In case you were wondering, according to most 3rd graders, Mr. Toad is not at all responsible. Thank goodness our 3rd graders could not only recognize that but show evidence to support that statement.
7 months ago, Deana Simpson
Mr toad
Students in garden club picked apples on property, cleaned them and prepared them to make Crock-Pot applesauce. Quite an adventure during drop everything and lead at MC.
7 months ago, Deana Simpson
apples

We’re Hiring Paraprofessionals!

Meridian Elementary & Jr. High Schools are looking for caring, dedicated Paraprofessionals — including a Spanish-speaking paraprofessional — to join our amazing team!
Apply at https://www.meridian223.org/

What does a Paraprofessional do?

Paras work alongside teachers to support students in the classroom, provide extra help when it’s needed most, and make a HUGE difference in young people’s lives every single day.

Summers off to enjoy time with your family

School-day hours that align closely with your kids’ schedules

The chance to be part of a supportive school community

Daily gratification knowing you’re helping students grow and succeed

If you’re looking for meaningful work that fits your lifestyle AND lets you give back, this is it!

Apply today and become part of a team that’s shaping the future — one student at a time.

7 months ago, Micki Hoefle
Paraprofessional
🍂✨ The Fall 2025 District Newsletter is here! ✨🍂

As we kick off the 2025–2026 school year, there’s so much to celebrate and share:

📖 A warm welcome from Superintendent Dr. Michael Plourde
🚌 Transportation updates + My Ride K-12 bus tracking app
🍎 Food service reminders and meal program info
🏫 Highlights from Highland, Monroe Center, MJHS & SVHS
⚽ Fall sports schedules & important dates
🔧 Building improvements and back-to-school tips for families

Stay connected, informed, and ready for an incredible year ahead!
👉 Read the full newsletter here: https://www.meridian223.org/documents/district-information/newsletters/285020

#MCUSD223 #BackToSchool #DistrictNews #CommunityStrong
8 months ago, Elaine Nicholson
Newsletter
🏀 MJHS Boys Basketball Registration is Now Open! 🏀

Registration is open for all 6th–8th grade boys interested in playing basketball this season!

📍 Register online: https://manage.snap.app/register/stillmanvalley

📋 Requirement: Players must have a current sports physical on file to participate in practice and games.
📅 Practices begin: The week of October 6th
👕 Warm-up shirts & spiritwear: Order now at https://t-topshop.com/product-category/sv-boys-basketball-2025-orders-due-by-october-1/

🗓 Orders due by: October 1st

Let’s get ready for an exciting season — Go Cardinals! 🏀
8 months ago, TARA JEPSEN
1

Meridian CUSD #223 is seeking Paraprofessionals for our Highland Elementary School (5 days per week) and Meridian Jr High School (Job Share: 2-3 days per week). We are also looking for a Spanish Speaking Para for our Jr High and High School Students. These are wonderfully rewarding positions working either one-on-one with students or in a classroom setting, assisting the teacher. Please apply on our website: www.meridian223.org

8 months ago, Micki Hoefle
REading interventionist (3)
Grayson has a fantastic reading spot. Looks like a great spot to get some peaceful reading in. Thanks for sharing, Grayson!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
Grayson
Dr. Plourde and Mrs. Simpson enjoyed a moment with Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Sapoznik and their students. Students helped celebrate their teachers being awarded tenure in the district. Congratulations on a work very well done!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
mj
ks
Looking forward to posting reading nooks throughout the process. Here is Hadley with a little company from her pup Riley! The last of the books are arriving and getting to students. Be prepared for the next challenge from Monroe Center's one book one school!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
hadley
Congratulations to our Monroe Center students who have made it to the Million Word Wall! Josephine is guiding the way with over 1,000,000 words, motivating us all. William and Samuel are not far behind, having read over 500,000 words. While Regan, Kyla, Evelyn, Keegan, Luna, Reid, and Owen have each made significant strides by reading over 250,000 words. Their dedication and progress are truly inspiring!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
quarter of a mill
quarter of a mill
half a mill
mill

Our annual flu shot clinic hosted with the Ogle County Health Department will be Tuesday, Sept. 23rd from 2:30-4:30pm at Meridian Junior High School. It is open to all Meridian 223 staff, students (with parents present), and community members! No need to sign up or fill out forms beforehand - just walk in!

8 months ago, Kayla Richolson
flu shot clinic
Our MJHS Cross Country team traveled to Pecatonica on Saturday and had a record-breaking day. All 9 of our runners who were able to make the meet set a new PR (personal record). Our girls' team took 1st place overall, and Avery S. finished in first place with an easy lead of 23 seconds. Kaydin H. came in 4th place. Logan L. led our boys' team with a 6th place finish. Great job and congratulations to all of our runners!
8 months ago, TARA JEPSEN
1
2
3
4
📣 Parents & Caregivers — You’re Invited!

Join us for the next Parent & Family University Workshop: Attendance Matters!
📅 Wednesday, September 18
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM (Virtual via Zoom)

Why it matters:
✅ Consistent school attendance helps children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
✅ Families will learn simple, practical tips to:

Build healthy morning routines

Reduce stress at home

Overcome barriers to daily attendance

Support their child’s school readiness

📌 Register today: https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us

(Or scan the QR code on the flyer below!)

Your support in spreading the word makes a difference in helping families access valuable resources and strengthen their child’s success in school.
8 months ago, Heather Alderks
am
Is it possible to have a reading nook on the go or in the car? You sure can, and if you're not sure how to do it, just ask Sophie how, and she'll share her reading tips. Way to read on the go. Keep up the great work!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
sophie
Meridian CUSD #223 is seeking the following spanish speaking positions. Please see our website to apply: meridian223.org
8 months ago, Micki Hoefle
Copy of MCUSD
Camila is reading away in her cozy reading nook. Digging right into the book Dragon Girls. Way to go Camila!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
book nook
Ashwin has an awesome space to read! Way to go keep reading!
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
reading nook
We have a few more book nooks to post from our readers at Monroe Center. If you have any more pictures, feel free to send them in. Students have been going to the book vending machine for books all week. We love your reading nooks Kinsey and Mabel. Thanks for sharing them with us.
8 months ago, Deana Simpson
book nook
book nook

Congratulations to our new quarter of a million-word readers at Monroe Center, Regan, Samuel, Evelyn, Kyla, William, Keegan, and Luna!

8 months ago, Deana Simpson
word reader
word reader