiled a career record of 517–262 while leading the Cardinals to 11 Big
Northern Conference Championships, 10 IHSA Regional Championships, and two IHSA Sectional Championships.
Coach Byers’ connection to the diamond spans 52 years, beginning with his own time as a player. Before taking over the Stillman Valley softball program, he also spent nine years as the head baseball coach at Malta
High School. Baseball and softball have been lifelong passions, and his knowledge, commitment, and competitive spirit have influenced generations of student-athletes.
“Coach Byers leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by wins and championships alone,” said Stillman Valley High School Athletic/Activities Director Heather Alderks. “He built Stillman Valley softball into a program known and respected throughout Northern Illinois, but his greatest impact can be seen in the generations of student-athletes he coached, challenged, and prepared for life beyond the diamond. The
standard he established will remain a part of Cardinal softball for years to come.”
Coach Byers’ impact extends far beyond the field. He established a tradition of excellence built on hard work, consistency, and Cardinal pride. The relationships he formed with players, families, assistant coaches, and
community members will remain an important part of his lasting legacy.
Stillman Valley High School and Meridian CUSD #223 sincerely thank Coach Byers for his 27 years of dedication and service to Cardinal softball. We congratulate him on an extraordinary coaching career and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
Additional information regarding the future leadership of the Stillman Valley softball program will be shared at
a later date.
Coach Shawn Byers Resigns After 27 Years Leading Stillman Valley Softball
Stillman Valley High School announces that longtime head softball coach Shawn Byers has resigned after 27 years of leading the Cardinals.
The Stillman Valley softball program began during the 1996–97 school year. After the program’s first two seasons, Coach Byers took over and transformed Cardinal softball into a perennial contender and one of
Northern Illinois’ most respected programs.
During his remarkable tenure, Byers compiled a career record of 517–262 while leading the Cardinals to 11 Big
Northern Conference Championships, 10 IHSA Regional Championships, and two IHSA Sectional Championships.
Coach Byers’ connection to the diamond spans 52 years, beginning with his own time as a player. Before taking over the Stillman Valley softball program, he also spent nine years as the head baseball coach at Malta
High School. Baseball and softball have been lifelong passions, and his knowledge, commitment, and competitive spirit have influenced generations of student-athletes.
“Coach Byers leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by wins and championships alone,” said Stillman Valley High School Athletic/Activities Director Heather Alderks. “He built Stillman Valley softball into a program known and respected throughout Northern Illinois, but his greatest impact can be seen in the generations of student-athletes he coached, challenged, and prepared for life beyond the diamond. The
standard he established will remain a part of Cardinal softball for years to come.”
Coach Byers’ impact extends far beyond the field. He established a tradition of excellence built on hard work, consistency, and Cardinal pride. The relationships he formed with players, families, assistant coaches, and
community members will remain an important part of his lasting legacy.
Stillman Valley High School and Meridian CUSD #223 sincerely thank Coach Byers for his 27 years of dedication and service to Cardinal softball. We congratulate him on an extraordinary coaching career and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
Additional information regarding the future leadership of the Stillman Valley softball program will be shared at
a later date.
🏀 MJHS Sports Registration for Boys Basketball & Academic Team is NOW OPEN! 🧠
Get ready for the upcoming season! Here is everything you need to know to sign up:
🏀 Boys Basketball: Open to all grade levels
🧠 Academic Team: Open to 7th & 8th grade students
📲 How to Register:
1. Athletic and Activity Registration
2. Log in or create an account
3. Select Stillman Valley High School
4. Choose your junior high activity from the list
⚠️ Pro Tip: Don't wait—get those sports physicals scheduled before the season kicks off! Sports Physicals must be on file to practice and play.
If you have questions, contact Mrs. Jepsen at the junior high by email or phone.
Summer Shout-Out! 🌞📚 Congratulations to every MCUSD #223 student who kept reading all summer — you did it! Special kudos to those who jumped into the Million Word Reader, Bluestem, and Rebecca Caudill programs. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our MCUSD #223 families for supporting reading, library trips, and academic growth. And a big shout-out to the Julia Hull Library staff for helping students take quizzes and keeping new books flowing!
A huge thank you to Glow Coffee Studio for their school supply donations! Your generosity helps make sure our students have the supplies they need to start the year strong. We are so grateful for your support of our schools and community!
4th Graders at Monroe Center had a fantastic time participating in Ag Awareness Days at the Ogle County Fairgrounds on Thursday. Illinois County Extension hosted the program, and it's an opportunity for our 4th graders each year to learn about the role agriculture plays in our lives. The program was excellent, and the students did an incredible job representing our community with their teachers. Thank you to everyone who made this such a successful event for our students.
All offices in the district will close today at 1:30 pm due to a district-wide training. Thank you for your understanding!
