Meridian Message [2-28-25]

Dear Meridian Families,

As we say goodbye to February and welcome March, we look forward to all the exciting learning opportunities and activities this new month brings. March is a time of growth and renewal, and we see that reflected in our students every day. Whether they are tackling new challenges in the classroom, engaging in creative projects, or continuing to build friendships, their enthusiasm continues to bring smiles to our faces. With the arrival of spring just around the corner, we encourage students to stay focused, work hard, and embrace the joy of learning.

We also want to remind our Mustang families that Spring Break will take place from March 24th to March 28th with school resuming on March 31st. This break is a wonderful opportunity for students to recharge and spend time with family. As we approach this time off, we encourage everyone to maintain strong attendance and engagement in the weeks leading up to it.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a positive and enriching place for all students. Let’s make March a fantastic month together!

Below please find important topics covered in today's newsletter:

• 5Essentials (NEW)
• PTO 5th Grade Yard Signs (NEW)
• Camp Duncan Coming Soon (NEW)
• D102 Summer School (NEW)
• Spring Conferences-Save the Date(s) (NEW)
• Library/Media Center Book Care (NEW)
• '25-'26 Principal Input Form (NEW)
• Cold/Winter Weather
• PTO Events
• Quest Food Services
• After School Programming (ASP)
• Upcoming Dates
• School Supply Lists
• FirstStudent Bus Monitoring System
• Changes in Transportation
• School Nurse Information (NEW)
• Transportation Contact Information

Thank you for your support.

Gregory I. Michels, Principal

The 5Essentials Survey, administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago, is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of a student’s school. It focuses on five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and test score gains:

• Effective Leaders
• Collaborative Teachers
• Involved Families
• Supportive Environments
• Ambitious Instruction

Research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were ten times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading. This highlights the significant impact of feedback from parents/guardians.

Our Meridian Students will be participating in the 5E Survey in the next few weeks.

Identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential.

The data collected will be instrumental in guiding improvements in schools. Please note, that parent/guardian data will not be included on the State Report Card.

Participating in the parent/guardian portion of the survey provides valuable insights to understand the conditions at a student’s school and guide improvement efforts. For any questions or concerns, please contact UChicago Impact Survey Support at 1-866-440-1874 or impact-surveys@uchicago.edu.

Your participation is greatly appreciated and is key to contributing to the collective effort in school improvement.

District #102 highly values the insights and perspectives of parents/guardians; please consider completing the survey to assist in shaping the educational environment and experience for students.

Survey Participation Details:

• Survey Period: February 18, 2025 - March 28, 2025
• Who Will Participate: All teachers and 4th through 8th-grade students.
• Parent/Guardian Participation: All parents/guardians are encouraged to complete the survey. A 20% or higher response rate will generate a specific parent/guardian report.

Attention 5th Parents/Guardians

It is time for our Outdoor Ed at Camp Duncan Field Trip!

Below is a slideshow all about the field trip and a Parent Letter.

Linked in the letter is the Registration and Payment Form.

We hope every 5th grader signs up!

Everything will open on school issued ipad.

Please email Ms. Kagan or Mrs. Nesheim with questions!

Ms. Kagan--bkagan@d102.org

Ms. Nesheim--jnesheim@d102.org

D102 Summer Camp: New Paid Programming Opportunities! Grades 3-7

Registration for D102's summer programming is now open!

This year, students in grades K-7 will be able to opt-in to half day summer classes! These are highly engaging programs available to families at a paid rate of $375 for the 3-week session.

• Grades K-2: Students currently in grades K-2 can join the VOICEs program that emphasizes early literacy and oracy through engaging, thematic instruction.

• Grades 3-7: Students currently in grades 3-7 can join a *NEW* program with choice sessions. View the COURSE GUIDE to make your selections.

All summer programming runs from June 9-30, Monday through Friday with no class on Thursday, June 19. Classes are $375 for the half day. Morning sessions are from 8:30a.m - 11:00a.m. and afternoon sessions are from 12:30p.m. - 3:00p.m. Please note that busing is not provided. Classes are subject to enrollment, and those without enough registered students may not run. Register via this FORM by Monday, March 17.

• Please note: If you already received a personal invitation to a D102 summer program, there is no need to complete this registration form.

We are super excited to share that our spring conferences are about a month and a half away!

Please save the following dates:

4/16/25--12pm - 8pm

4/17/25--9am - 11am

Please look for a separate email from Mr. Michels in the next couple of weeks!

Ever wonder how many books Meridian circulates in a given month?

Our monthly average is about 3,000 books.

Our goal is to keep our books up and running and ready for the next reader. How can you help?

Check out the tips below from Ms. Zucker, Meridian Library Media Specialist. These tips will keep our books in tiptop shape!

It is hard to believe, but we are about to begin the process of building classes for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are interested in providing information about your child for the purpose of placement, you may complete the “Principal Input Form” linked below.

This is the only form that can be submitted for this school year, and it is due by Friday, March 21, 2025. Please note, we will not accept emails or personal letters regarding placement.

Here are a few guidelines to consider when filling out the form:

• We strive to create classes that are well balanced. Our classrooms are “built” by the previous year’s teacher team to achieve the goal of creating a group of students covering all ability, performance, social and emotional levels as well as other characteristics reflecting the total child.

• Please DO NOT request a specific teacher for next year. Forms that contain a specific teacher’s name for a class placement will not be used in the placement process.

• Please do not request a friend. Teachers will build classrooms with learning partners in mind.

• Fourth Grade Parents: The Meridian teachers will be helping to build the fifth grade classes. Their expectation is to create classes that are heterogeneous in ability and balanced. Please let your child know that this is an exciting time and a welcome opportunity for growth.

