📢 Parents: Rooms Notification Settings
Ensure you stay informed about your child's school activities. Update your notification preferences in Rooms through the Meridian CUSD #223 app to get the updates you need when you need them!
🎥 Watch this quick tutorial to learn how: https://youtu.be/-kojLt-Yt0k?si=tJht5TkLyzQxHljy
Let Hector’s Cocina do the cooking this Tuesday night while supporting the SVHS junior class and prom 2025!
Monroe Center cannot wait to celebrate our Cardinals next week with dress-up days during Homecoming week. Anything we can do to support our team! Go Cards!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monroe Center Grade School Recognized with GreatSchools Thrive Award
Monroe Center, IL — Monroe Center Grade School, part of Meridian Community Unit School District 223, has been honored with the prestigious GreatSchools Thrive Award. This recognition places Monroe Center among the top 532 schools in Illinois, celebrated for creating a positive and supportive learning environment for both students and staff.
The Thrive Award is a first-of-its-kind, data-driven accolade that highlights schools fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. This recognition is particularly significant as it is based on the results of the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual 5Essentials Survey—a key indicator of school climate and culture.
The 5Essentials Survey is an annual assessment taken by students and staff across Illinois public schools. It measures five critical areas of school effectiveness: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction. The survey results provide invaluable insights into a school's climate, offering a comprehensive overview that is often difficult for families to access otherwise.
Monroe Center Grade School’s strong performance on this survey underscores the school's commitment to fostering an environment where all students feel supported, safe, and encouraged to succeed. This latest recognition builds on the school's past achievements, including being named a Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey. This honor highlighted Monroe Center’s excellence in leadership and its dedication to developing a culture of student empowerment and accountability.
"We are incredibly honored to receive the GreatSchools Thrive Award," said Principal Deana Simpson. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community—teachers, students, and families. At Monroe Center, we believe that a supportive and positive environment is the foundation of a successful educational experience, and we are thrilled that our efforts have been recognized. Being named both a Lighthouse School and a recipient of the Thrive Award reflects our incredible commitment to the success and well-being of our students. It speaks volumes when you are honored with an award that is based on the input of the community, your staff family, and your students. I could not be prouder of those that created this environment."
GreatSchools, the nation's leading nonprofit school information site, developed the Thrive Award to meet the growing demand from parents for insights into school culture, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing this information alongside data on advanced course offerings, STEM programs, and more, GreatSchools aims to empower parents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their children's education.
For more information about Monroe Center Grade School and its programs, please visit the school's website or contact the school office at 815-645-2230.
About Monroe Center Grade School: Monroe Center Elementary School is a proud member of the Meridian CUSD 223, serving students in Monroe Center, Illinois. The school is committed to providing a nurturing and challenging educational environment, where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential.
About GreatSchools: GreatSchools is the leading national nonprofit empowering parents to unlock educational opportunities for their children. We provide school information and parenting resources to help millions of American families choose the right school, support their child's education, and improve schools in their communities.
🚨 Parents and Guardians, we need your help!
Staying informed about your child's education has never been easier – but we need YOU to take action! 💪
Download and USE the Rooms app today to get updates on everything happening at school. Be the first to know and stay engaged in your child’s success, from assignments to events. Rooms is also available on a web browser: https://id.edurooms.com/
Your involvement makes a huge difference. Let’s work together to support our students – one notification at a time! 🙌
Our Health Services Department is wishing everyone a safe and healthy school year ahead!
Important forms and contact information may be found here at the Health Services tab of our district website: https://www.meridian223.org/page/health-services
This Friday, Aug. 30, is an early release and students will be dismissed at 11:10. It is also $1 Day! Students may dress as a career of their choice if they bring $1 to support our Leadership activities. We can't wait to see the students' dreams!
Due to current and projected weather conditions, tomorrow's High School Volleyball games have been moved to Dakota High School. Freshman will play at 5:00, JV at 6:00, and Varsity at 7:00!
Highland Elementary Picture Day is 09/03/2024, mark your calendar! Order before Picture Day to receive free shipping to the school. Ordering online is easy, visit
https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/87200QF.
Message from the Meridian 223 Health Services Dept: Health requirements are now due! Please view the link below to see which requirements pertain to your student. Contact your student's school nurse if you have any questions!
https://bit.ly/4dxR0f3
Join us Friday night for our 2024 Cardinal Night! All fall sports athletes will be introduced in the stadium starting at 5:30 PM. The SVHS volleyball scrimmage will follow in the main gym, and the boys' soccer scrimmage will take place on the soccer practice field in front of the high school. The SVHS football scrimmage against Byron will begin at 6:30 PM. Come out and get a first look at our 2024 fall athletic teams in action!
Highland is excited to welcome our preschoolers back to school! Open House for preschool will be Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5:00-5:30. Stop by and meet the teachers and see the classrooms.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday, Aug. 12 at 4:00 for our Back to School Night. Please bring supplies to drop off for your student.
PTO will have sign-ups in the gym and transportation staff will be on hand to help!
There will also be Boy and Girl Scout tables with information!
Teacher assignments will be on Skyward Friday, Aug. 9.
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, which starts on Wednesday, August 14, 8:00 am (not a late start), please ensure you complete student registration, check health requirements, and review school supply lists on www.meridian223.org. For more information, visit the district calendar and download the Meridian 223 App for updates.
