🌟 Meet our #D102DifferenceMaker: Mrs. Ellen Griegel! 🌟
For 7 years, Mrs. Griegel has been a dedicated member of the D102 family! 🍎 She can be found sparking curiosity and a love for learning in her 3rd-grade classroom at Tripp School. 📚✨
Thank you, Mrs. Griegel, for the incredible impact you make on our students every single day!
For 7 years, Mrs. Griegel has been a dedicated member of the D102 family! 🍎 She can be found sparking curiosity and a love for learning in her 3rd-grade classroom at Tripp School. 📚✨
Thank you, Mrs. Griegel, for the incredible impact you make on our students every single day!

In honor of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Mrs. Dion’s kindergarteners hosted their very own Kindness Olympics. These little "kindness scouts" spent the week nominating their peers for acts of care and supportive words, proving that a helping hand is the ultimate win.
They wrapped up the games with a full closing ceremony, a torch relay, and the National Anthem. Every student walked away with a personalized gold medal to celebrate the kindness they bring into the world.
They wrapped up the games with a full closing ceremony, a torch relay, and the National Anthem. Every student walked away with a personalized gold medal to celebrate the kindness they bring into the world.




8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip 🇺🇸
This year, 61 of our 8th-grade students embarked on an unforgettable four-day journey to Washington, D.C., where they explored the foundations of American democracy and history. The group visited the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, several Smithsonian museums, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, gaining an understanding of our country. 📜
A particularly moving highlight occurred at Arlington National Cemetery, where, following the Changing of the Guard, four students had the distinct honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. ✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102




🌟 D102 Difference Maker Spotlight: Mrs. Carly Seidler! 🌟
Mrs. Carly Seidler is our D102 Difference Maker for the week! 🏆 She has worked in D102 for seven years as an early childhood teacher at Meridian. 🏫 Now in her 7th year in early childhood, Mrs. Seidler has become known for her creative energy 🎨 and passion for teaching. ❤️ Take a moment to get to know another teacher who makes such a massive impact on our students' first experiences at D102! ✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102 🍎🌱
Mrs. Carly Seidler is our D102 Difference Maker for the week! 🏆 She has worked in D102 for seven years as an early childhood teacher at Meridian. 🏫 Now in her 7th year in early childhood, Mrs. Seidler has become known for her creative energy 🎨 and passion for teaching. ❤️ Take a moment to get to know another teacher who makes such a massive impact on our students' first experiences at D102! ✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102 🍎🌱

Paws, claws, and professional chores! 🐾
Our Early Childhood students wrapped up their pets unit by exploring domesticated vs. wild animals. Students built pet homes with blocks, made at-home connections to their own pets, and sorted various types of pets. 🏠🐈⬛
At the end of the unit, there was a fun visit from certified therapy dogs to show that some pets have important "jobs" too. Students learned that animals are both companions and helpers. ❤️🐕🦺
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102
Our Early Childhood students wrapped up their pets unit by exploring domesticated vs. wild animals. Students built pet homes with blocks, made at-home connections to their own pets, and sorted various types of pets. 🏠🐈⬛
At the end of the unit, there was a fun visit from certified therapy dogs to show that some pets have important "jobs" too. Students learned that animals are both companions and helpers. ❤️🐕🦺
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102




The Aptakisic B team had a strong 11–1 volleyball season and consistently worked hard to improve each match. They finished the year by winning the conference tournament with a victory over Daniel Wright, a great accomplishment for the team.
The Aptakisic A team had an impressive 9–1 record and clinched 1st Place in the Conference Tournament. Coach Byrne shared, "They have inspired me both on and off the court with their dedication and hard work.”
D102 is proud! Congratulations on an amazing season!
The Aptakisic A team had an impressive 9–1 record and clinched 1st Place in the Conference Tournament. Coach Byrne shared, "They have inspired me both on and off the court with their dedication and hard work.”
D102 is proud! Congratulations on an amazing season!

