Meridian Message [1-17-25]

Dear Meridian Families,

Happy New Year, and welcome back from winter break! As we start the second half of the year together, we hope your families had a restful and joyful holiday season filled with special moments. Our Mustangs returned with great energy and enthusiasm!

January is a perfect time to reflect on achievements from the fall and set exciting goals for the months ahead. Together, we’ll continue building a positive and nurturing learning environment where every child can succeed.

With the start of a new year, we encourage our students to embrace the spirit of growth and resilience by setting their own resolutions—whether it’s mastering a new skill, practicing kindness, or being a great friend. We will continue to foster a community where every student feels supported and inspired. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to partnering with you to make the remainder of the 2024 2025 a year of achievement and connection for all. Let’s work together to make the remainder of the school year great!

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

PTO Book Fair (NEW)

Therapy Dog Opportunity for Families (NEW)

Access Testing (NEW)

Gratitude Generation (NEW)

Meridian Musical

Cold/Winter Weather

End of Year Celebration

PTO Events

Quest Food Services (NEW)

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

It is that time of year once again!

The Meridian PTO Book Fair is coming soon!

February 4th - February 6th

**All purchases through the Book Fair benefit Meridian School!**

Thanks for supporting our kids! Happy reading!

Interested in having your dog become a reading therapy dog?? If so please see the flyer below!

During January and February (make ups), we will be administering the State of Illinois WIDA ACCESS English Language Assessment for all students who qualify for multilingual services. Testing will be administered during the school day, and no additional action is required by families. Students will be assessed in the areas of: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Results will be made available this fall.

Meridian Testing Dates: January 21- January 31

Are you looking for something for your child to do on Monday when school is not in session? Gratitude Generation, a local nonprofit organization, and Kingswood United Methodist Church are hosting various service projects and gratitude practices throughout the day for children of all ages. Last year, Meridian 5th Grade Ambassadors partnered with Gratitude Generation for the Meridian toiletry drive.

Check out the attached flyer for more information!

The Meridian Musical this year is an original Broadway Revue called BROADWAY BEAT! A group of tourists find themselves in New York City for one night only! How will they ever decide which Broadway show to see?

The cast of fifty 4th and 5th graders have been rehearsing since September. They are working on singing, dancing, and acting! This production features numbers from all your favorite musicals such as Wicked, Newsies, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and many more!

All Meridian students will be seeing the musical on a Field Trip! Public Performances are Jan. 30 and 31 at 7pm at the Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center. Tickets go on sale Dec. 20 at 3pm. The link for ticket purchases will also be posted on Schoology!

Ticket Link:

https://cur8.com/16048/project/127894

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).

Session II Dates

TUESDAY:

12/10, 12/17, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11(8 classes)

THURSDAY:

12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13 (8 classes)

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

Stacey Hanson (shanson@d102.org)

Kelly Jarava (kjarava@d102.org)

January/February Upcoming Dates

January 20: No School

January 22: Meridian Band/Orchestra Concert

January 29: Early Dismissal

January 30: Meridian Musical

January 31: Meridian Musical

February 3: Meridian PTO Book Fair Week

February 11: PTO Meeting

February 17: No School

February 28: No School

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

Winter Viruses on the rise.

As we enter our winter months we are seeing our usual winter viruses. RSV, Whooping cough, Norovirus, and Influenza A are increasing.

What are the best ways to protect you and your family?

Washing your Hands
Washing your hands is the best way you can protect yourself against many infections. Keeping your hands clean is an easy way to keep yourself and your family healthy. Wash your hands with soap and running water regularly and dry them thoroughly with a single-use towel. If someone is sick at home, do not share towels. You can also use an alcohol-based handrub if you can’t get to soap and water.

Remember — washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Germs are most likely to enter your body through the eyes, nose and mouth. You can’t control everything you inhale, but you can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your hands away from your face. If you do have to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, do it with a clean tissue, or wash your hands first.

Getting vaccinated - Flu is just starting to take off, it is time to get your flu shots, and make sure you and your family are up-to-date on DTaP/Tdap.

If you do not feel well stay home and keep your child home.

Stay Healthy!!

School Health Office at 847-955-3508.

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