In case of an emergency please email : enicholson@mail.meridian223.org
In case of an emergency please email : enicholson@mail.meridian223.org
🏈 FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL | CARDINALS AT HOME
Varsity Football hosts Genoa-Kingston, and we have a full night of Cardinal recognition planned!
🚪 Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Pre-Game Youth Recognition
📣 6:15 p.m. — Lil Warrior & Jr. Tackle Cheer Recognition
🏈 6:20 p.m. — Flag Football Recognition
🏈 6:30 p.m. — Jr. Tackle Recognition + varsity tunnel
⏱️ 6:40 p.m. — Varsity warm-ups
🏈 7:00 p.m. — Kickoff
During the Game
📣 Little Cheer Camp performance — between the 1st & 2nd quarters
💃 SVHS Dance Team — halftime
👏 Special recognition of Mr. Jim Miller — halftime following Dance
🎟️ Admission
Adults — $5
Students/Seniors — $3
SVHS Students — FREE
📺 Livestream:
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/stillman-valley/organization/16027/stillman-valley-high-school
GAME DAY REMINDERS
• Football games are not a drop-off event. Students in 8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
• No outside play balls are permitted inside the stadium.
Come early — there’s a lot to celebrate Friday night!
#CardinalPRIDE
Varsity Football hosts Genoa-Kingston, and we have a full night of Cardinal recognition planned!
🚪 Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Pre-Game Youth Recognition
📣 6:15 p.m. — Lil Warrior & Jr. Tackle Cheer Recognition
🏈 6:20 p.m. — Flag Football Recognition
🏈 6:30 p.m. — Jr. Tackle Recognition + varsity tunnel
⏱️ 6:40 p.m. — Varsity warm-ups
🏈 7:00 p.m. — Kickoff
During the Game
📣 Little Cheer Camp performance — between the 1st & 2nd quarters
💃 SVHS Dance Team — halftime
👏 Special recognition of Mr. Jim Miller — halftime following Dance
🎟️ Admission
Adults — $5
Students/Seniors — $3
SVHS Students — FREE
📺 Livestream:
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/stillman-valley/organization/16027/stillman-valley-high-school
GAME DAY REMINDERS
• Football games are not a drop-off event. Students in 8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
• No outside play balls are permitted inside the stadium.
Come early — there’s a lot to celebrate Friday night!
#CardinalPRIDE
Dear Meridian Junior High School Families,
We are excited to announce our MJHS Fall Sports Fundraiser!
Athletics and activities at MJHS are funded in large part through spiritwear and concession stand sales. In an effort to generate additional revenue to help us update and replace volleyballs, basketballs, nets, and other athletic equipment, we will be hosting two SNAP fundraisers this school year.
Fall Sports Fundraiser
For our fall fundraiser, we are asking all students participating in the following activities to take part:
Volleyball
Cross Country
Boys Basketball
Cheerleading
Everyone is welcome to participate! Students do not have to be involved in one of these activities to take part in the fundraiser.
The great thing about the SNAP fundraiser is that there is nothing to sell and no products to deliver! This is a donation-based fundraiser. Your student simply creates an account and can provide email addresses and/or phone numbers for family members, friends, and others who may be willing to support MJHS athletics and activities.
We will hold an additional SNAP fundraiser in the spring for Girls Basketball, Academic Team, Wrestling, and Track.
Every donation, no matter the amount, will help us provide our students with quality equipment and opportunities to participate in athletics and activities. We greatly appreciate your support of our students and MJHS!
Please see the flyer below for instructions on how to sign up and for additional details:
MJHS Fall Sports Fundraiser Flyer
Thank you for supporting Meridian Junior High School Athletics and Activities!
Go Cardinals!
Tara Jepsen
Assistant Principal / Athletic Director
Meridian Junior High School
Welcome back to Meridian CUSD #223 Libraries!
Classes have returned to review library routines, and books are already flying off the shelves. Families: try a short daily or weekly reading time — it’s a simple way to bond, spot reading strengths or challenges, and build lifelong habits. Need book suggestions or support? Our library team is ready to help—contact us anytime.
Classes have returned to review library routines, and books are already flying off the shelves. Families: try a short daily or weekly reading time — it’s a simple way to bond, spot reading strengths or challenges, and build lifelong habits. Need book suggestions or support? Our library team is ready to help—contact us anytime.
SVHS Athletic/Activities Hall of Fame — Class of 2026
Stillman Valley High School is proud to announce the Athletic/Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2026!
This year’s class represents outstanding achievement, leadership, service, and championship history across generations of Cardinal athletics and activities.
Coach — Bobby Mellon
Since joining the SVHS girls basketball program in 2010, Coach Mellon has compiled a 252-105 varsity record, won 5 regional titles, 2 sectional titles, and a Big Northern Conference championship, and earned 5 IBCA District Coach of the Year honors.
