Mrs. Fitt's advisory class grabbed their icing and gumdrops! They took on the Gingerbread House Challenge, but this wasn't just about candy, it was a masterclass in the 4 C’s!
🤝 Collaboration
No one can build a gingerbread mansion alone, her students worked together. They learned that a house is only as strong as the team holding up the walls while the frosting dries.
🗣️ Communication
Students practiced active listening and shared their visions to ensure everyone was on the same page before the first candy cane was placed.
💡 Critical Thinking
Students analyzed structural problems, tested different strategies, and figured out the physics of sugary construction.
🎨 Creativity
The original designs were off the charts. Students created unique patterns and innovative uses of their supplies.
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
The production this year is “5, 6, 7, 8! A Meridian Musical 10-Year Anniversary Revue!” 🎶 Follow along as a group of students prepares for auditions and takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on a decade of incredible shows while waiting for the big reveal! 🤫✨
The cast of fifty talented 4th and 5th graders has been working since September to perfect their singing, dancing, and acting! 💃🕺 You’ll hear hits from all your favorites: 🧞♂️ Aladdin 🍭 Willy Wonka 👠 Cinderella 🦁 The Lion King ☀️ Annie ❄️ Frozen 🎶 Broadway Beat!
SAVE THE DATES
: 🗓 Performances: January 15 & 16 @ 7:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center
🎟 Tickets: On sale December 19 at 3:00 p.m.!
Don't miss out on this milestone performance! 🌟
Ready, set, MOVE! 🏃♂️💨
Mrs. Fiasche and Mrs. Wyer’s early childhood classes have officially kicked off their weekly Gross Motor Stations! These sessions are all about building strength, coordination, and teamwork through play. This week, our little learners focused on accuracy with seated ball rolling and worked on their core strength by passing weighted animals to their peers.
With expert guidance from Mrs. Greve, these students will be mastering catching, throwing, and kicking all year long. We are so proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see their progress! 🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
Our first graders recently embarked on a festive "holiday switch" trip around the world! 🌍 Ready with handmade suitcases and custom passports, our young explorers "traveled" to different classrooms to learn about the beautiful traditions of:
🧧 Chinese New Year 🎄 Christmas 🪔 Diwali 🌙 Eid 🕎 Hanukkah 🎊 New Year’s
From learning local customs to earning a new passport stamp at every stop, our students discovered how diverse cultures celebrate around the globe. It was a day filled with curiosity, connection, and a whole lot of fun! #EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
The D102 Mentor/Mentee Program recently celebrated the midpoint of the school year with a festive cookie-decorating event!
It was a wonderful chance for our staff to connect and reflect on the year so far. We’re so proud to recognize the accomplishments of our new team members and the incredible dedication of our veteran mentors.
At D102, our mentoring program goes beyond logistics—it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth. Whether meeting one-on-one or as a group, these pairs work year-round to support one another and our students.
We love seeing this strong support system in action. Here’s to a sweet second half of the year! 🍎
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
It’s time to trade in the backpacks for blankets and the pencils for hot cocoa. We hope all of our students, staff, and families have a safe, restful, and wonderful holiday season.
🗓️ Reminder: School is now closed. We look forward to seeing everyone back in schools when classes resume on Tuesday, January 6.
Enjoy the break! ☃️✨
This week, our little bakers-in-training explored the journey of bread! We read "From Wheat to Bread" and "Bread Comes to Life" to learn how tiny seeds turn into our favorite sandwiches. 📖✨
The highlight? Our hands-on lab! The children used a mortar and pestle to grind real wheat kernels into flour. 🥣 It was amazing to watch their faces as they heard the "crunch" and saw the transformation happen right before their eyes! 🧑🍳
Nothing beats connecting books to the real world through sensory play!
#EveryDayEveryStudent
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact #D102
Our second and third-grade students recently joined the global Hour of AI event during technology time with Mrs. Pingel! 🤖 Students explored what AI is and how it can be used responsibly to make a positive impact on our world. 🤝
In a hands-on activity, our young innovators "trained" an AI robot to distinguish between marine wildlife and ocean pollution. 🌊🐟 This exciting lesson showed them a real-world example of how machine learning can help clean up our oceans and protect the planet! 🌍🚀 We are so proud of our students for exploring the technology of the future today! 🌟 #D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent
Step back in time with Mr. Teplinsky’s 5th graders! 📜
Our students didn't just read about history this week—they lived it through an immersive Discovery colony simulation.
Working in teams, these young pioneers established their own settlements, facing the same high-stakes survival choices as the very first colonists. From choosing defensible land and budgeting limited resources to negotiating trade deals and alliances with neighboring groups, they experienced the complexities of building a society from the ground up. 🤝🌾
Beyond the history books, our students sharpened essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, strategic planning, and teamwork. 🧠✨ By navigating unexpected hurdles and working together, they proved that the best way to understand the past is to build it ourselves! 🏗️🇺🇸 #D102Impact #D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent
Our AJHS theater students delivered four powerful one-act plays addressing key teen issues like peer pressure, technology, and self-acceptance. The performances were fantastic! The students independently managed every aspect of the show, from lighting and audio to props and curtains. True student leadership! 💡 All concession proceeds were donated to Omni Youth Services, supporting local teens.