🦅Birds of Prey at Meridian 🦉
Our 4th graders soared to the finish line of their "Free as a Bird" literacy unit! 📚✨
The Stillman Nature Center brought the unit to life with a visit from some incredible rescued hawks and owls. After weeks of studying these creatures, from their physical traits to their symbols of wisdom and intelligence, students finally got an up-close look at the birds they've been reading about. 🧐✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
Our 4th graders soared to the finish line of their "Free as a Bird" literacy unit! 📚✨
The Stillman Nature Center brought the unit to life with a visit from some incredible rescued hawks and owls. After weeks of studying these creatures, from their physical traits to their symbols of wisdom and intelligence, students finally got an up-close look at the birds they've been reading about. 🧐✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact





✨ The Return of the AJHS Snowflake! ✨
The wait is over; Snowflake is back at AJHS! ❄️ This student-led initiative is all about empowering our 7th graders to build resilience, find their confidence, and commit to making healthy, drug-free choices. 🛡️💪
The day was filled with connection and growth during meaningful small-group sessions with Stevenson High School mentors and adult facilitators. 🎓🤝
The wait is over; Snowflake is back at AJHS! ❄️ This student-led initiative is all about empowering our 7th graders to build resilience, find their confidence, and commit to making healthy, drug-free choices. 🛡️💪
The day was filled with connection and growth during meaningful small-group sessions with Stevenson High School mentors and adult facilitators. 🎓🤝






🤝 Service in Action: Pritchett Gives Back!
What an evening of Service! On February 6, the Pritchett community gathered for their annual Pritchett Gives Back event, and the energy was nothing short of inspiring. ❤️
Students rolled up their sleeves for a variety of hands-on projects, proving that you’re never too young to make a big difference. Students made a direct impact by collecting essentials and creating gifts of support. Together, the group made a #D102Impact on these local organizations:
🐾 Orphans of the Storm
💙 Fill-a-Heart 4 Kids
🌈 C.I.T.Y. of Support
🛒 Vernon Township Food Pantry
Thank you to students, families, and staff for making this a successful night. D102 appreciates your time and service! 🐾✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102
What an evening of Service! On February 6, the Pritchett community gathered for their annual Pritchett Gives Back event, and the energy was nothing short of inspiring. ❤️
Students rolled up their sleeves for a variety of hands-on projects, proving that you’re never too young to make a big difference. Students made a direct impact by collecting essentials and creating gifts of support. Together, the group made a #D102Impact on these local organizations:
🐾 Orphans of the Storm
💙 Fill-a-Heart 4 Kids
🌈 C.I.T.Y. of Support
🛒 Vernon Township Food Pantry
Thank you to students, families, and staff for making this a successful night. D102 appreciates your time and service! 🐾✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102




Reminder! No school on Monday, March 2, 2026.

📚 Meridian’s Newest Bookmark Masters!
Huge congratulations to our 2026 Bookmark Contest winners in grades 4 and 5! 🏆
Ms. Zucker was blown away by the creative entries depicting the magic of reading and libraries. Thank you to every student who shared their talent with us this year!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
Huge congratulations to our 2026 Bookmark Contest winners in grades 4 and 5! 🏆
Ms. Zucker was blown away by the creative entries depicting the magic of reading and libraries. Thank you to every student who shared their talent with us this year!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact

Math meets the ultimate balancing act! 🧱🔢
Mrs. Solvsberg’s 4th graders turned a complex lesson into a high-stakes adventure with Rounding Jenga. To earn a move, students had to correctly round large numbers while their teammates verified the answers.This transformed a challenging math hour into a masterclass in collaborative problem-solving. 🧠✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
Mrs. Solvsberg’s 4th graders turned a complex lesson into a high-stakes adventure with Rounding Jenga. To earn a move, students had to correctly round large numbers while their teammates verified the answers.This transformed a challenging math hour into a masterclass in collaborative problem-solving. 🧠✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact
In honor of 🌟Black History Month, 🌟the Black Tranquility Group hosted Buffalo Grove Police Officer Malcolm Baker for an afternoon of connection and storytelling.
📣🌟Officer Baker, a 21-year veteran, shared his personal journey into law enforcement while emphasizing the importance of perseverance, integrity, and service. He encouraged students to lead by example and remain positive, active voices within their community.
We are so grateful for Officer Baker’s mentorship and the way his visit left our students motivated to lead with purpose throughout February and beyond. 🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102
📣🌟Officer Baker, a 21-year veteran, shared his personal journey into law enforcement while emphasizing the importance of perseverance, integrity, and service. He encouraged students to lead by example and remain positive, active voices within their community.
We are so grateful for Officer Baker’s mentorship and the way his visit left our students motivated to lead with purpose throughout February and beyond. 🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102

