Meridian Message [9-18-26]

Dear Meridian Families,

We are super excited for our Team Day today and so are all our Meridian Mustangs! We will be able to share more in our next Meridian Message.

Ever hear of the term 'Executive Functioning'? Want to learn more? Please keep reading....

Executive functioning is a set of brain skills we use every day to help us reach our goals—both in and out of school. Students in 4th and 5th grade use executive functioning when they decide what homework to do first, pack a backpack, or remember what a teacher said in class. These skills can get stronger with practice, and they help with things like planning, paying attention, and staying organized.

Executive functioning is your brain’s “boss.” It helps us to:

• Make plans and stick to them.

• Stay focused and ignore distractions.

• Organize stuff and ideas.

• Control impulses and feelings.

We use executive functioning skills when we:

• Get started on assignments without reminders.

• Remember and follow instructions in class.

• Handle changes when plans need to shift.

• Finish chores and stay on track with routines.

Here are simple strategies for growing these skills:

• Use checklists: Write out steps for homework or chores and cross off when finished.

• Practice organizing: Keep a tidy backpack and workspace so it’s easy to find things.

• Break big jobs into small steps: If you have a project, split it into mini-tasks to keep from feeling overwhelmed.

• Try focusing tools: Use a timer to help stay on track during work time or breaks.

• Pause before acting: Take a deep breath or count to five when upset before reacting.

Executive functioning isn’t just for schoolwork! These skills help with sports, friendships, family time, and hobbies. As we get older, they will help with more independence—like handling jobs or leading a group. Everyone can get better at executive functioning with practice, patience, and support from home and school.

Let’s work together to boost these skills for a strong school year and beyond!

If you have any questions or need any help, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Respectfully,

Mr. Michels, Meridian Principal

Topics:

Parent/Child Book Club

Save the Date--Fall Conferences (NEW)

Law Enforcement Drill

Mustang Mindset Backpack Tags

Walk Your Wheels

Attendance Matters

Lunch Documents (NEW)

After School Program (ASP)

PTO Fundraiser (NEW)

Important Dates

First Student

Drop Off

Changes in Transportation

Transportation

Nurse Notes

Thank you to all the students and parents who came to our informational meeting for the Parent & Child Book Club! Please see the dates and the books chosen below. Parents and students should read the selected book prior to the meeting. A RSVP will be posted on Schoology prior to the meeting.

Please email Ms. Holmes (nholmes@d102.org) or Ms. Zucker (lzucker@d102.org) with any questions.

Please join Ms. Holmes and Ms. Zucker to learn more about the 25th Reader's Cup on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 pm! We will review all the information you need to know at the meeting. The video will be recorded and posted on Schoology if you are unable to attend. Please use the following link to join our meeting: https://meet.google.com/jxm-fuss-rtx (This link will also be posted on Schoology).

Please look for a Special Edition of the Meridian Message on Friday, September 25, 2026.

We will be sharing our Fall Conference Letter with sign-up links.

Fall Conferences

• Thursday, October 15th (afternoon & evening)
• Friday, October 16th (morning & afternoon)

Meridian Parents and Guardians:

School safety drills are an essential part of emergency preparedness; these experiences provide staff and students the opportunity to practice what to do in the event of an actual emergency. Each year we are required to conduct numerous safety drills. One of these required drills is a law enforcement drill.

Meridian will perform its law enforcement drill on Thursday, September 24th. As part of Illinois HB2400, parents/guardians need to be notified and provided an opportunity to opt their student(s) out of the drill, if they choose, and have their student(s) complete alternative safety education.

Please contact Mr. Michels at gmichels@d102.org, if you wish to have your child participate in the alternative safety education with a staff member in the main office The deadline for selecting alternative safety education Monday, September 14, 2026.

District 102 has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) by the I Love U Guys Foundation. “Lockdown” is one of the five actions included in the SRP as a response to an emergency. Lockdown drills educate staff and students about what to do to remain safe in a classroom or other parts of the school in the event of a lockdown. This typically involves verifying the door is locked, moving students to a location out of sight through windows or upon entrance to the room, and coaching students to remain calm and quiet. These activities are conducted in ways appropriate to the developmental level of the students involved, students are notified in advance, and they will have an opportunity to ask questions. The drill does not include any type of simulations that mimic an actual shooting or active shooter event.