Congratulations to the cast, directors Mrs. Simon & Ms. Frank, and all our wonderful parent and staff volunteers.
#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Our amazing PE department is maximizing the new "mega gym" by offering a diverse rotation of activities! 💪 Right now, students are mastering their skills in a Volleyball Unit 🏐 or crushing their goals with Fitness Conditioning. 🏃♀️🏋️♂️
And when the snow flies in the Midwest? ❄️🌨️ That's when more fun begins! Students can earn choice time and enjoy awesome options like high-energy Gaga Ball (a student favorite!) or, for the truly adventurous, exciting outdoor sledding! 🛷
The teachers were so proud to give students new experiences in the fresh air—some students even said it was their first time sledding ever! Students loved creating core memories while getting active! #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Students in Ms. Bischoff's 6th grade Science classes successfully concluded their Thermal Energy unit with a fascinating, hands-on exploration of dry ice. 🧤🧊
Through observation and experimentation, students were able to determine the unique property of dry ice: it sublimates (changes directly from a solid state to a gas state 💨), completely bypassing the liquid phase. The young scientists were especially excited to see the dramatic effects of manipulating the dry ice’s environment, which successfully triggered visible chemical reactions! 🤩🔬
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of two dynamic teams at the recent IAC Academic Bowl Regionals! Way to go, students! 🎉
Meridian 4th-Grade Team: Our Meridian 4th-grade knowledge stars clinched a fantastic 2nd place finish! They powered through eight teams and made it to the final round against the Francis Parker 5th-grade team. The final was competitive, with only a few points separating the scores! 👏
Aptakisic 7th-Grade Team: The Aptakisic 7th-grade brainiacs also achieved an impressive 2nd place! They competed against eight rivals, earning their spot in the championship round against the Daniel Wright 8th-grade team. Their final round was just as fiercely competitive, decided by only a few points! 🤩
What a tremendous achievement showing the hard work and dedication of our students! We are so proud! 🍎📚
#D102Impact #everydayeverystudent
They managed to get this fun activity in just before Thanksgiving break and the snow arrived! 🦃❄️ The children navigated obstacle courses 🏃♀️ and collected their own leaves. The best part? They had to rush back to escape the (fake!) skunk! 💨🦨
They finished by adding their beautiful collected leaves to a class tree display. 🌳🖼️ What an engaging way to learn storytelling and follow directions! ✅
#D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Mrs. Iacullo's kindergarten class held their very first "Furry Friday" with special guests, Chinu and Mr. Praveen, from the D102 Therapy Dog Program.
Before the visit, students learned how to safely approach and greet a dog. All students got to practice greeting Chinu and Mr. Praveen, and many were able to read a book with Chinu. The visit was a huge success and described as "amazing" by the students! #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Last week, our wonderful Kindergarteners at Tripp held their special Foodless Feast! Instead of food, these thoughtful students brought in menus listing all the things they are thankful for. They were absolutely adorable in their hand-made turkey hats, sharing songs, and reading poems! 💖
Most importantly, families showed incredible generosity by working together to gather donations for our local food pantry. What a heartwarming way to celebrate gratitude and community!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
🤩 Building Connections at AJHS! 🤝✨
What a fantastic way to head into Thanksgiving break! 🥳 AJHS held its first-ever school assembly centered on spirit, games, sportsmanship, and teamwork! 🏀🏆 It was truly special to have the whole school gather in one space at the same time! 🏫
Staff and students from all grades teamed up for hilarious minute-to-win-it games like fun relays 🏃♀️ and the challenging box stacking challenge 📦, encouraging teamwork and providing non-stop laughs 😂. Our building principals and staff made absolutely sure this memorable moment was a significant #D102impact on connection before students and staff went off to break. 🦃🍂
We are so proud of the AJHS spirit! #EveryDayEveryStudent
🤩 Building Connections at AJHS! 🤝✨
What a fantastic way to head into Thanksgiving break! 🥳 AJHS held its first-ever school assembly centered on spirit, games, sportsmanship, and teamwork! 🏀🏆 It was truly special to have the whole school gather in one space at the same time! 🏫
Staff and students from all grades teamed up for hilarious minute-to-win-it games like fun relays 🏃♀️ and the challenging box stacking challenge 📦, encouraging teamwork and providing non-stop laughs 😂. Our building principals and staff made absolutely sure this memorable moment was a significant #D102impact on connection before students and staff went off to break. 🦃🍂
We are so proud of the AJHS spirit! #EveryDayEveryStudent