Your input is vital! Please take the 5Essentials parent survey to help D102 improve! The survey is open until March 28.
Each year, D102 participates in the 5Essentials Survey, a valuable tool developed by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. This survey helps us assess our school climate and culture by collecting feedback from students, teachers, and parents. We strongly encourage families to take a few minutes to complete this online parent survey. The results of the parent portion of this survey are only able to be utilized if we have enough participation. Please take the survey here: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/
Each year, D102 participates in the 5Essentials Survey, a valuable tool developed by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. This survey helps us assess our school climate and culture by collecting feedback from students, teachers, and parents. We strongly encourage families to take a few minutes to complete this online parent survey. The results of the parent portion of this survey are only able to be utilized if we have enough participation. Please take the survey here: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/

7th-grade ELA students just crushed their Global Research Projects! 💻 To better understand international conflicts, Mrs. McKevitt’s classes wrote papers and built their own educational websites. Students learned how to navigate various forms of media, quote, paraphrase, and summarize.
The project wrapped up with a "Website Walkthrough." Students toured each other’s websites and shared their expertise on global issues. 🚀
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102
The project wrapped up with a "Website Walkthrough." Students toured each other’s websites and shared their expertise on global issues. 🚀
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102




🔬 Future Scientists in the Making! 🌟
Science came to life at Pritchett! Kindergartners had the incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of physics during a special visit from a very special guest: Dr. Carolyn Tomchik. 👩🔬✨
🧪💨As a Principal Nuclear Engineer at Argonne National Laboratory (and a proud Pritchett kindergarten mom!), Dr. Tomchik led our young researchers through hands-on experiments to investigate complex concepts like friction, inertia, and Bernoulli’s principle.
Our students participated by making predictions and tested their ideas through interactive demonstrations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Dr. Tomchik!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102
Science came to life at Pritchett! Kindergartners had the incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of physics during a special visit from a very special guest: Dr. Carolyn Tomchik. 👩🔬✨
🧪💨As a Principal Nuclear Engineer at Argonne National Laboratory (and a proud Pritchett kindergarten mom!), Dr. Tomchik led our young researchers through hands-on experiments to investigate complex concepts like friction, inertia, and Bernoulli’s principle.
Our students participated by making predictions and tested their ideas through interactive demonstrations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Dr. Tomchik!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102

Join us in celebrating another #D102DifferenceMaker, Mrs. Melissa Brate! 🍎✨ She is currently a special education teacher at Pritchett and taught in D102 for 18 years. Thank you, Mrs. Brate, for making such a lasting impact! 🌟

🗓️ Spring Break is Here!
Time to trade the backpacks for some rest and relaxation! ☀️ Just a reminder that there will be no school starting Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27.
We hope all of our D102 students, staff, and families take this week to recharge, explore, and enjoy some quality time together.
📚 School resumes on Monday, March 30.
Enjoy the break, D102! 🌸✨
Time to trade the backpacks for some rest and relaxation! ☀️ Just a reminder that there will be no school starting Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27.
We hope all of our D102 students, staff, and families take this week to recharge, explore, and enjoy some quality time together.
📚 School resumes on Monday, March 30.
Enjoy the break, D102! 🌸✨

✨One more Valentine throwback from our incredible Early Childhood team! Thanks for teaching kindness through play and exploration!✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #Impact102
A week ago today, our hallways were buzzing with kindness as students exchanged valentines and celebrated friendship. But the fun didn’t stop in the classrooms! Our students also dove into some incredible themed activities in their Specials classes, blending creativity and movement with the spirit of the day. 🎨🎶🏃♂️
Whether it was heart-themed challenges in PE or festive projects in Art and Music, it was a day dedicated to connection and community. It’s these moments of joy that make #D102 such a special place to learn!
Check out some of these smiles from the day! 👇
Whether it was heart-themed challenges in PE or festive projects in Art and Music, it was a day dedicated to connection and community. It’s these moments of joy that make #D102 such a special place to learn!
Check out some of these smiles from the day! 👇