• Fifth Grade Parents: You are encouraged to attend the 6th Grade Parent Evening (May) to learn more about the placement process. For more information please contact Aptakisic Junior High School at 847.353.5500. Although we do collaborate with the Jr. High School, scheduling constraints can impact team placement for students.

Thank you for your interest to ensure your child’s educational success. To access the form click HERE.

It's that time of year already....as the seasons change, so does our weather.

Please note that all students will be outside for recess during the cold weather months. This includes when we have snow. Students should dress appropriately if they do want to play in the snow (ie. hats, gloves, boots, snow pants, jackets, etc.)

If temperatures fall below 10 degrees w/ windchill, we will have indoor recess. Please use the infographic below to help decide how to best dress during cold weather.

Please see the buttons below for important lunch information. Please direct all Quest questions direclty to our D102 Food Service Director, Ms. Annette Giegoldt (agiegoldt@d102.org).

Spring Session III

Registration is now open for Meridian's Session 3 After School Program (ASP)!

Classes begin on March 11 and/or March 13 and run for 8 weeks.

Several new classes are being offered as well as past favorites. Click HERE for class descriptions, registration, and payment information.

Session III Dates

TUESDAY: 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 (8 classes)

THURSDAY: 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8 (7 classes)

If you would like to leave some feedback regarding Session 2, please use the link below:

ASP Parent Feedback Session 2

If you have specific questions, please reach out to either of our ASP Sponsors:

Stacey Hanson (shanson@d102.org)

Kelly Jarava (kjarava@d102.org)

March Upcoming Dates

March 3: No School

March 4: PTO Meeting

March 24: Spring Break

March 31: School Resumes

Please click on the buttons below to access the 24-25 school supply lists.

In an effort to curtail poor bus behavior, First Student has implemented a new bus monitoring system called FIRSTacts. This system quickly and efficiently captures inappropriate behavior and instantly shares it with Mr. Michels and Ms. Milewski. Students who are reported will receive communication through email regarding their child's misconduct. Various disciplinary measures will be issued including suspension from riding the school bus.

To ensure the safest transportation possible for all of our students, please take a moment to review the following bus etiquette with your child:

• Follow our (3) rules: Be Safe, Be Respectful, & Be Responsible
• Use expected behavior
• Keep hands/feet to self
• Use kind words/language
• Do not play with school issued iPads or personal technology devices
• Remain seated, facing forward
• No eating or drinking on the bus
• Use inside voices

If you have specific questions about FIRSTActs please reach out to our Director of Transportation, Ms. Denise Koto (dkoto@d102.org) or First Student.

For example, if your child takes the bus every day and you are picking up for a doctor's appointment at 2:30 (dismissal) please send a note that morning. In an 'emergency' situation you can send an email to Mrs. Share or Mrs. Feldstein via email. Unfortunately we will not be able to honor any emails/calls after 2pm.

Health Office

Dale Furnish, CSN, RN, TNCC

Attendance Line: 847.955.3503

A message from the Lake County Health Department

As respiratory virus season continues, we are seeing a rise in colds, coughs, and sore throats.

Many of these symptoms are caused by common respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu),

COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), all of which have resulted in elevated

emergency department visits this season. These viral infections can spread easily, leading to

fever, congestion, coughing, and fatigue.

Because viral and bacterial infections often present with similar symptoms, it is important for

your child’s healthcare provider to consider multiple possibilities when diagnosing an illness.

While Group A Streptococcus (strep throat) remains a concern, other bacterial infections, such

as pertussis (whooping cough) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, can also contribute to respiratory

illness. Pertussis, which is highly contagious, often begins with mild cold-like symptoms but can

progress to severe coughing fits. Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause prolonged respiratory

symptoms and may lead to pneumonia.

With the number of similar germs spreading this season, it is important for healthcare

providers to test for multiple potential causes.

What Should You Do?

You can help prevent the spread of infections with these simple steps:

1. Wash Hands Often: Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water for

at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Clean Often Touched Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially high-

touch areas, with an appropriate cleaning agent.

3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a

tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue properly.

4. Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date with recommended

vaccines and boosters, including influenza, COVID-19, and pertussis.

When Should I Keep My Child Home?

• Fever or feels sick: Keep your child home from school to rest and recover. If your child is

getting tested for an infection, they should remain home until the tests return and

additional instructions are provided by the healthcare provider.

• Strep throat or Mycoplasma infections: Children should stay home until they have been

on antibiotics for at least 12-24 hours and are fever-free without the use of medication.

• Pertussis: Children should stay home until they have completed five days of antibiotics

or are cleared by a doctor.

• Viral illnesses: Children can return to school when they have been fever-free for 24

hours (without fever reducing medicines) and feel well enough to participate in school

• activities.

• We appreciate your help in keeping our school community healthy. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact The Lake County Health Department (847-377-8130) or your child’s healthcare provider.

Stay Well!!

Transportation

Information about routes and pick up and drop times can be found here: https://www.d102.org/page/transportation

To check the status of your child's bus, please call First Student Bus Company, at 847.634.0868. If you have a busing question or would like to report a problem, please call our Transportation Coordinator, Denise Koto at 847.353.5680 or email her at dkoto@d102.org.

Email: gmichels@d102.org
Website: www.d102.org/meridian
Location: 2195 Brandywyn Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 847.955.3500

Email: nmilewski@d102.org
Website: www.d102.org/meridian
Location: 2195 Brandywyn Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL, USA
Phone: 847.955.3500

Meridian Office Information

Office Phone Number: 847.955.3500

Fax Number: 847.634.4229

Office Hours: 7:15am - 3:15pm

Student Hours: 8:00am - 2:30pm