🏀 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!
🎉 Welcome to the Team, Faith VanBriesen! ❤️🖤
We are thrilled to welcome a familiar face back to Meridian District 223! Born and raised right here in Stillman, Faith is a 2022 SVHS graduate who is stepping into a new role as a paraprofessional. She is currently studying Education online through the University of Missouri and is eager to gain hands-on experience while making meaningful connections with our students.
"I can’t wait to learn and grow in this new experience with an amazing team!" — Faith
Get to Know Faith:
✈️ Favorite Vacation: Puerto Rico
📚 Favorite Book: Rookie Season
☕ Go-To Coffee Shop: Sweet Bean
☀️ Favorite Season: Summer
Help us give Faith a warm Cardinal welcome back home in the comments below! 👇✨
We are thrilled to welcome a familiar face back to Meridian District 223! Born and raised right here in Stillman, Faith is a 2022 SVHS graduate who is stepping into a new role as a paraprofessional. She is currently studying Education online through the University of Missouri and is eager to gain hands-on experience while making meaningful connections with our students.
"I can’t wait to learn and grow in this new experience with an amazing team!" — Faith
Get to Know Faith:
✈️ Favorite Vacation: Puerto Rico
📚 Favorite Book: Rookie Season
☕ Go-To Coffee Shop: Sweet Bean
☀️ Favorite Season: Summer
Help us give Faith a warm Cardinal welcome back home in the comments below! 👇✨
🎉 WELCOME TO THE MERIDIAN 223 FAMILY! 🔴⚪
Help us give a big Cardinal welcome to one of our newest staff members, Barbara Nicho! 👏✨
Barbara will join the team at Stillman Valley High School as a Spanish Teacher and serve as the Bilingual Coordinator for both the High School and Junior High! 📚🏫
Originally from the Rockford area, Barbara is returning home to Illinois after teaching Spanish in Florida ☀️ and Michigan 🌲.
When she’s not in the classroom, you can find her:
✈️ Traveling & exploring new places
🥾 Hiking outdoors
📖 Curled up with a good book
💐 Crafting beautiful flower arrangements
We are so excited to have her expertise, passion, and energy back in our community! Drop a "WELCOME TO MERIDIAN!" in the comments below to help her feel right at home! 👇❤️
Help us give a big Cardinal welcome to one of our newest staff members, Barbara Nicho! 👏✨
Barbara will join the team at Stillman Valley High School as a Spanish Teacher and serve as the Bilingual Coordinator for both the High School and Junior High! 📚🏫
Originally from the Rockford area, Barbara is returning home to Illinois after teaching Spanish in Florida ☀️ and Michigan 🌲.
When she’s not in the classroom, you can find her:
✈️ Traveling & exploring new places
🥾 Hiking outdoors
📖 Curled up with a good book
💐 Crafting beautiful flower arrangements
We are so excited to have her expertise, passion, and energy back in our community! Drop a "WELCOME TO MERIDIAN!" in the comments below to help her feel right at home! 👇❤️
🏈 Friday is here!
Cardinal Football opens the season at home!
📅 Friday, August 21
🆚 Winnebago HS
🚪 Gates Open: 6:00 p.m.
🏈 Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Stillman Valley High School
📺 Watch LIVE on Hudl Fan:
https://fan.hudl.com/.../boys-varsity-football/watch...
GAME DAY REMINDERS
🔹 Students in 8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult — games are not a drop-off event.
🔹 No outside play balls are permitted inside the stadium.
Thank you for helping us keep Cardinal events safe and enjoyable for all spectators!
#CardinalPRIDE
Cardinal Football opens the season at home!
📅 Friday, August 21
🆚 Winnebago HS
🚪 Gates Open: 6:00 p.m.
🏈 Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Stillman Valley High School
📺 Watch LIVE on Hudl Fan:
https://fan.hudl.com/.../boys-varsity-football/watch...
GAME DAY REMINDERS
🔹 Students in 8th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult — games are not a drop-off event.
🔹 No outside play balls are permitted inside the stadium.
Thank you for helping us keep Cardinal events safe and enjoyable for all spectators!
#CardinalPRIDE
🎉 WELCOME BACK TO MERIDIAN CUSD 223!
Guess who’s back… back again… 🎶
We are beyond thrilled to welcome a very familiar face back to the family! After spending a little time teaching at RPS205, Abbey Wheeler is returning to Meridian Junior High School as a Special Education teacher! 🍎📚✨
Coming back to MJHS feels a bit like returning to the family business! Over the years, she has served our district in almost every way imaginable:
🖐️ 5 years as a Paraeducator
👟 MJHS Track Coach
💻 Summer Tech Support
🚚 District Courier
🖌️ Summer Painting Crew
🍕 Food Service Staff
At this point, the only job left on the list is Principal… and Abbey said, "Let’s keep it that way!" 😂
Off the clock, her daughter—who is her absolute world—is starting her senior year of high school! (Which is deeply offensive, highly suspicious, and clearly a scheduling mistake, according to Abbey who has a great sense of humor about this! 🎓)
We couldn't be happier to have her back where it all started. Help us drop a huge "WELCOME HOME!" in the comments below! 👇❤️
Guess who’s back… back again… 🎶
We are beyond thrilled to welcome a very familiar face back to the family! After spending a little time teaching at RPS205, Abbey Wheeler is returning to Meridian Junior High School as a Special Education teacher! 🍎📚✨
Coming back to MJHS feels a bit like returning to the family business! Over the years, she has served our district in almost every way imaginable:
🖐️ 5 years as a Paraeducator
👟 MJHS Track Coach
💻 Summer Tech Support
🚚 District Courier
🖌️ Summer Painting Crew
🍕 Food Service Staff
At this point, the only job left on the list is Principal… and Abbey said, "Let’s keep it that way!" 😂
Off the clock, her daughter—who is her absolute world—is starting her senior year of high school! (Which is deeply offensive, highly suspicious, and clearly a scheduling mistake, according to Abbey who has a great sense of humor about this! 🎓)
We couldn't be happier to have her back where it all started. Help us drop a huge "WELCOME HOME!" in the comments below! 👇❤️
🎉 Welcome, Heather Lee, to her new role in the Meridian 223 Family! 🎉
Please join us in giving a huge Monroe Center Grade School welcome to Heather Lee, our new Paraprofessional! 🌟
Heather is a proud Meridian alum, and her deep roots in the district run deep—two of her three awesome kids (Alayna, 23; Austin, 20; and Akayla, 10) have also graduated from Meridian! 🎓❤️
After 13+ years of serving up great experiences in the food service industry, Heather is excited to bring her energy and heart to our school. When she’s not keeping busy with her family or dreaming about her future goals in radiology, you can find her rockin' out on the drums 🥁 or getting creative with crafting! 🎨✨
We are so lucky to have you at Monroe Center, Heather! Welcome aboard! 👋❤️🖤
Please join us in giving a huge Monroe Center Grade School welcome to Heather Lee, our new Paraprofessional! 🌟
Heather is a proud Meridian alum, and her deep roots in the district run deep—two of her three awesome kids (Alayna, 23; Austin, 20; and Akayla, 10) have also graduated from Meridian! 🎓❤️
After 13+ years of serving up great experiences in the food service industry, Heather is excited to bring her energy and heart to our school. When she’s not keeping busy with her family or dreaming about her future goals in radiology, you can find her rockin' out on the drums 🥁 or getting creative with crafting! 🎨✨
We are so lucky to have you at Monroe Center, Heather! Welcome aboard! 👋❤️🖤
