🌟 A Musical Welcome 🎼
Memories of the morning before winter break are still ringing in our ears! As students walked through the doors on their final day of the semester, they were greeted by the wonderful sounds of our 7th Grade Orchestra. Performing in front of peers is no small feat, and these students did an incredible job spreading joy through their music. We are so proud of their dedication and talent! 🌟 #D102 #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Memories of the morning before winter break are still ringing in our ears! As students walked through the doors on their final day of the semester, they were greeted by the wonderful sounds of our 7th Grade Orchestra. Performing in front of peers is no small feat, and these students did an incredible job spreading joy through their music. We are so proud of their dedication and talent! 🌟 #D102 #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
🧠 The Science of Motivating Young People: A Virtual Event! 🧠
How do we help our kids build resilience and a true sense of belonging? Join us for a special presentation featuring David Yeager, PhD, guest speaker and author of "10 to 25". Dr. Yeager will dive into the science of motivation, turning big research ideas into everyday strategies for parents, teachers, and caregivers of K-8 students.
When: February 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM Where: Virtual Session Cost: Free
🤝 A Community Partnership This event is proudly sponsored and presented by: KCSD96, D102 PTO, D103 Parent Education, Vernon Area Public Library
👉 REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/hbtumaud
Don't miss this opportunity to make leading the next generation a little easier for everyone! 🚀✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
How do we help our kids build resilience and a true sense of belonging? Join us for a special presentation featuring David Yeager, PhD, guest speaker and author of "10 to 25". Dr. Yeager will dive into the science of motivation, turning big research ideas into everyday strategies for parents, teachers, and caregivers of K-8 students.
When: February 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM Where: Virtual Session Cost: Free
🤝 A Community Partnership This event is proudly sponsored and presented by: KCSD96, D102 PTO, D103 Parent Education, Vernon Area Public Library
👉 REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/hbtumaud
Don't miss this opportunity to make leading the next generation a little easier for everyone! 🚀✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #D102Impact
Can you build a perfect sandwich with math? 🥪📐
Our Geometry students hit the "Congruent Cafe" to test their skills! By recreating triangle designs with limited parameters, they discovered which recipes (SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS) guarantee a perfect match every time. Abstract concepts = mastered!
#D102 #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Our Geometry students hit the "Congruent Cafe" to test their skills! By recreating triangle designs with limited parameters, they discovered which recipes (SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS) guarantee a perfect match every time. Abstract concepts = mastered!
#D102 #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Order up! 🍩☕️
Our early childhood students in Mrs. Seidler's class are officially "open for business" at their very own donut shop! They sculpted Model Magic treats, designed menu boards, and painted signs to bring their vision to life.
Together, they practice teamwork and communication while taking orders and playing with friends. 🎨✨
#D102 #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
Our early childhood students in Mrs. Seidler's class are officially "open for business" at their very own donut shop! They sculpted Model Magic treats, designed menu boards, and painted signs to bring their vision to life.
Together, they practice teamwork and communication while taking orders and playing with friends. 🎨✨
#D102 #D102Impact #EveryDayEveryStudent
New Year, New View! 🏫✨
We are stepping into 2026 with a lot to be thankful for. Our "Building Our Bright Future" projects at Pritchett, Tripp, and AJHS are providing our students with the safe, modern learning spaces they deserve.
As we enjoy these upgrades throughout 2026, we’re also counting down the months until summer, when construction officially begins at Meridian! 🛠️📅
Watch the video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GopdSZm8k9_4tNkJMsBsdLTemEfyKq_H/view?usp=sharing
We’re one step closer to a fully updated district. Happy 2026!
✨New Year, New Series: D102 Difference Makers! 👏
Each and every staff member at D102 makes a #D102Impact every single day. To celebrate that dedication, we’re introducing you to the faces behind our schools.
We are thrilled to start this series with Mrs. Vettraino-Stott, our talented Music and Orchestra teacher at AJHS. Whether she’s leading a rehearsal or helping a student master a new piece, her commitment to excellence helps our students find their own rhythm. 🎵
Get to know Mrs. Vettraino-Stott and stay tuned as we feature more staff from across the district!
Each and every staff member at D102 makes a #D102Impact every single day. To celebrate that dedication, we’re introducing you to the faces behind our schools.
We are thrilled to start this series with Mrs. Vettraino-Stott, our talented Music and Orchestra teacher at AJHS. Whether she’s leading a rehearsal or helping a student master a new piece, her commitment to excellence helps our students find their own rhythm. 🎵
Get to know Mrs. Vettraino-Stott and stay tuned as we feature more staff from across the district!
🐾We are so glad to partner with the Homegrown Therapy Dog team. From reading sessions with students to spreading smiles at district events, these incredible pups (and their dedicated owners, including some of our own staff!) bring so much joy to our community.
Want to be part of the magic? ✨
Homegrown Therapy Dogs is looking for new members! If you’ve ever thought about training your dog to become a certified therapy animal, now is your chance. A new training class is launching next week for D102 staff, families, and community members.
🗓️ Join an Informational Meeting:
Learn more about the program and how to get started at one of these upcoming sessions:
Monday, January 12 @ 7:00 p.m. or Wednesday, January 14 @ 7:00 p.m.
Questions? Reach out to Pritchett’s very own Melissa Fasuna at: 📧 homegrowntherapydogs@gmail.com
✨ Spreading Joy at Pritchett! 🎨❄️
The week before break was heartwarming for Pritchett students! 🏫 Mrs. Johnson’s third graders dived deep into their imaginations to answer one question: What does "joy" look like to you? 💭 The students created artwork using descriptive adjectives to illustrate their own definitions of joy.
Meanwhile, Pritchett kindergarteners have been hard at work on a special surprise for their families! ☃️ They hand-crafted adorable snowman picture frames to take home. The students especially loved spending time wrapping their gifts with care, eager to share their hard work with their parents. 🎁💝
The week before break was heartwarming for Pritchett students! 🏫 Mrs. Johnson’s third graders dived deep into their imaginations to answer one question: What does "joy" look like to you? 💭 The students created artwork using descriptive adjectives to illustrate their own definitions of joy.
Meanwhile, Pritchett kindergarteners have been hard at work on a special surprise for their families! ☃️ They hand-crafted adorable snowman picture frames to take home. The students especially loved spending time wrapping their gifts with care, eager to share their hard work with their parents. 🎁💝
🎄 Sweet Success in Mrs. Fitt’s Advisory! 🍭
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
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
✨ BIG NEWS! ✨ It’s the 10th Anniversary of the Meridian Musical, and we are celebrating in style! 🎭🎉
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! 🌟
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
✈️ First Grade is taking flight at Pritchett!
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
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
A Sweet Midpoint Milestone! 🍪✨
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
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
❄️ Winter Break is officially here! ❄️
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! ☃️✨
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! ☃️✨
From the field to our plates! 🌾🍞
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
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
The halls of Pritchett were smelling extra sweet last week! Our creative Kindergarteners brought their imaginations to life by crafting amazing gingerbread houses using recycled milk cartons, colorful candy, and plenty of frosting. With enthusiastic support from our wonderful parents and teachers, these festive masterpieces really came together. The huge smiles said it all; each student was beaming with pride over their sweet creations! 🍭🏠✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact #D102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102Impact #D102
✨ Pritchett Students Dive Into the World of AI! ✨
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
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
🎭AJHS School Play🎤
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 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
📢 P.E. Powering Through Winter
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
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
