Thank you to all who came out to help us celebrate our Veterans at our 2nd Grade concert. We’re grateful for all who have served in our great community! #WeAreMCUSD
Highland Elementary is kicking off their food drive this Monday, November 14th! Help us support those in need by bringing donations to the Highland office. More information can be found in the link below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-qmrn_7NkMUfgrnUY-30Omy0rPaIfoEjaswxGZyZmLo/edit
Thank you to a great group of community volunteers who came in today and will be coming a couple of times a month to read with our students after school. Highland is so grateful for this group of individuals who truly do care for their cardinals! #WeAreMCUSD
Mrs. Barton’s 7th grade students participated in a Halloween/science themed escape room today. Fun was had by all! #WeAreMCUSD
Mrs. Barton’s 7th grade students participated in a Halloween/science themed escape room today. Fun was had by all! #WeAreMCUSD
Officer Ruggeberg escorted our PreK friends today on their costume parade at Highland. We’re so grateful for fun and such a great relationship with our SRO! #WeAreMCUSD
MJHS students enjoyed a fall themed assembly today-complete with mummy races, pumpkin relays, candy corn races and gourd relays. Thanks to all who participated! #WeAreMCUSD
MJHS 8th grade students had the privilege to listen and learn from Joseph Green today about facing the world while being kind. #WeAreMCUSD
Thank you to the Burpee Museum for coming to give our students a LIVE reptiles assembly today. They had a blast and even made a couple of scared educators hold snakes! #WeAreMCUSD
The SVHS and MJHS band programs hosted a thrilling showcase of musical talent during tonight’s concert. Shout out to all musicians and Mr. John Gelasi, director, and Miss Maglio, assistant director. Congratulations and well done! #WeAreMCUSD
Thank you to our amazing Stillman Valley Fire Department for coming to talk with our students about fire safety. Our PreK and Kindergarten friends got to visit them today at the fire station. We’re continually grateful for great community partnerships! #WeAreMCUSD
The MJHS Student Lighthouse Team engaged in leadership activities this morning with our Leader In Me coach, Ms. Hearn and Lighthouse coordinators, Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Close. It’s a great day to be a SV Cardinal! #WeAreMCUSD
Dr. Caposey visited Highland today to read with our 2nd Grade friends. He was so impressed with what they already knew about Asia, that he pulled out a globe and started learning with them! #WeAreMCUSD
Our preschool friends are loving their engagement with the Osmo! It is a great way to combine both physical and technological skills together. We love seeing them so excited and engaged! #WeAreMCUSD
Mrs. Metzger, our K-5 ELA instructional coach, got to teach a lesson in one of our kindergarten classes. The kids had a crazy good time on crazy hair/hat day! #WeAreMCUSD
Mr. McDevitt's 6th grade history classes decoded an Egyptian message today. Students had to use a flashlight and a partner to decipher hieroglyphics to unveil a secret message. #WeAreMCUSD
Highland Families,
After careful inspection, we have determined that there are no lingering issues associated with last night's incident at Highland Elementary. As of 11 AM, our Buildings & Grounds teams are continuing to work to clean all surfaces contaminated by smoke and clean the air. Furthermore, the smell of burnt electrical is significantly better than this morning.
At this point, we are confident that the school is ready to be back in session tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20th. Thank you again to Mr. Kenny Lamer and our entire Buildings & Grounds team for the work they have done to ensure we're able to get school back in session as quickly as possible.
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to returning to school safely tomorrow.
Thank you,
Joe Mullikin
Principal, Highland Elementary School
On September 16, 2022, Mr. Russ Crull joined Jen Speakes at Meridian Junior High as the principal for a day. This year we’re recognizing local legends within the community and school district and welcoming them into the building to experience our schooldays firsthand.
When asked about his experience today: “During my time as principal for a day, I was able to view a number of different classrooms and activities, talk to the administration and teachers, and view a normal school day at Meridian Junior High. It was a great time and the first time I had stepped foot in a principal’s office since the early 2000’s. I am very thankful Mrs. Speakes invited me to be principal for a day.”
What makes Meridian a great district to be a part of? - “The students and staff were the highlight of my time as principal for a day. Everyone I met was warm and welcoming, answered my questions about their classrooms or roles, and otherwise made the experience enjoyable. Aside from the school itself, the Meridian District always seems to have the full support of their communities.”
Tell us about your experience with Meridian (as a student or community member) - “I am not a former student of Meridian, but, as a lifelong resident of Ogle County, have many friends and colleagues who either graduated from Meridian or whose kids go here currently. The school district is known for their tremendous staff, high quality education, and extracurricular activities. I look forward to continuing to support Meridian district and believe the school is in great shape.”
Tell us about your current work and roles - “I am a partner and attorney at Tess, Crull & Arnquist, LLC in Rochelle where I have been a practicing attorney since 2014. Aside from my work as an attorney, I serve on the Ogle County Bar Association, Byron Chamber of Commerce, and Foundation for Focus House Boards. In my free time, I am an avid outdoorsman and conservationist.”
#WeAreMCUSD
The 6th grade volleyball team is working hard in there competition with Winnebago. Go Cardinals! #WeAreMCUSD
MJHS used their early release time to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Thank you to Chris Kunce for sharing your expertise with us. #WeAreMCUSD