As with fire drills and other safety drills, the goal is to acclimate staff and students to a plan that they will be able to follow quickly and safely if ever necessary. The safety of our staff and students is of utmost importance to us. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Earlier this week every student received their Mustang Mindset backpack tag.

Having a Meridian Mindset includes:

• Being Safe
• Being Respectful
• Being Responsible

Be sure to ask your child to see their new 'bag swag'!

Please take a few minute to watch an important message from D102!

Walking your Wheels on school grounds is the way to go! Click on the infographic below to watch a special D102 public service announcement.

Attendance Matters.....Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school! Instruction starts promptly at 8:00am. Students must be in their seats and ready for learning everyday by 8:00am. Please know our doors will be locked at 7:59am.

**Any students arriving after 8:00am WILL NEED to be signed in by an adult (parent/guardian)**

As we prepare to start the school year, it is important that students and families establish regular routines to maximize student timeliness and attendance to school. Students are expected to be at school daily, and with enough time to navigate to their homeroom.

Please note that for students who struggle to maintain regular attendance, parents/families will

receive additional communication, conference requests, and other interventions to support regular school attendance - in accordance with state law. This may involve one or more of the following:

• Formal written notification(s)
• Parent/Guardian meetings at school.
• Home visit from Officer Diaz, BGPD
• Referral to the Lake County ROE Truancy Division (https:/ /www.lake.k12.il.us/truancy)

Attendance Tips

• Attend Meet & Greet
• Create and explore a plan for drop off and pick up
• Share positive stories from when other family members attended school
• Respond right away from office and/or teacher outreach
• Set a standard bedtime and wake up time during the school week
• Have your backpack packed and ready the night before
• Let your child pick out clothing the night before
• Reinforce routines, as routines help everyone to feel in control
• Develop and share a back up plan for getting to school

Reach out to us....we are here to help!

Registration for the Fall session is now CLOSED, and classes start next week! As a reminder, ASP classes run from 2:45-3:45pm. All students, unless attending Clubhouse, need to be picked up by 3:45pm.

TUESDAY: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27

THURSDAY: 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/22, 10/29

(no class 10/15 -conferences)

If you have specific questions, please reach out to our ASP Sponsor:

Stacey Hanson (shanson@d102.org)

September Upcoming Dates

September 7: No School

September 8: Picture Day

September 14: MAP Testing

September 15: MAP Testing

September 16: Early Dismissal (1:00pm)

September 18: Meridian Team Day

September 21: No School

September 25: PTO Movie Night (@ AJHS)

September 30: Early Dismissal (1:00pm)

Please click on the buttons below to access the 26-27 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 Mrs. Meyer. 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. Regan or Mrs. Feldstein via email:

sfeldstein@d102.org

dregan@d102.org

Unfortunately we will not be able to honor any emails/calls after 2pm.

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.

Health Office

Dale Furnish, CSN, RN, TNCC

Attendance Line: 847.955.3503

What Health Forms Are DUE?

Pre - K

Physical and immunizations. Exams must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is October 15th, 2026. If forms are not turned in your child will not be able to attend school until they are turned in.

Kindergarten

Physical exam and Immunizations. Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is October 15th, 2026. If forms are not turned in your child will not be able to attend school until they are turned in.

Vision - Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is October 15th, 2026.

Dental - Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is May 15th, 2026.

Second Grade

Dental Exam. The Exam must be dated between 11/13/26 and 05/15/2027

Sixth

Physical exam and Immunizations. Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is October 15th, 2026. If forms are not turned in your child will not be able to attend school until they are turned in.

Dental - Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. The Exam must be dated between 11/13/26 and 05/15/2027

New Student to Illinois

Physical exam and Immunizations. Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is October 15th, 2026. If forms are not turned in your child will not be able to attend school until they are turned in.

Vision - Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. Deadline is October 15th, 2026.

Dental - Must be less than one year old from the first day of school. May 15th, 2027

If you start midyear, they are due 30 days after starting school. If they are not turned in your child will not be able to attend until they are turned in.

Important information: If you are transferring from another school in Illinois, we will attempt to get your records from the old school, but you are responsible for all exams being turned in by the deadlines.

Please visit: https://www.d102.org/o/atsd/page/d102-health-services for any forms you may need. They can all be downloaded from our website. Please remember that these are requirements from the State of Illinois and your nurse does not have any leeway with turning in exams.

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

Email: semeyer@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