Meridian Message [2-14-25]

Dear Meridian Families,

As we continue to create a focused and engaging learning environment for all students, we have noticed an increasing number of distractions caused by smartwatches in the classroom. While we recognize that these devices can serve as helpful tools for communication and organization, they are also leading to disruptions during instructional time. Students are frequently checking notifications, sending messages, or using apps, which diverts their attention away from all the great learning taking place at Meridian.

To ensure that our classrooms remain spaces of active engagement and meaningful participation, we need your help and are kindly ask for your support in reinforcing appropriate use of smartwatches during the school day. Please avoid sending messages to your child. In the event you need to speak or get a message to your child, please call the Meridian Office at 847.955.3500. Ms. Feldstein or Ms. Share will be sure to pass your message along.

Please know if the watch becomes a distraction, the classroom teacher may take the watch and keep it safe until the end of the school day. We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a positive and distraction-free learning environment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

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

• Student Council Spirit Days
• Panorama Student Survey
• Cold/Winter Weather
• PTO Events (NEW)
• Quest Food Services (NEW)
• After School Programming (ASP) (NEW)
• 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 Meridian 4th & 5th Grade Student Council representatives helped select our spring school spirit days. Please see below for a complete list!

Students at Meridian School will take the Panorama Student Survey the week of February 10th. By measuring student perceptions, the Panorama Student Survey gathers feedback from students about their classroom experience.

For more information, please click on the 'button' below.

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.

Treat yourself to some ice cream and support the Parent Teacher Organization. Orders must be placed Monday, February 17-Friday February 22 to be counted toward the fundraiser. Pick up all orders on March 7 from 5:00-5:30 p.m. at 1156 Sandhurst in Buffalo Grove or have it delivered to your home for an additional cost.

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)

February/March Upcoming Dates

February 3: Meridian PTO Book Fair Week

February 11: PTO Meeting

February 12: Early Dismissal

February 17: No School

February 28: No School

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

Influenza A

We are seeing a rise in Influenza A at school and in the community.

Symptoms of the flu usually come on quickly, and can include:

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Body aches.

• Cough.

• Headache.

• Sore throat.

• Runny or stuffy nose (congestion).

• Tiredness or feeling run down.

We are seeing that the kids at school are commonly starting with cold symptoms/sore throat before they begin to run fevers. Not everyone runs a fever with Influenza!

Tips for things we can all do to help stop the spread of the flu!

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
   

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you're sick. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

1. Your symptoms are getting better overall, and

2. You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
   

3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
   

4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
   

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
   

6. Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly can help prevent the spread of some illnesses.

7. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information on Influenza visit IDPH's website-

https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/diseases/influenza.html

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