Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Lassard. This week, she and her 4th grade class were surprised by a visit from Sweet Lenny and Emily from the early morning radio show on 97ZOK. Mrs. Lassard was named Teacher of the Week. With that came sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes, self-care gifts from WM DaySpa Salon, and other lovely surprises from Benassi Family Dentistry. Thank you to 97ZOK and their wonderful sponsors for doing this for Mrs. Lassard. We're super fortunate to have her with us at Monroe Center and in the Meridian District. Congratulations!
In art class at Monroe Center today, Mrs. Huhn taught students to create landscapes using chalk, stencils they made with specific cuts, and their hands. The outcome was breathtaking. It felt like walking through a sea of northern lights. Beautiful work!
MC's Wall of Fame is growing. We inducted ten more students into the Wall of Fame. Congratulations on your great choices and leadership, and for showing others that by making incredible choices, we can go far. So proud of each of you!
Thanks to Monroe Center's Sunshine Committee for sharing "A Cup of Ambition" with staff today. What better way to celebrate 9/25 than a little tribute to Dolly Parton and all the great things she's done for literacy everywhere? Mrs. VanHise and Mrs. DeWindt had her song playing, along with beverages and snacks, and a surprise for staff: they had to do a little dancing before making their choice. We laughed and enjoyed 9/25.
There is nothing better than when your teacher does Workplaces with you. Thanks, Mrs. Stahl, for teaching our 3rd graders how to have a lot of fun practicing their math skills.
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! This can’t-miss event gets kids excited about reading and earns funds for our school library.
¡Ya llega la Feria del Libro de Scholastic! Este evento imperdible entusiasma a los niños con la lectura y recauda fondos para la biblioteca de nuestra escuela.
SAVE THE DATE:
Online shopping: October 19-23
In-person shopping: October 21st & 22nd, 3:15 pm- 6:00 pm
Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/highlandelementaryschool3
Meridian Jr High Student Council participated in their annual Lock In at the Jr High last weekend! It was a fantastic overnight built around teambuilding and leadership skills - with a LOT of fun mixed in! Thank you to Royal Blue for delivering dinner!
Meridian is seeking the following positions at our schools. Please view positions and apply at https://www.applitrack.com/roe47/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=&choosedistrict=true&applitrackclient=1140
Congratulations to Mr. Ralev on earning tenure this year! Dr. Plourde surprised him with a gift bag right in front of his 6th graders, who were thrilled to join in the celebration. Thank you, Mr. Ralev, for your dedication to our district and for everything you do for our students!
Monroe Center students did an excellent job promoting bus safety when the Transportation Department hosted a poster-creation contest this year. Several staff members across the district have been invited to judge each grade level. We're looking forward to finding out who our winners are. We really appreciate so many of our drivers coming over to MC and teaching students about bus safety, and for all the work they do.
Congratulations to Ms. Horton for acquiring tenure this year. Dr. Plourde surprised her at Monroe Center this week with huge congratulations and a district gift. Her students celebrated with her! Thank you, Ms. Horton, for all the work you do for students and within our district.
Looking forward to Homecoming Dress Up Days next week! Go Cards!!
Ogle County Mini-Food Center Information
Bread of Life Information
Happy National IT Professionals Day!
Today we’re celebrating the amazing IT professionals who keep Meridian CUSD 223 connected, supported, and running behind the scenes every day!
Whether it’s solving a technology problem, keeping our systems secure, supporting our staff, or making sure our students have the technology they need to learn, our IT team does it all!
We are incredibly grateful for your knowledge, patience, hard work, and dedication to our students and staff. Thank you for being the people we can count on when technology doesn’t cooperate!
Happy National IT Professionals Day to our fantastic IT team! We appreciate you more than you know!
#NationalITProfessionalsDay #MeridianCUSD223 #WeAppreciateYou #ThankYouIT
Today we’re celebrating the amazing IT professionals who keep Meridian CUSD 223 connected, supported, and running behind the scenes every day!
Whether it’s solving a technology problem, keeping our systems secure, supporting our staff, or making sure our students have the technology they need to learn, our IT team does it all!
We are incredibly grateful for your knowledge, patience, hard work, and dedication to our students and staff. Thank you for being the people we can count on when technology doesn’t cooperate!
Happy National IT Professionals Day to our fantastic IT team! We appreciate you more than you know!
#NationalITProfessionalsDay #MeridianCUSD223 #WeAppreciateYou #ThankYouIT
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.
