It's almost time for the Meridian CUSD 223 Libraries' Read-A-Thon this year!
Monroe Center School's Read-A-Thon begins on Monday, March 2, 2026, and is sure to be a fun and exciting event.

We understand that your time is valuable. We also know that providing the best education for your child is important. That's why we are encouraging everyone to activate their student's Read-A-Thon account as soon as possible. The instructions are straightforward, making it quick and hassle-free, and it should take less than 5 minutes of your time.

This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family. Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323332323936/1?

Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers! 

Thank you,
Meridian CUSD 223 Libraries

about 2 months ago, MCUSD 223 Libraries
Read_A_Thon
Meridian CUSD #223 is seeking the following positions. Please view and apply at www.meridian223.org
about 2 months ago, Micki Hoefle
mjh
Highland will be hosting a preschool screening on March 13th. Children who live within the MCUSD district and will be 3 years old by the screening date are eligible. Please call the Highland office to schedule an appointment. 815-645-2230.
2 months ago, Jacque Buchanan
Pre-K Screening
It was a great day for this young lady this weekend. She received 1st place and had two pins on the mat. Way to go, Julia. We had several others from Monroe Center who also won 1st place in their weight divisions. Feel free to share here or if there is a group picture, we can post. Congratulations to all of those students.
2 months ago, Deana Simpson
Julia wrestling 1st place

The Highland Elementary School Yearbook is officially available for purchase! Yearbooks are $15.00, and orders must be placed by March 28th. Please click the link below to visit our yearbook site and place your order. Capture this year’s memories in book form!

Click here to order.

2 months ago, Jacque Buchanan
HES Yearbook

Meridian CUSD 223’s Monroe Center School Library has decided to hold a Read-A-Thon this year!
Read-A-Thons actually get your reader excited about reading, and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.

Our Read-A-Thon starts Monday, March 2, 2026.

About one week before our Read-A-Thon starts, we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you can view and record their progress.

We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323332323936/1?utm=email and following the simple instructions.

We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read, and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.

We hope EVERYONE participates.

Thanks so much,

Meridian CUSD 223 Libraries

2 months ago, MCUSD 223 Libraries
Readathon logo
Highland will be hosting a preschool screening on March 13th. Children who live within the MCUSD district and will be 3 years old by the screening date are eligible. Please call the Highland office to schedule an appointment. 815-645-2230.
2 months ago, Jacque Buchanan
PK screening
🚨🚨🚨 SVHS Athletic Hall of Fame 🚨🚨🚨

Nominations are NOW OPEN for the 2026 SVHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class!

Do you know a former athlete, coach, or contributor who exemplifies Cardinal excellence? We want to hear from you!

👉 Submit your nomination here:
https://forms.gle/PQMtAifCxZQkvs8t9

📌 Please include as much detail as possible. Incomplete nominations will not be accepted.

❓ Questions? Contact Athletic/Activities Director Henry Robison at hrobison@mail.meridian223.org
2 months ago, Heather Alderks
hof
Kinder Kick-Off Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNN6giS0clgYb8cLYwTjnqGkCONzhniPVa_r1f9btuXiFzcA/viewform?usp=header
2 months ago, Jacque Buchanan

Here is this week's transportation bus safety tip!

Link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/14aMgxoQvF4x-aanILreB9kHBxTWhBfQ2/view?usp=drive_link

2 months ago, MCUSD223
The DEAL (Drop Everything and Lead) Garden Club recently completed a rigorous application process for the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) grant, supported by state Rep.Tony Macombie. Their dedication and collaborative spirit led to a successful award, paving the way for a transformative project this spring. The group is led by Mrs. Monika Huhn and Mrs. Deb Sweeney. The journey to the grant award was a multi-step effort that combined student advocacy with strategic planning. With the winter months used for preparation, the Garden Club is set to break ground this Spring. The project will serve as a living classroom where students can lead, learn, and grow literal "fruits of their labor." Very proud of the work the entire club is doing. Some of the Garden Club members accepted the award on behalf of their team at the February 4th board meeting. Congratulations!
2 months ago, Deana Simpson
Garden Club
Garden Club
We’re excited to welcome our future Meridian Cardinals to Kindergarten!