Student-Athlete — Michelle Fager Rogers, Class of 1996
A three-sport Cardinal, Michelle competed in volleyball, basketball, and track, was part of two state-qualifying basketball teams, and also qualified for the IHSA State Track Meet in the hurdles.
Student-Athlete — Dan Godfread, Class of 1985
Dan’s basketball career took him from Stillman Valley to the University of Evansville, the NBA with Minnesota and Houston, and seven years of professional basketball in Europe.
Friends of Athletics — James & Russ Elliot
James and Russ have been longtime supporters of Cardinal athletics, regularly attending SVHS contests both home and away and consistently supporting generations of student-athletes.
Team — 2002–2003 Scholastic Bowl
The Cardinals finished 68-6 overall and 13-0 in conference play, captured their fourth straight conference and regional titles, second straight sectional title, and went on to win the IHSA Class A State Championship.
Team — 1989–1990 Chess
The Cardinals finished 8-0-1, went unbeaten at the IHSA State Finals, scored 957 points, and captured the first IHSA State Championship in any sport or activity in SVHS history.
The Class of 2026 will be introduced on Friday, September 25, following the
Homecoming Court and prior to the varsity football game, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
We look forward to celebrating this outstanding group and their lasting impact on Stillman Valley High School.
#CardinalPRIDE
Stillman Valley High School is proud to announce the Athletic/Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2026!
This year’s class represents outstanding achievement, leadership, service, and championship history across generations of Cardinal athletics and activities.
Coach — Bobby Mellon
Since joining the SVHS girls basketball program in 2010, Coach Mellon has compiled a 252-105 varsity record, won 5 regional titles, 2 sectional titles, and a Big Northern Conference championship, and earned 5 IBCA District Coach of the Year honors.
Student-Athlete — Michelle Fager Rogers, Class of 1996
A three-sport Cardinal, Michelle competed in volleyball, basketball, and track, was part of two state-qualifying basketball teams, and also qualified for the IHSA State Track Meet in the hurdles.
Student-Athlete — Dan Godfread, Class of 1985
Dan’s basketball career took him from Stillman Valley to the University of Evansville, the NBA with Minnesota and Houston, and seven years of professional basketball in Europe.
Friends of Athletics — James & Russ Elliot
James and Russ have been longtime supporters of Cardinal athletics, regularly attending SVHS contests both home and away and consistently supporting generations of student-athletes.
Team — 2002–2003 Scholastic Bowl
The Cardinals finished 68-6 overall and 13-0 in conference play, captured their fourth straight conference and regional titles, second straight sectional title, and went on to win the IHSA Class A State Championship.
Team — 1989–1990 Chess
The Cardinals finished 8-0-1, went unbeaten at the IHSA State Finals, scored 957 points, and captured the first IHSA State Championship in any sport or activity in SVHS history.
The Class of 2026 will be introduced on Friday, September 25, following the
Homecoming Court and prior to the varsity football game, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
We look forward to celebrating this outstanding group and their lasting impact on Stillman Valley High School.
#CardinalPRIDE
Students at Monroe Center had a big surprise from Mr. Potato Head at their first assembly of the year. Mr. Potato Head had an attendance challenge for students that sounds like a great deal of fun. Ask your students how it works. Mr. Potato Head will be back as classrooms enjoy trying to complete their own class potato head by adding a piece for each full attendance day. You should have heard the students when they saw him. Who knows, maybe we'll have a few other surprise characters down the road as we build great attendance at MC this year.
Highland students enjoyed a visit from Cub Scout Pack 315 today during lunch. A flyer has been sent home with more information.
Mrs. Meyer was awarded the IPA (Illinois Principals Association) /NW Region’s Non-Certified Support Personnel Leadership Award! Mrs. Meyer is a Math Interventionist and Paraprofessional at Monroe Center Grade School, and we are so blessed to have her working with us every year. We're thankful for her leadership within her team and, not to mention, the entire building. She does incredible work with students every day and continues to support students and staff. Thank you so much for all you do for our district!
Congratulations to Mr. Hunt on receiving a grant from the Illinois Retired Teachers Association to support his vision of creating a fitness center/environment for students at MC. He's diligently working to help students see that fitness isn't just for athletes; it's a life skill for all of us to stay healthy and live a great life.
Some of our youngest Cardinal Cheerleaders huddled with Mrs. Simpson today to put together a plan to cheer on our teachers and staff for all the work they've done to get ready for students this year. As we introduced our MC team to all students, our Cardinal cheerleaders did a fantastic job getting the crowd excited and cheering along. So much fun working together to do this!
Monroe Center Grade School would like to introduce you to our very first "WALL OF FAME" students. Next time you enter the building, you will see their pictures posted at the front of the building under the lights of our display case. We want to highlight our great leaders. Stay tuned for more Wall of Fame updates. Congratulations to Ella, Kylie, Gunnar, Zeke, and Dane on a job well done!