Monroe Center staff is looking forward to meeting students and families on Monday, August 12th from 5-5:45 during Open House. Feel free to bring supplies drop them off and meet your teachers. PTO will also have sign-ups for room parents and volunteers.
All class lists will be posted to Skyward on Friday, Aug. 9.
Excited to begin a new year with you!
Grandma Bonnie's School Supply Closet will be open for those families in the community who need school supplies. Thank you to the Regional Office of Education for sharing both this opportunity for supplies and another fun way to enter into the school year for students from Pre-K to 3rd grade. Regardless of age and grade level, if your student is in need of school supplies and is older than 3rd grade, always let your school know at the beginning of the year should you need assistance.
📚✏️ Back to School Update! ✏️📚
We hope everyone is enjoying their summer break! As we gear up for the new school year, we have some important updates to share:
📝 Student Registration: Don't forget to register your student for the upcoming school year. Registration is open now and can be completed online at https://www.meridian223.org/. Ensure your student is enrolled and ready for the first day of school, as well as helping our Transportation Department assemble route lists!
🩺 Health Requirements: Please ensure your student meets all health requirements before the school year begins. This includes up-to-date immunizations, physical exams, and any necessary health forms. Visit Health Requirements for more information on Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 6th Grade, 9th Grade, 12th Grade, and all grade level requirements for the coming school year.
📋 School Supply Lists: Get a head start on your shopping! Our school supply lists are now available on the district website. Visit your child's school building tab and "Student Resources" or "Parent Resources" to find your child's grade level list.
📱 Download the Meridian 223 App: Stay informed on the go! Download the Meridian 223 app to get instant access to school news, events, and important updates. The app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XxlUHVCBUagImLgTb_OLTNqoktaeVlzb/view?usp=sharing
📲 Invitation to "Rooms": Stay connected and informed! Parents who are not yet connected will receive an invitation to "Rooms". This platform is essential for staying up-to-date with school announcements, classroom activities, and more. Moving forward, this will be the only app teachers and coaches use to communicate updates throughout the school year, along with email. Be sure to check your email/text, look for your Magic Code, and join us on "Rooms"!
📅 Back-to-School Night Dates: Mark your calendars! Our Back-to-School Nights are scheduled as follows:
Highland Elementary School: Monday, August 12 - 4:00-4:45 pm
Monroe Center Elementary School: Monday, August 12 - 5:00-5:45 pm
Meridian Jr. High School: Monday, August 12 - 7th/8th Grade - 5:00-6:00 pm; 6th Grade - 6:00-7:00 pm
Stillman Valley High School: Wednesday, August 21 from 6:00-7:00 PM
🏈🏐🎽 ⚽Fall Sports Registration: Fall sports registration for MJHS and SVHS is now open! Ensure your student-athlete is registered for their desired sports. Visit https://schools.snap.app/StillmanValley to complete the registration process.
We're excited to see everyone back at school on Wednesday, August 14, at 8:00 a.m. (there will be NO late start). Let's make this year the best one yet! If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child's school office.
Fall Sports/Activity Registration is now open! If you have any questions, please reach out to the Athletic/Activities Director, Henry Robison, at hrobison@mail.meridian223.org.
Go Cardinals!!
Our Meridian School District app keeps getting better and
better! Parents/guardians who have already created a
Rooms account can now access new app features like chat
and class streams via web and in the app.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3PhCXhY
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3yzKHpM
Monroe Center Grade School 3rd Grader Leads Fundraiser for Local K-9 Unit
Monroe Center, IL – June 18, 2024
Monroe Center Grade School is proud to announce that one of its own, Ainsley McCarthy, a dedicated 3rd-grade student, successfully organized a "Dress for a Donation" event to raise funds for the local K-9 unit. The initiative aims to support Officer Kyle White and his K-9 partner, Gator, by providing essential gear and resources for their work in the community.
Ainsley's creative fundraising event encouraged students and staff to participate by donating money in exchange for special dress-up days at school. The initiative garnered overwhelming support, with participants eager to contribute to the cause. Ainsley’s enthusiasm and commitment to the project have inspired her peers and highlighted the importance of community involvement and support for local law enforcement. When asked why Ainsley wanted to do this for Gator she shared, “I love all animals, and making sure they are all safe is why I wanted to help my friends out. I want to do this because I know K9 Gator and want to ensure he goes home to his family. This is something I want to do every school year.”
Officer White and Gator are integral members of the Monroe Center community, playing a vital role in ensuring safety and security. The funds raised through Ainsley’s event will help provide Gator with the necessary equipment and training materials, enhancing the K-9 unit's capabilities. This partnership between the school and the police department underscores the strong bond between education and public service. Deputy White shared, “K9 Gator, Ogle County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit, and I are incredibly thankful for the donation from the students and staff at Monroe Center Elementary School. We were happy to meet the third-grade student who organized it. Ainsley took it upon herself to organize raising the money. The Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is primarily funded by fundraising and donations. We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the community.”
The Meridian District and Monroe Center Grade School are proud of Ainsley’s leadership and initiative. Principal Mrs. Deana Simpson commented, "Ainsley’s efforts are a shining example of the positive impact our students can have on the community when combining their leadership ability and natural talents. Her dedication and compassion reflect the values we strive to instill in all our students."
Monroe Center Grade School extends heartfelt gratitude to all the students and staff who participated and supported this noble cause. Ainsley’s project not only raised much-needed funds but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the students and staff, demonstrating the powerful impact of young leaders in our community.