Highland Elementary is eager to welcome our 2026–2027 Kindergartners!
Children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2026, are invited to attend our Kinder Kick-Off event.

To keep groups small and engaging:

Last names A–L: Tuesday, March 24

Last names M–Z: Thursday, March 26

During the event, children will enjoy fun activities with our amazing kindergarten teachers, while parents learn more about Highland Elementary and the Meridian CUSD district.

Please scan the QR code below to register, or call the school office at 815-645-2230.
We look forward to meeting our future Cardinals and kicking off an exciting kindergarten journey together! ❤️🏫🐦
2 months ago, Jacque Buchanan
Kinder Kick-Off 2026
Meridian CUSD #223 is seeking the following positions. Please apply at www.meridian223.org
2 months ago, Micki Hoefle
MCUSD (12)
Highland is proud to share a special project created by one of our student leaders, Lincoln. After noticing that some classmates were running low on classroom supplies, Lincoln took the initiative to organize a supply drive to support his class and others at Highland.

We are so proud of Lincoln for showing leadership, kindness, and care for our school community. Families who would like to support this effort are welcome to drop off classroom supplies at the Highland Elementary office. Thank you for helping make a difference for our students! 💙📚
2 months ago, Jacque Buchanan
Lincoln's Leadership Project
Meridian CUSD 223 is seeking a Math Interventionist for our Meridian Jr High School. Please apply at www.meridian223.org

2 months ago, Micki Hoefle
Paraprofessional (4)
National School Counselor Week 💙

This week, we celebrate and thank our incredible school counselors!
From academic guidance to social-emotional support, our counselors are champions for students every day—listening, advocating, and helping students navigate both challenges and opportunities.

Thank you for the heart, care, and dedication you bring to Meridian CUSD #223. We appreciate you! 👏✨
2 months ago, Heather Alderks
nscw
Can you imagine reading 250,000 words? 😲📚

Monroe Center Library is celebrating our Million Word Reader stars — more students are hitting the
250,000 words mark every week! This is a huge accomplishment for our young readers and a testament to their dedication. Keep turning those pages, it's not too late to join the Million Word Reader Wall! 👏📖
3 months ago, MCUSD 223 Libraries
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Our readers are on fire! 🔥📚
Meridian Jr. High Library celebrates the continued success of student readers — the Million Word Readers program keeps growing, and we couldn’t be prouder! Watching students reach new milestones, fall in love with stories, and cheer each other on is everything. 🌟📖
3 months ago, MCUSD 223 Libraries
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2 Million Word Reader
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bob Carroll, lovingly known as “Mr. Bob,” who passed away over the weekend. Bob retired from driving a school bus in the spring of 2023, but his heart never truly left the job. He returned as a substitute driver in the fall of 2023 because he genuinely loved driving the bus and, most of all, he loved his kids. Seeing students each day and watching them grow brought him so much joy. One of Bob’s favorite things was attending school sporting events, where students would light up when they saw “Mr. Bob” and eagerly come over to say hello. He always greeted them with a smile, a laugh, and the kindness that made him so special. Outside of work, Bob enjoyed riding his motorcycles and traveling to Sturgis for Bike Week. He will be deeply missed by our Transportation Department and by the many students, families, and coworkers whose lives were brighter because of him. Services will be held at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley on 1/31/26 from 9:00–11:00 a.m., with a memorial service honoring Bob’s life immediately following. https://www.farrellhollandgale.com/obituaries/robert-bob-carroll
3 months ago, Elaine Nicholson
image (9)
Monroe Center students celebrated today for doing the right thing when no one is looking, for extending kindness to others, whether it be adults or children, and exhibiting the leadership that it takes to be successful everyday! Thank you for sharing that with others!
3 months ago, Deana Simpson
kindness matters group